Essential toolbox – must-have gear for tile installers TECH TALK By Lesley Goddin, Editor “Tools for guys are like shoes for girls,” said Phil Green, NTCA member and owner of P.G.C. Construction, Remodeling and Design in Gilberts, Ill. They “don’t really NEED all that they have but just in case.” Green added, “This isn’t intended to be sexist because I know, especially in this (Tile Geeks) group, many girls like tools too, and I’ll bet some of the guys here also like shoes...LOL.” Be they for men or women, tools in the tile trade are essential items to get your job done. And just like favorite shoes, contractors have favorite tools. We interviewed a few NTCA installers to get their take on their essential and favorite gear. John Parulis, of Contractors Tile in San Rafael, Calif., takes it down to the basics, when he says his most important tool is his glasses! In addition to that, Parulis names his must-have list, which includes the obvious 10” tile saw. His other faves are an Eibenstock wet/dry hand saw and cutting table for 48” long material. Orange Aluminum 8’ long tee for layout guide and straight edge work, variable speed grinder, 8” power grip vacu- um pumps for large-format tile, Montolit Perfetto CPF 250 razor sharp precision blades, and Dewalt laser layout tool are also on his list. There are tools to use with tile and there are tools that safeguard your body. Eric Simon, Simon & Simon Tilemasters LLC, said ProKnee knee pads are the best thing since sliced bread (or tile, in his case). He’s used them for at least 25 years, usu- ally the 0714 style, and said they are “very highly recom- Eibenstock wet/dry hand saw is great gear for John Parulis. ProKnees, style 0714, are favored tools for Eric Simon. 68 TileLetter | 2019