Tools/Testers/Equipment

ben5029 · Jun 6, 2012

Hi all,I'm in the early stages of training and I've been trying to find out what hand tools/power tools/testers I would need for when I'm trading as an electrician?I'm trying to get a rough idea of exactly what I need so I can start to acquire things gradually ready for when I qualify.I know this might seem like a daft question but I've not had any luck finding out, so I thought I'd ask the experts

Any help would be fantastic!Thanks,Ben

Richard Burns · Jun 7, 2012

Try these threads

http://www.electriciansforums.net/electrical-tools-products/22042-help-buying-first-set-tools.html

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...t-somebody-nearly-through-2330-level-2-a.html

http://www.electriciansforums.net/electrical-tools-products/43124-tools-toolls-tools.html

They may give you an idea of what you need, remember the requirements will be different if you are employed as an apprentice, working for yourself or working as a contractor.

Get the main basics first but do not overdo spending money, if later you have a look round a job that needs a specific tool that you may well use in the future buy it then. This way you have not spent £4000 on tools most of which you will never need.
Do not buy the cheapest stuff but unless you have lots of money do not buy the most expensive, some not so expensive tools will last a long time, some that you use constantly will wear out fast and you will then need to upgrade. Remember that the customer/employer expects you to have all the tools you need fully working every time.

ben5029 · Jun 7, 2012

Thanks for that, I've had a good look through the links and it looks like I've got some research to do into testers and everything else.

Thanks again for your help Richard

mickys86 · Jun 7, 2012

Have you got an apprenticeship or someone to help train you? The way I did it is I bought some cheap basics to get me started - screwdrivers cutters pliers hammer
And then each week I would buy a new tool, when I borrowed a tool from my boss I would go out and get one.

trev · Jun 7, 2012

I'd start with a decent set of drivers and a good pair of cutters. After having a load of gear nicked a few years back and being pretty skint at the time I bought a set of (I think) Draper drivers from Wickes, I got everything I needed for about £20 thinking they'd last me a few weeks but was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. Obviously they wern't as good as some brands I could name but they'd be a great place for you to start building from