Starting out tools list

[Sussex2016]

Hi I am about to begin an apprenticeship with a local company. I need to build up a basic tool collection but will need to start from scratch. ive found one overall CK set and wondered if anyone had any experience or advice on the kit.
many thanks

Junior hacksaw, 7.5m (25') ST tape measure, electricians knife, automatic wire stripper, 210mm (8¼") pocket level, VDE 125-250V AC mains tester, 16oz claw hammer, M3.5 x 6" rethreading tool, Redline VDE 185mm combination pliers, 175mm snipe nose pliers, 160mm combi-cutter, 7 x Dextro VDE screwdrivers (2 x Slotted (2.5 x 75 and 4 x 100mm), 2 x Phillips (#1 x 80 and #2 x 100mm), 2 x Pozi (#1 x 80 and #2 x 100) and 2 x 100mm Modulo) and tool bag.

 

[GMES]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I'm sure the lads will be along soon to give some advice and also good luck with your Apprenticeship.

 

[Octopus]

CK kits is generally very good. The kit you show would be a good starting point and then you can add tools as you need them.

 

[Pete999]

Sussex, IMO although those CK tool kits are very nice, I would go for a decent tool tote, there are plenty to look at and build your tool kit up from there.
You need something for quick access and quick recovery.with the CK type you will be forever worrying about, have I put that bit in the right compartment, with a tool tote it's quicker, something I'm sure your employer will be pleased about, plus the CK looks naff, IMO just saying, PS not saying CK stuff is not any good, just don't like those daft zipper bags. Good luck with your Apprenticeship.

 

[Octopus]

Sussex, IMO although those CK tool kits are very nice, I would go for a decent tool tote, there are plenty to look at and build your tool kit up from there.
You need something for quick access and quick recovery.with the CK type you will be forever worrying about, have I put that bit in the right compartment, with a tool tote it's quicker, something I'm sure your employer will be pleased about, plus the CK looks naff, IMO just saying, PS not saying CK stuff is not any good, just don't like those daft zipper bags. Good luck with your Apprenticeship.

With the greatest respect I have to disagree with you on this point. The CK bag has a couple of drop down flaps which means you can locate the tools easily.

 

[Pete999]

With the greatest respect I have to disagree with you on this point. The CK bag has a couple of drop down flaps which means you can locate the tools easily.

It's only my personal opinion, personally I would not use them, with respect of course.

 

[Resu]

Worth registering for the trainee section if you haven't already. You'll need to to view the attached thread but hopefully helpful.

For what it's worth I started with one of those C.K. sets four years ago and have replaced most of it with other stuff. Some of it was rubbish and some was good but never suited me.

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=92466

Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

 

[nunthe wiser]

Wiha has an lboxx kit on Amazon for 70 was 60 earlier on in week,think someone bought them up and maybe relisted them. It has pliers long and snips screwdriver set, Allen keys. Add a hacksaw,hammer tape measure and pad saw, you should be set. Buy quality tools and covet them their are some tea leafs out there. Some big names such as knipex wera Bahco are good but I've managed with lower quality until finances allow. I personally don't like that ck kit. To expensive for the quality.

 

[nunthe wiser]

As a side note don't buy a veto till you have the tools to fill it. 160 pound hand bag to carry 40 pounds worth of tools. Spend your penny's wisely.

 

[Adam W]

The tools you'll need will depend on the type of work you're going to be doing - as a general standard you'll need a medium flat and pozi screwdrivers, something for cutting and stripping cable; I use cable shears like these:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHJ1307.html
and I find a stanley knife is useful in most situations.

Most things can be fixed with a hammer, pliers are handy for terminating T&E, a pair of sidecutters for cutting what you don't want to blunt your cable shears on, a small and large adjustable spanner, a padsaw and maybe a set of short rods if you're going to be doing anything with plasterboard, and some good grips such as Knipex alligators for holding things.

If you're going to be doing a lot of domestic work you'll probably need a bolster chisel, boat level, a 'bashing chisel' for chopping out bits of wood, plaster, celotex etc. If you're cutting in a lot of boxes a box stencil can save time, and a rethreading tool if you're going to be going around after the plasterers.
For commercial work you'll probably need a hacksaw, file, maybe a bush spanner.

If you're going to be moving around a lot it's best to keep everything in a bag which is easy to carry, if you're going to be working in the same room all day a sturdy box can be used to sit on, stand on, or saw things on, but either way you'll need something with a storage space flexible enough to adjust your selection of tools to suit what you're doing.

As you can see there's a lot to consider; instead of going out and buying a load of tools you might never use it might be best to wait and see what you're going to need and build up your collection as you go. Nobody will be expecting you to start with everything - we haven't even touched on power tools, or even a voltage indicator which is essential for safe working.