new start up advice for equipment

[brucelee]

Hi to all,
I would like some advice on basically all equipment thats needed to purchase for start up, I will start with what i have.
megger 1552
fluke h5 voltage kit 1000v tester
bs7671
osg
GN3
fibreglass ladders
loads of hand tools
battery drills
240v drills
extension leads
I would really appreciate if you could provide me with a big list and where best to purchase
any advice would be grateful cheers

 

[lj.l]

you've got a good bit of kit there as long as when you go to a job you can do it well and safely.Just buy new kit as and when you need it . dont need it dont buy it simple

 

[ghost]

Only you know how you work. You will know you are missing something when you go to get it from your van, and it's not there. Just think about the kit you used when you worked for a company.

 

[rocker]

Depends what is included in those hand tools. Ratchet crimpers for example are essential, but anyone who has not worked with a spark even knows what they are.

I'm a cheap sod, but one thing I have found invaluable is an angle grinder. Done my fair share of chasing with scutch or bolster chisel and its a nightmare. A grinder is probably 50 times faster; even a cheapo one is good. If you get one though, make absolutely sure you've got glasses (it's not big and it's not clever, macho man!) and a decent dust mask, unless you want to die from tubercolosis, consumption and every other 19th century illlness.....

 

[bugsy]

You sem to have most of thr basic kit.
Have got hole saws 20mm/25mm32mm/50mm ( to start with )
Flat or Auger bits 10mm/15mm/20mm/25/
Floor board lifter ( if your domestic )
Wrecking bar
Jig Saw
Heavy duty Staple gun
Set of Fish Rods.
Small and large Steps
Socket Set ( metric and imperial)
Grinder
Tester Tester kit ( you know the test box )
Good Battary touch

Than ADD as you require , its normally the little things that catch you (box lug threader )

 

[brucelee]

You sem to have most of thr basic kit.
Have got hole saws 20mm/25mm32mm/50mm ( to start with )
Flat or Auger bits 10mm/15mm/20mm/25/
Floor board lifter ( if your domestic )
Wrecking bar
Jig Saw
Heavy duty Staple gun
Set of Fish Rods.
Small and large Steps
Socket Set ( metric and imperial)
Grinder
Tester Tester kit ( you know the test box )
Good Battary touch

Than ADD as you require , its normally the little things that catch you (box lug threader )

cheers for reply bugsy,
i have most basic tools some ive had years some new, i am going to start out doing domestic but hope to eventually do some small commercial. i have no intentions of ever doing industrial, i have been involved in electrical installation for 24 yrs on and off but been out of work as my partner was left disabled 5 yrs ago and as a result i had to be her carer. i have always been interested with electrics and over the last few years wanted to get back into it but could not return to college because of commitments i did a apprenticeship but never completed it, worked doing new build for years upto last recession. then did some rewires little commercial and maintainance inc electrics in a commercial premises. so i paid private last yar at great expense to my family for 2382-10,2377,2393 and logic full scope part p i have also just enrolled for 2391 at bury college in march but it looks a harder course than i have done so far. I have been hitting the books but its no as good as being involved practically and learning from someone direct. I will just have to study hard and cross me fingers,as for tools i have most of what you have recommended apart from
fish rods
small steps i have large fibreglass youngman
i need a new laptop as my desktop crashed and burned so using daughters notebook
when you say tester/test box i have fluke t5-1000 but need a proving unit
The reason i have asked about whats needed is i might be eligible for a grant and have to write a big list of equipment, how much and where from. thanks mate much appreciated i need all advice i can get just want do everything right from start cheers mate

you've got a good bit of kit there as long as when you go to a job you can do it well and safely.Just buy new kit as and when you need it . dont need it dont buy it simple

Cheers mate for post

Depends what is included in those hand tools. Ratchet crimpers for example are essential, but anyone who has not worked with a spark even knows what they are.

