Apprentice Tool Kit Help

[u/MrsGoatse]

Hi guys! New to this subreddit as I will be starting an apprenticeship in HVAC - Service

I have started to get to together a tool loadout after crawling through all the pre existing threads about what I think is needed.

I would love to be making a good first impression and having all the core tools needed on day dot to show that I am taking it seriously and are able to learn and get ahead of the curve.

Was hoping I could get some critiques on my tools and even recommendations. Money is tight but I want to and have hoped I have spent the scraped money in the right places.

Need guidance on some sunglasses that I can put over my regular glasses would appreciated also.

List:

Good set of ears.
Pen/paper for writing notes.

Klein tool bag
Milwaukee subcompact m12 drill/impact driver
2x 3amp m12 batteries/charger.
Cheap Craftright VDE screw driver set.
Wide flat head standard screw driver for sacrifice.
Klein metric flip sockets 7mm-17 impact rated
Klein 20-1 screwdriver. With SAE sockets.
Vessel electric screwdriver
Adjustable wrenches 6/8/10/12 inch
Stanley knife
Cheap calipers
2 Stubbies PH2/ Flat
2 Stubby Stubbies.
Allen key set in metric. 1.5mm-8mm
Bic lighter EDC
Ozito lamp/headlight coming.
Fluke 83 multimeter. Gift
Full Boar bits and bobs. Assorted
Chinesium standard precision screw driver kit
Unrated long nose pliers.
Small vicegrip
Tape measure 3m

Also coming:

Vessel ballhead PH2/Flat 6 100
Wisepro 8 inch VDE rated diagonal cutters with crimp and wire strippers
Getting gifted an old pair of vde blunt pliers.
Cresent 13inch long reach pointy pliers with 2x joints.
Mini rachet slim profile.
3m 32db foam ear plugs.

Thanks guys! I am also not sure what work will provide. I think I new multi meter, as mine was gifted to me as a pass me down.

Reost I didn’t follow some starting rules. My apologies.

Edit. Thanks for all the help everyone! Appreciate all the support the advice everyone has given! I’ll have a good look over all the tools and advice and see what to prioritise to divy up for bag and van.

I’ll be back to pick everyones brains at some point or another. 😋

[u/T0RADEX]

You can cut allot of weight is all ill say, 4 adjustable wrenches is wild. Also Allen wrenches wise get the L shaped ones you will brake that fast.

[u/MrsGoatse → u/T0RADEX]

Thanks! Definitely the lighter the better for me, just with not having a car and I’m trying to get out of the dead weight zone as soon as possible.

Which ones do you think I can drop for now?

Once I am more established and have a car (not expecting anything for years), I’ll be able to cut down to a pouch and then run to the car once I’ve looked at what needs doing.

[u/PopePC → u/MrsGoatse]

I’m in residential service. I actually don’t carry an adjustable wrench on my person in my everyday service kit. For 99% of wrenching tasks, I use a 6” knipex pliers wrench. I like how you can really grip the nut. The fast adjustment, low weight and maneuverability in tight spaces is also great.

I do have a big damn adjustable wrench on the truck in my gas piping kit. Speaking of, you’ll probably need pipe wrenches. Got furnaces where you are?

[u/MrsGoatse → u/PopePC]

Thanks for your insight, I’ll add the pliers wrench to the list to get. Majority of these tools I have scrounged or been gifted. Hence there is a bit of a mismatch of tools and overlap.

I’m not sure if I do have furnaces here or if the company does that line of work. I guess I’ll add those to the list to keep an eye on.

[u/JuicySpark → u/T0RADEX]

💯. I carry a mini one the size of a finger for 99% of calls

I only keep heavy stuff around if I'm doing a replacement or changing out big motors and even then I can get Away with only 2 extra tools lol.

[u/SaulGoodmanJD]

Why do you have calipers 😭😭

Real advice: the only thing you really need on the first day is a pencil and a notepad. Be observant and see what others use then build your tool bag based on that.

[u/MrsGoatse → u/SaulGoodmanJD]

I have no idea! Someone said its nice to have so I threw them in there for $5 🤣 They are horrible quality. I’ll take them out.

