UK Gift ideas for my boyfriend

[Lost Girlfriend]

Hi All,

My boyfriend is about to start training soon and I'd really like to get him a gift to show how proud I am of him. I'd like the gift to be useful and something he can use throughout his future career. However, I am totally clueless with this kinda thing and the more I look the more lost I am.
So I thought I'd come ask directly from people in the know.
What would you recommend? What is a must have for an electrician?
Thanks in advance.
Lost Girlfriend.

 

[James]

Amazon.co.uk

a good quality screwdriver set would make a good start to a tool kit.

 

[littlespark]

The list is endless.

Starting off, a set of insulated screwdrivers. My own are WIHA. If pockets are deep enough, then a full tool kit, with pliers, hammer, adjustable grips….


You’re going to get ten different answers from ten different people.

 

[James]

Avoid buying power tools, he will end up having a preferred make and battery’s , chargers etc can be shared between them.

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

Amazon.co.uk

a good quality screwdriver set would make a good start to a tool kit.

Thank you. I appreciate the link too as I wouldn't know where to start. Or what was good value etc.

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

The list is endless.

Starting off, a set of insulated screwdrivers. My own are WIHA. If pockets are deep enough, then a full tool kit, with pliers, hammer, adjustable grips….


You’re going to get ten different answers from ten different people.

Thank you and I don't mind a few different options especially with Xmas and birthdays coming up.
Love your little apprentice in your picture. Too cute!

 

[James]

I have many meters an other bits of test equipment
some costing thousands each.
however this is the most used and most useful one of them all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluke-voltage-circuit-T130-VDE/dp/B009Z1TVW8/ref=sr_1_22?crid=O7BMDBS957XU&keywords=Fluke+t190&qid=1697524115&sprefix=fluke+t190%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-22&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.cc223b57-2b86-485c-a85e-6431c1f06c86

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

I have many meters an other bits of test equipment
some costing thousands each.
however this is the most used and most useful one of them all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fluke-voltage-circuit-T130-VDE/dp/B009Z1TVW8/ref=sr_1_22?crid=O7BMDBS957XU&keywords=Fluke+t190&qid=1697524115&sprefix=fluke+t190%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-22&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.cc223b57-2b86-485c-a85e-6431c1f06c86

Is the case that goes with it something that is worthwhile having or does it get discarded and the tool just being in a box instead?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Decent insulated screwdriver set and a decent insulated cutters / plier set.

Wiha Wera CK are brands to look out for. look out for offers at screwfix and toolstation

 

[Mike Johnson]

He eventually will need a MFT (Multi Function tester) I recommend the Fluke as the box is substantial and will take lots of other tools in the top tray, but they are expensive, have a look on e-bay as lots of electricians upgrade their gear, if you find one ask on here if its worth what is being asked for it.

 

[littlespark]

Voltage detector ( and proving unit) is a good shout…. It shows you care about his safety, as long as he gets into the habit of using them.

An MFT, or other expensive kit will be pointless until he’s qualified and is allowed to sign off test sheets.

You should get him to join the forum…. We have a trainee section…. Where there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

 

[Rockingit]

Interesting that everyone has defaulted to tools and meters, does no-one wear trousers or read books anymore?

But yes, as others have said, a decent insulated screwdriver kit is both practical and should be a long-time investment. I still have some in use today that I bought with my first apprentice wages - and that was a LONG time ago!!

 

[Mike Johnson]

An MFT, or other expensive kit will be pointless until he’s qualified and is allowed to sign off test sheets.

You should get him to join the forum…. We have a trainee section…. Where there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Is it ever too early to learn using an MFT?

 

[diditrain]

You can tell us, how much you want to spend on him. We won’t tell him.

 

[James]

You could get him a nice hat??

https://www.redbubble.com/i/hat/Save-A-Fuse-Blow-An-Electrician-by-SageTobias/103451376.9AAXL

 

[littlespark]

Interesting that everyone has defaulted to tools and meters, does no-one wear trousers or read books anymore?

Funny you should say that.

My first thought was to link to my Collection thread….. That’s where all my gift money goes.

 

[nicebutdim]

Interesting that everyone has defaulted to tools and meters, does no-one wear trousers or read books anymore?

I was thinking of stuff that would be with him for years. Test gear fails and needs to be replaced. Screwdrivers wear out.

I guess other stuff gets lost though, so hard to think of anything that might last for years.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I was thinking of stuff that would be with him for years. Test gear fails and needs to be replaced. Screwdrivers wear out.

I guess other stuff gets lost though, so hard to think of anything that might last for years.

