new start up advice for equipment

[brucelee]

Hi to all,
I would like some advice on basically all equipment thats needed to purchase for start up, I will start with what i have.
megger 1552
fluke h5 voltage kit 1000v tester
bs7671
osg
GN3
fibreglass ladders
loads of hand tools
battery drills
240v drills
extension leads
I would really appreciate if you could provide me with a big list and where best to purchase
any advice would be grateful cheers

 

[lj.l]

you've got a good bit of kit there as long as when you go to a job you can do it well and safely.Just buy new kit as and when you need it . dont need it dont buy it simple

 

[ghost]

Only you know how you work. You will know you are missing something when you go to get it from your van, and it's not there. Just think about the kit you used when you worked for a company.

 

[rocker]

Depends what is included in those hand tools. Ratchet crimpers for example are essential, but anyone who has not worked with a spark even knows what they are.

I'm a cheap sod, but one thing I have found invaluable is an angle grinder. Done my fair share of chasing with scutch or bolster chisel and its a nightmare. A grinder is probably 50 times faster; even a cheapo one is good. If you get one though, make absolutely sure you've got glasses (it's not big and it's not clever, macho man!) and a decent dust mask, unless you want to die from tubercolosis, consumption and every other 19th century illlness.....

 

[bugsy]

You sem to have most of thr basic kit.
Have got hole saws 20mm/25mm32mm/50mm ( to start with )
Flat or Auger bits 10mm/15mm/20mm/25/
Floor board lifter ( if your domestic )
Wrecking bar
Jig Saw
Heavy duty Staple gun
Set of Fish Rods.
Small and large Steps
Socket Set ( metric and imperial)
Grinder
Tester Tester kit ( you know the test box )
Good Battary touch

Than ADD as you require , its normally the little things that catch you (box lug threader )

 

[brucelee]

You sem to have most of thr basic kit.
Have got hole saws 20mm/25mm32mm/50mm ( to start with )
Flat or Auger bits 10mm/15mm/20mm/25/
Floor board lifter ( if your domestic )
Wrecking bar
Jig Saw
Heavy duty Staple gun
Set of Fish Rods.
Small and large Steps
Socket Set ( metric and imperial)
Grinder
Tester Tester kit ( you know the test box )
Good Battary touch

Than ADD as you require , its normally the little things that catch you (box lug threader )

cheers for reply bugsy,
i have most basic tools some ive had years some new, i am going to start out doing domestic but hope to eventually do some small commercial. i have no intentions of ever doing industrial, i have been involved in electrical installation for 24 yrs on and off but been out of work as my partner was left disabled 5 yrs ago and as a result i had to be her carer. i have always been interested with electrics and over the last few years wanted to get back into it but could not return to college because of commitments i did a apprenticeship but never completed it, worked doing new build for years upto last recession. then did some rewires little commercial and maintainance inc electrics in a commercial premises. so i paid private last yar at great expense to my family for 2382-10,2377,2393 and logic full scope part p i have also just enrolled for 2391 at bury college in march but it looks a harder course than i have done so far. I have been hitting the books but its no as good as being involved practically and learning from someone direct. I will just have to study hard and cross me fingers,as for tools i have most of what you have recommended apart from
fish rods
small steps i have large fibreglass youngman
i need a new laptop as my desktop crashed and burned so using daughters notebook
when you say tester/test box i have fluke t5-1000 but need a proving unit
The reason i have asked about whats needed is i might be eligible for a grant and have to write a big list of equipment, how much and where from. thanks mate much appreciated i need all advice i can get just want do everything right from start cheers mate

you've got a good bit of kit there as long as when you go to a job you can do it well and safely.Just buy new kit as and when you need it . dont need it dont buy it simple

Cheers mate for post

Depends what is included in those hand tools. Ratchet crimpers for example are essential, but anyone who has not worked with a spark even knows what they are.

