the most important tools for starting off!

[davesparks]

Wouldn't expect a first year to be isolating anything, best thing to bring is a bit of enthusiasm! If an apprentice is keen i don't mind picking them up and lending them some of my kit! Pair of cutters, some screwdrivers, hacksaw, set square, pliers and a tape measure.

Depending on the exact situation they may need to add their own lock to the lockout. But the employer is responsible for providing all of that, the same as ppe

 

[edexlab]

I think it's a good idea to get an apprentice locking off and testing circuits, "supervised" from the early stages, always did it with the lads working with me, it breeds good habits and also shows a bit about the apprentice ie if their first thought is to get the lock off kit out ,then Imo it's no bad thing!

The majority of installation electricians I've worked alongside, never owned locks and would tape over a mcb, these lads always had tales to tell about the shocks they'd received!
Whereas I know for a fact the lads who were brought up in a culture of safe isolation very rarely get caught out!

As for tools for a first year ,domestic a good club hammer wickes do a good one which doesn't have an anvil on the end of a short stick,
Industrial a good 1/2" socket set for the smaller stuff.

 

[shanky887614]

I think it's a good idea to get an apprentice locking off and testing circuits, "supervised" from the early stages, always did it with the lads working with me, it breeds good habits and also shows a bit about the apprentice ie if their first thought is to get the lock off kit out ,then Imo it's no bad thing!

The majority of installation electricians I've worked alongside, never owned locks and would tape over a mcb, these lads always had tales to tell about the shocks they'd received!
Whereas I know for a fact the lads who were brought up in a culture of safe isolation very rarely get caught out!

As for tools for a first year ,domestic a good club hammer wickes do a good one which doesn't have an anvil on the end of a short stick,
Industrial a good 1/2" socket set for the smaller stuff.

3/8 is better, you can get the 17mm in unistrut then for doing framworks

i use a 1/4 set for everything upto 8mm bolts

 

[edexlab]

Just saw your reply shanky it was meant to be 1/4" not 1/2"

 

[Carlosfandango]

Don't forget to get your self a thick skin too! It'll help for getting a ribbing on site[emoji1]

 

[Paul.M]

Presumably this one
View attachment 29274

Is the above better than the Stanley FaxMax? The blades on mine keep on slipping out :shout:

 

[shanky887614]

Is the above better than the Stanley FaxMax? The blades on mine keep on slipping out :shout:

yes, the blade is locked till you press the button at the back to unlock it (so its at 45o) then hold the little one near the blade.

i prefer folding to sliding blades because your less likely to stab yourself

 

[Paul.M]

yes, the blade is locked till you press the button at the back to unlock it (so its at 45o) then hold the little one near the blade.

i prefer folding to sliding blades because your less likely to stab yourself

Cheers, never stabbed myself though? A few old scars on the left hand from being young and stupid! I have drilled my left leg with a 4mm drill bit down to the bone once, but that is another story.


If anyone has a FatMax Stanley knife may I ask, dose the blade fall out whilst doing a long cut, eg floor board tongue & grove/plaster board? The quick change over of blades is a great idea but when using the knife the mechanical parts inside that should hold the blade in place fails? May try an Irwin next.

 

[shanky887614]

Cheers, never stabbed myself though? A few old scars on the left hand from being young and stupid! I have drilled my left leg with a 4mm drill bit down to the bone once, but that is another story.


If anyone has a FatMax Stanley knife may I ask, dose the blade fall out whilst doing a long cut, eg floor board tongue & grove/plaster board? The quick change over of blades is a great idea but when using the knife the mechanical parts inside that should hold the blade in place fails? May try an Irwin next.

if you have the knife straight as to cut something you cant get the blade out on the irwin

 

[Paul.M]

if you have the knife straight as to cut something you cant get the blade out on the irwin

I'll get an Irwin at the wholesalers on Monday, the FatMax ones are rubbish. Thanks.

 

[shanky887614]

I'll get an Irwin at the wholesalers on Monday, the FatMax ones are rubbish. Thanks.

don't pay more than £15 inc vat

(12.95 on amazon for example)

 

[Mike Blair]

Presumably this one
View attachment 29274

i cut my hand open with something similar to this blade holder opened and in went the blade

 

[shanky887614]

i cut my hand open with something similar to this blade holder opened and in went the blade

how? are you the reasons Stanleys are banned on some sites?

 

[Mike Blair]

hahaha! just to heavy handed or unlucky haha

 

[rick]

I would add a pair of safety glasses and wear them whenever anything could potentially fly, pop, or spring off. Expect some people to take the mick, but you only get one pair of eyes.

 

[RyanCheetham]

yes, the blade is locked till you press the button at the back to unlock it (so its at 45o) then hold the little one near the blade.

i prefer folding to sliding blades because your less likely to stab yourself

Cheers, never stabbed myself though? A few old scars on the left hand from being young and stupid! I have drilled my left leg with a 4mm drill bit down to the bone once, but that is another story.


If anyone has a FatMax Stanley knife may I ask, dose the blade fall out whilst doing a long cut, eg floor board tongue & grove/plaster board? The quick change over of blades is a great idea but when using the knife the mechanical parts inside that should hold the blade in place fails? May try an Irwin next.

I have the both Fatmax knives, the twin blade and the single. The single has no issues but the twin blade often lets go of of the left side blade which is very annoying

 

[Marc Lajevardi]

we are doing safe isolation at college at the minute so doing it on site would actually be pretty useful, as we all know doing it on paper and doing it in real life is completely different, i wish most of you were my gaffs, literally had to buy everything myself, including a van! I'm also 25 and ive been an apprentice before so skin is more than capable of handling banter ha

 

[Marc Lajevardi]

I would add a pair of safety glasses and wear them whenever anything could potentially fly, pop, or spring off. Expect some people to take the mick, but you only get one pair of eyes.

good shout thanks

 

[Phil L]

Irwin knife £8.50 +vat in travis Perkins