Apprentice , looking for tools.

[stranded]

Hi all,

I'm hopefully going to be starting an apprenticeship in the nest few months, to become a fully qualified sparky.

Want to start gathering some tools together, and i have a rough idea already, but would like proffs who use the tools every day to give me some idea, as i dont want to buy things i wont necessarily need, or i will miss out something that i will need every day.

Already got a decent multimeter and a set of Wera Kraftform VDE Screwdrivers.

All the best,

Mike.

 

[RyanCheetham]

I would not be without my CK shears for cutting and stripping cable

 

[telectrix]

and good quality snips, CK, bahco, pay £30+ for a pair. thnings like hacksaws, hammers, buy cheap.

 

[Johnuk]

this is a good set to get you going, and good for the money you do not need to pend loads on side cutters Stanley DynaGrip 5 Plier Pliers Set - Waterpump Side Cutter Long Nose & Combi | eBay

 

[CTID]

Depending where you will be working get a cheaper set of drivers too...Some places you will work in you will find expensive tools are expensive because they can magically grow legs and walk off I have a tote I carry with cheaper kit in it, or good stuff on its last legs.

 

[Resu]

Start with the basics and buy new tools as you go along. Some advice that I think someone on here kindly told me when I started out was if you need to borrow it twice you should probably own one. This obviously applies more to hand tools over power tools when your starting out.

To start with you'll probably manage with what you've said and:
Tool Bag - Everyone's different, I have this one.
pliers
snips/sidecutters
hammer
measuring tape
spirit level
Hacksaw & Junior Hacksaw
Stanley Knife &/or Electrician's Knife

Remember to also think about pencils, permanent markers, etc. & PPE (Personal Protective Equipment - should be provided but you might have to buy yourself a pair of steel toe caps).

Best person to ask would be your journeyman/boss (when the time comes).

 

[RyanCheetham]

Speaking of pencils i wouldn't bother buying anything but the Stadetler noris ones like you get in school. They take a beating and keep going. Nothing worse than sharpening a pencil just to lose the lead

 

[stranded]

Thanks for the advice guys, really appreciated.

Start with the basics and buy new tools as you go along. Some advice that I think someone on here kindly told me when I started out was if you need to borrow it twice you should probably own one. This obviously applies more to hand tools over power tools when your starting out.

To start with you'll probably manage with what you've said and:
Tool Bag - Everyone's different, I have this one.
pliers
snips/sidecutters
hammer
measuring tape
spirit level
Hacksaw & Junior Hacksaw
Stanley Knife &/or Electrician's Knife

Remember to also think about pencils, permanent markers, etc. & PPE (Personal Protective Equipment - should be provided but you might have to buy yourself a pair of steel toe caps).

Best person to ask would be your journeyman/boss (when the time comes).

"Best person to ask would be your journeyman/boss (when the time comes)" Your probably right you know, thanks for the bit of a list, i prefer a toolbag myself, that looks like a decent one too.

And fair enough "borrow twice, you should own one" that's really good to go by.

Thanks again for the advice guys, i appreciate it.

Mike.

:wacko:

 

[stranded]

Good point, all other pencils are crap. Staedtler pencils always sharpen. Thanks again!

 

[BrianDB9]

Best tool i have is my mouth , no f*c* off you can't borrow it ! In fact i wrote that in big letters on one tool box lol , be careful lashing out on shiny kit that others envy.

 

[stranded]

Best tool i have is my mouth , no f*c* off you can't borrow it ! In fact i wrote that in big letters on one tool box lol , be careful lashing out on shiny kit that others envy.

Starting to think about that now, lol. Perhaps save the shiny ones for when im not going to be around people at college. A fire engineer once told me that he lets no body borrow his tools, even if its just a screwdriver. Not a bad idea imo. Thanks alot!

 

[stranded]

Depending where you will be working get a cheaper set of drivers too...Some places you will work in you will find expensive tools are expensive because they can magically grow legs and walk off I have a tote I carry with cheaper kit in it, or good stuff on its last legs.

Taking that advice from both of you, thats a fair point. Cheers :icon4:

 

[shanky887614]

dont bother paying £30 for snips

go on amazon and buy a pair of knipex 200mm side cutters for around £20

knipex grips (waterpump pliers, alligator grips) are very good at £20 each

 

[stranded]

dont bother paying £30 for snips

go on amazon and buy a pair of knipex 200mm side cutters for around £20

knipex grips (waterpump pliers, alligator grips) are very good at £20 each

Great, Thanks!

 

[telectrix]

wouldn't be without my bahco grips. tried knipex and had more torn skin than a cow in a slaugtherhouse. the bahco ones stay where you set them, no slipping shut on your skin.