Electrician Tools

[Stephen1985]

Hello, I'm just starting out as an installation electrician. I've been looking at tool kits but I'm not sure which tool kit would be best for someone just starting.

Does anyone have any recommendations on tool kits or where is best to get one from?

Thanks

 

[Amp David]

I reckon your best buying the tools separate rather than going for a kit. All depend on what you be doing too, basics are drivers, cutters, pliers etc. The you will want a cordless probably. Search the forum, a few posts listing the most popular items have done the rounds in the past.

 

[Adam W]

Ditto, start by buying the basics (screwdrivers, cutters, pliers, knife etc) then add to them as you need them, then you'll end up with a box of tools you actually need rather than what someone has sold you.
It's not like you're going to need every tool straight away - a lot of people here will tell you if you're just starting out the only tool you'll need is a teaspoon, and maybe a pen to take everyone's orders.

 

[BOROROBBO]

get yourself the main tools first such as snips, pliers, long nose pliers, drivers pz1 pz2 and 3 different sized flat heads, stanley knife, hammer, chisel of some sort for lifting floorboards chasing walls etc, little £10 B&Q special multimeter, i cant think of anything else, maybe an adjustie spanner/eagle beaks if your anywhere near SWA cable.

i used to LOVE CK drivers until they changed the shape and ruined them, now im not sure whats best to get. as for snips and pliers Knipex or CK are good, ive heard draper are decent aswell.

make sure your tools are all insulated to 1000v that should help you from blowing you hand apart when your working live. disclamer: working live should never be done

hope that helps

 

[High Tower]

You should only work live in exceptional circumstances. I'm not splitting hairs but as you are a trainee you need to be clear of this.

Get a quality tool tote and build your collection bit by bit!, the stuff you use regularly such as cutters, pliers drivers etc buy top quality, such as Knipex, CK, Irazola etc!!

 

[Adam W]

Ah yes but 'tote or box?' Personally I prefer a rigid toolbox because you can lock it, stand, sit, or saw on it and it keeps dust and rain etc out. Whichever you go for probably better to get a cheap one to start with to see how you get on with it.
Same with any kind of tool - talk to the guys you're working with, know what you're looking for and what it has to do, buy what works best for you. You might even get more respect for doing that, rather than go strolling in with a load of shiny new tools which you don't know how to use properly - "all the gear and no idea" they'll say.