Littlejim82

I am trying to fill my new tool bag I am trying to become a apprentice. Looking for a good set of screw drivers, etc any suggestions does any manufacters sell complete electrician tool kits. Any tools that are a must.

Chicagoguy

You will find that most use either klein or craftsman screw drivers. Many say Kleins are the way to go but think the quality is slipping a little, other say craftsman are not the best quality but you cant beat the no questions asked warranty. You will soon find out that tools have many alternative uses.

I use Klein kleins, dykes, needlenose, screwdrivers, nutdrivers, wire strippers etc... and channellock channel locks... Everything in my bag is mainly klein other than a couple craftsman screw drivers I have strictly for beating tools...

Littlejim82

cool trying to make up a tool list

Chicagoguy

There are a TON of sections on here about tool lists (do a search or check the threads under the tools and equipment thread..... I would go through and list mine, but plenty of others have already done so... I would start off with a Klein 11 in 1 (includes flat head, phillips, torque, square tip, and 1/4" - 5/6 - 3/8" nut drivers), 2 pair of 430 channel locks, kleins, dykes, wire strippers, torpedo level with rare earth magnets, utility knife, volt tick and tape measure. That will cost you about $100-$120 but will be good enough to get you going until you get a few checks... Good Luck!

480sparky

Doesn't your employer have a required-tools list?

Here's mine:

No experience:
Tool belt
Tool pouch
Parts pouch
Wire strippers
Linesman pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers
Needle nose pliers
Straight screwdriver
#2 Phillips screwdriver
Hammer
25ft. tape measure
9" magnetic torpedo level

3 Months:
12" Arc-joint (ChannelLock) pliers
Plug-in GFCI receptacle tester
Nut drivers ¼" and 5/16"
Retractable utility knife

6 Months:
Nut driver 3/8"
Conduit reamer screwdriver
Allen wrench sets Fractional & Metric
Cordless drill w/ 2 batteries 12V minimum

1 Year:
Bypass wire cutters
Current edition of NEC
Calculator

2 Years:
Volt/Ohm Meter
VB2 and VB10 Lenox UniBits

3 Years:
100’ steel measuring tape
1" Concrete chisel
Amp meter

4 Years:
Cordless Reciprocating Saw

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nolabama

I like how you break down your tool requirements 480 - i worked for an outfit and the tool list was the same for a FNG to the oldest hand i've ever worked next to (73 and still butchering jobs)
?what is a bypass wire cutter ? this? http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/529466

480sparky

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MechanicalDVR

Nothing personal but, those should be contractor supplied items, they are consumables. But then again I'm Union.

480sparky

If it's their tool, chances are they'll take far better care of it.

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TOOL_5150

This is for sure!

~Matt

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Rong

I agree. All power tools are to be supplied by the Company including battery power tools as well. However there many ties I wished I had my battery drill at times.

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dowmace

I never had a contractor supply a cordless tool, only corded. I have always carried my own cordless drill and sawzall though because of preference.

Littlejim82

I was looking at the tool bag section that veto pro pac tool bags looks awesome.

gilbequick

They're very nice, and heavy duty. They're also heavy and pricey, but they'll last you a long time.

Littlejim82

do know of any bag that is cheaper I saw the CLC bag

Chicagoguy

The CLC bag is definately cheaper but still made well and will definately fit anything you need and will be using..... $50 vs. $120-$175 for the Veto.

dowmace

I've got all of my precision screw drivers, and meters in one of the CLC bags and it holds up very well for me, but then again it only comes out of the truck and then into PLC cabinets usually not a lot of wear can happen in it's range of work.

randomkiller

I think the biggest advantage of the CLC bag over the Veto is the middle compartment. I kept the two laptops I use for control systems in the middle and there was plenty of room for cables, code keys and power cords.

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Kletis

Why two laptops? Is this because of Communication port confliction on different programming software?

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Kletis...

Littlejim82

I think veto is anice bag but clc does have a big middle part is cheaper to