Best Value/Brand tools for when just starting out

[Pete999]

Knipex plies, cutters etc . Wiha or irizola screwdrivers , fluke volt/ conti tester . Personally I've never rated CK just don't seem same quality as knipex

You will of course need a proving unit for safe isolation purposes, I recommend Martindale voltage indicator and proving unit, or John Drumond VI and PU

 

[Squid]

For the tools that you use the most buy the best you can afford but you also need to handle them to see if you can work with them, as an apprentice I bought a pair of Elliot Lucas pliers which I still have after 35 years don't use them much as the insulation has worn but they where handy as after cutting through a live cable in a ceiling void the burnt out hole was handy for stripping cables.

If you are self employed which I believe you won't be then any expense related to work is deductible from your tax bill.

 

[WillWX]

I made the mistake of buying cheap as an apprentice and ended up replacing literally all of it as time went by.

I now usually just buy CK for hand tools and they seem to last well. Can you not speak to your wholesaler? Mine always hook me up great deals on CK stuff.

 

[Simonslimline]

I just bought some Chicago brand open ended ratchet spanners. amazingly handy. did not know they existed until I googled what I was looking for. doing lots of brackets for containment on a job at the moment. these spanners are extremely handy,


Chicago BRAND 56039 Metric Open End Ratchet Spanner 3 Piece Set | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Chicago-BRAND-56039-Metric-Open-End-Ratchet-Spanner-3-Piece-Set/1606236951?iid=182625578363

 

[Dozer 73]

Apart from loss and theft, buying cheap tools is in my opinion a mistake.
Buy to last, buy cheap and you will regret it, buy what you need when you can afford it, and look after what you buy.

Buy cheap buy twice