What will I need for new build work?

[WarwickApp]

Hi guys. I’ve been offered some price work on new build homes installation work. The prices seem quite good, I reckon once I’m up to pace I could clear £200 a day on the first fixes.

I’ve built up quite a selection of tools over my time but just wondering if there’s any bits any of you new build sparks use on a day to day that you wouldn’t normally expect?

also, any pros & cons to new build work?

cheers guys

 

[Dustydazzler]

Laser level on a tripod for marking out sockets , lights etc

box sinker for soft block walls

 

[PEG]

Hi,i suppose it depends on the type of properties,and if you are working alone or not.

If it is a new customer,i would be looking for a calibrated test device.....to scan them for any signs of unreliability ?

 

[LukeD]

Laser level as mentioned . Knee pads and knee pads again. Dont ---- you knees up like most of us have ! And as it site work.... Buy 19 more eyes to keep an eye on your gear

 

[WarwickApp]

Laser level on a tripod for marking out sockets , lights etc

box sinker for soft block walls

Never thought of a box sinker, cracking idea. Thanks bud

 

[Mike Johnson]

Multi tool for the plasterboard cutouts and a Jokari T&E stripper tool, strips sheath in one movement and both cables in another: https://uk.farnell.com/jokari/t20030/wire-stripper-automatic-flat-cable/dp/7225740?gclid=CjwKCAjwmv or these: C.K Wire Stripper 10¼ - https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-wire-stripper-10-265mm/97204

The Jokari will get inside back boxes and are a wonderful time saver, but shop around they are cheaper even on Amazon.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Apprentice/labourer to do all the hard work!

 

[Mike Johnson]

I think you mean "Apprentice/labourer to do all the dirty and hard work oh and make the tea, do out for smokes, get the McDonalds etc, but make sure they don't own a mobile phone or its switched off.

 

[littlespark]

I’d want more than £200 a day...

 

[pc1966]

Multi tool for the plasterboard cutouts and a Jokari T&E stripper tool, strips sheath in one movement and both cables in another: https://uk.farnell.com/jokari/t20030/wire-stripper-automatic-flat-cable/dp/7225740 or these: C.K Wire Stripper 10¼ - https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-wire-stripper-10-265mm/97204

I have the CK one and it does a great job of stripping T&E. But the utterly pointless crimp bits in the handles tends to bit you palms if not really careful!

I would be tempted to get the Jokari T&E instead, but I don't know how it feels to be able to say one way or another.

Or get the cheaper CK one and angle-grind those bits off!

 

[Mike Johnson]

The problem with the CK is it will not get far enough into a backbox to strip the sheath and as you say it bites, ? the Jokari on the other hand will strip T&E up to about 5/10mm from the back of the box so is more useful insitu and much faster when stripping both cores after stripping the sheath.

 

[Pete999]

Hi guys. I’ve been offered some price work on new build homes installation work. The prices seem quite good, I reckon once I’m up to pace I could clear £200 a day on the first fixes.

I’ve built up quite a selection of tools over my time but just wondering if there’s any bits any of you new build sparks use on a day to day that you wouldn’t normally expect?

also, any pros & cons to new build work?

cheers guys

t/The ability to deal with all weather conditions, people who don't care, or understand what you have to do, ignorant Spec builders,

 

[loz2754]

The problem with the CK is it will not get far enough into a backbox to strip the sheath and as you say it bites, ? the Jokari on the other hand will strip T&E up to about 5/10mm from the back of the box so is more useful insitu and much faster when stripping both cores after stripping the sheath.

I have these Jokari strippers and the CK strippers. The CK have longer handles and easier to operate, so I use these most of the time.
The Jokari are great for getting right into back boxes as Mike says.

 

[SJD]

Get a separate tool bag/box just for first fix work, so you can leave any expensive tools (laser measure, torque screwdriver, etc) in the van or at home. And with a lid/cover so other trades can't easily see what is in there, in case they just want to borrow (and misuse) a nice VDE screwdriver etc.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Keep your tool box closed and locked, it can be a nuisance, but very difficult to say no when someone says can I just borrow this and they already have it in their hand, ask them where their own tools are and add "I wish to know so I can borrow some of yours when I need too" can't emphasise enough don't lend out tools, they never come back in the same condition if at all.