Tools to get started

[RDB85]

I’m looking to buy some tools, I’ve got a 12v Dewalt Combi Drill, and Impact Driver, plus some Dewalt Drill Bits and Impact Screw Driver bits. I also got a really good deal on a Knipex Plier set.

My thinking is that if I get an apprenticeship or training, then I at least have some tools. Main ones I don’t think I can afford right now are an SDS and Multifunctional Tester, but I’m not in a position to do my Testing and Inspection yet, I’m planning on doing that after my Level 3. But it would be good practice to get familiar with one.

So what would you recommend?

 

[buzzlightyear]

So what would you recommend

a shovel & pick .strip paint to mark your tools and don't forget the Stanley new glass hammer.

 

[Octopus]

screwdrivers .........

Sets - http://cktools-superstore.co.uk/CK-Electricians-Tools/Screwdrivers/Sets

 

['mr2'gd4u]

Basic hand tools? Hammer, chisel..
A set of spirit levels. The list could be very extensive.

 

[buzzlightyear]

spirit bottles . The list could be very extensive.

corrected that for you .

 

['mr2'gd4u]

My mistake!

 

[RDB85]

screwdrivers .........

Sets - http://cktools-superstore.co.uk/CK-Electricians-Tools/Screwdrivers/Sets

Which ones would you recommend? I’ve seen Whia in Screwfix but I’m no expert.

 

[Octopus]

Which ones would you recommend? I’ve seen Whia in Screwfix but I’m no expert.

I've used CK for a long time .......... don't buy cheap is my advice.

 

[RDB85]

I've used CK for a long time .......... don't buy cheap is my advice.

I can believe that, in that link you sent there is a few, so I’m not sure the difference, and what to get. Thanks

 

[telectrix]

WIHA, WERA and CK all good for drivers. there's also Bahco, but they are sometimes too long for some applications.for starting out, though. I'd look at the wickes set of drivers. a lot less money for a trade-off in a bit of quality.

 

[Octopus]

I can believe that, in that link you sent there is a few, so I’m not sure the difference, and what to get. Thanks

Start off by buying one of the sets at the top ......... to suit your budget....

Bottom line if that tools are essential and buying goods ones important ........... buy wisely ......... even of it means missing out on a pint or 3!

 

[RDB85]

Thanks, I will have a look at those screwdrivers. Any other recommendations for tools?

 

[Michael Sands]

Keep an eye on Screwfix they sell whia sets for half price twice a year about £12-14

 

[MJPD29]

You might not even need an mft and ads if the company you work for supply them, concentrate on the hand tools first

 

[rapparee]

Wiha screwdrivers are what I use.


You will also need a hacksaw and measuring tape.


When you say you got knipex pliers, did you get gland pliers?

 

[RDB85]

Wiha screwdrivers are what I use.


You will also need a hacksaw and measuring tape.


When you say you got knipex pliers, did you get gland pliers?

This is the Knipex set: KNIPEX 26 16 200 €“ Needle Nose Pliers With Cutting Edge VDE Tested | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/KNIPEX-26-16-200-%C3%82-Needle-Nose-Pliers-With-Cutting-Edge-VDE-Tested/28019048214?iid=112579887563&chn=ps

 

[telectrix]

gland pliers. he needs bahco for that. they don't slip and pierce your skin.

 

[telectrix]

gland pliers. he needs bahco for that. they don't slip and pierce your skin. and as for sidecutters and pliers, bahco or NWS are my choice weapon.

 

[RDB85]

These okay: https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/nws-classic-plus-water-pump-pliers-240mm/1428g

 

[RDB85]

Also, would anyone be able to recommend a good tool bag, please?

 

[pirate]

Kim Karda...oh, I can't spell it!

 

[telectrix]

magma tool bags and totes are mid-range value for money, and something like this is essential.
https://media.NoLinkingToThis/is/image/ae235/7027J_P?$autoprodblock$

 

[RDB85]

magma tool bags and totes are mid-range value for money, and something like this is essential.
https://media.NoLinkingToThis/is/image/ae235/7027J_P?$autoprodblock$

That looks interesting, what is it?

 

[Andy78]

That looks interesting, what is it?

Beg pardon ? What stage of your training are you at and what experience do you have ?

 

[RDB85]

Beg pardon ? What stage of your training are you at and what experience do you have ?

I’m finishing up my Level 2 course, industry experience is zero. But a quick Google search brings up a Voltage Tester. As I say I’m new to the industry.

 

[Andy78]

Well that's a voltage indicator. In your level 2 course you should have covered safe isolation procedure in both theory and practical, including the EAWR, HSE GS38, etc.

 

[RDB85]

Well that's a voltage indicator. In your level 2 course you should have covered safe isolation procedure in both theory and practical, including the EAWR, HSE GS38, etc.

