UK Gift ideas for my boyfriend

Lost Girlfriend · Oct 17, 2023

Hi All,

My boyfriend is about to start training soon and I'd really like to get him a gift to show how proud I am of him. I'd like the gift to be useful and something he can use throughout his future career. However, I am totally clueless with this kinda thing and the more I look the more lost I am.
So I thought I'd come ask directly from people in the know.
What would you recommend? What is a must have for an electrician?
Thanks in advance.
Lost Girlfriend.

James · Oct 17, 2023

Amazon.co.uk

a good quality screwdriver set would make a good start to a tool kit.

littlespark · Oct 17, 2023

The list is endless.

Starting off, a set of insulated screwdrivers. My own are WIHA. If pockets are deep enough, then a full tool kit, with pliers, hammer, adjustable grips….

You’re going to get ten different answers from ten different people.

James · Oct 17, 2023

Avoid buying power tools, he will end up having a preferred make and battery’s , chargers etc can be shared between them.

Lost Girlfriend · Oct 17, 2023

James said:
Amazon.co.uk

a good quality screwdriver set would make a good start to a tool kit.

Thank you. I appreciate the link too as I wouldn't know where to start. Or what was good value etc.

Lost Girlfriend · Oct 17, 2023

littlespark said:
The list is endless.

Starting off, a set of insulated screwdrivers. My own are WIHA. If pockets are deep enough, then a full tool kit, with pliers, hammer, adjustable grips….

You’re going to get ten different answers from ten different people.

Thank you and I don't mind a few different options especially with Xmas and birthdays coming up.
Love your little apprentice in your picture. Too cute!

James · Oct 17, 2023

I have many meters an other bits of test equipment
some costing thousands each.
however this is the most used and most useful one of them all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluke-voltage-circuit-T130-VDE/dp/B009Z1TVW8/ref=sr_1_22?crid=O7BMDBS957XU&keywords=Fluke+t190&qid=1697524115&sprefix=fluke+t190%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-22&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.cc223b57-2b86-485c-a85e-6431c1f06c86

Lost Girlfriend · Oct 17, 2023

James said:
I have many meters an other bits of test equipment
some costing thousands each.
however this is the most used and most useful one of them all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluke-voltage-circuit-T130-VDE/dp/B009Z1TVW8/ref=sr_1_22?crid=O7BMDBS957XU&keywords=Fluke+t190&qid=1697524115&sprefix=fluke+t190%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-22&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.cc223b57-2b86-485c-a85e-6431c1f06c86

Is the case that goes with it something that is worthwhile having or does it get discarded and the tool just being in a box instead?

Dustydazzler · Oct 17, 2023

Decent insulated screwdriver set and a decent insulated cutters / plier set.

Wiha Wera CK are brands to look out for. look out for offers at screwfix and toolstation

Mike Johnson · Oct 17, 2023

He eventually will need a MFT (Multi Function tester) I recommend the Fluke as the box is substantial and will take lots of other tools in the top tray, but they are expensive, have a look on e-bay as lots of electricians upgrade their gear, if you find one ask on here if its worth what is being asked for it.

littlespark · Oct 17, 2023

Voltage detector ( and proving unit) is a good shout…. It shows you care about his safety, as long as he gets into the habit of using them.

An MFT, or other expensive kit will be pointless until he’s qualified and is allowed to sign off test sheets.

You should get him to join the forum…. We have a trainee section…. Where there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Rockingit · Oct 17, 2023

Interesting that everyone has defaulted to tools and meters, does no-one wear trousers or read books anymore?

But yes, as others have said, a decent insulated screwdriver kit is both practical and should be a long-time investment. I still have some in use today that I bought with my first apprentice wages - and that was a LONG time ago!!

Mike Johnson · Oct 17, 2023

littlespark said:
An MFT, or other expensive kit will be pointless until he’s qualified and is allowed to sign off test sheets.

You should get him to join the forum…. We have a trainee section…. Where there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Is it ever too early to learn using an MFT?