First year apprentice tools

[dom91c]

Hi Guys,

I've just been taken on as an apprentice for a commercial electrician firm and am in my first month. I'm wondering what tools you'd recommend me buying?

I'm looking at getting a knife (maybe a Delphin), set of drivers, cable cutters, side cutters etc.

Which are brands that you'd recommend that are decent quality and last a while, that also won't cost a fortune?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pete999]

Hi Guys,

I've just been taken on as an apprentice for a commercial electrician firm and am in my first month. I'm wondering what tools you'd recommend me buying?

I'm looking at getting a knife (maybe a Delphin), set of drivers, cable cutters, side cutters etc.

Which are brands that you'd recommend that are decent quality and last a while, that also won't cost a fortune?

Thanks in advance!

Depends what you can afford really, you have to realise I am what most folk on this forum call a tool tart, if it was me I would go for an Electricians pen knife CK do one, and a cheap Stanley knife, use the pen knife for stripping cables the Stanley could be used for cutting boxes in plasterboard, CK Pliers and cutters, you wint go far wrong with either WIHA or WERA scredriver sets. If you can ask a staff member for access to the trainee area you could maybe find out what other trainees do regarding tools, good luck anyway, if money is tight don't go for one of the expensive tool bags, they are nice, but not really necessary for an Trainee.

 

[Resu]

Hey Dom, I recommend you join the trainee section (if you haven't already). It's a bit quiet just now but will hopefully pick up. There is a wealth of useful information in there including a list compiled by myself that would answer your question (although aimed more at domestic) and some additions by other members.

You can gain access by following this link and filling in the blank form at the top of the page. No-one apart from staff and yourself will be able to see the details you put up.

 

[Specialist]

Hi Dom: Pete is definitely a tool tart and proud of it , but he certainly knows his quality tools. You won't go far wrong with his recommendations, as for Cable cutters it has to be Knipex. They're not cheap but will last for years.

 

[HandySparks]

Everyone has their favourites. For me, it's Knipex for cutters and pliers, and Wera for screwdrivers.

 

[Zdb]

I would definitely get a set of voltage indicators too.

 

[Specialist]

I would definitely get a set of voltage indicators too.

Aah I see the disease is spreading nicely, your becoming a tool tart as well

 

[Pete999]

I would definitely get a set of voltage indicators too.

Socket & See VIP Pro Two-Pole Voltage Indicator - https://www.test-meter.co.uk/socket-and-see-vip-pro-two-pole-voltage-indicator/

A good buy, you will need one and a proving unit, but not just yet imo

 

[Specialist]

Agreed Pete, a bit too soon probably. But a nice bit of kit all the same.

 

[Pete999]

Agreed Pete, a bit too soon probably. But a nice bit of kit all the same.

OP Please don't be coerced into wasting cash on a non contact voltage indicator (volt stick) waste of your hard earned.

 

[telectrix]

OP Please don't be coerced into wasting cash on a non contact voltage indicator (volt stick) waste of your hard earned.

why? how else do you prove a circuit is dead?

 

[LankyWill]

Buy a decent set of pliers and snips as these are daily tools. I rate knipex highly and they fetch for a decent price on Amazon, I recommend 180mm snips for the high leverage and standard 160mm pliers.

Must haves:
Vde screwdrivers(whia are best and there slim drivers can be found cheaply on Amazon)

Decent torpedo spirit level (Stanley fat max one has done me proud.

Stanley and cable knife(knipex again)

Stanley 23" toolbox (waterproof one from B&Q)

Bahco hacksaw (screwix is decent for it)

Decent Tape Measure (Stanley fatmax works well 5metre is very versatile)

That should get you started, I'm a self confessed tool tart also. A decent tool collection takes years so don't throw all your hard earned cash on them straight away. Bit by bit works best and you still need pint money!

 

[Pete999]

why? how else do you prove a circuit is dead?

Lick yer fingers and pray, oh and wear some googles and ear defenders.

 

[Joshua]

This is my preference:
Ck Cable cutters £14-£19

Ck 3MAX Side cutters £30

Stainless steel insulated Wera Screwdrivers £30

Stanley Metal magnetic boat level £12

Stanley tin snips with the gold tip £15

Fluke Voltage testers £110

Fluke volt stick £20

Proving unit £50

lock off device and sign £14

Stanley Tool Back pack £35

Bosch robust 18v drill £200

Bosch 36v compact hammer drill £350

Spit pulsa 800e nail gun £600 (god send for 1st fix)

Stanley padsaw £10

any Stanley knife with a good blade in

Stanley tape measure £8

Milwaukee 12v Recip saw £160

 

[LankyWill]

This is my preference:
Ck Cable cutters £14-£19

Ck 3MAX Side cutters £30

Stainless steel insulated Wera Screwdrivers £30

Stanley Metal magnetic boat level £12

Stanley tin snips with the gold tip £15

Fluke Voltage testers £110

Fluke volt stick £20

Proving unit £50

lock off device and sign £14

Stanley Tool Back pack £35

Bosch robust 18v drill £200

Bosch 36v compact hammer drill £350

Spit pulsa 800e nail gun (god send for 1st fix)

Stanley padsaw

any Stanley knife with a good blade in

Stanley tape measure

Milwaukee 12v Recip saw

He's only just started he won't need half of that!