[Dillinger4]

I know I am probably jumping the gun since I am not in the IBEW but I've been looking at some tools online that I would like to eventually purchase. I read some where that the union restricts it's workers to only specific tools. Is this true? Thanks.

 

[rewire]

I know I am probably jumping the gun since I am not in the IBEW but I've been looking at some tools online that I would like to eventually purchase. I read some where that the union restricts it's workers to only specific tools. Is this true? Thanks.

Yes. Everyone has to be the same if you have a tool not on the list then expect someone to complain.

 

[electricmalone]

Ha! I read the title, and thought I'd see a list of my buddies by name...LOL, get it "union tools", huh? huh? Awww nevamind

 

[Dillinger4]

Part of me gets it. The other part doesn't. I guess the union wants everyone on a level playing field but I assumed the union would also want each member to produce the highest quality work and the JC would like it to be completed in the least amount of time. I guess fairness trumps all.

So is there any way to find out the specific tools you are allowed to have or do I have to know the official super secret IBEW brotherhood handshake? :001_huh:

 

[Dillinger4]

electricmalone too funny. :laughing:

 

[bml215]

Talk to skblay , he'll tell you everything you can't and shouldn't have.

 

[Rollie73]

Some locals have their tool list posted on their website. Usually in a dispatch or job postings section of the website. It usually there to make sure any travellers coming into the local can get the list easily.

To answer the other part, the union wants everyone to have the same basic hand tools. If the employee requires other specialized tools then the employer will provide them.

The reasoning is two part........
1 It shouldn't cost you, the employee, a small fortune in tools just to go to work. You only need the basics.

2 The guy working next to you wont have any unfair advantage come layoff day.
For example...........
"Joe has twelve tool boxes full of speciality tools that we need next week so we can't lay him off......Fred only has the basics and everyone has those so we can afford to let him go".



NOW......let the union bashing begin.

 

[KDC]

A quick google can probably turn up a list for the local.

Here's what the one around here requires. (not a member of that local, but my tool list is quite a bit differnt)

* items required by level 1 apprentice
1 Hammer *
1 Hack Saw Frame *
1 9 inch Level *
1 1 inch by 16 foot metric/standard Steel Tape *
3 Blade Screw Drivers *
3 Robertson Screw Drivers *
1 Centre Punch *
1 10 inch Water Pump Pliers *
1 8 inch Linesman Type Pliers *
1 8 inch Diagonal Cutters *
1 Needle Nose Pliers *
1 Knife *
1 Tool Pouch *
1 Tool Box *
1 Tap Wrench Handle
1 Set Allen Wrenches up to ½ inch size
1 Voltage Tester 110 – 550 Volts
1 Chalk Line
1 Phillips screw driver
1 Tin snips
1 12” combination square
1 Stubby Screw Driver Set
1 Nut Driver Set
1 Flashlight “AA” (Batteries supplied by employer)
1 Set Wrenches Combination ¼” –¾”
1 Drywall Saw
1 Small Wire Strippers

 

[Dillinger4]

The only thing I could find was in a IBEW Code of Excellence .pdf

All members will maintain the required tools called out in the CBA tool list.

Members hand tools, as well equipment and tools provided by the employer will be maintained and taken care of to ensure proper and safe working condition.

 

[Dillinger4]

KDC thanks for the list. :thumbsup:

 

[Dillinger4]

Rollie73 makes perfect sense. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[Rollie73]

Rollie73 makes perfect sense. Thank you for the clarification.

You are very welcome..............anytime.

 

[fp.unit]

Can't imagine working without my impact. Driving screws by hand seems ancient :laughing:

 

[Dillinger4]

fp.unit you are getting me in trouble already. Now where is my 80 piece Wiha insulated tool set? :laughing:

 

[rewire]

A no dog was not on the tool list but you could get one you just had t hide it . We had a hacksaw on the list but blades were not.

 

[local134gt]

Yes. Everyone has to be the same if you have a tool not on the list then expect someone to complain.

I have a plethora of tools that aren't on the list and have not heard 1 person complain
...

 

[jefferyb_2]

It's actually a "MINIMUM" tool list. You have to have at least those tools on the list. You just can't supply your own power tools, knockout set, etc... I carry way more tools than are on that list and I've never had a problem.

 

[eejack]

For the most part the list is what you should have.

Your best bet is to stick with the basics ( the list ) until you get a couple of years in and you learn for yourself what the rules are and why the rules are before ignoring them.

 

[btharmy]

Can't imagine working without my impact. Driving screws by hand seems ancient :laughing:

The point is, if your contractor wants more production from the workers, THEY will provide the specialty tools to make that happen. They provide the cordless drill kits, benders, hydraulic ko sets, hammer drills, etc.......... I know, that sounds too good to be true, but it is.

 

[sparky970]

I know I am probably jumping the gun since I am not in the IBEW but I've been looking at some tools online that I would like to eventually purchase. I read some where that the union restricts it's workers to only specific tools. Is this true? Thanks.

Each local has a required tool list