I'm a cheap sod, but one thing I have found invaluable is an angle grinder. Done my fair share of chasing with scutch or bolster chisel and its a nightmare. A grinder is probably 50 times faster; even a cheapo one is good. If you get one though, make absolutely sure you've got glasses (it's not big and it's not clever, macho man!) and a decent dust mask, unless you want to die from tubercolosis, consumption and every other 19th century illlness.....

cheers mate i do already have a small grinder is this how you score your chases. what if you doing a house thats lived in its a bit dusty i was taught old way lump hammer and chisel or with kango ,but will be trying your method as it will deffo be quicker thought of buying a wall chaser do you know if they any good or not thans for your help mate

thanks to all who as taken the time to post i have to get as much of a idea as whats needed as i am applying for a grant as part of start up
i need lots of info on what to buy and where from is best
i also need a van/insurance, pli , accounting software maybe sage as well yet by the time i have finished will have cost me in the region of £9000 maybe a lot when its coming from family and self. it cost me £4020 for 6 week course and i am going doing 2391 at bury college in march so a lot to learn and more cost. once again thanks for giving your time with the replies cheers to all

 

[bugsy]

cheers for reply bugsy,
i have most basic tools some ive had years some new, i am going to start out doing domestic but hope to eventually do some small commercial. i have no intentions of ever doing industrial, i have been involved in electrical installation for 24 yrs on and off but been out of work as my partner was left disabled 5 yrs ago and as a result i had to be her carer. i have always been interested with electrics and over the last few years wanted to get back into it but could not return to college because of commitments i did a apprenticeship but never completed it, worked doing new build for years upto last recession. then did some rewires little commercial and maintainance inc electrics in a commercial premises. so i paid private last yar at great expense to my family for 2382-10,2377,2393 and logic full scope part p i have also just enrolled for 2391 at bury college in march but it looks a harder course than i have done so far. I have been hitting the books but its no as good as being involved practically and learning from someone direct. I will just have to study hard and cross me fingers,as for tools i have most of what you have recommended apart from
fish rods
small steps i have large fibreglass youngman
i need a new laptop as my desktop crashed and burned so using daughters notebook
when you say tester/test box i have fluke t5-1000 but need a proving unit
The reason i have asked about whats needed is i might be eligible for a grant and have to write a big list of equipment, how much and where from. thanks mate much appreciated i need all advice i can get just want do everything right from start cheers mate


Cheers mate for post


cheers mate i do already have a small grinder is this how you score your chases. what if you doing a house thats lived in its a bit dusty i was taught old way lump hammer and chisel or with kango ,but will be trying your method as it will deffo be quicker thought of buying a wall chaser do you know if they any good or not thans for your help mate

thanks to all who as taken the time to post i have to get as much of a idea as whats needed as i am applying for a grant as part of start up
i need lots of info on what to buy and where from is best
i also need a van/insurance, pli , accounting software maybe sage as well yet by the time i have finished will have cost me in the region of £9000 maybe a lot when its coming from family and self. it cost me £4020 for 6 week course and i am going doing 2391 at bury college in march so a lot to learn and more cost. once again thanks for giving your time with the replies cheers to all

I would'nt bother with sage just yet . you can create most of your own spread sheets and link them thruogh excel , if you make time once a week to do your books you won't go far wrong .
iF YOUR GOING TO DO COMMERCIALS I WOULD REGISTER FOR VAT

 

[Davey101]

leads, lights and torches.
Decent workwear (I'm a bit of a Snickers fanboy)
Circular saw, jigsaw, drills etc.
2 or 3 different levels, a laser level will be handy.
Rods are a MUST, you'll be messing about with bits of YT2 if you dont get some. You dont need the 60 quid set either, cheaper should be ok if you treat them right.
Handwash, first aid kit, wetwipes.
A diary, paper pads, folders, pens, pencils etc. Don't get writing important stuff on the back of todays Sun, you will regret it
A decent size van, racked out.
Organise your kit properly, get a large tool box such as a roll along Stanley to keep your drills and bigger stuff in, and a decent box for everday stuff.
Short steps, there's nothing worse than trying to get a great big pair into someones kitchen

As for chasing walls, I usually have to rough it at work, but for my house I hired a proper wall chaser+ hoover, it was brilliant, as long as you hold it properly, there's virtually no dust at all.

