This is a question that is asked to death so I thought I'd put together a little list of the basics you will need to get started! Obviously the type of work and location are both factors in the tools you will need so please only use this as a guide rather than a definitive list of what you will need! The type of work that this is aimed at is more domestic/commercial. There are many brands to chose from and everyone has different preferences. It's a safer bet buying from known good brands, ie. Knipex, C.K. & Bahco (to name a few!) but that doesn't mean you have to go all out. Only buy what you can afford (maybe buying one or two items a week until you have built up your kit). A general rule someone gave to me when I asked this question a few years ago was if you have to borrow it twice you should probably have your own. This obviously applies to hand tools and maybe a combi drill.
It's best to shop around to get the best prices for stuff as it can vary largely. Online I use Amazon quite alot. Be careful of fake stuff on eBay, only buy from trusted sellers, with good feedback, I'm sure you know the score! For local stuff you would be better asking your mentor as they will be more aware of the decent places in and around your area! Please only use my links as examples, you'll likely find most of it cheaper if you shop about a bit:
1. Screwdrivers!
Probably one of the most obvious. Although you're unlikely to be working live (at least for a while) VDE Insulated Screwdrivers are really a must!
This is what I started out with and is a very good set
2. Snips
Depending on your mentor (and yourself) you may being a snips or pliers type so these may not be necessary.
I've these ones at the moment and they seem pretty decent
3. Pliers
You'll definitely need a pair!
Decent kit
4. Longnose Pliers
Extremely handy for where your fingers just can't get into (oo-er!)
You won't go wrong with these
5. Hammer
Can't really go wrong with this one, I'm sure you'll find one
6. Wood Chisels
A couple of mid size for general wood butchering, again can't really go wrong with this one.
7. Bolster/Cold Chisels
Can't really provide much on this one due to living in Scotland, I'm sure someone will come along that can add to this
8. Spirit Level
Worth getting a good one and try not to throw it about/drop it too much!
Can't go wrong with Stabila
9. Stanley Knife
You can pick up a decent one just about anywhere for under a tenner, usually with a few free blades.
10. Hacksaw
For conduit/trunking, SWA glands and more, they all do more or less the same thing so no need to buy a fancy one. It's the blades that make the difference (I recommend Irwin but this should be something that your boss provides you with).
11. Junior Hacksaw
As above.
12. Voltage Tester & Proving Unit/Multimeter
Probably the most important. Definitely worth spending the money on. Worth checking out the forum sponsor to see what kind of deals they have on - Test Meter
13. Waterpump Pliers/Grips/Big Adjustable Spanner
For SWA glands.
14. Adjustable Spanners
A handy thing to have!
15. Measuring Tape
I use this one.
16. Tool bag/box
You'll obviously need something to throw it all into at the end of the day! Bag/box is majorly down to personal preference. And size majorly depends on the amount of tools you plan on towing about! A traditional toolbox can be handy as it can also double up as a saw bench, seat at tea time, etc. but can be heavy. Tote bags are handy and can be bought in a variety of sizes, can become a bit like a bucket though (all sorts being thrown in). You can also get backpacks now which would obviously benefit people commute to work or having to walk large distances around sites. Same rules apply, buy the best you can afford.
Optional/Other
Pad/Jab Saw - Obviously location based, can be picked up for a few quid just about any tool shop.
Drill bit set (torx, etc.) - Can be a handy thing to have at the bottom of your tool box.
Combi drill - Not something you'll probably need straight away - A whole range to choose from - Makita, Dewalt, Bosch Blue, Hilti, Milwaukee, etc. See what your mentor uses!
Wire strippers - Can be extremely handy, especially for small diameter flex - I use these ones (You'll get them cheaper elsewhere, first link I found).
Punch Tool - For BT/Data Points
Dust mask, gloves & Goggles - Something you should be provided with, but it pays to be prepared!
File - For burrs, etc. on metal conduit & trunking.
Cable Shears/Croppers - You're unlikely to be cutting bigger stuff for a while (like meter tails) but something to look out for.
