Erection Tools & Equipment
Essential ironworking tools - drift pins, spud wrenches, sleever bars, come-alongs, and alignment methods.
- Identify and use drift pins, spud wrenches, and sleever bars
- Describe plumbing tools and column alignment methods
- Explain the use of come-alongs and turnbuckles for tensioning
Lesson 1
Drift Pins, Spud Wrenches & Sleever Bars
Drift Pins
Drift pins are tapered steel pins used to align holes in steel members during connection. The ironworker drives the pin through misaligned bolt holes to bring them into alignment, then installs bolts in the remaining holes. Drift pins are never left in as permanent fasteners.
Spud Wrenches
A spud wrench is a wrench with a tapered handle for aligning bolt holes. One end is an open-end wrench for tightening bolts, and the other end is a tapered point (spud) for hole alignment. It is the ironworker's most versatile hand tool.
Sleever Bars
A sleever bar is a long tapered bar for aligning and prying steel members. It provides greater leverage than a drift pin and is used for moving heavy steel members into position. The tapered end enters bolt holes for alignment while the length provides prying force.
Drift Pin
Purpose: Align bolt holes
Length: 6-12 inches
Method: Drive through misaligned holes
Spud Wrench
Purpose: Align holes AND tighten bolts
Feature: Tapered handle, open-end wrench
Use: Most versatile ironworker tool
Sleever Bar
Purpose: Align and pry heavy members
Length: 3-5 feet
Advantage: Greater leverage
Drift pins align bolt holes, spud wrenches align holes and tighten bolts, and sleever bars align and pry heavy members. These are the essential hand tools of the ironworker trade.