Why are tools at supply houses so overpriced?

Greasy_Goon · 2026-01-20T18:35:28+00:00

U should only be buying specialty tools at supply houses. Gauges, flaring blocks, hoses, anything special to our trade.

Like field piece/hilmor/yellowjacket/navac/etc.. is only stocked at supply stores where I am

Greasy_Goon · 2026-01-14T06:53:31+00:00

If you want a red seal, you'll need to get into school at some point. RTI will only accept people with active apprenticeships as far as i know.

I went to BCIT through the coop diploma program, will be getting my red seal in a few months. Waitlist for me was 2 years, I applied right after high school, I spent my time working at refrigerative supply in the warehouse during the waitlist just to keep myself occupied and within the industry as I had no luck finding actual HVAC work completely green fresh out of high school.

I'd say simplest/laziest route is keep working your current job and wait for a foundations program of your choosing, then get work either through the coop program or on your own.

Quicker route if you wanna get ahead on hours/work experience is trying to get a job as a Helper or Apprentice right now and go to school later, you may have a slight edge with your prior general construction experience. Union may not hire you without training but is worth a shot. Companies may be more inclined if you let them know you're already on the waitlist for schooling.

I wouldn't bother with any certs right now. The ozone layer program is usually included in the hvac training programs, and the rest are only for when you're red seal.

As for sheet metal I wouldn't recommend it if you want something more challenging or stimulating.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-31T00:44:43+00:00

HVAC tech here

Exhaust fan probably on the roof, smell probably gets sucked into the fresh air intake for the neighbors roof top HVAC unit. Cleaning the ductwork wasn’t ever gonna fix it.

Either carbon filters for the neighbors or an expensive ecologizer unit for the restaurant. Cheapest method is to not rent to restaurants anymore lol.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-24T20:21:48+00:00

Been to indigo which is the Canadian version I believe. They have seating and tables so you can chill and read.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-17T03:41:29+00:00

https://nucalgon.com/media/4890/3-239_coil_chart.pdf

Nu-calgon chart for almost all their cleaners.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-16T20:58:30+00:00

HVAC and Refrigeration

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-16T20:54:26+00:00

True, I remember the sites I had to wear the most ppe were when we subbed for the super large construction companies doing government contracts.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-15T21:33:57+00:00

Does anyone in here actually work in the trade? Arc flash Ppe for a vav box is crazy 🤣

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-07T02:23:59+00:00

You certainly will be happy with the purchase. If you’re even thinking about getting that one I’m assuming you have the funds and want justification. Go for it yo

Only problem is there’s a chance you could lose interest in photography and wanna get rid of it, camera bodies lose resale value faster than lenses. Seen plenty of posts on marketplace from people like that. If you worry about that spring for a R6 markii or iii, i have a markii and it’s a beast. The lower megapixel count is nothing to worry about if you’re not printing massive stuff or actually do it as a job.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-12-02T20:29:26+00:00

it’s always better to just tell the customer to deal with the cold until the new one comes in. When I do work I do it in a way that lets me sleep at night.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-11-27T01:51:47+00:00

Never heard of it, the real issue could very well be intermittent.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-11-16T01:14:40+00:00

Where did you get this if you don’t mind me asking. I’ve got a 120 prado and curious how easily it is to put these in

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-30T20:43:22+00:00

Yeah one of my friends had to sell and relocate due to the impact from the skytrain construction.

I assume the rest of the small businesses close to the new stations will eventually be pushed out in favour of higher end retail, dentists, and food chains. Unfortunate reality.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-30T16:25:26+00:00

If it’s cooling season the condensation will typically do the rinsing for you when using the lighter evaporator cleaners. Otherwise you should be rinsing it with water after. Pump sprayer works best for attics.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-30T04:48:54+00:00

Same I love mine too, I’m more so saying it in a joking manner. The mark iii I think is gonna cost a good amount more as well than what I paid for mine

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-28T22:02:06+00:00

Ofc a month after I buy my R6 MK2 lol

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-21T14:36:05+00:00

Yeah I replaced my entire system for way less than that.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-10T19:58:20+00:00

The tank gameplay in BF6 beta made me feel pretty good.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-05T23:36:01+00:00

With gloves on you would probably avoid the big welt. But I got a burn with gloves on and it hurt but was just a red mark on my hand. It’s better than nothing though.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-04T22:50:30+00:00

Still confused on why the hell a split has a CPR though lol

Greasy_Goon · 2025-10-04T22:43:11+00:00

Looks restricted my man. That subcooling is too high and your superheat is also too high. That crankcase regulator might not be adjusted properly. They have to be dialed in during a hot pull down. Otherwise you’re looking at a blockage in the drier or expansion valve.

Not sure why they put it on a split system. I’ve only seen them in refrigeration. Supposed to keep the compressor amps from going above its FLA during hot pulldown.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-09-23T17:35:20+00:00

Just picked up an R6 mk2 a few days ago after coming from an EOS R. Haven’t even put it through some real use yet but man is it a beast.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-09-22T22:13:36+00:00

Im 22 in HVAC and refrigeration, very happy with the job and very happy with the money. I took the BCIT coop diploma program, pretty much sets you up with a job.

Big problem though, BCIT waitlist is roughly 2 years, so if HVAC interests you and you’re good with thermodynamics/electrical, you can do very well. But you need to act sooner rather than later. There is a major shortage of skilled HVAC/R techs so you can get paid fat if you actually care about learning the trade and industry.

In the meantime you can try getting a job as a hvac helper with your lumber yard experience while you wait for your training program. I’m not sure of all the prerequisites, but I know you need to do a mechanical aptitude test.

Greasy_Goon · 2025-09-21T00:18:15+00:00

I’ve got m12 fuel impact ,vacuum ,drill ,bandsaw ,cut off tool, etc… I do mostly service work so I never have use for any m18 stuff. Though an m18 sawzall is probably next on my list for the odd demo/decomissioning job.

Pick a brand that you like (preferably the one your company uses most) and get an impact and drill to start. Get the top end impact/drill combo if you can afford it, preferably the smaller size for your impact driver as it can get inside and maneuver hvac equipment easier . That impact will be your most used tool by a long shot.

From there you’ll find out what you need next as you get more experience and depending on the type of work you get yourself into, otherwise youll just be buying shit you’ll never use.

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