All the Tools Apprentice Electricians ABSOLUTELY Need!
When it comes to tools, there are so many choices available!! Almost endless and the task of choosing what you should buy can be daunting! But, if you are starting out as an apprentice electrician, what tools should you have? In the latest episode of Electrician U, Dustin talks about what tools are a must have for apprentices.
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A good cordless drill is very important to have, as you will be constantly screwing something to a stud or drilling a hole (among a plethora of other items), and Milwaukee offers some of the best cordless tools around! If able, purchasing a combo set of drill/hammer drill & impact driver would be optimum as they both have their individual strong points. Cordless platforms come in a few different voltages (although 18v would be best to use in a field environment all day long, with the 12v being next best) to suit the use of the individual. A good selection of bits, tips, and drill bits are invaluable to using your drills!
A good tape measure is next on our list as you will be gathering measurements quite frequently! A 25’ wide bladed tape measure with a magnetic tip seems to be the most common for electricians. The wide blade stands out far without breaking and the magnetic tip allows you to stick the tip on something metallic to start your measurements with (in addition to being able to pick metal items up off the floor without having to reach down for them!!).
When it comes to pliers, there are many variants out there but here are a few that are necessary for you to have. A pair of wire strippers are necessary as that is what us electricians do most days; terminate wires. Try to get a good pair of ergonomic handles, ranging from 10-20 gauge (at least), and with the screw cutting option (trust me, you will thank me for that later!). Lineman type pliers allow us to cut, pull, twist, and bang on things so a definite must have. They are definitely going to be the largest pair of pliers in your tool pouch as that heft helps in cutting wire. Diagonal cutting pliers are a bit like lineman’s pliers, but have only the cutting edge only with no plier tip. Useful when cutting or prying metal. Needle nose (much like the name implies) are skinny snouted pliers that allow you to reach into a slim space to manipulate an object or loop a wire. One should consider a multi plier that combines several of the ones mentioned above into one tool, so you don’t have as many tools in your pouch at once!
A level is important so we can install things on the level (see what I did there?!). As us electricians are constantly working with something metallic, a small torpedo level with magnets is very helpful. An electrician’s level is handy as it has several bubbles on it to assist when bending conduit to get to an accurate degree of bend! Super handy!! A good selection of screwdrivers is a must also. A large and medium flat head and a Phillips are ones you should always keep on you. A multi screwdriver is handy to have as it allows you to have several different screwdriver tips in one package.
A tester is a tool that every electrician should own and know how to use! There are many different types available, so research should be done, as long as it is applicable to the type and voltage you are working with. As a note, since you will be testing to make sure voltage is OFF before putting your hands on it, make sure that you choose a meter from a reputable company and take care of it!! Keep it separate from the rest of your tools, keep the leads in good working order and make sure you have fresh batteries in it!
We hope this has been helpful in determining which tools you should have to start your electrical career. There are many different choices out there, but what you carry should be tailored to the individual electrician and the tasks that you are performing! Is there a topic that you want to see a video for? Leave a comment in the comment section below and let us know! Please continue to follow Dustin and Electrician U as we are constantly updating our content to help our followers along in their career!!
#electrician #electrical #electricity #terms of trade #journeyman tips #power issues
Make sure you always use the impact driver on the highest setting whenever you have to install some self-tapping sheet metal screws. It's the only way to stir-friction weld them in place so nobody else can ever work on that thing again.
Lol. I’m in the ibew and most electricians don’t even know what that last setting is even for.
[Everyone hated that]
I noticed that you have a tool belt that works really well with all the "must have" tools. Tell us about the best tool belt, please.
Gatorbacks not too bad
id really appreciate knowing exactly which tool belt he is using now.
@Muchmore Truth thank you for the info.
1) Atlas 46 2) Buckaroo 3) Occidental
Came here for this!
For the apprentices watching this and reading the comments: THANK YOU for trying the trades. He has a lot of good tips in this video. I would add, however, that the journeyman you are working under are your best source of what tools to buy. Depending upon what type of electrician specialty you are working for you will be doing different work. Additionally the wiring methods you will be using are dictated by the journeyman on your work site. So how you can best add to your job is kind of determined by that. There are tools he did not mention that I wished I had had on my first day of my apprenticeship. These tips appear to be more geared towards residential construction. Less towards commercial / industrial construction that use different wiring methods. Again, ask the journeyman you work under for guidance.
