Apprentice tool kit help

[Lukeewilkinsonn]

Hi all starting apprenticeship soon and just need some brand recommendations and anything else that will come in handy when I first start! I haven't really got a price limit because I'd rather buy quality that lasts and not cheap and cheerful! Post useful information not kettle, sweeping brush etc

Already have:
screwdrivers - Bahco
Stanley knife - Stanley
claw hammer - Screwfix
toolbag -Stanley
tape measure - Stanley

Need tools:
combination/long nose pliers and side cutters (preferably a three piece set)
level
Non contact tester
junior hacksaw

anything else I've missed? Can people recommended some brands please.

 

[davesparks]

You can't go far wrong with knipex for cutters and pliers etc.

A junior hacksaw is really just a bent bit of metal so don't worry about a brand, just don't get a plastic one. Decent blades are what you need there.

 

[Andy78]

In addition to your kettle and sweeping brush you will also need a good pair of boots to walk to the sandwich shop with, and a good toolbag to carry the sandwiches back with.


Seriously though, Knipex are great for any tool with moving parts. CK make some good robust screwdrivers for apprentice first fix work, although I use Wiha myself.

Search on the site as there have been loads of threads for lists of tools for apprentices. What is the main area of work your apprenticeship will focus on. You will use different sets of tools for commercial/industrial work than for domestic for example.

 

[Pete999]

Don't start please, when I started as an Apprentice back in the 60s, the 1960s all I had was a pair of Elliot Lucas Pliers and Snips some Stanley screwdrivers with wooden handles ( yes for all you doubters Stanley tools were available in those days) a hammer rawlplug jumper, (there wont be many out there who can boast about that bit of kit) all carried in an ex Army gas mask bag, no Veto Pro Packs or whatever they are called, sorry got to go and get some tissues talking about it brings tears to my eyes, 3 jam doughnuts and a daily paper 1 shilling 10p to the youngsters. Oh neon tester, lamp holder with a pigmy lamp for a test lamp (no non contact pens in them days)

 

[Lukeewilkinsonn]

In addition to your kettle and sweeping brush you will also need a good pair of boots to walk to the sandwich shop with, and a good toolbag to carry the sandwiches back with.


Seriously though, Knipex are great for any tool with moving parts. CK make some good robust screwdrivers for apprentice first fix work, although I use Wiha myself.

Search on the site as there have been loads of threads for lists of tools for apprentices. What is the main area of work your apprenticeship will focus on. You will use different sets of tools for commercial/industrial work than for domestic for example.

The company mainly do domestic work.

 

[7029 dave]

Don't start please, when I started as an Apprentice back in the 60s, the 1960s all I had was a pair of Elliot Lucas Pliers and Snips some Stanley screwdrivers with wooden handles ( yes for all you doubters Stanley tools were available in those days) a hammer rawlplug jumper, (there wont be many out there who can boast about that bit of kit) all carried in an ex Army gas mask bag, no Veto Pro Packs or whatever they are called, sorry got to go and get some tissues talking about it brings tears to my eyes, 3 jam doughnuts and a daily paper 1 shilling 10p to the youngsters. Oh neon tester, lamp holder with a pigmy lamp for a test lamp (no non contact pens in them days)

Yes, Pete we never forget our first years into the trade, 1979 for me.!!!! time has passed by quickly.

 

[telectrix]

1960's pete, or was it 1860's? :lipsrsealed2::lipsrsealed2:

 

[Pete999]

1960's pete, or was it 1860's? :lipsrsealed2::lipsrsealed2:

I find that comment most offensive Tel you cheeky nerk lol :30:

 

[telectrix]

in these days of political correctness, one has to keep practising offensiveness, otherwise the pc brigade will inherit the earth. so to all the pc loonies who read the forum, i say " knickers, knackers, knockers".

 

[Andy78]

The company mainly do domestic work.

Lump hammer, bolster, and scutch chisel then.

Do not use your non contact voltage tester for isolation/proving for dead at any time!
A decent approved voltage indicator is what you should be using if you are asked to. You shouldn't really be proving for dead at first as an apprentice anyway so maybe not buy one right now.

 

[shanky887614]

You can't go far wrong with knipex for cutters and pliers etc.