I have an old red stanley tool box been with me from day one on the tools , I just keep junk tools in it now but it has stood the test of time.

 

[7029 dave]

Yeah tools are a good choice still have some of mine the very first few I bought not used much these days 44 years old they are.

 

[marconi]

Colleagues - DO NOT GO THERE PLEASE - I suggest a set of good quality, effective wire strippers.

▷ wire stripper review & comparison 2022 | FinalCheck - https://www.finalcheck.co.uk/wire-stripper/?channel=google&device=c&network=g&campaign=18348726850&adgroup=141756373576&target=kwd-1125887862362&ad=622298396553&position=&ad-extension=&location=9045003&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCyz7QfI_U91rmO8wM3pIZgAk6SrCL0rYhz26hTAqTZsyCELZ58c6pIaAmymEALw_wcB

I have these:

C.K Automatic Wire Stripper - https://www.toolstation.com/ck-automatic-wire-stripper/p42984?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&mkwid=_dc&pcrid=&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCzSl5yuJVf967kiLN7ZohUBzDOvfqvqzGcAdiIcJQSjebrVCDcwIsAaAnwtEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[nicebutdim]

Colleagues - DO NOT GO THERE PLEASE - I suggest a set of good quality, effective wire strippers.

Tool box advice and comparisons?

 

[marconi]

Tool box advice and comparisons?

Bl..dy brilliant humour. You have missed your true vocation as a live comedian.

PS: My sister runs a comedy club in South London. If/when they have a debut comedian night do you want an invite?

 

[westward10]

Global Vans Presents... The Mercedes Vito X

Global Vans have partnered up again with our friends at PROJEX to bring you our new take on a classic van – The Mercedes-Benz Vito.

globalvans.co.uk

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

Interesting that everyone has defaulted to tools and meters, does no-one wear trousers or read books anymore?

But yes, as others have said, a decent insulated screwdriver kit is both practical and should be a long-time investment. I still have some in use today that I bought with my first apprentice wages - and that was a LONG time ago!!

Tbh books would have been my go-to but he already stocked up on those and has plenty workwear. He didn't make it easy for me.

 

[James]

Global Vans Presents... The Mercedes Vito X

Global Vans have partnered up again with our friends at PROJEX to bring you our new take on a classic van – The Mercedes-Benz Vito.

globalvans.co.uk

Westward, I so wish that you were my "GIRLFRIEND"
its certainly a nice present but a little out of 80% of the populations budget for a congratulations present.

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

You could get him a nice hat??

View attachment 111101

https://www.redbubble.com/i/hat/Save-A-Fuse-Blow-An-Electrician-by-SageTobias/103451376.9AAXL

Omg I love this . Does that give me an excuse to abstain though til he's qualified .

 

[James]

Is the case that goes with it something that is worthwhile having or does it get discarded and the tool just being in a box instead?

personally, i keep mine in my toolbox without any special case. (no innuendo intended.)

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

You can tell us, how much you want to spend on him. We won’t tell him.

Not thousands (I might save a big gift til he qualifies). I've actually gone with a set of insulated screwdrivers but he has Xmas and then a birthday coming up too so I'm happy for more ideas up to about £200 I guess?

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

Omg I love this . Does that give me an excuse to abstain though til he's qualified .

Infact I think I'll get myself a t-shirt made for when he qualifies saying 'I'm saving fuses by blowing the electrician'

 

[pc1966]

Not thousands (I might save a big gift til he qualifies). I've actually gone with a set of insulated screwdrivers but he has Xmas and then a birthday coming up too so I'm happy for more ideas up to about £200 I guess?

The big-ticket items above £200 are probably best left until he has decided on features, etc, and needs it.

For £200 or so you are probably better with a couple of smaller but useful items. @marconi suggestion of the C.K Automatic Wire Stripper is a good call for much domestic work as it does a really nest job of stripping twin-and-earth cable, only down-side is tends to bite your palms if not careful - I took an angle grinder to mine to remove the bits that bite and otherwise are pretty useless.

Obviously you should check what he as so as not to duplicate stuff! The Wera insulated screwdriver sets are also a really good call.