Don’t forget about the toolbelt to put it all in. I prefer the tool belts with the suspenders over the shoulders. If you have one that just goes around the waist, it’ll be pulling your pants down if it’s too loaded. You don’t wanna be showing your butt crack on the job. You’re an electrician, not a plumber👍
I've been an electrician since 2005; residential and commercial construction, and now industrial maintenance and control systems/instrumentation tech...I don't think I've ever used a tool belt lol. Got no time to be wasting that energy. The small veto tech bags are great for carrying what you need to where you'll be working, and just leave it there on the ground/in the lift/on the roof and carry the 2 pounds of tools you need for each job
The demolition flat head screwdriver is also extremely useful, guys
Any 6" Klein flat head is a demolition screwdriver lol. The handle on mine is all mushroomed plastic, but it's still alive
@@Gruntled2001 Yeah I have a old like 8" screw driver that I use for a beater and everything else that Ive had for years. it's all beat up but it works and it's essential I call it my ol trusty lol.
Be careful with that screwdriver though. No live circuit work. The metal striking cap is connected to the shaft. I do like the screwdriver but once I checked continuity on it, it's no longer in the work van.
@@clamboni9 shouldn't be working on live stuff anyways but that panel is just so damn far away
I just keep in mind what my co-workers are carrying and put the minimum in my pouch. Cherry pickiiiiiiiiiin
Not mentioned but good footwear, insoles and socks. Take care of your feet and your feet, ankles, knees, hips and back will thank you. I prefer having cats paws or "wiggy bars" to pry with than a big beater screwdriver or demo screwdriver. More controllable IME. If you're going to buy cordless tools. Consider getting what your coworkers use so you can share batteries. Personally I like TTI's brands (Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi), but you will have to decide what works best for you. Remember you're buying into the lineup not just the one tool. Think about all of your needs and buy appropriately.
Every time I look up electrical videos I see you pop up man I definitely shot a sub and a like this time thanks for all that you do. Helping 20 year olds like me get into the trade and feel comfortable having the knowledge to succeed in the work environment
Starting soon, thank you for the video!
I’ve been an apprentice for about 8 months now doing commercial and I definitely think a good set of small channel locks should be on this list, they come in handy quite a bit
My interview for the commercial apprenticeship in my area is March next year I can’t wait.
breaker locks and multi meter. never trust someone elses testing or lockout. thats the quickest way to get electrocuted
Knipex cobras water pump pliers
@@thenextgen1able channel lock tongue and groove are better for conduit couplings imo. Knipex tears them up. That being said cobras are probably one of the best hand tools I’ve ever bought and it got me to switch 90% of my hand tools to knipex
@@RsFrag3d not exactly the same but it's similar enough to get the job done
Man I wish I saw this video before I started. I’m on my 5th day of apprenticeship and am needing to borrow tools too often, even after following the tool list I was given. Being in the field and knowing what you need vs. what you’re told or think you need is a game changer.
How’s your apprenticeship going
Thinking about starting an apprenticeship and am looking to save up to get the tools I need so I'm not in this situation myself. But I find there is so much I'm pretty sure its inevitable that I will borrow something and then be like man I'ma need to by that tool.
@@jsb7546 Bring the basics day 1, but don't blow a bunch on "tools I might need". Save it for when you figure out what you actually need for the kind of work you're doing.
@@notsure7874 The amount of tools I buy the day after I need them, and then proceed to only ever use them once every two weeks, is insane lol
@@jsb7546did you start an apprenticeship?
Thanks for this video. I'm an accountant but love working on DIY projects. Your videos are very informational.
Great suggestions. Only thing I can ad is factory reconditioned cordless tools are a great value. Ive bought and still using Fein, Makita and Dewalt factory reconditioned tools and have had zero issues. I’ve had great experience with CPO Tool and prefer them over any of the big box stores when I’m shopping for new corded or cordless tools.
Amazing content again as always, however, the editing is absolutely on point, good job to the Editing team!
That milwaukee multi tool....I have the harbor freight version and I LOVE them. I took the giant handles off and put on a few coats of plastic dip so they're a little more streamlined. They strip from I think 18 to 8 wire. The cutter is the perfect size for stripping the sheathing from romex. And FYI, the Doyle line of pliers at HF are a home run.
