Starting off

[GT1989]

Starting my apprenticeship next month and was wondering if someone could make a list of the essential tools I will need. I think it is a new site I will be on so it will be tools for the roughing stage I will need at the start. Cheers

 

[lockhes]

main things are screw drivers, snips and votage tester for now depending on your budget of course

then just build your collection up from there

my advice is get decent gear and you wont have to keep replacing them

 

[scotsparky]

toolbox and padlock!! when you start nobody expects you to turn up with a full kit or even test gear. Get a set of stanley insulated drivers from B@Q, a pair of pliers and for the first couple of weeks that will do. you will be heading to college and onto sites. the sparks there can point you in the right direction. get the tools you need for what your doing at the time dont spend cash on what you may be doing. It takes time i have been doing this for 20 years and still getting new tools.

 

[piperm]

i was told by one of the sparks who joined my firm during my apprentiship that when he did his apprentiship he started with screwdrivers, pliars, cutters and a hammer (and a few more things i've forgot) then every week after he got paid he went out and bought himself another tool to add to his kit and eventully he built it up and had everything he needed for when he went out on his own

 

[Guest123]

If it's a new build site you're going on then....hammer, tape measure, cutters/pliers a small spirit level, and a set of drivers should start you off.

 

[Monkey1984]

toolbox and padlock!! when you start nobody expects you to turn up with a full kit or even test gear. Get a set of stanley insulated drivers from B@Q, a pair of pliers and for the first couple of weeks that will do. you will be heading to college and onto sites. the sparks there can point you in the right direction. get the tools you need for what your doing at the time dont spend cash on what you may be doing. It takes time i have been doing this for 20 years and still getting new tools.

Or do what every apprentice seems to have done to me so far, and just nick some of there tools.

Jokes

 

[scotsparky]

piperm thats the way to do it!

 

[GT1989]

Cheers for the replys everyone ! Got about 200 to spend so should be ok Will treat myself to something new each week ! Thanks again

 

[scotsparky]

spent £100 on tools and the other £100 on some books and study!

 

[GT1989]

Any good websites for the books ?

 

[poppypiesdad]

eaby and amazon are a good start just make sure there the current edition

Good luck and never lend your stuff to anyone

Jamie

 

[GT1989]

eaby and amazon are a good start just make sure there the current edition

Good luck and never lend your stuff to anyone

Jamie

Cheers mate al have a look the now and i wont be letting anyone "borrow" anything

 

[Jason Smith]

The mother book of all is the "BRB" - alias the big red book, or BS7671. Have seen them for about £45 quid, however general pric is around £60-70. Dont get this yet mate, you need your tools first, but I would definately get from your tools budget the OSG or, on site guide. It will explain to you why you do what you do each day, and of course everything in it is based on BRB anyway. A better book in my opinion is the electricians guide to the building regs, again about £15, it seems to be a bit clearer than the osg.
The NICEIC do three books, called snags and solutions, book three is not yet in my grubby mits but is on its way, these books are brill and tell you how to get over common problems, however, you have to know you have a problem in the first place which, these books will point out, so are an excellent learning aid, you dont need them yet though mate as you will have the finest thing of all by your side, an experienced Sparky.

 

[GT1989]

Going out to get all the tools i will need first and see how much i am left with. Cheers for all your help guys glad I found this website very helpful

 

[StokieSpark]

Amazon, try get ones that peoplke havent written in!