I'm a cheap sod, but one thing I have found invaluable is an angle grinder. Done my fair share of chasing with scutch or bolster chisel and its a nightmare. A grinder is probably 50 times faster; even a cheapo one is good. If you get one though, make absolutely sure you've got glasses (it's not big and it's not clever, macho man!) and a decent dust mask, unless you want to die from tubercolosis, consumption and every other 19th century illlness.....

cheers mate i do already have a small grinder is this how you score your chases. what if you doing a house thats lived in its a bit dusty i was taught old way lump hammer and chisel or with kango ,but will be trying your method as it will deffo be quicker thought of buying a wall chaser do you know if they any good or not thans for your help mate

thanks to all who as taken the time to post i have to get as much of a idea as whats needed as i am applying for a grant as part of start up
i need lots of info on what to buy and where from is best
i also need a van/insurance, pli , accounting software maybe sage as well yet by the time i have finished will have cost me in the region of £9000 maybe a lot when its coming from family and self. it cost me £4020 for 6 week course and i am going doing 2391 at bury college in march so a lot to learn and more cost. once again thanks for giving your time with the replies cheers to all

 

[bugsy]

cheers for reply bugsy,
i have most basic tools some ive had years some new, i am going to start out doing domestic but hope to eventually do some small commercial. i have no intentions of ever doing industrial, i have been involved in electrical installation for 24 yrs on and off but been out of work as my partner was left disabled 5 yrs ago and as a result i had to be her carer. i have always been interested with electrics and over the last few years wanted to get back into it but could not return to college because of commitments i did a apprenticeship but never completed it, worked doing new build for years upto last recession. then did some rewires little commercial and maintainance inc electrics in a commercial premises. so i paid private last yar at great expense to my family for 2382-10,2377,2393 and logic full scope part p i have also just enrolled for 2391 at bury college in march but it looks a harder course than i have done so far. I have been hitting the books but its no as good as being involved practically and learning from someone direct. I will just have to study hard and cross me fingers,as for tools i have most of what you have recommended apart from
fish rods
small steps i have large fibreglass youngman
i need a new laptop as my desktop crashed and burned so using daughters notebook
when you say tester/test box i have fluke t5-1000 but need a proving unit
The reason i have asked about whats needed is i might be eligible for a grant and have to write a big list of equipment, how much and where from. thanks mate much appreciated i need all advice i can get just want do everything right from start cheers mate


Cheers mate for post


cheers mate i do already have a small grinder is this how you score your chases. what if you doing a house thats lived in its a bit dusty i was taught old way lump hammer and chisel or with kango ,but will be trying your method as it will deffo be quicker thought of buying a wall chaser do you know if they any good or not thans for your help mate

thanks to all who as taken the time to post i have to get as much of a idea as whats needed as i am applying for a grant as part of start up
i need lots of info on what to buy and where from is best
i also need a van/insurance, pli , accounting software maybe sage as well yet by the time i have finished will have cost me in the region of £9000 maybe a lot when its coming from family and self. it cost me £4020 for 6 week course and i am going doing 2391 at bury college in march so a lot to learn and more cost. once again thanks for giving your time with the replies cheers to all

I would'nt bother with sage just yet . you can create most of your own spread sheets and link them thruogh excel , if you make time once a week to do your books you won't go far wrong .
iF YOUR GOING TO DO COMMERCIALS I WOULD REGISTER FOR VAT

 

[Davey101]

leads, lights and torches.
Decent workwear (I'm a bit of a Snickers fanboy)
Circular saw, jigsaw, drills etc.
2 or 3 different levels, a laser level will be handy.
Rods are a MUST, you'll be messing about with bits of YT2 if you dont get some. You dont need the 60 quid set either, cheaper should be ok if you treat them right.
Handwash, first aid kit, wetwipes.
A diary, paper pads, folders, pens, pencils etc. Don't get writing important stuff on the back of todays Sun, you will regret it
A decent size van, racked out.
Organise your kit properly, get a large tool box such as a roll along Stanley to keep your drills and bigger stuff in, and a decent box for everday stuff.
Short steps, there's nothing worse than trying to get a great big pair into someones kitchen

As for chasing walls, I usually have to rough it at work, but for my house I hired a proper wall chaser+ hoover, it was brilliant, as long as you hold it properly, there's virtually no dust at all.

