Tools for Apprentice

[DanielGemmell]

i am an going to be starting an Electrical Apprenticeship at the end of this month (January), and i need to know what tools i need. i have came across lists but some of the tools seem unnecessary.

can anyone give me a personal list of tools they used, the best make of tools to get and any other information that might be helpful.

 

[simpson93]

sound advise from the lads above, dont go mad on buying tools toolbox/bag your ppe if not supplied boots ear defenders glasses gloves whatever they want you to get on there list, and build it up slowly maybe buy 1 tool a week.
the only tool i used for my first few months was a broom dustpan and brush.

 

[needasparks]

My son has been with me for the last year now and i remember him wanting to know what tools to have when he started, i'm slowly building him up with them as what tools of mine he don't break he loses.

Am still laughing at Tony's house bashing tool

 

[scotsparky]

Who you serving your time with?

As everyone says dont buy a lot of tools the boys on site will "borrow them" its a big site and new apprentices are fair game.

Get some pliers snips screwdrivers hacksaw square and a sharpie pen.
Pop in to Bobs tool store in the barras there are some bargains there and dont spent to much!!!

Over the first few weeks on site you will get to know what you are using on a regular basis then buy it. The journeyman your with should be able to help.
The best tool a new apprentice can take onto site is a clean pair of lugs and open eyes. Watch whats happening and listen to what you are told!. If in dought ask questions everyones been in your position so understands (they will take the mick though)
Good Luck! and enjoy

 

[DanielGemmell]

Brookfield Multiplex
A few people have told me about bobs tool shop but I still have yet to go

I just want to say thank you to everyone who has posted on here and I have taken the advice on board

 

[Knobhead]

Daniel,

You may have guessed but it’s something you’ll have to get used to, we do extract the urine at times. Get used to it, because on site you’re going to be prime game. We’ve all gone through it. In time you will be giving as good as you get.

It’s a right of passage for an apprentice, at the end of it it’s revenge time!

Post up that list of “recommended” tools and I promise we will be serious. Most important is “keep your money in your pocket”

 

[johnboy6083]

for me,

cable cutters: http://www.*************/p/cable-cutters-254mm/47997
screwdrivers : http://www.*************/p/ck-dextro...pzd-6pcs/49174 or 7 Piece VDE Insulated Screwdriver Set - Screwdrivers - Hand Tools -Tools, Electrical & Plumbing - Wickes
hacksaw: Bahco 319 Professional Hand Hacksaw Frame 3 Hacksaw Blade - 300mm (this is simply the best hacksaw money can buy)
square: http://www.*************/p/stanley-c...re-305mm/33486
stanley knife: http://www.*************/p/stanley-q...ge-knife/61633
socket set: Halfords | Halfords Advanced Professional 150 piece Socket/Ratchet Set
junior hacksaw: http://www.****************/shop/Han...10/sd70/p89758 (again the best that ive used, and ive lost a lot of these)
tester: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...gbMjMkZAckaOCg
RYB crimper: Buy Newlec Crimping Tool, 0.25mm - 6mm (Crimping Range) - NLCT1

the above are my reccomendations for decent tools, that will last, and do a decent job.

Its isnt worth buying rubbish, and the above is what i have in my toolbox. ive got lots more, but it would take me forever to list!
i suggest doing what others have already stated, and that is to buy one or two items a week, and build up your set. that way you will have a decent set of tools.
As for a method of carrying your tools about, im still trying to find the best method, as my bag and box, are full of tools, and there is no organisation to it!


PS, the links which are disallowed are for screwfix, so if you copy and paste the number at the end of the link into the screwfix search bar, then you will find the correct tools.​

 

[grantr37]

you're in Glasgow, I will tell you what tools you will need and where to buy them in town...


you will need good screwdrivers, Slotted and Phillips head (Star) screwdrivers: go to Bills Tools next to the Old Barras Market Along at the end of Argyle Street-the Gallowgate area, they have a great selection and good prices...

Go for the Irazola(Brand name might have changed to Bahco-think they bought them over) and CK ones they have there right next to the till....you will need

(A) CK Sensoplus Slotted Head 4mm x 2 (you will need 2 as they are commonly pinched)

(B) CK Sensoplus Slotted 2.5mm tip x 2 (Again terminal drivers commonly go walkees)

(C)CK Sensoplus Phillips Head number 3 Size - 3mm x1 (Ideal for general use)

(D) Irazola Slotted head (Flat) 6.5 mm Slotted (a big driver)

(E) Irazola Slotted 5.5mm driver (long as well)

(F)a pair of Knipex side cutters (about £25.00) , A pair of Knipex combination pliers (about £25.00)and a Bahco Hacksaw +some spare blades....and a pair of Knipex Pipe Pliers/pipe grips as you will need those for doing up the brass bushes etc...