A junior hacksaw is really just a bent bit of metal so don't worry about a brand, just don't get a plastic one. Decent blades are what you need there.

ive made off quite a few swa cables with my tesco special junior.

knipex side cutters are good.

personally I prefer wiha though.

stanley fatmax boat levels are good (the all metal yellow ones)

lost count how many times ive knocked them off and still working fine.

dont buy a plastic level, there false economy

 

[telectrix]

nothing wrong with using a voltstick as a first indication, but, as you say, always prove with an approved tester, and don't forget to test L-E as well as L-N.

 

[shanky887614]

ive made off quite a few swa cables with my tesco special junior.

knipex side cutters are good.

personally I prefer wiha though.

stanley fatmax boat levels are good (the all metal yellow ones)

lost count how many times ive knocked them off and still working fine.

dont buy a plastic level, there false economy

wiha snips, pliers and long nose here for £31

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/290633932898


bahco 1/4 socketset is something you will need at somepoint as well (does upto 8mm bolts)

usually £20 but the bidding is at under 15 on ebay atm (I bought mine for 20 from a local shop)

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221460427105?nav=SEARCH

 

[Lukeewilkinsonn]

ive made off quite a few swa cables with my tesco special junior.

knipex side cutters are good.

personally I prefer wiha though.

stanley fatmax boat levels are good (the all metal yellow ones)

lost count how many times ive knocked them off and still working fine.

dont buy a plastic level, there false economy

Wiha 39096 VDE Plier Set - 3pc from Tool Venture would this set be okay to start with?

 

[shanky887614]

Wiha 39096 VDE Plier Set - 3pc from Tool Venture would this set be okay to start with?

yeah, they will be fine.

 

[Lukeewilkinsonn]

yeah, they will be fine.

what about these? HoldOn HN00153 10pc VDE FLIPiT Screwdriver & Plier Set - Hand Tools & Storage, Assorted Tool Kits, HoldOn Tool Kits

 

[shanky887614]

what about these? HoldOn HN00153 10pc VDE FLIPiT Screwdriver & Plier Set - Hand Tools & Storage, Assorted Tool Kits, HoldOn Tool Kits

I wouldn't personally but if you want to try them.

they sound a little cheap to me so quality might not be very high because of the price it will probably be against manufacturing fault's.

(I doubt you will use those wire strippers very much)

 

[telectrix]

if you are doing mainly domestic, get the cutters with the 2 stripping holes and the 3.5mm &4mm socket pin shears.

C.K Tools RedLine VDE Wire Stripping Side Cutters (160mm)

these don't have the shears for socket pins, but are similar.

 

[Andy78]

if you are doing mainly domestic, get the cutters with the 2 stripping holes and the 3.5mm &4mm socket pin shears.

C.K Tools RedLine VDE Wire Stripping Side Cutters (160mm)

these don't have the shears for socket pins, but are similar.

Cheaper to use ordinary cutters and a volt stick for proving dead... stripping holes will appear in the cutters in no time at all...

 

[uksparks]

nothing wrong with using a voltstick as a first indication, but, as you say, always prove with an approved tester, and don't forget to test L-E as well as L-N.

Just a question for you, you need to cut into the ring under the floor for example, how do YOU go about proving its dead before taking the cutters to it? I know its bad but I use a volt stick and just make sure the circuit is off, but its not really conclusive is it.

 

[Pete999]

A bit more proof than using a volt stick is required UK

 

[telectrix]

strip off a bit of sheath, cut conductors one at a time. shove the ends in lever wagos, trhen use approved voltage tester . saves blowing holes in your expensive cutters.

 

[davesparks]

Just a question for you, you need to cut into the ring under the floor for example, how do YOU go about proving its dead before taking the cutters to it? I know its bad but I use a volt stick and just make sure the circuit is off, but its not really conclusive is it.

Carefully nip the sheath lengthways along the cable and peel it back to expose the cores.
Then carefully nip a little hole in the insulation of the live to be able to test L-E
Once that is isolated you can then access the neutral the same way to complete the tests.

Or else there's the good old fashioned 'choppy choppy bang bang'

 

[Andy78]

Just a question for you, you need to cut into the ring under the floor for example, how do YOU go about proving its dead before taking the cutters to it? I know its bad but I use a volt stick and just make sure the circuit is off, but its not really conclusive is it.