 

[bugsy]

how big is your van bruce!

 

[lj.l]

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

 

[Davey101]

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

Using lid can be a nightmare although is usually ok for fishing under floorboards (what, no clips?), I've had to do it for years before rods were invented, rods are MUCH easier.

 

[brucelee]

I would'nt bother with sage just yet . you can create most of your own spread sheets and link them thruogh excel , if you make time once a week to do your books you won't go far wrong .
iF YOUR GOING TO DO COMMERCIALS I WOULD REGISTER FOR VAT

cheers bugsy,
i thought of getting basic sage as you can use all this for qoutes, invoices,reciepts and it stores client details etc thanks for your help mate have been looking at wether to be sole trader or ltd company

leads, lights and torches.
Decent workwear (I'm a bit of a Snickers fanboy)
Circular saw, jigsaw, drills etc.
2 or 3 different levels, a laser level will be handy.
Rods are a MUST, you'll be messing about with bits of YT2 if you dont get some. You dont need the 60 quid set either, cheaper should be ok if you treat them right.
Handwash, first aid kit, wetwipes.
A diary, paper pads, folders, pens, pencils etc. Don't get writing important stuff on the back of todays Sun, you will regret it
A decent size van, racked out.
Organise your kit properly, get a large tool box such as a roll along Stanley to keep your drills and bigger stuff in, and a decent box for everday stuff.
Short steps, there's nothing worse than trying to get a great big pair into someones kitchen

As for chasing walls, I usually have to rough it at work, but for my house I hired a proper wall chaser+ hoover, it was brilliant, as long as you hold it properly, there's virtually no dust at all.

Cheers davey,
for your input i have a lot of what you have stated exept laser level, rods,small steps got 6 step youngman and 3.5m extension ladder not got first aid kit and as for the stationary and all the above i can claim a grant for most of it and i have bought some already but i am going to use the grant for main stuff like laptop or desktop, printer, basic stock,and main items of equipment. I have been writing a long list and have to state where i am getting it from,how much and if possible show them a picture for photocopying. Its a bit of a pain but if it gets me £2000 of grant its worth it
i have money for van i want to spend between £2000 and £3000 and if possible get a ex gas van or bt as they are mostly already kitted out but a good reliable van is no1 priority as me brother can get it racked out for me. I am debating between a renault kango,citroen berlingo,or ford transit connect a trasit would be better but i thought start small first to see how it goes as its costing a fortune and there is no guarantees but just want to start small see how it goes mate thanks for your help mate

dont need any fancy pc programs (sage) ms works works well for me (mrs actually). also you can be suprised how much you can improvise when in dire need .mini trunking lid works as well as fish rods,tho rods do look more professional and the client always looks on amazed

cheers mate used mini trunking lid myself but am fairly good at fishing cable through on its own plenty practice when i worked newbuid rewires etc i am going to get some of them rods as sometimes on your jack its a bit of a pain running up and down to check wire is through where there is a will there is a way lol nothing impossible but sometimes i wonder haha when im cursing

 

[garyinderby]

cant remember but has anyone mentioned knee pads?

Gary

 

[MarcT]

we found Quickbooks to be good value for money. Another godsend of a tool (especially in this age) is an earth leakage clamp meter

 

[brucelee]

cheers marc t
my mate who started limited also uses quckbooks, he got it through banking with barclays its just like sage in it eg does your qoutes, invoices, reciepts etc but he pays about £20 a month to barclays for this. does anyone know the best business bank account to use a lot are offering free banking for so long e.g. 12, 18 month etc but only ones i seen that are offering for life are alliance and leicster and abbey all part of santander but if ya dont pay a grand a month in then there is a £5 charge anyone direct me to a good business bank cheers

 

[garyinderby]

Hi Bruce

im with HSBC cant fault them.