I would add that a proper crimp tool for common terminals is worth considering. While you can get better ones (e.g. Knipex at around x10 cost), this is a good minimum choice:

Minotaur Ratchet Crimping Tool

Tightly join two electrical wires using this latching crimping tool from Minotaur. It works by heavily compressing the materials to create a permanent bond. You can take your pick from three different settings, each designed for use with cables ranging from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² in diameter. This...

www.toolstation.com

If you want to get something safety-related then this is an essential for professional work where you can prove your voltage tester is working before using it to check if something is live or not:

4299 Proving Unit

Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters

www.cef.co.uk

As for voltage testers, you get all sorts of options and folks here will have plenty of suggestions. I have this one and it is reasonably priced, simple (so little change of errors) and so far i have not destroyed it:

VT12 Voltage / Continuity Tester

Excellent value LED voltage and continuity tester

www.cef.co.uk

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

The big-ticket items above £200 are probably best left until he has decided on features, etc, and needs it.

For £200 or so you are probably better with a couple of smaller but useful items. @marconi suggestion of the C.K Automatic Wire Stripper is a good call for much domestic work as it does a really nest job of stripping twin-and-earth cable, only down-side is tends to bit your palms if not careful - I took an angle grinder to mine to remove the bits that bits and otherwise are pretty useless.

Obviously you should check what he as so as not to duplicate stuff! The Wera insulated screwdriver sets are also a really good call.

I would add that a proper crimp tool for common terminals is worth considering. While you can get better ones (e.g. Knipex at around x10 cost), this is a good minimum choice:

Minotaur Ratchet Crimping Tool

Tightly join two electrical wires using this latching crimping tool from Minotaur. It works by heavily compressing the materials to create a permanent bond. You can take your pick from three different settings, each designed for use with cables ranging from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² in diameter. This...

www.toolstation.com

If you want to get something safety-related then this is an essential for professional work where you can prove your voltage tester is working before using it to check if something is live or not:

4299 Proving Unit

Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters

www.cef.co.uk

As for voltage testers, you get all sorts of options and folks here will have plenty of suggestions. I have this one and it is reasonably priced, simple (so little change of errors) and so far i have not destroyed it:

VT12 Voltage / Continuity Tester

Excellent value LED voltage and continuity tester

www.cef.co.uk

Amazing thank you.

 

[nicebutdim]

Bl..dy brilliant humour. You have missed your true vocation as a live comedian.

PS: My sister runs a comedy club in South London. If/when they have a debut comedian night do you want an invite?

Not sure if something has been misinterpreted or something has gone right over my head.

The big-ticket items above £200 are probably best left until he has decided on features, etc, and needs it.

For £200 or so you are probably better with a couple of smaller but useful items. @marconi suggestion of the C.K Automatic Wire Stripper is a good call for much domestic work as it does a really nest job of stripping twin-and-earth cable, only down-side is tends to bite your palms if not careful - I took an angle grinder to mine to remove the bits that bite and otherwise are pretty useless.

Obviously you should check what he as so as not to duplicate stuff! The Wera insulated screwdriver sets are also a really good call.

I would add that a proper crimp tool for common terminals is worth considering. While you can get better ones (e.g. Knipex at around x10 cost), this is a good minimum choice:

Minotaur Ratchet Crimping Tool

Tightly join two electrical wires using this latching crimping tool from Minotaur. It works by heavily compressing the materials to create a permanent bond. You can take your pick from three different settings, each designed for use with cables ranging from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² in diameter. This...

www.toolstation.com

If you want to get something safety-related then this is an essential for professional work where you can prove your voltage tester is working before using it to check if something is live or not:

4299 Proving Unit

Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters

www.cef.co.uk

As for voltage testers, you get all sorts of options and folks here will have plenty of suggestions. I have this one and it is reasonably priced, simple (so little change of errors) and so far i have not destroyed it:

VT12 Voltage / Continuity Tester

Excellent value LED voltage and continuity tester

www.cef.co.uk

A proving unit should last a long time - the very sort of thing the OP seemed to be looking for. Would be a nice starting point alongside a 2 pole tester. While most tools are important, good practices which help to avoid injury or death might be encouraged with this combination.

 

[littlespark]

Maybe a dirt cheap pair of pliers…. Because everyone starting out has cut through a live cable at some point…..




Just me then ??

 

[ferg]

Good knee pads.. and pester him in to wearing them.

 

[pc1966]

Good knee pads.. and pester him in to wearing them.

Also he should wear them to work.

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

Also he should wear them to work.

And I get to wear them when he comes home?

 

[pc1966]

And I get to wear them when he comes home?

Whatever works

 

[Lost Girlfriend]

Whatever works

They'll go well with my t-shirt James helped me design

 

[OnlQQker]

This could stop a lot of hassle with customers, and increase the chances of tea/coffee all day long!

 

[Mike Johnson]

There was a T shirt that had various explanation across the back and the cost, but can't seem to find it now, anyone?