the most important tools for starting off!

[Marc Lajevardi]

Hello! im in the middle of building my tool kit and was wondering what are the most important tools yous would recommend to get first?
I have things such as a cordless drill, drill bits, the VDE screw drivers and snips etc, stapler, tape, hammer and of course a box to keep them in! Thanks

 

[malcolmsanford]

Set of screwdrivers, pair of good pliers, pair of good snips and a tape measure.

If you are an apprentice that is all I would expect a lad to have.

 

[Marvo]

Lock-off kit. Master Lock Lockout Kit For Isolating Electrical Circuits Safely

Safe isolation tester.

 

[shanky887614]

Lock-off kit. Master Lock Lockout Kit For Isolating Electrical Circuits Safely

Safe isolation tester.

should be supplied marvo, would you trust a first year to lock off and verify its dead?

i know there are very few i would trust for that, voltage tester yes but lockoff kit no.

vde screwdriver set (throw the neon away)
vde diaganal cutters (side cutters or snips)

vde pliers and long nose
tape measure
2 x pair of alligator knipex waterpump pliers (£15 each)

hacksaw and set square.

disston hacksaws are cheap and good quality i picked one up for £12 from eddies.


a rule of thumb is,if you need to borrow it a couple times in the week consider if you will need one, something like a lockoff kit can be specific to one manufacturer

 

[Paul.M]

A good voltage indicator, a volt pen (dont moan lads, I use one all the time and never had a belt when used lol), good pair of work boots and pants, knee pads, comfortable hard hat with chin strap, head torch, rechargeable LED work light, crimp set to start you off, an OSG in your nice new toolbox!

Keep a knife, fork and spoon in the glove box along with a pot noddle in reserve for whenever you get caught short and miles away from a cafe (most sites have a kettle ). Builders wet wipes always come in handy. First aid kit in the van is always a good idea, you'll be happy you got one when the blood starts gushing.

 

[Mark1985]

should be supplied marvo, would you trust a first year to lock off and verify its dead?

i know there are very few i would trust for that, voltage tester yes but lockoff kit no.

vde screwdriver set (throw the neon away)
vde diaganal cutters (side cutters or snips)

vde pliers and long nose
tape measure
2 x pair of alligator knipex waterpump pliers (£15 each)

hacksaw and set square.

disston hacksaws are cheap and good quality i picked one up for £12 from eddies.


a rule of thumb is,if you need to borrow it a couple times in the week consider if you will need one, something like a lockoff kit can be specific to one manufacturer

This is a good list if doing commercial/industrial, maybe add a small magnetic level and a file

 

[Swcfisher]

Vde screwdrivers, vde cutters, spirit level, tape measure, hammer, pencil, hacksaw, pad saw,Voltage and continuity tester.

 

[telectrix]

and a decent spoon for stirring tea.

 

[Black Dog]

Hello! im in the middle of building my tool kit and was wondering what are the most important tools yous would recommend to get first?
I have things such as a cordless drill, drill bits, the VDE screw drivers and snips etc, stapler, tape, hammer and of course a box to keep them in! Thanks

A good tool belt to keep your hand tools handy...:smile5:

 

[Dave OCD]

I find my m3.5 tap/re threader gets plenty of use too. :smile5:

 

[RyanCheetham]

A decent boat level and small level to fit inside a pattress. No one likes a wonky socket or switch

 

[7029 dave]

As said, good set of vde hand tools, that's all I would expect if Apprentice/mate.

 

[david1]

Insulated screwdrivers, water pump pliers, cutters, Stanley knife, hacksaw, tape measure, boat level, hammer, file and last but not least a set of voltage testers are a must in my eyes and the item I'd say spend some money on its your safety at the end of the day. Voltage sticks are alright but don't test dc voltages and can be tempermental. Oh and if your anything like me 1000s of pencils.

 

[shanky887614]

Insulated screwdrivers, water pump pliers, cutters, Stanley knife, hacksaw, tape measure, boat level, hammer, file and last but not least a set of voltage testers are a must in my eyes and the item I'd say spend some money on its your safety at the end of the day. Voltage sticks are alright but don't test dc voltages and can be tempermental. Oh and if your anything like me 1000s of pencils.

this is the only stanley worth having

ive got stanley, haulfators etc but always go back to these

 

[aces4al]

A scutch chisel, club hammer and a bolster chisel

 

[Marc Lajevardi]

thanks for the useful replies everybody, there are some things i would have never thought of! EG a pot noodle ha! I appreciate all the help!!

 

[Megavolt]

this is the only stanley worth having

ive got stanley, haulfators etc but always go back to these

Link doesn't work. What is it.

 

[Richard Burns]

Presumably this one

 

[shanky887614]

Presumably this one
View attachment 29274

yeah that one, strange you cant see the image

 

[stefan442]

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.