What tools?

[ukants]

From someone without an endless budget but not wanting to buy inferior tools, when starting out in the business what should a newbies first toolbox have in it and what are the best makes? Is there any one place to go to buy all the essentials in one fell swoop or is there one place for a good driver set and another for pliers? Are things like insulation strippers and crimpers a good idea or needless luxuries? Should I be buying a multimeter or a straight forward voltage tester?
Thanks in advance.

 

[HarryM]

I'm not a pro, but I have acquired many tools over the years. From the price angle it's worth shopping around, in DIY stores, tool retailers, and there are reputable suppliers on the internet. From the quality point of view it will depend on how much you expect to use the tool.

For example I have a Black and Decker 12v drill-driver which is adequate for my occasional needs, but if I were a professional and it was in use every day I would go for a heftier voltage, faster recharge time, and a manufacturer that makes industrial tools, Makita for instance. But that would cost double what I paid for the B&D.

For small tools like snipe-nosed pliers, screwdrivers, side-cutters, etc., it pays to buy the best you can get.

 

[Qedelec]

Get yourself a pair of these http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=23759 They will save you hours on a big job.

 

[Belle427]

im quite impressed by all of ck`s tools that i have used over the last couple of years,good quality stuff

 

[JohnD]

Sooner or later you'll need a multimeter, but a Voltage and Continuity tester that's small, light and simple to handle will get far more use.

You defintely need an insulation stripper. Were you going to use your teeth?

If you're starting out in the business, your instructors should be able to give you a list.

 

[Qedelec]

You defintely need an insulation stripper. Were you going to use your teeth?

Get yourself a pair of these http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=23759 They will save you hours on a big job.

I thought that's what these are, but then maybe I was mistaken.

 

[JohnD]

You defintely need an insulation stripper, like Qedelec says Were you going to use your teeth?

 

[plugwash]

well for T&E i find a knife the most effective tool for stripping.

flex is more of a pain though, especially getting the outer sheath off 3 core without damaging the inner cores.

 

[offroader]

A desent pair of snips will do it

 

[PompeySparks]

I tried some CK screwdrivers a few years back... still using them now! Good tools for day in, day out use!

 

[offroader]

I tried some CK screwdrivers a few years back... still using them now! Good tools for day in, day out use!

I'm using CK snips at work, and indeed they are good, but for home use I found some draper ones much too good for work.

 

[andy]

screwdrivers: all CK

cutters/pliers etc: NWS

 

[wilhelm]

its not how much youre going to use it.......

its when youre going to lose it.

i buy from screwfix and toolstation, i used to have...note the word "used" to have some snap off snips and bahco slip joint pliers...the dogs danglies...but in someones loft ..or by someones oil tank lies some quality gear. i dont buy expensive anymore. i got an expensive hacksaw though...cos if its time to use that..its last resort time...i dont want it to fail errrrr aint 15 squid expensive??
i like them footprint shifters.

...i think i need therapy.

 

[broxy]

A 14" pipe wrench made by either ridgid or record are invaluable for using on rounded off bolts or even pipes
Have to agree about C.K screwdrivers, had mine 18 years now and they still do the business.

 

[Big_Spark]

I use a mix of tools, Bahco, Irazolla, CK, Draper Professional, sockets sets are Halfords Professional Range, Footprint, Stanley and for more specialist tools, who ever makes the best for a reasonable cost, by this I mean Hydraulic CT crimpers, Ratchet crimpers, ratchet core croppers etc etc.

I also use BICC for pyro tools..everyone elses are pants.

Power tools are either Bosch, Dewalt or Makita, test instruments are Fluke and Robin.