Under NEC2 this category was 'hand tools and hand held power tools' although was changed under NEC3 to 'hand tools not powered by compressed air'.
Essentially this category relates to the portability of an item. Where it requires a compressor to operate, it is, by definition, not very portable.
Equipment is defined as an item which is used to Provide the Works but not included in the works. By this definition you might argue that certain powered hand tools could be included as Equipment. As a separation, however, I would suggest that this includes items which are constantly in touch with another surface, such as a chop saw, wheelbarrow or concrete mixer. This also restricts their portability.
Note that the opening sentence of the SCC states;
'An amount is included only in one cost component ...'.
As the hand tools you mention satisfy the definition under item 44 you would not be able to include this component elsewhere under the SCC.
Essentially this category relates to the portability of an item. Where it requires a compressor to operate, it is, by definition, not very portable.
Equipment is defined as an item which is used to Provide the Works but not included in the works. By this definition you might argue that certain powered hand tools could be included as Equipment. As a separation, however, I would suggest that this includes items which are constantly in touch with another surface, such as a chop saw, wheelbarrow or concrete mixer. This also restricts their portability.
Note that the opening sentence of the SCC states;
'An amount is included only in one cost component ...'.
As the hand tools you mention satisfy the definition under item 44 you would not be able to include this component elsewhere under the SCC.