 

[bugsy]

how big is your van bruce!

 

[lj.l]

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

 

[Davey101]

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

Using lid can be a nightmare although is usually ok for fishing under floorboards (what, no clips?), I've had to do it for years before rods were invented, rods are MUCH easier.

 

[brucelee]

I would'nt bother with sage just yet . you can create most of your own spread sheets and link them thruogh excel , if you make time once a week to do your books you won't go far wrong .
iF YOUR GOING TO DO COMMERCIALS I WOULD REGISTER FOR VAT

cheers bugsy,
i thought of getting basic sage as you can use all this for qoutes, invoices,reciepts and it stores client details etc thanks for your help mate have been looking at wether to be sole trader or ltd company

leads, lights and torches.
Decent workwear (I'm a bit of a Snickers fanboy)
Circular saw, jigsaw, drills etc.
2 or 3 different levels, a laser level will be handy.
Rods are a MUST, you'll be messing about with bits of YT2 if you dont get some. You dont need the 60 quid set either, cheaper should be ok if you treat them right.
Handwash, first aid kit, wetwipes.
A diary, paper pads, folders, pens, pencils etc. Don't get writing important stuff on the back of todays Sun, you will regret it
A decent size van, racked out.
Organise your kit properly, get a large tool box such as a roll along Stanley to keep your drills and bigger stuff in, and a decent box for everday stuff.
Short steps, there's nothing worse than trying to get a great big pair into someones kitchen

As for chasing walls, I usually have to rough it at work, but for my house I hired a proper wall chaser+ hoover, it was brilliant, as long as you hold it properly, there's virtually no dust at all.

Cheers davey,
for your input i have a lot of what you have stated exept laser level, rods,small steps got 6 step youngman and 3.5m extension ladder not got first aid kit and as for the stationary and all the above i can claim a grant for most of it and i have bought some already but i am going to use the grant for main stuff like laptop or desktop, printer, basic stock,and main items of equipment. I have been writing a long list and have to state where i am getting it from,how much and if possible show them a picture for photocopying. Its a bit of a pain but if it gets me £2000 of grant its worth it
i have money for van i want to spend between £2000 and £3000 and if possible get a ex gas van or bt as they are mostly already kitted out but a good reliable van is no1 priority as me brother can get it racked out for me. I am debating between a renault kango,citroen berlingo,or ford transit connect a trasit would be better but i thought start small first to see how it goes as its costing a fortune and there is no guarantees but just want to start small see how it goes mate thanks for your help mate

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

cheers mate used mini trunking lid myself but am fairly good at fishing cable through on its own plenty practice when i worked newbuid rewires etc i am going to get some of them rods as sometimes on your jack its a bit of a pain running up and down to check wire is through where there is a will there is a way lol nothing impossible but sometimes i wonder haha when im cursing

 

[garyinderby]

cant remember but has anyone mentioned knee pads?

Gary

 

[MarcT]

we found Quickbooks to be good value for money. Another godsend of a tool (especially in this age) is an earth leakage clamp meter

 

[brucelee]

cheers marc t
my mate who started limited also uses quckbooks, he got it through banking with barclays its just like sage in it eg does your qoutes, invoices, reciepts etc but he pays about £20 a month to barclays for this. does anyone know the best business bank account to use a lot are offering free banking for so long e.g. 12, 18 month etc but only ones i seen that are offering for life are alliance and leicster and abbey all part of santander but if ya dont pay a grand a month in then there is a £5 charge anyone direct me to a good business bank cheers