Gary

 

[brucelee]

Hi Bruce

im with HSBC cant fault them.

Gary

hi mate do they do free banking ie for paying in cash, cheques etc

 

[garyinderby]

only for the first 18months. but hey better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

 

[brucelee]

yep it is do they have a minimum amount you have to pay in each month

 

[garyinderby]

none that im aware of.

 

[Jason Smith]

I would say slow down mate, and build your toools as you build your business, but if you got a major amount of moneycoming in from a grant, then with money, buy the most expensive items your gonns need, you may not have big lumps of money available again for a while- may of already been covered b ut get your tester, 600 + a good earth leakage clamp meter 250+ an angle drill 160 + a good set of sds drills, the meter long ones, (lots of old stone cottages here ) . All the rest will be general tools, however, there are tools out there that are make life so easy, pair of trunking cutters- fabulous- no more hacksaws, Do9nt forget a decent headlight is a must - speleo are a fishing tackle manufacture and they know the biz. Heavy batteries on a belt but eight hours fab light. I have two, at 60 quid each, but quality counts, only problem is the grey wire to the headlight from the battery, when decommisioning inn a loft I plumged myself into darkness having cut my own headlight wire te he -

 

[brucelee]

I would say slow down mate, and build your toools as you build your business, but if you got a major amount of moneycoming in from a grant, then with money, buy the most expensive items your gonns need, you may not have big lumps of money available again for a while- may of already been covered b ut get your tester, 600 + a good earth leakage clamp meter 250+ an angle drill 160 + a good set of sds drills, the meter long ones, (lots of old stone cottages here ) . All the rest will be general tools, however, there are tools out there that are make life so easy, pair of trunking cutters- fabulous- no more hacksaws, Do9nt forget a decent headlight is a must - speleo are a fishing tackle manufacture and they know the biz. Heavy batteries on a belt but eight hours fab light. I have two, at 60 quid each, but quality counts, only problem is the grey wire to the headlight from the battery, when decommisioning inn a loft I plumged myself into darkness having cut my own headlight wire te he -

cheers mate
i have got megger 1552
fluke t5-1000
socket checkers
battery drills
power drills but want a new sds one any suggestions
t5 has small clamp meter but want a better one that measures over 100A any suggestions
when you say angle drill what kind
i have grinder
circular saw/jigsaws 110v and 230v
need some new drill bits as you have suggested some of mine a bit burnt out
i get one of them headlights as well they be handy
i need new desktop pc or laptop
all in one printer are laser better than inkjet cost wise
need van any ideas of a good one ie citroen berlingo/ renault kango/ transit connect ex gas with racking a roofrack one of them tube carriers etc insurance
pli is that about £100 for £2 million liability and eventually indemnity insurance for PIRs
lots to do and organize basically so i appreciate the help off you and everyone else cheers mate


i

 

[Davey101]

cheers mate
i have got megger 1552
fluke t5-1000
socket checkers
battery drills
power drills but want a new sds one any suggestions
t5 has small clamp meter but want a better one that measures over 100A any suggestions
when you say angle drill what kind
i have grinder
circular saw/jigsaws 110v and 230v
need some new drill bits as you have suggested some of mine a bit burnt out
i get one of them headlights as well they be handy
i need new desktop pc or laptop
all in one printer are laser better than inkjet cost wise
need van any ideas of a good one ie citroen berlingo/ renault kango/ transit connect ex gas with racking a roofrack one of them tube carriers etc insurance
pli is that about £100 for £2 million liability and eventually indemnity insurance for PIRs
lots to do and organize basically so i appreciate the help off you and everyone else cheers mate


i

Defo get an SDS drill, there's no way you want to be messing about with a hammer drill, leave them for the DIYers

Dont buy a Dell PC, you dont want to be on the phone to India for an hour
Most people I know agree that you want a Transit/Vivaro size van. Its surprising how quickly you fill up a smaller van.

