I was kinda thinking of buying this kit: http://www.acetoolonline.com/Search...118&Extensive_Search=Y&Search.x=11&Search.y=8
Electricians
- Thread starter 86bluecobra
- Start date
I was kinda thinking of buying this kit: http://www.acetoolonline.com/Search...118&Extensive_Search=Y&Search.x=11&Search.y=8
TrophyHead
15 Year Member
Dont buy that. The tape measure alone is like 50 bucks.
You dont need top of the line stuff right now. Klien strippers and dykes ok. Cheap tape measure, cheap 4 in 1 screwdriver.
Are you doing residential electricity? If so use a 5 gallon bucket. You can buy organizers for them at home depot. Then be able to put boxes, switches, receptacles, wire nuts ect in it.
Edit: I see you said industrial. Still dont buy that kit. Are you going to be traveling or at a permanent location or at a job site for months at a time?
Either craftsman or greenlee.
I don't really do "regular" electrical work though, so my tools are different. I do traffic control systems, dam controls, bridge controls, sport stadium lighting, etc. Last time i ever did a receptacle was when i was an apprentice about 8 years ago.
I'd have to say though, the two most commonly used tools for electricians are the pliers and regular screwdriver.
It will be a permanet location. I alreay have a tape measure and I have perscription safety glasses. I also really don't like the pouch in that kit. I'm feel like I'm hitting a brickwall trying to decide what kit to get.
I got a set of ideal strippers they last a good while just try to keep them from gettin wet and don't cut alot of heavy stranded wire with them. I use alot of ideal tools for cable repairs too. Just a lil side note if your klein wire cutters are too stiff get a little bit of sand and try to work it in some of the cracks on the cutters open and closem a good bit then hosem down with some wd-40 workem a little more and the handles should drop on their own without having to push them open.
The westburn tool rep is trying to get us to buy these Ideal industries tool kits. The tools are made in USA so I would think they were pretty good. I like the tote they come in aswell. I think I may just buy them. I can always buy a klien cutter and stripper if I don't like the Ideal stuff.
Ideal is pretty good stuff too. They pretty much just make stuff for the electrical construction industry. I have had their strippers and a few ideal screwdrivers in the past. No complaints here, just most of my stuff is klein since it is more available at HD and Lowes and such.
TrophyHead
15 Year Member
If your in a permanant location I would just get a lockable roll away tool box. See what the other guys are using and go from there. I'm not sure if you will be running conduit for feeders or control wiring or setting up PLC's or freq drives, panel building, ect. Probably everything.
Didn't realize we had this many electricians on Stangnet.
I didn't either... wonder why I seem to answer so many electrical questions here on Stangnet?...
I guess electronics/computer guys have more goof off time...
I didn't either... wonder why I seem to answer so many electrical questions here on Stangnet?...
Lol i think it's a little different. There are some electricians/engineers i work with that couldn't tell you how a simple 12V toggle switch on a car would operate...yet can design a control system for a drawbridge.
I use all klien besides my channellocks, Linesman, dikes, strippers, set of screwdrivers including rotaries, set of nut drivers, pipe reamer, 6 peice dewalt kit you should just need a drill though, screw holding screwdriver, tick tracer, pencil, sharpie marker, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, chalk line, plum bob, tape measure, level, wire knife, razor knife, needle nose pliers, various bits for the drill. Just some stuff off the top of my head that I have, Ill be a 2 year apprentice in July so I didnt start off with all this stuff just a heads up of about what you should have in the near future. Klien does sell kits though that has already been mentioned. Good luck
I didn't either... wonder why I seem to answer so many electrical questions here on Stangnet?...
I was hoping after I got a little training and schooling under my belt I could also help guys like you do.
At this point I know very little. 
the pony boy
Founding Member
wow apprentices need tools!!! ive been in local #3 (nyc elevator division)for 3 years and we were not allowed to have tools.we can use the mechanics but not bring our own.i am still technically a app. but i was promoted to mechanic a year ago and my status with the union was also upgraded to mechanic.i highly recomend klein tools they are great. good luck phil
They don't let you have tools?!?!? Is it some kinda safety thing? Thats seems odd.
the pony boy
Founding Member
i lived in nyc for the first 27 years of my life. for the past 2 years i lived in putnam which i love.working in the city is great the worst part for me is when i get off the metro north and i have to take the subway.the subway is way over crowded and just plain sucks.most of the work i do is in residential building ranging from 6-20 stories tall.its prettycool seeing some of the older stuff thats still working.as far as apprentices they are not required to have tools there main job is to watch and learn and keep the job site in clean and in working order.by rule ure not to have ure own tools. phil