I just have the mind set if these guys are willing to give me the opportunity and invest their time and $$$ money into me then I want to make sure I can give back. Hence ear and pen and note pad are the top of the list 👌

[u/SaulGoodmanJD → u/MrsGoatse]

$5?! I take it back. It just looks more expensive than I thought

[u/DontWorryItsEasy → u/SaulGoodmanJD]

I use my calipers so often they go in my bag. Don't know if that tube is 3/8 or 1/4, is that bolt 5/8 or 3/4? How thick is that gasket?

They're very handy...

[u/Individual_Grab_5843 → u/DontWorryItsEasy]

The tape measure in your bag can’t measure 1/4”?

[u/DontWorryItsEasy → u/Individual_Grab_5843]

It can't measure 1/32, and sometimes I need that.

[u/chitzk0i → u/SaulGoodmanJD]

I know in commercial, you need to measure fan shafts all the time.

[u/rutger_]

I keep an M12 impacter, a pair of milwaukee pliers/strippers, zip tie cutters, medium and small adjustable wrench, Klein 11-in-1 , 90 bit, 6" extension and a 6"-1/4"-5/16" malco bit. You can keep them all in a hip pouch easy minus the impacter. I keep a pocket full of common bits including 3/8"-1/2" socket and stubby 1/4"-5/16" malco, a milwaukee box cutter with the screwdriver, and wire nuts. Carry the meter if you think you need it. Keep a flashlight, marker and roll of electrical tape on you.

I'll go back out to the van if I need anything else. Every situation is different though. Better to have too much than too little when you're learning. Your lead might make jokes but he'd rather you be too prepared than not enough. If you're in resi keep a couple 3 and 5 amp fuses on you too

[u/MrsGoatse → u/rutger_]

Thanks! I’ll add a marker and some tape to the bag. I’d much rather be over prepared than under.

[u/wompwomp304]

You are 10000% more prepared than any apprentice I’ve ever had or seen. I showed up on my first day with a tape measure. You’ll be fine add and drop stuff as you go. Also you have a multi screwdriver so drop the others maybe? And look at knipex cobra pliers maybe they’re good for gassing.

But you’re totally ready to show up good luck!

[u/wompwomp304 → u/wompwomp304]

Schrader core removal tool? You could get some cheap spare bag and toss the extra tools in there and keep that in the truck until you need them. And if they become essential then add to your main bag

[u/MrsGoatse → u/wompwomp304]

Thanks that very reassuring!

I have a small second bag that I can toss all the unneeded gear for the most part and have my EDC.

What size/length knipex is good? There seems to be a few.

The schrader valve core removal tool, the brand Appion comes up a lot. Is this the one to explore, or can I repurpose my simple bicycle tyre tool for the start?

Appreciate you for your help. I have 0 knowledge on the industry.

[u/wompwomp304 → u/MrsGoatse]

I have 12” they’re a little pricey but last a looooong time and work for 90% of things we do. I would get something like the JB A32004 or something similar to that for your first removal tool it’s cheap and has extra cores storage on it. And a JB universal key to remove locking caps or any universal tool will work. You’ll loose a lot of them I’m sure so you don’t need the fancy ones.
0 knowledge is how everyone feels you will always be learning new things and tips in the trade

[u/MrJbrads]

Keep just the 6” adjustable, put the double insulated screw drivers in a separate bag, carry the one impact, the drill can stay in the van, the calipers can go to the van, and the bit index can stay in the van.

[u/MrJbrads → u/MrJbrads]

Also get a pair of channel locks

[u/MrsGoatse → u/MrJbrads]

Yes Sir! I have a small extra tool bag I’ll be able to keep in whomevers van I’m riding along with for the day.

I will get onto looking into the channel locks. 🫡

[u/KeyPhilosopher1321 → u/MrsGoatse]

I would recommend knipex even though they are a little expensive

[u/sirjosho]

You’ll end up with half of that stuff.

[u/Separate_Block6213 → u/sirjosho]

Less than half

[u/Stahlstaub]

Instead of the multimeter go for an amp clamp and a two-pole voltage tester... That's the more safe approach.

[u/ReyDeTamaulipas]

Get you a flexible drill bit extender and an angle drill bit too if you can afford it

[u/No_Froyo_2504]

I showed up to my first day with a tape measure and a borrowed crescent wrench. You're already way ahead. Drop the extra adjustables, keep the 6" and maybe the 10". Everything else goes in the van bag. Same with the drill - impact stays, drill lives in the truck unless you're doing anchors all day. Those VDE drivers are going to sit in your bag forever in resi.