Isolate the whole installation. You have to be really unlucky to snip into a live cable in that case. And isn't always possible.
Mind you, a good pal of mine had just that same situation happen to him. Isolated the whole installation and cut into the cable that was fed from next door's ring final.... :S

 

[shanky887614]

Isolate the whole installation. You have to be really unlucky to snip into a live cable in that case. And isn't always possible.
Mind you, a good pal of mine had just that same situation happen to him. Isolated the whole installation and cut into the cable that was fed from next door's ring final.... :S

if in doubt use someone else's snips

 

[uksparks]

I have to say it's not an everyday occurrence, but occasionally you get faced with the dilemma!

You out know this house I'm doing work in at the moment, used to have two light circuits (up and down) until an extension was built a few years ago. Anyway , so I'm moving all the light switches and centring lights in rooms etc, and if turned out both circuits were linked, not in one, nor two but in three places! Took me 6 hours to find them all and fix. Thank god I had that martingale gadget. Oh they were on old 3036's. I'm changing the board on Tuesday.

 

[Razzmond]

To my shame I bought my hammers from Tesco.

Double Clubcard points as well.

 

[davesparks]

Isolate the whole installation. You have to be really unlucky to snip into a live cable in that case. And isn't always possible.
Mind you, a good pal of mine had just that same situation happen to him. Isolated the whole installation and cut into the cable that was fed from next door's ring final.... :S

Worse than unlucky!

The company where I served my apprenticeship had an apprentice die from cutting through a cable which should have been dead but was actually fed via a dodgy connection to next door.

 

[Jamie]

i don't really think that knipex are all that great for cutters, they seem too bulky and no grip to them... bahco cutters are the best you can get IMO, the 160's.

After all, cutters and screwdrivers are what you will be using your whole apprenticeship, why not get the best (or as best as you can) right now to last? Bahco cutters and a set of Bahco screwdrivers, job done and just look after them.

When I started my apprenticeship I borrowed a couple hundred quid from my parents and paid them back a few weeks later on my first pay day (nearly all my bloody money haha!), the little tools i bought then are the ones i still have now 3 years later (although snips every 2 years is a must imo), nothing wrong with them and I intend on using them for a lot longer....bahco all the way!

 

[shanky887614]

i don't really think that knipex are all that great for cutters, they seem too bulky and no grip to them... bahco cutters are the best you can get IMO, the 160's.

After all, cutters and screwdrivers are what you will be using your whole apprenticeship, why not get the best (or as best as you can) right now to last? Bahco cutters and a set of Bahco screwdrivers, job done and just look after them.

When I started my apprenticeship I borrowed a couple hundred quid from my parents and paid them back a few weeks later on my first pay day (nearly all my bloody money haha!), the little tools i bought then are the ones i still have now 3 years later (although snips every 2 years is a must imo), nothing wrong with them and I intend on using them for a lot longer....bahco all the way!

how are they bulky? get the ones with slim orange/red handles

 

[Jamie]

compared to the bahco they are I think, a colleague has them and i'm not a fan... even looking at the pictures too:


http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/yx1ZiOSl.jpg
http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/Ii6cKJMl.jpg

 

[uksparks]

I've got a large amount of knipex kit and IMHO it's the best money can buy, I will be getting knipex for my new lad I've taken on.

 

[shanky887614]

compared to the bahco they are I think, a colleague has them and i'm not a fan... even looking at the pictures too:


http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/yx1ZiOSl.jpg
http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/Ii6cKJMl.jpg

nope there the wrong ones

these

 

[HappyHippyDad]

compared to the bahco they are I think, a colleague has them and i'm not a fan... even looking at the pictures too:



http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/yx1ZiOSl.jpg
http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/Ii6cKJMl.jpg

I dont really think you can compare those 2 pictures Jamie. The bahco ones are not VDE.

 

[Jamie]

Fair comment happyhippydad. I didn't know Bahco made a VDE version of cutters, which in fact look a bit bigger then the VDE knipex.

I've used the above Bahco ones for 3 years now and they are brilliant. A lot of people use them and I have not seen any serious problems with people using them (i.e being shocked through the insulation, loosing an eye from them blowing into 100 pieces).

