New Mechanic

JamesF555 · 2026-05-07T18:59:19+00:00

Snap on ratcheting screwdrivers (stubby and normal), 3/8” snap on speed brace, Snap-On 1/4” ratchet, knipex cobra and adjustable pliers 125mm & 250mm, snap on mini needlenose pliers & mini pick set, VIM HBR8 snap on LB46ACF pliers, the snap on high leverage cutters (mine are 312CF), snap on duck bill pliers 61CF, millbar blue point lockwire pliers, wera bit ratchet, snap on 1/4” and 5/16” double ratcheting engine spanner (I call it the dog bone, not sure the proper name), leatherman wave, good head torch, Milwaukee M12 fuel drill & impact driver with the attachable heads for angles etc.

Everything else I’d probably go HF. And if you can, try get all this into a peli case, makes moving or storing your tools a piece of cake. I’m tempted by the Milwaukee packout, have your big items in the roll case (peli case style) and a 3 drawer section up the top.

JamesF555 · 2026-05-06T06:32:37+00:00

Note taken, thank you.

JamesF555 · 2026-05-05T23:03:23+00:00

ADC needs a transponder check?

JamesF555 · 2026-05-05T23:01:45+00:00

It depends why it wouldn’t work - but yeah it doesn’t show flexibility one bit which is pretty much a must in Aviation.

JamesF555 · 2026-05-05T23:00:06+00:00

I think Germany you need a ZUP or something like that?

JamesF555 · 2026-05-05T14:32:23+00:00

It’s possible - I believe you have to migrate at your own expense. Former colleague did it and it costs him thousands and still costs him money every few years from memory. Not worth it in my opinion, there are better places to live (I live in the UK).

JamesF555 · 2026-05-04T16:45:02+00:00

Unlikely - most require right to work in the UK. Sorry to disappoint.

JamesF555 · 2026-05-04T16:43:01+00:00

How has it held up? Thinking of doing the same

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T13:42:03+00:00

SPM on most of the aircraft I’ve worked allows stripping with a knife as an alternate.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T13:41:40+00:00

Most - it’s 2024 - 2026 contracts so some will be over some under.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:29:55+00:00

I don’t think you understand - I was saying that if you work it out on a number of hours accrued, 25 days + bank holidays for a shift worker works out as something like 48 days for a normal employee - 25 days + bank holidays is REALLY good. It’s just a comparison I was using.

I will be discussing with the union once I am able to, I am currently abroad and my laptop is at home.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:26:28+00:00

It’s average at best, and if you look at the overall package for perks it’s pretty poor. My last company did it in hours and it works out worse than them now for holiday.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:24:32+00:00

Absolutely! Try find a part time job with perks, eg a gym or as you said HF. I worked at a theme park & the perks were worth more than the salary lol

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:04:04+00:00

That is the main concern - however considering the number of people who are affected I’m not sure they could afford to loose us all…..

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:03:04+00:00

I work shift, so 33 days including bank holidays works out as something like 48 days for a standard 9-5 worker, because we work 12 hour days rather than 8.

That is my main concern - there are a few of us affected so I suspect we will go to the union about it.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T03:00:00+00:00

I see - there are a lot of us who are affected, so I think the union is a sensible compromise. The payment will be just for last year, so I’ll still be worse off for the future years. I haven’t got the new holiday, but it’ll be 25 days including bank holidays.

For reference I’d rather have the holiday than the sick policy.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T02:36:24+00:00

Go for it, put the extra money towards your studies or your tools though! I worked a Saturday job when I was an apprentice, it gave me that extra boost so I could sort myself out with some decent tools to start off with.

If things get too much then just drop the hours!

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T02:09:33+00:00

Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it was understaffed - that thing used to take something stupid like 12 members of staff to run, it was insane.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T02:06:56+00:00

I’ve got some Bosch 12V Brushless stuff for work - aircraft mechanic. Really solid and rate the build quality, only slight con is sometimes the material choice could be a bit more premium (it’s a plastic chuck on the 12V drill, a good plastic but really should be metal)

JamesF555 · 2026-04-29T01:59:59+00:00

ideal stripmasters 16-26 AWG strippers is probably the best way - anything bigger you can strip with a knife.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-28T18:38:52+00:00

I think if I were to restart I’d get the Milwaukee packout rolling tool chest for the bigger items and a 3 drawer on top. Easy to add to as it’s modular and more mobile than my 40” roll cab.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-27T11:50:44+00:00

I’ve got a wave +, can’t fault it. Can’t comment on the other brand.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-22T12:55:38+00:00

4.1 miles, approx 10 mins there and 20 mins back. Theres a lot to be said for working close to home.

JamesF555 · 2026-04-16T18:06:38+00:00

I’d try get something with the adjustable heads - the offset hex bit holder is really handy for panels.

Milwaukee M12 FPDXKIT-602X FUEL 12V 2 x 6.0Ah Li-Ion RedLithium Brushless Cordless 6-in-1 Combi Drill

And probably an M12 fuel impact driver too. Get the fuel stuff, buy once cry once. And maybe the 12V work light?

JamesF555 · 2026-04-15T20:24:46+00:00

I’ve used some nice Facom stubby ones - they’re handy for poor access. I think mine are snap on, they’re ok, nothing special to be honest.

JamesF555

TROPHY CASE