About

Built by a Contractor, for Contractors

BuildToolHQ is contractor-grade construction knowledge for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need real answers — not marketing fluff or generic how-to content written by people who have never held a rotary hammer.

Thomas Leroy

Founder & Lead Writer

I have been working in concrete, masonry, and structural fastening for over 15 years — on residential decks, commercial foundations, equipment anchoring, and everything in between. I started BuildToolHQ because I was tired of search results that gave vague, liability-driven advice instead of the specific information a contractor actually needs on the job.

Every guide on this site is written from direct field experience. When I write about ACI 318-19 anchor calculations, I have actually used them. When I recommend an SDS rotary hammer, I have drilled thousands of anchor holes with it.

Experience & Expertise

15+ Years in Concrete & Masonry

Residential and commercial concrete work, foundation anchoring, post-installed anchor systems, and masonry repair.

Structural Fastening

ACI 318-19 anchor design, ICC-ES ESR report interpretation, deck ledger connections, machinery anchoring, and seismic applications.

Power Tools

Extensive hands-on experience with SDS rotary hammers, hammer drills, impact drivers, and professional-grade masonry tools from Bosch, Hilti, DeWalt, and Milwaukee.

DIY Education

Over a decade of teaching homeowners and apprentices the right way to drill concrete, install anchors, and select fasteners for structural applications.

What BuildToolHQ Covers

Concrete & Anchoring

Anchor selection, ACI 318-19 compliance, spacing and edge distance, load capacity, Tapcon screws, wedge anchors, epoxy systems.

Drilling & Drill Bits

SDS rotary hammers, hammer drills, carbide masonry bits, SDS-Plus vs SDS-Max, bit selection for every material.

Fasteners & Screws

Structural screws, deck fasteners, lag bolts, screw sizing, pilot holes, pressure-treated lumber fasteners.

Tools & Drills

Impact drivers vs drills, cordless vs corded, drill power explained, buying guides for professional tools.

How-To Guides

Step-by-step installation guides for ledger boards, deck posts, concrete anchors, drilling brick, and more.

Buying Guides

Honest product comparisons with real-world testing. No sponsored content, no paid placements.

Editorial Standards

No paid placements.BuildToolHQ does not accept payment for product recommendations. Our buying guides reflect genuine field experience and research.
Affiliate disclosure.Some links to Amazon and other retailers are affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations.
Accuracy first.Load capacities, code references, and technical specifications are verified against manufacturer ICC-ES ESR reports and ACI 318-19 standards. Always verify specifications for your specific application.
Engineering disclaimer.Content on BuildToolHQ is for informational purposes. For structural applications, always consult a licensed structural engineer and follow local building codes.

Get in Touch

Questions, corrections, or collaboration inquiries — reach out directly.

info@buildtoolhq.com