UK Looking for advice

[regularbeefguy]

Hey all, I'm brand new to this world, im currently studying with TPA college to become an electrician just wondering if anyone has any advice for a complete beginner.

 

[pc1966]

Welcome to the forum!

That is a pretty vague request, it would help if you could be a bit more specific about aspects you want help on!

 

[regularbeefguy]

Welcome to the forum!

That is a pretty vague request, it would help if you could be a bit more specific about aspects you want help on!

Well.. everything really tools, equipment. dos and don'ts what to stay away from where to go for research things like that any advice you'd give to someone studying to become an electrician?

 

[mhar]

Stay away from the screwfix forum

 

[Ventricular Fibrillation]

I didn't get into the industry til the age of 40. Quite practical-minded, and had my 2330, but it was, as you say, a different world when I actually got on the tools. Hopefully you can get on the job experience early doors, there's no substitute. A lot depends on the electricians you get paired with. Most I've met like to do things right, and won't teach bad habits.

Simple advice would be make sure you're keen to learn, and don't be afraid to ask silly questions. Far better than doing something silly. As for tools, be prepared to shell out for them as needed. Large variety of work means large variety of tools. A surprising amount. You will be more respected for having a full tool bag than someone who keeps asking to borrow things. I have maybe £2000 worth of tools now. All kinds of power tools, two stepladders and a hop-up.

I've been at it a few years now, still really enjoy it, still learning, and still yet to get fully qualified. My only regret is not getting into the trade sooner. All the best!

 

[KungFuTurkeyLeg]

Reference tools, buy cheap, cry twice, usually...

Now and again, a chineseium tool surprises you and is actually good.

Certain items I buy the no brand, and as cheap as possible, as the 15 lads I have don't treat them as their own or we're working in a place we're the tenants have sticky fingers. This is usually the sundries, screws, nails, drill bits, etc. spade bits are the bosch speed bits all day long on speed 1.

Pick a power tool brand and stick with it for the sake of battery harmony. Just go with your favourite colour, they're all the same essentially. Yellow is DeWalt, green is Hitachi, red Milwaukee, blue on the bosch. Yellow and red are the favoured general electrician power tools as they have some decent bespoke offerings like cable staplers. Hitachi has a decent nail gun though.

Don't be afraid to buy quality of life items either, like wagos, d line clips, spit gun or bespoke tools like electric staplers. All time savers and you can allocate that time to more jobs or more personal time.

Some old school guys will say it's dumbed down and lacks skill to do, and they're right, but when you're at home for 1200 on a Friday and they're not, who's winning life?!

Hand tools, can't beat knipex, but I'm a fan boy of their pliers, cutters etc. screw drivers I'd go wiha or wera generally.

Usually if it has made in Germany or Japan on the side, you should have a decent experience.

Good luck mate

 

[nicebutdim]

Reference tools, buy cheap, cry twice, usually...

Now and again, a chineseium tool surprises you and is actually good.

Certain items I buy the no brand, and as cheap as possible, as the 15 lads I have don't treat them as their own or we're working in a place we're the tenants have sticky fingers. This is usually the sundries, screws, nails, drill bits, etc. spade bits are the bosch speed bits all day long on speed 1.

Pick a power tool brand and stick with it for the sake of battery harmony. Just go with your favourite colour, they're all the same essentially. Yellow is DeWalt, green is Hitachi, red Milwaukee, blue on the bosch. Yellow and red are the favoured general electrician power tools as they have some decent bespoke offerings like cable staplers. Hitachi has a decent nail gun though.

Don't be afraid to buy quality of life items either, like wagos, d line clips, spit gun or bespoke tools like electric staplers. All time savers and you can allocate that time to more jobs or more personal time.

Some old school guys will say it's dumbed down and lacks skill to do, and they're right, but when you're at home for 1200 on a Friday and they're not, who's winning life?!

Hand tools, can't beat knipex, but I'm a fan boy of their pliers, cutters etc. screw drivers I'd go wiha or wera generally.

Usually if it has made in Germany or Japan on the side, you should have a decent experience.

Good luck mate

Some different preferences where brands are concerned, but can't disagree with the above.