Square
Spanners
Allen Keys
Crimper
An easy option would be to buy the C.K. Premium Kit as this acts as a good base to build on.
It's also worth looking out for kits on the other stuff like this Knipex one. Works out better than buying the 3 items individually.
Would appreciate if anyone would let me know if I've forgotten anything and I can edit this
It's best to shop around to get the best prices for stuff as it can vary largely. Online I use Amazon quite alot. Be careful of fake stuff on eBay, only buy from trusted sellers, with good feedback, I'm sure you know the score! For local stuff you would be better asking your mentor as they will be more aware of the decent places in and around your area! Please only use my links as examples, you'll likely find most of it cheaper if you shop about a bit:
1. Screwdrivers!
Probably one of the most obvious. Although you're unlikely to be working live (at least for a while) VDE Insulated Screwdrivers are really a must!
This is what I started out with and is a very good set
2. Snips
Depending on your mentor (and yourself) you may being a snips or pliers type so these may not be necessary.
I've these ones at the moment and they seem pretty decent
3. Pliers
You'll definitely need a pair!
Decent kit
4. Longnose Pliers
Extremely handy for where your fingers just can't get into (oo-er!)
You won't go wrong with these
5. Hammer
Can't really go wrong with this one, I'm sure you'll find one
6. Wood Chisels
A couple of mid size for general wood butchering, again can't really go wrong with this one.
7. Bolster/Cold Chisels
Can't really provide much on this one due to living in Scotland, I'm sure someone will come along that can add to this
8. Spirit Level
Worth getting a good one and try not to throw it about/drop it too much!
Can't go wrong with Stabila
9. Stanley Knife
You can pick up a decent one just about anywhere for under a tenner, usually with a few free blades.
10. Hacksaw
For conduit/trunking, SWA glands and more, they all do more or less the same thing so no need to buy a fancy one. It's the blades that make the difference (I recommend Irwin but this should be something that your boss provides you with).
11. Junior Hacksaw
As above.
12. Voltage Tester & Proving Unit/Multimeter
Probably the most important. Definitely worth spending the money on. Worth checking out the forum sponsor to see what kind of deals they have on - Test Meter
13. Waterpump Pliers/Grips/Big Adjustable Spanner
For SWA glands.
14. Adjustable Spanners
A handy thing to have!
15. Measuring Tape
I use this one.
16. Tool bag/box
You'll obviously need something to throw it all into at the end of the day! Bag/box is majorly down to personal preference. And size majorly depends on the amount of tools you plan on towing about! A traditional toolbox can be handy as it can also double up as a saw bench, seat at tea time, etc. but can be heavy. Tote bags are handy and can be bought in a variety of sizes, can become a bit like a bucket though (all sorts being thrown in). You can also get backpacks now which would obviously benefit people commute to work or having to walk large distances around sites. Same rules apply, buy the best you can afford.
Optional/Other
Pad/Jab Saw - Obviously location based, can be picked up for a few quid just about any tool shop.
Drill bit set (torx, etc.) - Can be a handy thing to have at the bottom of your tool box.
Combi drill - Not something you'll probably need straight away - A whole range to choose from - Makita, Dewalt, Bosch Blue, Hilti, Milwaukee, etc. See what your mentor uses!
Wire strippers - Can be extremely handy, especially for small diameter flex - I use these ones (You'll get them cheaper elsewhere, first link I found).
Punch Tool - For BT/Data Points
Dust mask, gloves & Goggles - Something you should be provided with, but it pays to be prepared!
File - For burrs, etc. on metal conduit & trunking.
Cable Shears/Croppers - You're unlikely to be cutting bigger stuff for a while (like meter tails) but something to look out for.
Square
Spanners
Allen Keys
Crimper
An easy option would be to buy the C.K. Premium Kit as this acts as a good base to build on.
It's also worth looking out for kits on the other stuff like this Knipex one. Works out better than buying the 3 items individually.
Would appreciate if anyone would let me know if I've forgotten anything and I can edit this
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