Tools a fundi needs by trade: mason, carpenter, plumber and electrician
The tools a fundi needs depend on the trade. A mason works with a trowel, a spirit level and a mason hammer. A carpenter needs a claw hammer, a hand saw and a chisel. A plumber relies on a pipe wrench and a pipe cutter, and an electrician on insulated pliers and a cable stripper. Welders have their own kit, covered in welding rods 3.2mm vs 4.0mm: which size, holder and mask to buy. If you are opening a shop rather than equipping a trade, see how to stock a hardware shop in Kenya. AHIHQ Traders in Nairobi sells every line below wholesale by the carton. Prices are for October 2026, such as KSh 10,440 for a carton of 120 bricklaying trowels (works out at about KSh 87 a piece).
This list is based on what each trade uses in its work. It is not a ranking of what sells, because a shop knows its own customers. Use it as a checklist, then stock the sizes your area asks for.
Tools a fundi needs at a glance
| Trade | Core hand tools |
|---|---|
| Mason | Bricklaying trowel, plastering trowel, spirit level, mason hammer, cold chisel, measuring tape |
| Carpenter | Claw hammer, hand saw, wood chisel, try square, screwdrivers, claw bar |
| Plumber | Pipe wrench, adjustable spanner, PVC pipe cutter, hacksaw frame and blades, thread seal tape |
| Electrician | Insulated electrical pliers, cable stripper, 2-in-1 screwdriver, insulating tape, snap-off knife |
| Every trade | Work gloves, safety goggles, safety helmet |
What tools does a mason need?
Masons lay block and stone, plaster walls and set out levels. They need a trowel to lay mortar, a float or plastering trowel to finish, a level and tape to keep work true, and a hammer and chisel to cut block.
| Tool | Starter size | Carton | Carton price | Per piece (about) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bricklaying trowel, wooden handle | 7" | Carton of 120 | KSh 10,440 | KSh 87 |
| Plastering trowel | 11" Float Trowel (Blue) | Carton of 60 | KSh 12,180 | KSh 203 |
| Spirit level | 100cm / 40" | Carton of 60 | KSh 37,845 | KSh 631 |
| Mason hammer, plastic handle | 2 lb | Carton of 24 | KSh 9,400 | KSh 392 |
| Cold chisel 12" | One size | Carton of 120 | KSh 45,240 | KSh 377 |
| Measuring tape, yellow | 5m | Carton of 120 | KSh 10,440 | KSh 87 |
Each line comes in more sizes than the starter shown. The spirit level runs from 20cm to 150cm, and the plastering trowels include banana, riveted, toothed and 18" double-handle types. For tiling jobs, add the Knicker Manual Tile Cutting Machine (12" to 24"). For breaking out, add a sledge hammer.
What tools does a carpenter need?
Carpenters measure, mark, cut, join and fix timber and board. The basic kit covers each step: tape and square to mark, saw and chisel to cut, then hammer and screwdriver to fix.
| Tool | Starter size | Carton | Carton price | Per piece (about) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claw hammer, rubber handle | 27mm | Carton of 36 | KSh 12,530 | KSh 348 |
| Hand saw | 20" | Carton of 72 | KSh 19,315 | KSh 268 |
| Wood chisel 1/2" | One size | Carton of 120 | KSh 22,620 | KSh 189 |
| Try square | 8" | Carton of 120 | KSh 11,310 | KSh 94 |
| Screwdriver, black handle | 6" (Star & Flat) | Carton of 240 | KSh 13,920 | KSh 58 |
| Claw bar | 1m | Bundle of 10 | KSh 7,250 | KSh 725 |
Carpenters also buy fixings with their tools, so shops often stock wood screws, MDF screws and steel nails on the same shelf. For glue, see which wood glue.
What tools does a plumber need?
Plumbers cut, join and tighten pipe. A plumber working on galvanised steel needs pipe wrenches and thread tape. One working on PVC or PPR needs a cutter, glue or a welding machine.
| Tool | Starter size | Carton | Carton price | Per piece (about) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe wrench, rubber grip | 14" | Carton of 24 | KSh 17,055 | KSh 711 |
| Adjustable spanner | 10" | Carton of 60 | KSh 17,400 | KSh 290 |
| PVC pipe cutter | 8" | Carton of 60 | KSh 21,750 | KSh 363 |
| Hacksaw frame, heavy | One size | Carton of 48 | KSh 15,315 | KSh 319 |
| Thread seal tape | 12m | Carton of 1000 | KSh 14,500 | KSh 15 |
| PPR pipe welding machine 20-63mm | One size | Carton of 10 | KSh 24,650 | KSh 2,465 |
The Knicker Hacksaw Blade 24T comes in a packet of 100 at KSh 9,425 (works out at about KSh 94 a piece). For PVC joints, stock PVC glue from 50ml to 1L, and see how to glue PVC pipe.