(G) a Flat file

(H) a Half round file

(I) a round file (thin one like a pencil) and some work Gloves All out of Bills tools...they will be very likely to give you a discount on that lot as they are good that way and look after their customers well...

Go into Poundland and get a couple of the small tins of WD40 which is good for tools, conduit benders and also for threading/cleaning threads instead of messy Tallow which is likely to get clogged up....get a few padlocks out of there or accross in Timpsons shoe shop on Argyle street as well for your toolbox...

Go to Crockets Ironmongers on West Nile street and get some work trousers and pick yourself out a tool box....its all at the back of the ground floor, after that go to maplins in st enoch square or great western road and get yourself a cheap multimeter (like a Uni Trend UT 50A) and a Fluke Volt-Alert pen...

Final Trip to Screwfix Glasgow (at Kinning Park across the Clyde from Clyde street beside Harry Ramsdens Chip shop)
in there you should get some safety Glasses and Knee pads as well as a cheap measuring tape,and a Hammer and a Bahco socket set(the smallest one is around £30.00 I think)... and if you dont have a pair of steel toe boots, they are well priced in there as well....

Lock your toolbox at tea time and lock it in the gaffers site cabin or the big heavy container at the end of the day if not going in a van, hang about until the container is dubbed up and fully locked or somebody will dip your tools, take an old piece bag with you so as not to draw attention.....dont polish your boots as thats a no-no , and join the other boys at the burger van or down the street at break times....remember to close your toolbox and click the lock during breaks and if you are moving about site but leaving it in one particular room and make sure you use the inside hatch in the wheelie scaffold towers....if you are drilling anchor holes for screwed rod etc, make sure you get a newish drill with a safety clutch, ask the gaffer, as if it sticks and spins it will mess up your hand/arm really badly...

Any Questions about where to get other tools or anything else you might need, or about working in Glasgow in general, just ask

:welcome:

 

[Engineer54]

Well, ..Isn't it good to hear for once that a company is taking on an apprentice?? Your a lucky guy in this present economic climate, and this apprenticeship will stand you in good stead for the future. You have fallen on your feet as to the project you'll be working on too!! You can't get a better all round experience than a decent sized hospital project. That project will cover just about everything you'll need to know about, from simple distribution circuits, ELV to MV, HVAC, Boilers, motors and motor controls, etc ....along with specialised earthing arrangements such s IT, in the classified medical rooms. The more interest you show, the more help you'll receive from the old hands, ...that's always been the way. Before too long, you will be a well rounded and Qualified and Experienced Electrician, that is becoming more and more of a rarity rather, than the norm as it once was!! ...Good luck to you...

As for tools, as the others have said, just start off with decent pairs of snips and pliers a set of decent VDE screwdrivers, a Good hammer, junior hacksaw, pair of grips, is about all you'll need for your first week on the job. Personally, i would also invest in at least a half decent volt tester, for your own safety. The electricians you'll be working with will let you know what else you'll need as time goes on.

Like Tony, when i first had any need for hand tools, they were all provided for by the company, and a pretty comprehensive kit it was too.... lol!!

 

[oldtimer]

It depends on what area of electrics you are in ie I was in industrial commercial so I had to get hacksaws x2 files x2 because I started with conduit trunking and never seen a cable for 3 months but the main thing is look after your tools the same way you look after your phone remember they are your livelyhood so buy good quaility and purchase an item weekly or monthly even if you dont need it for now also you need a good toolbox and padlock.

And finally remember Trigger Look after your broom......................................................

 

[Engineer54]

It depends on what area of electrics you are in ie I was in industrial commercial so I had to get hacksaws x2 files x2 because I started with conduit trunking and never seen a cable for 3 months but the main thing is look after your tools the same way you look after your phone remember they are your livelyhood so buy good quaility and purchase an item weekly or monthly even if you dont need it for now also you need a good toolbox and padlock.

And finally remember Trigger Look after your broom......................................................

Yep he had the same broom for 30 years, only had to change the worn out heads and replace the handle from time to time!! lol!!!

 

[Knobhead]

Tool boxes

I’ve had two MOD ammunition boxes for over 30 years. Not light but indestructible. If you’ve got a surplus clearance warehouse near you, go have a look.

They’ve caused some fun over the years when I (6’3” long haired + beard) show up with boxes labelled:

MEDIUM RANGE
25 RDS
A RIOT 1.5 IN BATTON
MR L5A5

(Rubber Bullets)

It gets them worried!

 

[Nolnoc]

You will probably get away with a 17,13,11 and 10 spanner,for a while believe it or not. Oh how I remember the nerves of starting my apprenticeship.

By the way is it Mercury Engineering your working for?

 

[MNR]

Alot of really good advice here. Enthusiasm will get you a long way, even if to start with it is just keeping the working area tidy. People are more likely to want to teach you and help you out if they can see you want learn.