A practical guide for new and experienced steel fixers joining commercial and civil crews
Steel fixing is one of the most physical and technical trades in construction. Your hands, tools and technique are everything. Whether you’re brand new to the trade or you’ve tied more ligs than you can count, having the right tools makes a massive difference to your speed, accuracy and safety on site.
This guide breaks down the essential steel fixing tools, what each tool is used for, and what new workers in Queensland should bring on day one.
We’ll also cover the gear that’s normally supplied by the company or the site, so you’re not buying things you don’t need.
If you’re applying for a job with Spot On Reo, this is exactly what will set you up to hit the ground running.
The steel fixer’s starter kit
New steel fixers only need a small number of tools to begin with. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on day one — start with the basics and upgrade as you gain skill and speed.
1. Reo Nips / Tying Pliers
These are your bread and butter.
Used for cutting tie wire and gripping bars as you tie.
Look for pliers with:
- strong, clean-cutting blades
- comfortable handles (your hands will thank you later)
- solid grip
Most fixers eventually find a favourite pair and stick with it for years.
2. Tie-Wire Reel
This sits on your belt or tool loop and holds your roll of tie wire.
You’ll be pulling wire constantly throughout the day, so a sturdy reel that feeds smoothly is a must.
If you’re working fast, a poor-quality reel will slow you down immediately.
3. Tie-Wire Twister (Hand or Pistol Grip)
There are two main styles:
- Manual twister – simple, reliable, classic
- Pistol grip / mechanical twister – faster, but bulkier
Most experienced fixers prefer manual as it’s easier in tight spaces, but pistol grips can speed up production on large slab jobs.
4. Tape Measure (8m or 10m)
You’ll use this constantly:
- confirming bar spacing
- checking bar lengths
- finding bar marks
- verifying formwork dimensions
Spend the extra few dollars on a tape that retracts smoothly and can survive being dropped from height. Because it will be.
5. Marker or Chalk
For marking bar positions, drawing lines on formwork, or quickly highlighting bar tags.
Permanent markers are good for clean materials, chalk works better when it’s dusty or wet.
6. Gloves
Steel bar edges can be rough, oily, or rusty.
Good gloves protect your hands without killing your dexterity.
Most fixers swap between:
- cut-resistant gloves
- thinner gloves for speed
- leather gloves for heavier work
Pick what feels natural.
Optional but recommended upgrades
Once you’ve been fixing for a few months and know the style of work you prefer, you can expand your kit.
Bolt Cutters / Mini-Cutters
Handy for trimming small bar offcuts, cutting tie wire rolls or nipping down mesh.
Not essential for beginners, but good to have when you start doing more complex work.
Belt Bags / Pouches
Keeps your pliers, markers and spare wire accessible.
On fast-paced slab pours, organisation saves time, and time is everything.
Spirit Level
If you’re helping set out starter bars, beams or vertical cages, a small level is useful.
Most leading hands keep one, but it’s handy personal gear later on.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Every steel fixer on site must have basic PPE — no exceptions.
Essential PPE:
- Steel-cap boots
- Hi-vis shirt or vest
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Hearing protection (earplugs or muffs)
- Wet weather gear for outdoor sites
If you’re working at heights, in confined spaces or in hazardous areas, the site will provide any extra requirements and training.
Tools usually supplied by the company or site
Don’t waste money buying tools you won’t be using daily.
Spot On Reo (and most commercial/civil contractors) supply the larger equipment:
Rebar benders
Manual or powered, used for bending bar to exact shapes and angles.
Rebar cutters and shears
Cutting larger diameter bar accurately and safely.
Grinders
Used under supervision and with proper PPE.
You won’t be expected to bring your own.
Concrete vibrators (on pour day)
Handled by trained crew members to consolidate concrete.
Site tools and machinery
Including reo stands, layout gear, lifting equipment, and anything that requires tickets to operate.
How tools impact your speed and earning potential
A good steel fixer is fast, safe and accurate.
Your tools directly influence all three.
Here’s what happens when you turn up with the right kit:
- You’re faster because your tools do what you need, every time
- You’re safer because your PPE and pliers are reliable
- You look professional, which stands out to leading hands, foremen and supervisors
- You get offered more responsibility, better roles and better crews
Turning up unprepared can have the opposite effect.
What Spot On Reo looks for in a steel fixer
Whether you’re brand new or experienced, we value:
- People who turn up on time
- Reliable workers with the right attitude
- Crew members who look after their tools and the people around them
- Fixers who want to learn, improve and eventually take on more responsibility
If you bring consistency and effort, we’ll help build you into an outstanding steel fixer.
Ready to join a QLD steel fixing crew?
If you’re looking for strong, ongoing work across commercial and civil projects in Queensland:
👉 Apply to join Spot On Reo – connect with us via the contact us page
Bring your attitude and your starter kit — we’ll help you develop the rest.