Also a good set of small needle nose pliers is very useful and almost weighs nothing. Helps to cheat awkward angles from drilling because they can open up in a 3/4" hole.
You get me excited about becoming an electrician. Doing research on tools and belts has been my new addiction. Super pumped I found your channel.
I love those pouches the way they're able to sit everything in there I have a Klein tool one I do Residential and Commercial electrical
Small wire brushes scotch Brite sandpaper also super handy when working on older equipment cleaning up landing surfaces or even cleaning off the conductors themselves getting off corrosion or any junk built up.
This video is great. Very helpful as I’m finishing out my kit. In commercial two other must haves for me are twos sets of channel locks, and a couple of speed wrench’s. For conduit securing and rack building stuff.
Channel locks are a must have. And yes by far gearwrench makes the best 4 in 1 ratcheting combo wrenches
This is a great guide for those of us that are doing DIY work at home. The right tools for the job makes my day do much better.
As an American Electrician for 30+ years I too have my opinions of tools and what are best… Unfortunately my preferences have shifted from Klein to Knipex and Wiha and Wera for a variety of reasons. Those reasons are weight, performance and durability. And the philosophy of a TOOL BELT or BAGS, is a great way to destroy your back and livelihood…. Minimize to a tool vest and a nearby tool box… Skillers (also known as Snickers in Europe) makes some awesome tool vests. And there are others from other companies. But a tool vest minimized to the tools necessary for the task at hand distributes weight to shoulders as opposed to hips and far mor ergonomic than American style “bags” our belt/pouches. For that matter a pair of 9” Knipex linesman’s, a 10 in one screwdriver and light-weight impact is all you need on your person for most tasks. The rest can be in a box near where working. I keep two tool vests in my truck, on for rough - one for trim. The one for rough has a hammer loop pouches for a Knipex 1372-8, a tape measure, markers, a 10-1 driver, a beater, a hook for an impact. And some pouches for staples and wire nuts. And that’s it! The Trim vest is the same minus the hammer loop, and beater, and a few more specific drivers for trim work. And of course a level. I do ultra high end market work. And “bags” are not even allowed on the jobsite after rock goes up. You can turn around in a room with bags on and end up with a $5k+ back-charge for damage to a counter or wall…
really helpful ty
what model is the tool vest u have for trim and rough in
or brand sorry
@@uzi5009 Snickers in the UK and European countries- Skillers in the US (Because we have a candy bar by that name here) They are the original electricians vest….
Dustin I have a Klein 6 in 1 tapping tool; so that I can chase the threads on metal and plastic boxes. Also on the non contact detector check it on a known live circuit before you use it. I carry channel pliers for when do conduit. Yes when you are starting out as a apprentice electrician you need to know what type jobs the electrical contractor does in order to start your selection of tools. Also you need a good tool belt.
Sweet! I have just about everything you displayed on here! That's cool as hell! I've used them for roughly 1.5 years now-pretty much since starting out in the electrical field-and they still go strong. Milwaukee's been very good to me, as also Klein Tools. I have an idea for a video. You should make a dedicated one about the NCV tester-"ticker," "tick-tracer," you know. There's a lot of distrust and misinformation regarding this little tool and I believe that it mostly draws from a lack of knowledge, misconception, and misuse. A good comprehensive video explaining what the ticker is, what it is designed to do, and its limitations would prove invaluable especially to those who are just starting to get exposure to live electrical work.
I’m gonna start class next week good to know what to have when starting 👍🏻👍🏻
Great video Dustin keep them coming!!
The perfect set-up ... The only thing I would add is a utility knife but you named everything a good old electrician would need ... Thx for all your expertise ...
Love the beard look. Love this video. If you only can get 4 things. Impact, pliers, TM , 11 in 1. Can get the rest later. Spend more on Impact and pliers get better everything else later.
Great advice, thank you!
Thank you for making the video.
I start my apprenticeship soon and I’m so nervous. I’m switching from the animal health care to the traded. Completely different world. Thanks for the informative content and making me feel more confident going into it!
This helped me alot I'm currently interested in going into this field imnin highschool taking a construction trades class and in my last year I'll take an apprentice ship this helped me study the tools thank you new sub for sure
Thanks. Great info. Have a great day! 😀
I'm going for a pre-apprentice school and found this channel. I have no idea about most of these tools but man, you are an awesome teacher thanks.