We haven’t just yet, there is about 8 weeks left so we may cover it then.

 

[telectrix]

just be aware that you need 2 weeks learning to be able to do this:

 

[RDB85]

What’s the difference between the two Fluke:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/c/elect...rs/cat7910007#category=cat7910007&brand=fluke

 

[Andy78]

What’s the difference between the two Fluke:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/c/elect...rs/cat7910007#category=cat7910007&brand=fluke

£26.32

Specs listed here, but you only need a basic function for safe isolation.
You won't need one at all if you are still studying and not working alone.
T90/T110/T130/T150 Voltage and Continuity Testers - https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/product/electrical-testing/basic-testers/fluke-t90-t110-t130-t150

 

[RDB85]

£26.32

Specs listed here, but you only need a basic function for safe isolation.
You won't need one at all if you are still studying and not working alone.
T90/T110/T130/T150 Voltage and Continuity Testers - https://www.fluke.com/en-gb/product/electrical-testing/basic-testers/fluke-t90-t110-t130-t150

I may get one anyway.

 

[telectrix]

i rely on this. had it for 20 years. never failed yet. :

 

[telectrix]

and for more accurate measurement, this is the dog's bollox. and before anyone posts negative waves, mine's calibrated to July 2019.

 

[RDB85]

i rely on this. had it for 20 years. never failed yet. :

May I ask what model that is?

 

[telectrix]

fluke T3. now discontinued.

 

[Rpa07]

I’ve just bought some Bahco braces to hold up my heavy trousers - I’m quite looking forward to using them - not an essential but a couple of years down the line when you get to the end of a long day and your trousers feel like they weigh 400lb and they won’t bend at the knee to go up the ladder and you’re tripping over stuff - IS IT ONLY ME?

 

[Squid]

and for more accurate measurement, this is the dog's bollox. and before anyone posts negative waves, mine's calibrated to July 2019.

Used to test the wind up Megger testers on apprentice's ear lobes........

 

[Squid]

You need a decent set of pliers for the hard work then a "girlie" pair that floats in you hand for the easier fettling work.

 

['mr2'gd4u]

I beg to differ re not needing a voltage indicator, shouldn't Everyone ensure what they're working on is dead? Even the apprentice that been asked to work alone for an hr or so?? Never hurts!

 

[Deleted member 105166]

If you want a Fluke 2pole tester, don't pay those Screwfix prices, you can get the T110 for about £27 cheaper from reputable online dealer, less probably £6 for carriage.

 

[RDB85]

If you want a Fluke 2pole tester, don't pay those Screwfix prices, you can get the T110 for about £27 cheaper from reputable online dealer, less probably £6 for carriage.

I know Screwfix seem expensive. These have them: Fluke T110 Voltage/Continuity Tester - https://www.test-meter.co.uk/fluke-t110-voltage-continuity-tester/

 

[RDB85]

Just ordered the Fluke, anything else in particular, I’ve got a 16oz Hammer, some assorted sized Spirit Levels, Junior Hacksaw, Electricians Knife, Waterpump Pliers, Socket Tester, Voltage Pen and Whia Screwdrivers.

 

[telectrix]

you need 2 pairs of grips. then a couple of pairs of snips. an adjustable spanner is also useful.

 

[pirate]

Tel, that Avo is a thing of beauty!

 

[rapparee]

Just ordered the Fluke, anything else in particular, I’ve got a 16oz Hammer, some assorted sized Spirit Levels, Junior Hacksaw, Electricians Knife, Waterpump Pliers, Socket Tester, Voltage Pen and Whia Screwdrivers.

I'm more of a multimeter kind of guy.

Did you get yourself a measuring tape?

Your coming along nicely.

Wait until you start working, whenever you find yourself borrowing something twice, make a mental note, to buy one this weekend. That's how I built up my collection.

 

[Squid]

Magnetic type ratchet screw driver with varying bits is also handy to have, photo posted up for referance.

 

[Squid]

Allen keys are handy to have, try to get a Halfords discount card as well.

 

[RDB85]

Shall I get another Whia set as I ordered the Slim ones: https://www.NoLinkingToThis/c/tools/screwdrivers/cat9780002?brand=wiha

There is a tenner off them at the moment.

 

[telectrix]

i have this set.

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/wiha-slimvario-vde-screwdriver-set-16-pieces/1054g

best thing is that you can buy extra bits or replacements if you damage one.

 

[RDB85]

i have this set.

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/wiha-slimvario-vde-screwdriver-set-16-pieces/1054g

best thing is that you can buy extra bits or replacements if you damage one.

That’s a good idea, also changing the heads is a great idea rather than trying to find all different screwdrivers. I may swap the slimline for them and just buy them.

I also considered: Wera 135926 Kraftform Kompakt W1 Maintenance Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TJ3J81Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7o2VBbBPDSPRM