Underdog Tools Every Construction Site Needs

A broom runs across a freshly laid cement to give it texture.

When you think about “contractor supplies” your mind probably jumps to power tools, laser levels, maybe PPE like hard hats or high-vis. But if you’ve spent any time on a job site you know it’s often the simplest tools that pull the most weight.

Today we’re highlighting some of the random tools that are underdogs of the job site. They aren’t flashy or expensive but they are, absolutely, essential!

At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve been helping contractors, surveyors, and crews gear up on contractor supplies Sonoma County for over a hundred years. And we’ve seen it all. These basic tools might not make headlines, but they sure keep the job moving and we’re here to give them the credit they deserve.

Why a Good Squeegee Deserves a Spot in Your Truck

Squeegees aren’t just for janitors or gas station windows. On construction sites, especially with all the rain we get in Sonoma County during the winter, these things are lifesavers.

Here’s How Folks are Using Them

  • Concrete Work: Laying down curing compounds or sealers? Flat squeegees with neoprene blades are perfect. They spread it out smooth without messing up the surface.
  • Water Cleanup: You know that feeling when unexpected rain floods your slab prep? Squeegees can help move out standing water out fast, no need to wait on a pump crew.
  • Indoor Cleanup: For remodels or commercial builds, wide squeegees are a solid way to clear up dust, slurry, or anything wet that you don’t want tracked around.


Bottom line: if you’re tired of dragging your boots through puddles or getting uneven finishes, a good squeegee is worth every penny.

The Broom: Not Just for the End-of-Day Sweep

We all keep a broom around but we’re willing to bet it’s doing more work than you realize. On some sites, the humble broom’s pulling double or triple duty.

Let’s Break it Down

  • Surface Prep: Sometimes blowing dust around just doesn’t cut it. A heavy-duty push broom gets that fine dust off concrete or plywood before you lay down paint, sealant, or coatings.
  • Concrete Finishes: Ever see that nice textured finish on a sidewalk? That’s done with a broom, literally dragged across the surface at just the right time. Grip you can trust, especially on ADA paths or ramps.
  • Safety First: A quick broom sweep does more than clean, it clears wire trimmings, nails, or slippery dust that can trip someone up fast. Clean site = safer site.


So yeah, brooms aren’t just the cleanup crew, they’re part of the crew.

Other Unsung Heroes in Your Toolbox

Since we’re talking about tools that don’t always get the glory, here are a few more worth their weight in gold:

  • Magnetic Sweepers: Roll one of these through after framing or roofing, and you’ll pick up nails, screws, and shavings before they end up in tires or boots.
  • Grading Rakes: Level out that gravel before a pour or fine-tune landscaping areas. Nothing fancy, just works.
  • Marking Paint & Utility Flags: Critical for site layout, especially when you’re trying to avoid slicing into something underground.
  • Measuring Wheels: Surveyors and layout crews swear by these for fast, rough measurements.
  • Dust Masks & Safety Glasses: Not exciting, but every crew needs them, especially with all the dry summer work out here.


If you’re stocking up on contractor supplies in Sonoma County, don’t forget the everyday gear that keeps your projects moving.

Real-World Wins: How These Tools Save the Day

Quick story: A crew working a Santa Rosa slab got hit with overnight rain. Instead of pushing their pour, they pulled out a few wide squeegees and cleared the whole area in under an hour. Saved a full day on the schedule.

Another contractor in Sebastopol was doing textured concrete walkways for a public works job. Their finish broom gave the perfect grip surface, passed inspection without a hitch, and even got a nod from the inspector. Simple tool, big win.

Why Stevenson Supply Has Your Back

We’ve been around since 1908, back when you had to worry more about your horse than your truck. These days, our shelves are stocked with everything from modern erosion control solutions to the exact squeegees and brooms your crew needs today.

If you’re looking for reliable contractor supplies in Sonoma County, swing by one of our two locations or give us a shout. We’ve got the tools, the know-how, and the people who care about getting your job done right.

Let’s Get You Geared Up – Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co.

Whether you’re pouring concrete, prepping a site, or just trying to keep things clean and safe, we’ve got the tools that work as hard as you do. Stop by Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co. And we’ll help you find the right essential contractor supplies Sonoma County crews count on every day.

Call us today at (707) 575-3335 or contact us online to learn more about our products.

Let’s get your job done right!

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