This channel is great if you’re in school! It helps bring what you learn here to class
I bought a Volt claw last year and it's moved up the ranks to my top 3 most used tools. Not only great for digging wire bundles out of j boxes, but great for pushing them back in nicely. And works very well to assist prying out old breakers (like Zinsco). Highly recommended.
Thanks for the video. Starting my apprentice journey soon and this helps to know what's out there. I did have one question regarding cordless screwdrivers/ hex drivers. Ive been looking at the Makita DF012DSE (with speed and torque settings). Ive seen around electricians use these for all manner of things alongside having regular screwdrivers for fine adjustments or as needed. Do you have any experience with these? They seem to speed up workloads pretty well . Thanks!
I purchased the magnetic Klein 11-1 screwdriver a few months and it has instantly become one of my favorite tools. If you're going to buy a multipurpose screwdriver I highly recommend the magnetic version of the 11-1.
Didn’t work for me, dropped from about 4 ft and all the bit knocked out and wouldn’t stay in
Love mine too now that it’s broken in easier to change bits now
U can magnetize any combo screw driver u realize that lol
Contractors buy all power tools(battery tools). Been in trade since 1993 and I’ve never had to supply my own battery or power tools. All you provide is hand tools, unless your doing side work
Totally awesome man!! If ever did anything for residential or commercial it would probably be electrician
Greetings from Korea. Thanks for this great video. I can sense the passion you have for your profession. Thanks again. ^^
I was an Apprentice in Southern Utah for 3 months in Residential. It was in Cedar City, I then had to move to Salt Lake City and got a job with my best friend doing Commerical Plumbing with his Dad. The company was trash but meant well. If I had stuck with it I surely would of done good. I knew then and know now Eletrician is the trade I love. Someday I want to have a company(6-8 years from now) but I am very noob haha. I know some basics tho and can wire prrtty good and do switches and install devices. Anyways. Just wanted to let you know I stumbled upon you recently and am currently doing glass installation and getting things in order. I apprrciate all the hard work you do! Looking forward to learning a lot. I want to be a full asset to anyone I work for 😊
Tool belt itself is super important. I carry my tool belt and 3 bags. One bag has batteries/chergers with drill bits and a case that has nut drivers the other small bag carries my oscillating saw, drill, and impact. Lastly, I have the big bag that has heavy duty stuff like hammer, linemans, pry bar, ratcheting cutters, and etc. My logic and reasoning is that I want to keep my tool belt as light as possible to keep from stressing my hips, lower back, and to fight off fatigue due to carrying around 20lbs more than required for typical needs. Hope this helps!
What do you keep on your tool belt?
@@pgood7266 small hammer for staples, small level, 11 in 1 screwdriver, long flathead beater screwdriver, needle nose pliers, impact extension, marker/pencil/pen, razor knife, wire stripper/plier combo, diagonal cutter, inductive probe, drywall screws (perfect for jbox), 3 inch screws, extra panel screws, couple of box connectors to save a trip to the truck, electrical tape, wire nuts, staples, and one other tool that have slipped my mind. Honestly, it takes care of the majority of jobs while staying relatively low in weight. My bags have heavy stuff like individual power tools, alen wrenches, and etc. But I typically walk in with my impact and tool belt until I know what exactly I need.
And measuring tape
Huge tip, leave the Milwaukee tape measures at the home depot where it belongs, ive been threw multiple of them and im a milwaukee or die type of guy. All my tools are milwaukee except my tape measure. I bought the klien tape measure and it doesn't break till about 14ft and has been one of the best investments I've made in tools.
Suggestion on a great tool: Take a medium-sized pair of channel lock plyers and grind down the jaws to be narrower and thinner than the size of the needle nose plyer. like alligator jaws, so they fit around the coupler nuts. it works great for getting into tight places, with the benefits of wide, narrow, and thin jaws! Excellent tool! Make it you will love it!
I'm about to start my apprenticeship. What a greatly timed video! I already got all the books you recommend on your website.
half these tools aren't even needed bro
@@tomhusking3020 It's true, you won't need every tool in every instance, but you will use every one of those tools in different situations. Some are more applicable when doing rough in compared to finish work, some are more for residential compared to commercial - but they will ALL be used.
