Just started my apprenticeship ..

just started my apprenticeship and looking to buy tools to start me off. the company gave me a sheet of recommended tools for my 1st year but says i dont have to worry and go out and buy all of these right away. i have had a few suggestions of what to buy for now and just build up my kit as i go along..

it is suggested i buy good set of screwdrivers, pliers, snips, hammer and stanley blade.

does anyone think i should buy anything else with this?

does anyone recommend places to buy these from?

im looking for something that is good, will do the job.. not something just crap to start me off.

In my tool bag I have

4 x VDE screwdrivers

1 x VDE snips

1 x VDElong nosed pliers

1 x VDE crops

1 x 8" level

2 x stubby screw drivers

2 x adjustable spanners - 25mm & 35mm jaws

1 x pipe wrench

3 x Stanley knives

1 x set security bits & handle

1 x claw hammer

1 x lump hammer

1 x 25mm scutch chisel

2 x flat ended punches

1 x junior hacksaw

1 x plumb bob

1 x 8m tape measure

1 x flat pry bar

1 x service key

1 x tin WD40

1 x label printer (now bust )

1 x clamp meter (cheapo one)

1 x Fluke T120

several rolls of insulation tape

and some long lost things at the bottom

I have more tools in the vanPray

i have just started my apprenticeship remember. but thanks anyway. I'm looking for suggestions for must have's to begin. then I can build up when im paid.

I would get the RED items to start with

In my tool bag I have4 x VDE screwdrivers

1 x VDE snips

1 x VDElong nosed pliers

1 x VDE crops

1 x 8" level

2 x stubby screw drivers

2 x adjustable spanners - 25mm & 35mm jaws

1 x pipe wrench

3 x Stanley knives One will do

1 x set security bits & handle

1 x claw hammer

1 x lump hammer

1 x 25mm scutch chisel

2 x flat ended punches

1 x junior hacksaw

1 x plumb bob

1 x 8m tape measure

1 x flat pry bar

1 x service key

1 x tin WD40

1 x label printer (now bust )

1 x clamp meter (cheapo one)

1 x Fluke T120

several rolls of insulation tape

and some long lost things at the bottom

I have more tools in the vanPray

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I would get the RED items to start with

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the red screwdrivers are insulated you know

There's this thread too if it's any help

the red screwdrivers are insulated you know There's this thread too if it's any help

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pah - that other thread is you asking the same question!

1st rule - remember what you've learnt!

Personally - I have these:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DR69234.html

And these:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VA230.html

A handy little set

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=791065&source=emailclub&dm_i=5F,19B8,32R23,3NCU,1

thanks for the suggestions.

think im going to buy screwdrivers set, pliers, snips, hacksaw, hammer and a stanley blade to start me off. what do you think?

will build up as i feel i need the tools.

any website suggestions of good tools from past experience or names of good makes of tools which i should be looking out for?

Why don't you give us the list you have and we'll mark up the more important tools...

We don't know what the company your working for does; domestic / commercial or industrial ---- what you are going to be doing will determine the tools you will need.

thanks for the suggestions. think im going to buy screwdrivers set, pliers, snips, hacksaw, hammer and a stanley blade to start me off. what do you think?

will build up as i feel i need the tools.

any website suggestions of good tools from past experience or names of good makes of tools which i should be looking out for?

Click to expand...

The old rule applies - buy the best you can afford!

I have listed what I considor to be the best first

Screwdrivers - Wera, Wiha, both excellent, Stanley good, Draper Expert good (I vote Wera)

Pliers/Snips - Knipex (made by Draper), Stanley, Bacho, Draper Expert (mid range)

Hacksaw - Bacho, Draper Expert, etc

Hammer - you need to hold this in your hand. If you have some money to spend on a hammer (>

my list of tools i have is for 1st year :

"1 Lockable tool box (5 drawer Cantilever) complete with a padlock

1 Heavy hammer (1.25 kilo club or lump hammer)

1 Pair insulated combination Pliers (185 or 200mm)

1 Hacksaw frame (suitable for 300mm blades)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 75 x 3mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 150 x 5mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 200 x 5mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 75mm 0pt (cross point)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 100mm 0pt (cross point)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 150mm 2pt (cross point)

1 junior hacksaw

1 clasp knife

1 spirit level (225 or 250mm)

1 plumb-bob line (200 gms)

1 chalk line reel (15m)

1 pair foot prints (225m)

1 claw hammer (500gms)

1 flooring chisel (55mm)

1 bradawl (medium)

tape measure (19mm wide)

All insulated tools to be insulated to the current IEC standards to at least 1000v"

Snips, Irazola screwdrivers, stanley knife,claw hammer and jnr hacksaw.

The rest you can build on.

"1 Lockable tool box (5 drawer Cantilever) complete with a padlock - Any tool box you want really

1 Heavy hammer (1.25 kilo club or lump hammer) - get a claw hammer, only get one of these if your house bashing and need to use a chisel

1 Pair insulated combination Pliers (185 or 200mm) - get these and snips

1 Hacksaw frame (suitable for 300mm blades)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 75 x 3mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 150 x 5mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 200 x 5mm (parallel tip)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 75mm 0pt (cross point)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 100mm 0pt (cross point)

1 Electrician's insulated screwdriver - 150mm 2pt (cross point)

1 junior hacksaw

1 clasp knife

1 spirit level (225 or 250mm)

1 plumb-bob line (200 gms) - never ever required one of these in my life

1 chalk line reel (15m)

1 pair foot prints (225m) - adjustable spanners as well. Dont ever use these on glands or risk a slap from yer tradesman

1 claw hammer (500gms)

1 flooring chisel (55mm)

1 bradawl (medium) - no need either

tape measure (19mm wide)

All insulated tools to be insulated to the current IEC standards to at least 1000v

any recommended makes oli?

also places to buy from, either websites or shops from past experience?

stanley blade.

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Strictly speaking you shouldn't be using a Stanley Knife, but an Electrician's Knife which is capable of being locked into place.

potaeto, potaato.

although if you havent noticed, my list does say " 1 clasp knife " !!

potaeto, potaato.although if you havent noticed, my list does say " 1 clasp knife " !!

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I was just trying to be helpful, although it is not the same thing.

A Stanley Knife is an extremely dangerous weapon and really has no place in electrical work. They are banned from all AM2 Test Centres.