What tools does an electrician need?
Electricians cut, strip, terminate and tape cable, and they open and close fittings. Their kit is small but used every day.
| Tool | Starter size | Carton | Carton price | Per piece (about) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical pliers, insulated | 8" Electrician Pliers (carded) | Carton of 60 | KSh 26,100 | KSh 435 |
| Diagonal pliers, insulated | 6" Diagonal, Insulated | Carton of 60 | KSh 20,880 | KSh 348 |
| Cable stripper pliers | One size | Carton of 120 | KSh 26,100 | KSh 218 |
| Screwdriver 2-in-1 | 4" (Star & Flat) | Carton of 240 | KSh 20,880 | KSh 87 |
| Insulating tape | 20 yard - Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, Black | Carton of 300 rolls | KSh 17,400 | KSh 58 |
| Snap-off knife | One size | Carton of 240 | KSh 34,800 | KSh 145 |
The maker's catalogue describes the 8" electrical pliers as "1000 Volt" and "Insulated". AHIHQ Traders has not tested that rating, so do not sell it as a tested figure. Remind customers to switch off and isolate a circuit before work.
Safety gear every trade asks for
Gloves, eye protection and helmets go out with tools on almost every site job. The Hand Gloves (Rubber, Leather, PVC, Cotton & More) line covers rubber, leather, PVC, nitrile, cotton and anti-cut types. Rubber "SUN" 100g gloves cost KSh 26,100 for a bag of 300 pairs (about KSh 87 a pair). Knicker Safety Goggles, Clear cost KSh 14,500 for a carton of 200 (works out at about KSh 73 a piece), and light safety helmets cost KSh 7,975 for a carton of 50 (works out at about KSh 160 a piece). The full range is in the safety and PPE collection.
Which tools to buy first, by trade
- Start with the core of each trade. One carton of the starter size of each tool above covers the four main trades.
- Add sizes as customers ask. Note what fundis request that you do not have, and add those sizes on the next order.
- Keep fixings and consumables next to the tools. Blades, tape, nails and screws bring customers back more often than tools do.
- Stock a lower-price and a heavier-duty option where the range has both, such as the economy and heavy hacksaw frames.
Which one should you buy?
- A shop near building sites: mason and carpenter lists first, plus gloves and helmets.
- A shop serving homes and estates: plumber and electrician lists, plus mini hammers and screwdrivers.
- A contractor equipping a team: one carton of each core tool for the trades on site.
- A fundi buying for himself: this range is sold by the carton, so share a carton with others or split one with a shop.
Where to buy
Most of the tools in this guide are in the hand tools collection, with more in the measuring tools and plumbing and household collections, part of the Tools & Hardware range at AHIHQ Traders. The range is sold wholesale only, by the carton, bag or bundle, never as a single piece. If you need only one or two tools, share a carton with other fundis or shops, or buy a carton to hold as stock. Collect from the trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30. Countrywide delivery is a flat KSh 350, and free on orders over KSh 15,000. Pay by M-Pesa or card. Hardware shops and contractors can request a trade quote at /pages/trade, or send a list on WhatsApp +254 724 505 919.
Related guides
- How to stock a hardware shop in Kenya: an opening-stock guide
- Types of pliers and their uses: a guide for Kenyan fundis and shops
- Types of hammers and uses: claw, mason, sledge, mini and tack hammers
- Welding rods 3.2mm vs 4.0mm: which size, holder and mask to buy
Common questions
What are the basic tools every fundi needs?
Most fundis carry a measuring tape, a hammer suited to the trade, pliers, screwdrivers and gloves. The rest depends on the trade: trowels and a level for masons, saws and chisels for carpenters, wrenches for plumbers, and insulated pliers for electricians.
Is this list based on sales figures?
No. It is based on what each trade uses in its work. It is a checklist, not a ranking of what sells.
Do the tools come in other sizes?
Yes. Most lines come in several sizes, each in its own carton. For example, yellow measuring tapes come in 3m, 5m, 7.5m and 10m, and adjustable spanners in 8" to 24".
Can I order a mix of single tools?
No. Every line is sold by its own carton, bag or bundle. Share a carton with others if you need only a few pieces.