Also need a knife, pencils/markers, nut driver bits for the impact like the Malco with the 1/4 and 5/16 is great.
Step bits and hole saws should be mentioned as well
I’d recommend the Milwaukee M12 Fuel HDD/Impact driver. They cost about the same as the base model M18 models, but they’re smaller, lighter, and plenty powerful, even for drilling mounting holes in concrete.
Yep I use m12 impact and drill, much better when you're carrying them around.
I don't drill with mine in anything super heavy or very repetitive, or use it for concrete (impact is not hammer) - but I LOVE that little thing. Generally the 18v stays in the truck these days, unless I'm getting heavy on the drillin. It runs the paddle bit / small hole saw for the occasional hole just fine though. Way lighter on the belt than the 18v.
I'll keep my ryobi HP drill driver that I got with my impact driver in a kit for 126 dollars
In hvac we use a 1/4 & 5/16 reversible chuck made by malco
Best drivers: Wiha Best pliers: Klein 2000 series then Wiha Best pump pliers: Knipex Best hammer: Linemans...jk Hardcore, Milwaukee, Stiletto, apprentice, etc (mArtInEz) Best jabby saw: Klein or Vaughn Best Aviation snips: Klein or Hazet Best multi-driver: Wera Best L-keys: Wera Best T-handle: Klein Journeyman Best power tools: Milwaukee fuel Best ratchet set (for this job): Gearwrench pass thru Quality impact set: Blackhawk or Sunex Best double end set: Klein reversible Best nut drivers: Malco, Klein, or Wiha impact Best benders: Milwaukee w/ iron head Best tombstone: Greenlee Best center punch: Starrett Best ingenious trade tool: Hanger Banger, Conduit layout tool Best carbide hole cutters: Klein or Milwaukee Best instruments: Fluke Best lineman knife: Klein folder, Selby s35vn, or Tactical Edge Lineman Best utility knife: Milwaukee or TealeDesigns Best Tool Belt: Buckaroo, Occidental Stronghold (new), or Diamondback Best tool pouches: Occidental or Akribis Best belt/suspender accessories: Atlas46 Best aux tool storage: Atlas46 Best aux tool belt sacks: Diamondback DBsax or Holstery Joey Best tool bags: Veto Pro Pac Best tool boxes: Milwaukee packout Best lanyards: NLG, Milwaukee, Atlas46 Tallmadge, Ergodyne Best boots: Franks type 1 commander, Jk superduty, Hoffman Armor pro Best work pants: Mascot 17179-311 Best lights: Fenix Best writing tools: Sharpie hd construction, Pica, Milwaukee Best knowledge source: Mike Holt & engineering channels Best route: IEC Non-Union Best tool: Klein rapi-driv and slave apprentice Worst scenario: 10 year apprentice, cocaine stint, depression, sold tools, enlightenment, bought tools, apprenticeship at 35, gym tan misogyny, back baby Worst place to work: Alaskan fishing vessel in the Bearing Sea or Odessa, Texas.
Favorite wire stripper I’ve used has to be Klein Tools Katapult, I believe that’s what it’s called.
When I was doing Residential Electric years ago we used our Linemans Pliers to Strip! Once you get used to it it does the job. Technique of tool mastery!
A lot of the linesmans now have strippers built in.
I strip wire with my linemans better than with strippers lol. That’s how I’ve always done it for the last 15 years
Even small flimsy fixture wire??
@@paulparker9376 After you've cut a wire that was hot, you turn your linesmans into a stripper anyway lol
Let's not forget that we hammer staples with linesmans sometimes :D
Milwaukee makes a stripper needle nose plier combo that are about 20-25 bucks. It's super convenient because you don't have to switch between needle nose and strippers. Less weight on your bags
The Knipex ones are really good too. Not sure what metal Milwaukee uses for their stripper but I know the Knipex ones will last a lifetime
A really common practice for the waffle face hammers is to sand the corners on the face and round them over so it’s not such a sharp edge.
i liked the Milwaukee tape measures a lot but i ended up going through 3 of them because the tape kept tearing. I switched to the fatmax and it has lasted me much much longer
very much appreciate your videos
Im an apprentice in Australia was very interesting to see the slight difference in tools but hand tools are a must when starting for sure
Curious to know what the differences are!
