CK Electrician's premium tool kit??

Jake Hughes · Aug 21, 2013

Im about to start my apprenticeship next month and i saw one of these on screwfix and everyone is raving about it. But its £199 does anyone know were i can find one cheaper would be appreciated.

nadger · Aug 22, 2013

Jake, well done for being pro active and having some initiative, if your in a position financially to buy this set then get it.

I use ck tools a lot and they only tend to fail due to my heavy handedness or incompetence

The worst thing an apprentice can do is turn up with little or no tools and then constantly ask to borrow everyone else's, so your doing the right thing mate.

Pete999 · Aug 22, 2013

Amazon have a set of insulated screwdriver (THE ONES YOU SLOT THE BLADES IN,NOT TORQUE JUST PLAIN DRIVERS) for £20 + P&P a good deal normally £49 ish
Pete999

terry1969 · Aug 22, 2013

eBay £175

IzzyS · Aug 22, 2013

"Would the company not allow you to purchase tools on their account then you reimburse them. You could save 20% straight away on VAT if they are registered plus possible discounted rates from the wholesalers."

The company would have to account for the VAT if they are reimbursed (i.e. re-selling the tools), otherwise it's VAT fraud. But they could pass on their discount from the wholesalers.

ruston · Aug 22, 2013

The most expensive way , but easiest is to buy good quality tools from the tool vans that visit the sites , you can open an account and pay weekly ; that way you do not miss the money . Most of the better vans offer a lifetime guarantee on there gear too, to be honest I think CK do too.

telectrix · Aug 22, 2013

for an apprentice, wickes do driver sets, cutters, pliers etc. at sensible prices. way good value for money. look suspiciously like re-badged CK.

shanky887614 · Aug 22, 2013

Imho your better off buying items indivdually as you will keep adding to it. I know for a fact my bag is heavier than my suitcase was on holiday

RWJ · Aug 22, 2013

telectrix said:
for an apprentice, wickes do driver sets, cutters, pliers etc. at sensible prices. way good value for money. look suspiciously like re-badged CK.

They used to be re-badged draper expert my mate Paul always used to buy them.

Tiny Spark · Aug 22, 2013

Ck is pretty good stuff.
Personally I prefer the red and yellow draper expert stuff.
They are what I have used since I started and will not use anything else now.

trev · Aug 22, 2013

RWJ said:
They used to be re-badged draper expert my mate Paul always used to buy them.

For what you pay for it that Draper rebadged stuff is excellent value, well the screwdrivers are (and I know loads of lads that use them).
I needed a new pair of snips a few years back and had mentioned it to Mrs Trev, she rang me one lunchtime to tell me she'd bought me a pair. I asked her where she got them and how much they were. £6.00 from wickes, they were as blunt as assholes. I went out at the weekend and bought a proper pair

shanky887614 · Aug 22, 2013

trev said:
For what you pay for it that Draper rebadged stuff is excellent value, well the screwdrivers are (and I know loads of lads that use them).
I needed a new pair of snips a few years back and had mentioned it to Mrs Trev, she rang me one lunchtime to tell me she'd bought me a pair. I asked her where she got them and how much they were. £6.00 from wickes, they were as blunt as assholes. I went out at the weekend and bought a proper pair

Draper snips are the same as knipex and are good for the price £16 on amazon

Risteard · Aug 22, 2013

I have a CK Technicians' Toolbag (the old blue design). Had it for a few years now and it's great (and fits in more than you might think). It weighs a tonne but everyone always comments on how much they like it. Last year the shoulder strap clip broke and a couple of months ago one of the zips burst. It's probably time for me to replace it now but I would have no qualms about buying another CK Technicians' Toolbag. They are very well made (although I have undoubtedly overloaded mine!)

Kate · Aug 22, 2013

Risteard said:
I have a CK Technicians' Toolbag (the old blue design). Had it for a few years now and it's great (and fits in more than you might think). It weighs a tonne but everyone always comments on how much they like it. Last year the shoulder strap clip broke and a couple of months ago one of the zips burst. It's probably time for me to replace it now but I would have no qualms about buying another CK Technicians' Toolbag. They are very well made (although I have undoubtedly overloaded mine!)

Thats exactly what I did to mine...and it is from overloading! So failure is on us! I changed from this design to the backpack...I love it. Everyone always tells me how heavy it is but once its up on shoulders I dont feel it until I climb stairs and my dodgy knees groan. I love the backpack and it keeps me with two hands free!! I can also balance my steps on the phone pouch on the shoulder strap

Knobhead · Aug 22, 2013

As has been said, ask you’re company if you can purchase through their account. It shows you are willing to make a go of things. Ask them to recommend a basic tool kit.
I’ve got stuff I was issued with 40 years ago. I don’t know who drew up the list (an idiot), some of it I’ve never used in all that time!

Well done for getting an apprenticeship!

telectrix · Aug 22, 2013

Risteard said:
I have a CK Technicians' Toolbag (the old blue design). Had it for a few years now and it's great (and fits in more than you might think). It weighs a tonne but everyone always comments on how much they like it. Last year the shoulder strap clip broke and a couple of months ago one of the zips burst. It's probably time for me to replace it now but I would have no qualms about buying another CK Technicians' Toolbag. They are very well made (although I have undoubtedly overloaded mine!)

for the extra few quid, go for the magma version. similar design, but more rugged, better zips. only grump i've got about mine is that whatever you need from the middle is always at the bottom and i have to empty the bugger to get at what i need.