noobapprentice

Hey everyone, I'm just starting my electrician apprenticeship in the construction and maintenance sector. I want to be very prepared for my work and training so I have decided to purchase my first set of tools.

I am in need of a list of equipment and tools needed as an apprentice. The price of the items are not a complication. Please post what you can to help! thanks alot guys

nolabama

well.... if price is not a complication might i suggest the complete milwaukee v28 line of cordless tools

unionwirewoman

If you are Union , then your bylaws will tell you a list of what you need . If you're not then I'll tell you the basics of what I have , then you can go from there .

2-channel locks
variety of screw drivers (stubbies on up )
tape measure
reamer
hacksaw
level (don't go with the cheapie plastic ones)
wiggy or volt-amp meter
glow stick
allen wrenches
key hole saw
razor knife
center punch
needle nose
side cutters
linemans
crescent wrench
strippers
hammer
tri-tap
that should get you started , and in my local some of those aren't on our tool list . Good luck , be safe , and have fun !

gilbequick

Do a quick search for "tools", you'll come up with all you wanted to know and then some.

gilbequick

Ohh and hang out here much longer and you'll have every tool that could possible maybe even hopefully make your job just that little bit easier.

Rong

One of the biggest mistakes I have seen with new apprentices is they buy tools that are to small. 4" wire cutters 6" linemans tiny water pump pliers and the like. Our local does have a tool list but does not suggest size. I don't want a mandatory size given BUT a suggestion for new guys will help them save money in the long run. I understand that smaller is cheap but try using those tiny 'locks on anything bigger that 3/4" pipe!

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nolabama

"If you are Union , then your bylaws will tell you a list of what you need . If you're not then I'll tell you the basics of what I have , then you can go from there .

2-channel locks
variety of screw drivers (stubbies on up )
tape measure
reamer
hacksaw
level (don't go with the cheapie plastic ones)
wiggy or volt-amp meter
glow stick
allen wrenches
key hole saw
razor knife
center punch
needle nose
side cutters
linemans
crescent wrench
strippers
hammer
tri-tap
that should get you started , and in my local some of those aren't on our tool list . Good luck , be safe , and have fun !"

one of the best tool lists ive seen - almost mimicks my friends union list - and i definatly agree with Rong with the sizes - 9 inch linemans, 8 inch dykes, 12 inch crescent, 12 and 14 inch channel locks ( get the Knipex cobra if you can afford them) 25 foot steel tape and screw sticks - three sizes of each (phillips and flat) and stubbies

noobapprentice

thanks guys, much help

Chicagoguy

Here is a list of "suggested" tools from my principle agreement:

1 tool box / tool bag
1 electrician’s belt
1 electrician’s pouch
1 4” square screwdriver
1 6” square screwdriver
1 8” square screwdriver
1 #2 phillips screwdriver
1 8” diagonal cut pliers
1 8” long nose pliers
1 9” side cut pliers
2 pair channellock pliers
1 pair wire strippers
1 8” half round file with handle
1 10” adjustable wrench
1 12”hacksaw frame
1 1” x 12” cold chisel
1 scratch awl
1 center punch
1 hex key set
1 tap wrench set – 0 to 1/4
1 pair tin snips
1 9” level
1 electrician's hammer
1 electrician's knife
1 600V ac/dc vol-con tester
1 flashlight
1 fuse puller
1 1” x 25’ tape measure
1 6’ wood folding rule

Aiken Colon

The Ideal rep stopped by the other day and told me about a program they just started up called the apprentice program. It is a list of common tools bought by apprentice electricians, datacomm or telecomm guys. I would also guess it mimics the union list as well.

You either get 15% or 25% off your purchase from list price. Which is really good considering platinum distributors only get 25% off on some items. Ideal then reimburses and pays the distributor for the tool(s).

I guess they want to market to new guys to establish a good relationship with them.

If you are interested in the list shoot me your email in a pm and I will send it to ya.

JJ

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