I was wondering if a forstner bit instead of a spade would be a good substitute for the spade bit, until you talked about the abuse to expect. Forstner's make really good holes, but are too expensive to be considered a rapid consumable. ;-) Leave them in the home wood shop, and take the spades out to the field.
Very helpful. Only other thing I thought of was a utility knife.
as others have mentioned a utility knife and additionally klein has a pretty good 15 in 1 racheting screwdriver
Thanks brother I have majority of it. Only thing I need is a drywall cutter that’s it.
Looks more like a resi kind of list. I’m an apprentice and have been in this trade for 4 months. I have everything you listed but I have had to buy a bandsaw, sawzall, sds drill, and a grinder. Been doing commercial and industrial. My drills were given to me by my company
Get a craftsman 4v electric screwdriver if you’re putting it a lot of receptacles/ plates, it fits in your back pocket and it’s a whole lot better than carrying around a big impact driver
It's been a while, great info as usual. Thanks for that. Also, that beard looks good.
IBEW apprentice are required to have basic hand tools, ALL other tools, drills, bits, saws, blades are supplied by the contractor
Dustin could you explain branch circuits and overcurrent protection devices with the difference in ratings percentage
Really well done. I was an electrician back in the early '80s, needs/requirements really haven't changed much. I will say the plastic tipped probe that lights up/beep/buzz when a wire is hot wasn't around way back when, it would've saved me getting hung up on a supposedly unpowered box, that happened to me a couple times. Couple things to add - First, you didn't talk about your tool belt. A good, comfortable, pouch with large, stiff pockets that has separations for holding not only the tools but also connectors, wire nuts, pipe straps, staples, etc., it's as essential as the tools themselves. Second: working the trades, be it electrical, mechanical, carpentry - whatever, it's exceptional work, and though it's not always year-round security, the building trades is not likely a job that can be outsourced to a 3rd world country. If the structure is being built in your town, it will require skilled tradesmen to do that work right there. When I was an electrician, it was really the most rewarding time in my life. I have done tons of different kinds of work before and since, though I didn't have a formal training program, I started as an apprentice and after a couple years I was able to get my journeyman's license. Not everyone who wants to work in the field will have a genuine aptitude for it but anyone who wants to pursue it can learn and be effective and productive. Even if it's not a lifelong career, what you learn doing that work - using your hands, methods of problem solving, the physical work, it builds the kind of knowledge that can be applied in almost any other job.
30yr electrician here, every employee I hire, I buy them a Klein Tools Rapi-Driv 3/16 in. X 6 in. L Rotary Screwdriver, twirly in our terms, works great for trim screws, probing, plus hundreds of other uses, the best tool for the price!
Just had a medium size (full day) job done last Friday by an electrician I just decided to try out (previous company who'd been doing all my work has slowly gone downhill over the last few years). His 16 y/o apprentice kicked arse. Worked his butt off and the journeyman or craftsman who was overseeing him (the guy I hired) really was an amazing trainer. I'm retired military from a very technical job and watching him work with his apprentice was truly an example and I recognized a lot of the best practices from my time as a trainer. Sure, there were a few things he had to give him a few "corrections" on but his level of patience, professionalism, etc with his apprentice was clear he'd done this before. I get to see them on my house for a major rewiring this Thurs/Fri (last job was my late-mother-in-law's house that we're getting ready to sell when probate closes and I wanted the electric brought up to date since it was built in the 1940's/50's). I'm not concerned with the pending results. Honestly, the only "bad" thing to come from it is personal... my son is on the spectrum (very high functioning) and I've been wanting to apprentice him to an electrician, plumber, or some other trade to learn skills since he still doesn't know what he's going to do when he grow's up.... I couldn't ask someone to have to work through his issues, but he needs it. Eats me up a little.
I think extra electrical (or any trade) practice and training at home might help to make up for some of the lack of social intuition. Getting used to going through the motions, taking directions, asking for help, etc. so that he's a step above the other apprentices technically to make up for being a step down socially.
Teach him to think ahead and don’t be afraid to always jump in and help and anybody would be happy to train him
The equipment manufacturers developed the “electrical combination head”, “ECH”. Which is a normal slotted head with the Robertson square drive in the center, in response to the Canadian code requiring everything have Robertson heads, while US codes require the everything have a slotted head. Instead of cataloging separate items in the two countries the developed the combo head. The holding company which owns Milwaukee, and Klein came out with a screw driver which actually fits the ECH
I have a Milwaukee ECX screwdriver and Klein bits for my combo driver. Sadly, they don't fit all the combo heads you run into. When they fit, they work great, but when they don't fit, they are 100% useless. They fit receptacles and switch screws well but seldom work on other equipment screws. Unless I'm doing a lot of outlet work, I question whether they are worth carrying. But for now, I am still carrying them.