 

[Jason Smith]

CD marker pens ! write what you want on a cable and it wont come off.- Saves running up the stairs with a wander lead (Kewtech the best- Have you got one, along with a socket interface adaptor ?) Biro is very good on cable as well, however cd marker pen can take some rough handling before it comes off.

 

[brucelee]

Defo get an SDS drill, there's no way you want to be messing about with a hammer drill, leave them for the DIYers

Dont buy a Dell PC, you dont want to be on the phone to India for an hour
Most people I know agree that you want a Transit/Vivaro size van. Its surprising how quickly you fill up a smaller van.

cheers mate
thanks for post was thinking of getting a small van ie renault kango,citroen berlingo or transit connect preferably ex british gas or similar. i know its harder to get all stuff in but dont want to get a larger van until i get going proper but i will have a look about im deffo getting a sds drill and was wondering wether i should get a 230v one at first then a 110v if i get some site work or similar wot do you think which is best mate thanks again

 

[dufjax]

Natwest also do 2 years FREE banking
NatWest - Two years' free business banking


Abbey do free day-to-day banking
Although we were with abbey for years then they kept messing us about and charging us for various things which we'd never agreed to.

Switcher Bank Account


Alliance & Leicester
Do the same - They're the same as abbey, both owned by some spanish bloke.

HSBC are very good
I can't fault them

• HSBC - 18 months
• Barclays - 12 months
• Lloyds TSB - 18 months
• Co-operative Bank - 18 months

Hope that's a help

Jim

cheers mate
thanks for post was thinking of getting a small van ie renault kango,citroen berlingo or transit connect preferably ex british gas or similar. i know its harder to get all stuff in but dont want to get a larger van until i get going proper but i will have a look about im deffo getting a sds drill and was wondering wether i should get a 230v one at first then a 110v if i get some site work or similar wot do you think which is best mate thanks again

The SDS thing depends on what sort of job's you intend to be doing, if you just intend to work on your own (ie not with builders, chippys etc) then 230v with be fine. Althought I'm sure some one mentioned that under the CDM or EAWR you should only use 110v

If you are working with builders and the like then 110v is the way to go.. It just means getting a lad to just the yellow box everywhere for you.

Jim

 

[dolomite]

Hi all!!

If you join the Federation Of Small Businesses, FSB, you can get a business bank account with the Co-operative bank for free as long as you stay a member. You can pay in up to £5k am month cash I think and no charge for cheques. If there's no branch near you you can just nominate to use your local Post Office.
Works all the same as normal bank, online and all. I've been using them for a while and can't complain at all!!

There's loads of other benifits of joining the FSB as well. Look at the portable card machine prices if you're interested for example.

Sounds like an advert, I know. But I've found them well worth the membership fee!! Think thats about £120n per year.

Have a look at Home page of the Federation of Small Businesses - FSB - The UKs Leading Business Organisation

Hope this helps

Dolomite

 

[SirKit Breaker]

DONT waste your cash on flat and auger bits, total dogbite. Get some Irwin spiral bits, about £35 a set from screwfix.......they are the dogs and last ages, Auger and Flat bits one nail and they are done.

