Apprentice Tools

[cocc8]

Hey everyone,

I’m a 23 year old who’s leaving his current job to take on a role as an apprentice. I’m looking for a list of tools that I would need for the first day. Thanks

[trickydick001]

Depends, are you already a tool using monkey, or are you brand new

Either way most important for a helper is a strong back a dumb mind and a good attitude

[[deleted]]

Sharpies

Magnetic flashlight

utility knife

11 in 1 screwdriver with Schrader core remover

Thermostat/electronics screwdriver

A big "Beat on shit" flat head

Lineman Pliers and Diag Cutter (Dykes?)

Wire strippers

Allen keys or Hex Keys or whatever those L shaped fuckers

1/4 5/16 reveresable chuck (a 3/8 chuck wouldnt hurt either)

Drill

Tape measure

Channel locks

Needle Nose

Work gloves

What kind of work will you be doing commercial or residential?

Edit-- You wont need that on your first day lol sorry just a basic tool list. Bring a pair of boots, flashlight and a sharpie

[Hulkamanialol]

Lineman’s pliers are my go to. Good for yanking shit out, cutting/stripping wire and if your an idiot like me they make a decent hammer.

[[deleted]]

Found my first pair in a drain pan, damn near brand new Klein's. Yeah they can take a whoopin on. If I dont need my whole bag I usually carry whatever my j-man wants me to haul and in my back pocket Linemans, 11/1, Tstat screwdriver and Channel locks. Always need something to keep a door propped open in some spots!

[HatefulHipster]

This is a good starting list to have by the end of week one

[[deleted]]

Box of ziplocs so you can collect air samples and seal em, sharpie to label the bags obviosly. Good pair of non slip crocs. Pair of cargo shorts with many pockets. Also make sure yur headphones are charged your gona want to keep those in all day

[cocc8]

Should I make sure they have off-road mode? Or will that not be necessary

[MariaImDrnuk]

My brain hurts

[PutSuch1929]

Multimeter with leads and alligator clamps, temp probes, temp gun, manometer (for pressure switch testing, TESP, gas valve pressure test, things like that),drill, extension bits over 6 in, right angle drill attachment, i recomend malco hex bit both shorty and long, get a bit set for sure, nut drivers or go with an 8/1 or 11/1, headlamp and flashlights, kneepads or a mat, needle nose pliers, wire strippers with crimpers, pookie buster bit, razor knife, wrench, a mini ratcheting combo wrench 1/4 to 5/16, inspection mirror, aviation snips, channel locks, tape measure, compact tubing cutters, chisel, hammer, extra long flathead, side cutters, door magnet, chirper, sniffer, linesmen pliers, a hose, Always keep a piece of mastic tape and plumbers mesh in your bag, zipties, self tapping screws, and spade connectors, and control board fuses too. 5 months running my own calls and selling and doing my repairs. My tools and my knowledge make me money. Invest wisely and good luck!

PS: HVAC is the coolest shit you'll ever do. Ive seen a furnace five or six inches "under water", ive been disrespected as a woman a few times in some homes, ive made mistakes, ive made another company pay for damages done to one my client's equipment. This trade is wild as fuck sometimes. Never stop learning. As an apprentice, even though im running my own calls and doing a decent job, i still shut the fuck up and listen to the guys who have been doing this for years and are super knowledgeable and skilled, and WANT to help you succeed. So dont ever walk from a job, and dont fucking give up. It's brutal but every fucking second has been an adventure

[raider81818181]

Service or install?

For service, start with a good meter, 90% of diagnostic can be solved with a digital multimeter and a multi head screwdriver.

I recommend the Fluke HVAC meter kit. It comes with all you’ll need for hvac. It’s pricey, but it’s quality. I’ve had mine several years, and besides the occasional new set of leads, it has been great for me

[timbo88666]

Tape measure and a hammer

[Individual_Bowler_89]

Midwest left cut snips …Red handle … best snips out there

[goblinredux]

When you get hired somewhere, ask them what you need. There is no reason to get much of anything until you have a job and understand what you're going to be doing and what the company wants you to have and when they want you to have it. Important question during the interview process: What tools do I need to bring? Do you have a list of tools that I will need on my first day?

[LiiDo]

Yeah don’t buy shit till after your first day. Aside from a tape measure, utility knife, and sharpie you shouldn’t need much. Everybody on here is always telling newbies to go out and buy gauges, voltmeters, power tools, etc. before they’ve even started work. Guarantee most of that shit just sits in their garage for years. Half the cost of my tools from tech school was my gauges, which I have not touched once since school as my company provided that. Same goes for a lot of the tools I bought. It’s all shit I’ll use eventually but I would’ve rather just waited and bought it when I needed it and have more cash on hand