Ha! Never knew what ECH stood for. I learned something new today. I love mine; they don't seem to slip as bad as square, slotted, or Phillips.
@@CurtWelch, interesting, I've personally never run into that problem. I use mine a lot to tighten breakers.
It is also called ecx, terminal, xeno. Wiha and Wera make drivers and Milwaukee has Ecx insert bits that can be bought at Northern Tool.
I heard that up in Canada they are working on a replacement for Robbie - a maple-leaf shaped bit. Just what I heard on the Internet, so it must be true.
The one suggestion i have to go with the M12 fuel line over M18. The weight reduction is significant 2lbs vs 3lbs and the power is 85-90% of the m18. Only time you may notice the difference is if you are drilling through stud after stud for a few hours or through concrete.
Facts I got the m12 and m18 drill and surge impact set had them for about 3-4 years my m18 set still looks brand new I use my m12 stuff 95% of the time
M12 surge ftw
I personally prefer the M18 Fuels as they are heavy. Sure I'll use an M12 to get into tight spaces, but quite often when I need a smaller impact, even the small ones barely get into the space. Very handy to have but I prefer to work hard and stay strong/fit so heavy tools is a bonus for me
Hex keys! If you're installing or repairing exterior lighting, you'll see loads of hex sockets.
Great video,also an utility knife
Wow, such a budget friendly starter kit. I do HVAC right now and we use SO many tools it’s crazy lol. I’m looking to switch over to being an electrician looks like I have everything I need and much more 😅
Hey man im currently about graduate from hvac school what are some starter tools i should get to begin with. I have no types of tools and im trying to get ready and buy my tools
What’s up dude. It kind of depends what experience you have from school and what you feel comfortable doing, getting into the field. What I keep in my clean and check list (which is likely what they’ll start you doing) is a drill with interchangeable 1/4 and 5/16 bit these sizes get used a bunch. A couple medium and shortest sized nut drivers both 1/4 and 5/16. Philips and flat head. Different types of pliers, wrenches, needle nose, regular, and wire snippers. Pipe brush, very light grit sand paper or green sponge to clean flame sensors and a small shop vac. PVC cutter, Magnetic tray, lights/headlamp, drill bits, multimeter that can also read temperature and capacitance, Manifold gauges for checking refrigerant levels. These are just very basic tools. Moving forward there’s a ton more tools you can get for AC and heating as time goes on, but to start with that’s a decent list.
I do both. And electrical is 60-70% of HVAC maintenance. Construction on the other hand electrical is only like 15-20% of HVAC. And yeah most of your tools will be the same in both fields. I'm probably the only industrial maintenance electrician I know who leaves their fluke in the truck (except for troubleshooting instrumentation and other 4-20ma signals) and use the fieldpiece meter for EVERYTHING else
Dustin always gives some tips that nobody dont .. Only his fast english is little bit problem for us who's non native 😂 we love you buddy ❤️
I know its an extra tool, but if you're dealing with alot of concrete, I'd go and pickup a SDS Plus Drill. They're designed to punch holes in concrete much faster than a hammer drill and have better shock absorption. Plus, no pun intended, their bits won't fall out randomly, like what happens with a hammer drill over time. Most power tool companies make them with varying battery voltages and corded options.
Don't get me wrong, any time I'm drilling more than a couple holes, even 1/4", I'm using my SDS, but the video is geared towards kids that are at a point where they're probably not gonna drop $200 on a tool unless it's essential frequently enough that the other guys on site will get tired of lending it to them.
U forgot to suggest a Ultility knife or a foldind or electricians knife whatever ...There are many situations that don't go like you've planned..Really a must have Tool..👍🔧
Thanks
Great video as always but for drill bits what about step bits
If you work union you cannot bring most power tools to work
THE MILWAUKEE STRIPPERS ARE BOMB. I LOVE THOSE THINGS.
