tools for starting off

[robin]

could anybody give me some advice on what tools for starting off i have a full set of screwdrivers but what brand do you recommend?thanks

 

[gaffer]

Hey Robin,have a look at some of the other threads in this section,different people will recomend things and makes.
really depends on your budget .You get what you pay for.
Good luck.

 

[senor_fabulous]

Fair play gaffer. Have a look at sparky bens thread. Lots of advice and guidance there. Best of luck.

 

[MrSkipsey]

Are you stating off at college or on site mate?
When I started off at college my mardre and pardre got me a little cheapo set in a metal carry case. Came with pliers, cutters, choc blocks and tape. Prob cost no more than £15 but did the job while I was bashing the boards at college.
When I got my first start I purchased a set of VDE from Screwfix. Nothing flash but a step up from what my mum and dad gave me as a gift.

Im now 4 years down the line and have a nice set of Irazolas that Im itching to use. Along with a few nice bits, CK bag, Socket and See tester......Still got my original cutter and snipes [Wickes] and they are doing just fine.

Like they say, you get what you pay for but I must add,....Ive left a few 'bits' on site, up scaff, in lofts, leant to others....'Just borrowing your....' and never got them back, etc etc and learnt the hard way so Im glad I learnt those lessons with the cheaper branded stuff.

Hope this helps.
Mike.

 

[robin]

Are you stating off at college or on site mate?

thamks for the advice i am starting at college trying to get a job at the moment.think it will be cheapo set for now!

 

[MrSkipsey]

See your a Romford lad....Not far from me.... What college are you going?
Most colleges will supply you with the basics. Not for keeps mind. At Barking college they give you a tool box on your practical lessons. Basic items but they do count everything when you take it and re-count it all at the end of the day.

 

[robin]

really im going barking college mate.dont surprise me they count everything people would nick anything in romford.

 

[MrSkipsey]

Barking college is pretty good mate for the course. The rest of it is a dive. Its full of wannabees and how shall we say girls that have no standards.
My 2330 levl 2 course lecturer was John Skinner [Head of faculty] and for practicals I had Patrick and Ken. For level 3 I have Ron Spurling and John Calegis. All of them are worth their weight in gold, will tell you from day one to read the books and give you help every step of the way.

John Calegis looks like Eugene Levy [the dad from American Pie] and is contrated to the college. Vert fair but takes no rubbish from anyone. If your not their to learn then he wont help you attitude.

Get your head into the books, if you dont understand anything ask and your pass with good results. The time flies by too!

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Im biased and buy CK......live near the UK distribution hub. Also like my soft grip Halfords pro tools too (lifetime warranty)

 

[chris494rep]

Draper Expert have always been the best for me, although sparks always tend to go down the Stanley route?

 

[Johnny Bravo]

CK 210mm croppers. £10
180/200mm pliers. £10
Knipex 240mm alligator pliers £15
Tin Snips £10
Square £5
Hacksaw £5
Driver set £10
File £5
Screw gun £50-300

 

[daniel hill]

screwdrivers
a small led hand lamp i find verry usefull about £20 on flebay

 

[Andy Smith]

could anybody give me some advice on what tools for starting off i have a full set of screwdrivers but what brand do you recommend?thanks

My advice is dont buy cheap you have a whole career ahead of you, but buy within budget you have for yourself. Reasonable quality is whats needed not the name.Still got my first set of spanner after 30 years, think the secret is to use the correct tool for the job (Screw drivers are not chisels LOL)

Best of luck

 

[Spudnik]

Still got my first set of spanner after 30 years, think the secret is to use the correct tool for the job

And keep them close by and not let anyone else use them.

 

[Guest123]

Stanley Thermos.