Talking and tactile tools for building

Talking tools

Talking tape measures

Displaying up to five different units of measurement at a time, reading a precise measurement on a tape measure can be challenging. Talking tape measures can be useful, as they read your measurement aloud to you and can also remember the measurement for you. You can purchase a talking tape measure online or in-store from low vision aid retailers and they normally cost between $100 and $550.

Talking calculators

Talking calculators speak the buttons you press and your answer aloud, which can be particularly helpful when numbers such as 0 and 8 display similarly. They often can be used with headphones to give you privacy and clearer audio in loud spaces. Talking calculators can be purchased online or at a low vision aid store, typically costing around $60 to $70, while talking scientific and graphing calculators can cost over $1000.

Screen readers like VoiceOver, TalkBack, or Narrator, can also turn the pre-installed calculator app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer into a free, digital talking calculator you can take anywhere. To learn more, read our article on enabling your device’s screen reader.

Talking thermometers

Surface temperature can be important to know when using various materials, such as concrete or adhesives, as many products are only effective or safe within certain temperature ranges. Talking infrared thermometers can be a great tool to help read surface temperatures aloud and can be ordered online for around $75.

Tactile tools

Tactile rulers

While a talking tape measure can be handy for long measurements, rulers can be great for quick, short measurements or drawing straight lines. Tactile rulers use raised lines of different lengths to indicate intervals of measurement, and some will also mark intervals with indents in the ruler’s side.

Tactile rulers are available online or from low vision aid retailers, typically costing between $20 and $30. You might also find large print rulers, which use bright colours and bold lines, helpful. Check with your local stationary store or online.

Tactile geometry sets

Tactile geometry sets are much like tactile rulers, using raised lines to indicate different angles and measurements. They are designed in bright colours to provide contrast against white paper and slightly thicker than a typical geometry set, making the individual pieces easier to locate.

You can order a tactile geometry set online for approximately $50.

Anti-slip liners

Although more of a material than a tool, anti-slip liners can be useful for keeping your tools and equipment organised. Sold by the metre or in rolls from everyday retailers like Bunnings or Kmart, anti-slip liners can be applied to a workbench or the interior of a drawer to help stabilise loose items, prevent items falling to the floor, and create contrast.

Audio-signalling tools

Audible laser detectors

A laser level can be a powerful tool for creating straight, even surfaces while building, however, on some surfaces the lasers can have low visibility. A laser detector can help you detect and align your laser level, using beeps to align the laser with a particular point in the distance. Laser detectors, or laser receivers, can be purchased online or from your local hardware store, starting from around $200.

Electronic stud finders

Many electronic stud finders use both digital displays and auditory signals such as beeps to indicate stud locations. Depending on the model, your stud finder might beep or buzz to indicate the either the edges or centre of the stud, or both.

You can order electronic stud finders online or purchase them from a hardware store. They will typically cost between $40 to $180, however, not all models have audio signalling, so always check the product description or ask a sales assistant for advice.

Digital levels

Like electronic stud finders and laser detectors, digital levels use bright, LED displays and audio signals to help you find straight lines or certain angles. Most look and function just like a regular level, with just with a digital, rather than analogue, display. While there are some expensive models, standard digital levels can be bought online or at a hardware store for between $100 to $200.

Other useful tools and tips

Power tools

When purchasing power and hand tools, there a few features you can look out for to make your tools more accessible.

• Large, bright, tactile controls can make tools more intuitive to control. 
• Tactile grips can be great for safety and equipment integrity, helping to reduce drops or slips.
• Cordless tools can help reduce tripping hazards in a workspace. 
• Built-in LED lights are available on some power tools for extra lighting.

Magnetic tools

Magnets can be great tools for organisation, as they can anchor small, easy to drop or misplace items to a larger surface. Magnetic tools you could try include magnetic trays, magnetic wristbands, and magnetic screwdrivers, all of which can be purchased fairly inexpensively online or from hardware stores.

Hands-free lighting and magnification

Using your smartphone for lighting and magnification can work in a pinch but having both hands free makes tasks easier. Here are some practical alternatives:

• Wearable options such as magnifying eyeglasses with built-in lights and eye protection.
• Clip-on magnifiers can attach to your regular glasses for convenience and flexibility.
• Magnifying desk lamps have lights attached making them ideal for tasks done at a workstation.

Prices vary by style and brand, so it’s worth shopping around online to find what suits your needs best.

Always remember safety first

Before beginning any project, it is important to ensure you are wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). The right PPE will be different for every job, but basic items like safety glasses and protective gloves are always a good idea. For bigger jobs, consider if other PPE such as hearing protection, face masks, or bodily protection like a hard hat or back supports might also be necessary.