A sniffer in a check or are not the same. Sniffer is a device to measure for leaks. It smells for refrigerant liquid and other chemicals to find a leak
find the new gfci tester with a volt guage...its great
Nice To Know.
The only tools a apprentice needs is….. 3- screwdrivers Plier, channel loks, 6’ stick rule, level, wire stripper, hammer, awl… A DRILL AND IMPACT DRIVER IS SUPPLIED BY THE CONTRACTOR….
Martinez M-1. He designed the early titanium stilettos. I like the dewalt 20oz for an affordable starter. That said Estwing makes a damn durable hammer
I got my first introduction to Estwing in school geology classes. You can pound on rocks all day with them and not ruin your hand (or the hammer). When I went out on my own, I used my Estwing rock hammer for everything until I really needed a claw (my rock hammer had a chisel end on the back end). I would use the Estwing to set pry-bars.
Diablo threaded paddle bits will save u a ton of time and effort
ive taken the 5/16 driver out of my klien and put the end on my drill clampd down and used it but be careful not to round out your nut drivers lol
Great video great. Woodworking
Impact doesn’t drip because the ratcheting can crack what ever your drilling. Although that’s just what I have been told
Surprised not to see a pair of channellocks on there. Guess it's a resi thing?
Used an old craftsman slotted driver as a beater. The Kleins were too pricey to wreck.
Money: I really liked your comment about starting out with the less-expensive power tools. Then when you can afford and appreciate the ProLine particularly Milwaukee you can justify the higher price and durability. Plus personal habits do you lose things enters into the formula.
IF you can afford it, I recommend going straight to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel line. Has all the power you’ll need and is smaller and lighter than the M18 line, while costing about the same as the base M18 models. However, for those who can’t afford that, the newish Skil PWRcore 12 line is a great alternative, for about half the price of the M12 Fuel.
@@geoffstrickler I have M12 and M18 FUEL but I'd recommend buying M18 first then later getting M12 for lighter duty work.
I've tried an 11 in 1 screwdriver (Klein) but the tips kept falling out and getting lost. A 6 in 1 doesn't seem to have that problem. Malco tools make a combonation 1/4 and 5/16 nut driver that is super handy. The tip also comes off to clean it out. For spade bits I would recomend Daredevil bits. They have a screw tip that helps pull the bit through the wood.
DeWalt also makes the same double sided nut driver bits with magnets (1/4 and 5/16, and 3/8 and 7/16), but malco's seem far superior.
As a new apprentice, thanks for the info on *why* you choose what you do. Makes a lot of sense to me.
I would have mentioned a Utility Knife for cutting your 12/3, or whatever to strip it.
Who makes the tool belt you are wearing ? I haven’t seen that one before but it looks handy. Is there one you’d recommend more ?
And a tool belt/bag of some type!
I also want to know. Looks like an occidental leather one, but don’t know if I’ve ever seen that model.
I’m an Australian sparky, I think the most important tools are crosscut pliers or linesman pliers you should be able to strip any cable up to 25mm with crosscuts I prefer Marvel crosscut pliers from Japan What you called ‘diagonal cutting pliers’… we call them side cutters or ‘sidies’ because you know straya again Marvel Japanese steal is the best. Tape yeah, level yeah, plaster saw yeah, needle nose yeah. In Aus insulated screwdrivers up to 1000V are preferred, I like wattmasters witte drivers. Conduit cutters, chisel, hammer. Multimeter I think it is absolutely essential you should learn how to use a 1000V multi before anything else because you should test before you do anything else, I like Kyoritsu or Fluke. I agree/disagree about the drills, if you’re working for a big company in Australia like Stowe, Nilsen, Downer etc you definitely won’t need them but if you’re working for a small company then you’re probably gonna need a drill at some point and it is better to have you know your own that are quality like Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt (I prefer Milwaukee) and it is best to have both the impact driver and drill combo it’s also the best way to start building your platform you get two tools, two batteries and a charger.
what pouch is that my belts getting to be 50 pounds I need ones with suspenders as well as one that I can put my impact drill, Im especially looking to get slots for my tools.
Does anyone know what tool belt/pouch set he's using? He talks about all these tools, pulling them from the tool belt, but never mentions it. Would be nice to know because it looks like a great set of pouches and belt. Thanks.
How do you deal with hot wheather? During the summer it's not good to work outside. I try to drink more water than usual. Big hug from Portugal.