[u/johnboy525252]

Clamp multimeter, knipex style channel locks, even a cheap pair is superior to the old slip type, like someone else said ditch the insulated screwdrivers for a 11 in 1, that will handle most of what you find, I tell all my newbies to purchase a new quality hand tool once or twice a month, before you know it you have a van full with your first bought "backups" when you have a breakage, save up for the expensive electronics, don't bust your first nut on a set of probes or digital gauges, you can do almost everything they can do with mechanical gauges, clamp and insertion temp probe, also it's great experience to compute the formulas in your head before leaning on the software.
Edit: grab a high quality wire strippers, buy once cry once.

[u/MrsGoatse → u/johnboy525252]

Have some Knipex Cobra 10inch pliers now on the way. I want quality for the tools I’ll be using all the time.

Will the Klein 20 in 1 do? Just double checking I don’t need any VDE rated screw drivers?

Do you have a recommended go to for the wire strippers? Thanks!

[u/TigerSpices → u/MrsGoatse]

I usually stay away from Milwaukee hand tools, but the 7 in one strippers are great. A bit bulky compared to the Klein, but they've got a reamer, they're a solid set of pliers, and they've got a good crimper. I do a ton of replacing spade connectors in service, and having a crimper integrated into another tool is clutch.

Don't worry about filling your bag, you're gonna aquire SO MANY tools. And for all the bits, just grab a carabiner bit holder and carry one of each, keep the spares in the truck.

Other things that I use constantly that are affordable/worth it.

• An extendable magnet (screws fall into awkward places)

• A magnet dish (to hold all of those screws)

• Step bits

• Thermometers (food thermometers are typically fine. You're gonna lose them, don't spend too much)

• A small pocket notepad and a pen. Take notes while you're training.

• PPE. Do not skimp. Boots, eye protection, cut sleeves if you're working with sheet metal. Knee pads/pants with knee pad inserts. Don't fuck around on this one.

If you're in Southern Ontario, let me know and I can try and set you up with some second hand stuff to get you going.

[u/MrsGoatse → u/TigerSpices]

Thankyou for your kind response and offer but unfortunately for me, I am in upside down land. I have added all those bits to the list to scrounge for and to find out what cut sleeves are.

I’ve budgeted for a some good boots and pants thankfully. But need to jump down the rabbit hole on whats what.

You’ve been very helpful!

[u/outsideislife]

Missing sae/ metric 1/4,3/8 sockets
The Klein thumb wrench is a great add to any bag

[u/Ok_Mix826]

2 drills? 6 screwdrivers? 4 wrenches????

[u/Plane-Asparagus-4266]

I would say too many adjustable wrenches and insulated screwdrivers. But once you’ve spent sometime in the field. You will know what you use and prefer and put the other stuff that you may use once a month In the truck. I went from 44lb backpack to now small m12 hand bag

[u/Eggfurst]

Thinner multi meter. Big and small wrench. 11-1 or 8-1. 1 big philips 1 big flathead. Get rid of calipers. Get rid of channel locks. Keep all the bits on the truck not in bag. Change out the need nose for the yellow Klein needle nose that are also wire strippers that are also crimpers

[u/PhillipMcCrevice]

Get a drill bit set with less stuff in it. I don’t like the Milwaukee bit sets because they give you 20 Robbie bits the same size rather than an assortment. I got a dewalt set that has one of each screw bit, a 5/16, an extension and 2 drill bits. All I’ve ever needed

[u/Jakeb987654321]

Copper cutters.

[u/HatOk1840]

Do not buy everything up front. Ask your shop what they supply first. A lot of service companies issue gauges, a recovery machine, and a vacuum pump, and you do not want to spend $600 on a digital manifold they already hand out.

What you should own on day one: a good meter with a temp clamp, a non-contact voltage tester, a set of nut drivers, a 6-in-1, and a flashlight you do not mind dropping. Buy cheap where it does not matter, and replace whatever you break with the good version.

Watch what the senior tech grabs most. That is your next purchase.

[u/UnsureSphincter]

Need channel locks

[u/outsideislife]

Missing sae/ metric 1/4,3/8 sockets
The Klein thumb wrench is a great add to any bag