 

[Ollie133cup]

Yes having a VDE set of side cutters is "good practice" . But at the end of the day, common sense prevails, you dont cut through a cable you havent checked is dead. Simple.

Ive had the bahco set of side cutters for 6 years (4 years as an apprentice) now, a new set basically every 2 years to keep them sharp.

But always had Bahco Vde screwdrivers and a set of wera interchangable VDE drivers.

 

[dcelectrical]

junior hacksaw, Irwin
non contact tester RS 166-822
pliers I vote bahco 160mm ones
imo if u cut through a live cable you are a knob, I have done it and ruined my cutters more than once and on each occasion I was a knob!
also knipexwater pump pliers are second to none,
Knipex 8701180 7-1/4-Inch Cobra Pliers - Slip Joint Pliers - Amazon.com
and bahco for the larger size
BAHCO WATER PUMP PLIERS GRIPS | eBay
and a reversible jaw adjustable
BAHCO 9031P Adjustable 8"/200mm REVERSIBLE PIPE Wrench Spanner Extra Wide 39mm | eBay
good luck!

 

[Pete999]

Hi all starting apprenticeship soon and just need some brand recommendations and anything else that will come in handy when I first start! I haven't really got a price limit because I'd rather buy quality that lasts and not cheap and cheerful! Post useful information not kettle, sweeping brush etc

Already have:
screwdrivers - Bahco
Stanley knife - Stanley
claw hammer - Screwfix
toolbag -Stanley
tape measure - Stanley

Need tools:
combination/long nose pliers and side cutters (preferably a three piece set)
level
Non contact tester
junior hacksaw

anything else I've missed? Can people recommended some brands please.

Just a personal thing really Luke, others may not agree, in fact I'm sure some wont, but I have had a set of KNIPEX Installation pliers for a while, and whilst I don't do a lot of work these days (old age you'll find out as you get older) I find them very useful, they are basically snips, cable shears, pliers and long nosed pliers combined into to one tool, other manufacturers do a similar set up, but as others have sais you can't go wrong with KNIPEX.
All the best in your chosen career.

 

[tazz]

Don`t forget the good old multi meter........still got my 30 year old AVO 8. still quite accurate for a moving coil meter.

 

[Pete999]

Oh and a thick skin for all the Mickey taking

 

[telectrix]

welcome back pete. you ain't missed much.

 

[Pete999]

welcome back pete. you ain't missed much.

Thanks Tel, got some catching up to do

 

[camerabloke]

Thought you weren't gona post anything any more in case you got banned again?

 

[Pete999]

Thought you weren't gona post anything any more in case you got banned again?

Just can't help myself, especially after all the support I got, how did you get on last night, don't go into to much detail, or you will get banned lmao

 

[telectrix]

you can have my support, pete. just make sure you wear it. :39:

 

[driverman]

Don't start please, when I started as an Apprentice back in the 60s, the 1960s all I had was a pair of Elliot Lucas Pliers and Snips some Stanley screwdrivers with wooden handles ( yes for all you doubters Stanley tools were available in those days) a hammer rawlplug jumper, (there wont be many out there who can boast about that bit of kit) all carried in an ex Army gas mask bag, no Veto Pro Packs or whatever they are called, sorry got to go and get some tissues talking about it brings tears to my eyes, 3 jam doughnuts and a daily paper 1 shilling 10p to the youngsters. Oh neon tester, lamp holder with a pigmy lamp for a test lamp (no non contact pens in them days)

Yep rawlplug jumper remember them well! Brace n bit. Used to saw off the end of the shank of the wood bits so as to use with electric drill! Any one else do that. And I've still got one.............an auger wood bit with long shank on it so you drill holes through joist when first fixing. No electric on site /battery tools when first fixing.

 

[Pete999]

you can have my support, pete. just make sure you wear it. :39:

Might need one for my back Tel git to see the Quack on Monday to see if I need a scan, they think I have a depressed vertebrae, could be off work for another 2 weeks, or forced to retire for good, but knowing the lot I work for they will find something less strenuous for me to do, daft thing is it would only cost em £3K to retire me on medical grounds.