You didnt mention other essentials, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, mugs and kettle

 

[brucelee]

cheers sirkit breaker
ive looked at them as when i used to work on site augers were knackered after one nail like you say we used to spend half of time trying to sharpen em up anybody know which van i should get .i think its better to start with if i get a small van to see how things go and keep expenses down a bit.
which printer should i get a laser or inkjet i want a all in one printer/fax/copier/scanner thanks to everyone for all the useful posts as i am racking me brains to work out what i need. I also about to start 2391-10 course on march 9th been hitting the books hard as it looks a lot harder than other exams i done so i am reading. osg,gn3,bs7671,buiding regs,etc etc and doing the exam success its helped me a bit with how to answer questions but a little confusing when it comes to explaining a test sequence when writing a detailed answer it has o mention of safe isolation with a approved gs38 voltage indicator and proving unit when stating a test say for insulation resistance or any other anyone clear this up please thanks again to all

 

[Davey101]

cheers mate
thanks for post was thinking of getting a small van ie renault kango,citroen berlingo or transit connect preferably ex british gas or similar. i know its harder to get all stuff in but dont want to get a larger van until i get going proper but i will have a look about im deffo getting a sds drill and was wondering wether i should get a 230v one at first then a 110v if i get some site work or similar wot do you think which is best mate thanks again

Sorry, missed this post.

Not sure about the 240/110 question to be honest. I've only ever had a 110v drill, it suits me, as most of my work is on site. Saying that, the amount of times I have cursed my transformer for being so heavy when I've been carrying my tools, drill, tranny etc into someones house suggests that a 240v would be a better option.

Getting off the fence, I would say if you are only doing domestic, you defo should buy 240v kit.

We have 'connects' on our firm, they are very reliable, and nice to drive. Bit on the small side though. Some of ours have a side door, others dont.

Good luck.

Edit- I still call it 240, and will do until my meters start reading otherwise

 

[andekoch]

HP all in one printers are bery reliable. mine is 7 yrs old now and works very very hard. Quickbooks does a free copy (with a some limits but good enough to start with) that said excel works fine for me.

definately work trouses with get knee pads (far better that jeans and look more professional) and a first aid kit plus thin gloves and clear glasses.

230V sds drill and a good battery drill (plus good quality bits, chisels and hole saws) are your every day tools not to mention the tester (multi plus voltage) and basis hand tools, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers side cutters, floorboard lifter, stanley knife, crimper, cable rods, hacksaw, pad saw, jig saw and circ saw, ladder, you may consider a core drill and cores but these can wait until you know how things are going.
dont forget:
pc, printer, biz cards, NIC/ elecsa etc membership, insurance

elsewhere on this forum is a good list of tools so do a quick search.

 

[brucelee]

HP all in one printers are bery reliable. mine is 7 yrs old now and works very very hard. Quickbooks does a free copy (with a some limits but good enough to start with) that said excel works fine for me.

definately work trouses with get knee pads (far better that jeans and look more professional) and a first aid kit plus thin gloves and clear glasses.

230V sds drill and a good battery drill (plus good quality bits, chisels and hole saws) are your every day tools not to mention the tester (multi plus voltage) and basis hand tools, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers side cutters, floorboard lifter, stanley knife, crimper, cable rods, hacksaw, pad saw, jig saw and circ saw, ladder, you may consider a core drill and cores but these can wait until you know how things are going.
dont forget:
pc, printer, biz cards, NIC/ elecsa etc membership, insurance

elsewhere on this forum is a good list of tools so do a quick search.

cheers mate,
i have most of what you suggested when you say hp all in one is it a laser or inkjet as ive been told to get a laser as inkjet cost more for ink,i have ,megger 1552,fluke t5-1000,socket and see adapters and socket tester
loads of basic hand tools,1000v sidecutters,screwdrivers etc
need cable rods
first aid kit
sds drill
need either quickbooks or sage
pli
van and insurance
desktop or laptop not sure which to get
printer all in one
toolbelt
biz cards
a miracle etc etc
thanks for your post mate just in middle of compiling alist of essential things as i can get a grant for upto £2000 but have to say what i want,where from and how much and have some kind of proof to show this ie srewfix catologue or cpc product catologue, basic stock am i better getting a account at a electrical traders or from the likes of screwfix
the list is endless