Tools list.

[Elfshadow]

Looking at jobs on craigslist hoping to grab some info.

Most say must have own tools. I was just wondering what potental employers expect to provide and what they expect employees to have.

Basic hand tools are a no brainer. But what about vacuum pump, recovery machine, torchs and the like. I can see them expecting me to have stuff like basic multimeter, clamp, thermometer.

Coming out of a factory setting most of these are provided, and I know alot of these cost alot. Just wondering what a basics tools list I should work to obtain.

[hvac wiz 79]

In my opinion they should supply anything they bill for . . . Vac pump, recovery, torch, etc ...
Although i know guys that use some of their own equipment.



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[drkglass01]

If they expect you to supply pumps and torches and such, consider going into business for yourself.

[carmon]

yep.... only hand tools in my opinion , a few meters maybe a couple of pipe wrenchs ..... vacuum pumps torchs... scales recovery machines... I provide for my employees/.... may be different in your area

[Tech Rob]

You should be prepared to spend thousands on equipping yourself with the best stuff money can buy. I like to use my own stuff so I am not stuck using whatever junk the company wants to supply. As long as there is an agreement that the employer will cover maintenance/repair/replacement cost if it's used on the job.

I think most self-respecting techs own their own drills, saws, gauge manifolds, torch set, scale, leak detector(s), meters, thermometers, etc. in addition to the standard hand tools. Vacuum pump could go either way. Recovery machine & cylinders usually not. Your tools are an investment in your ability to do your job without being dependent on someone else. I would have a hard time taking someone seriously as a professional if they did not make this investment in themself.

Just for illustration purposes, here's what I roll with every day. Can handle most service calls with just what's on the table there.

[Joseph12345]

True that ^
What happends when you have to make it on your own in the industry

[Elfshadow]

You should be prepared to spend thousands on equipping yourself with the best stuff money can buy. I like to use my own stuff so I am not stuck using whatever junk the company wants to supply. As long as there is an agreement that the employer will cover maintenance/repair/replacement cost if it's used on the job.

I think most self-respecting techs own their own drills, saws, gauge manifolds, torch set, scale, leak detector(s), meters, thermometers, etc. in addition to the standard hand tools. Vacuum pump could go either way. Recovery machine & cylinders usually not. Your tools are an investment in your ability to do your job without being dependent on someone else. I would have a hard time taking someone seriously as a professional if they did not make this investment in themself.

Just for illustration purposes, here's what I roll with every day. Can handle most service calls with just what's on the table there.


I completely agree. I plan on buying everything I need, but starting out that is quite hard. At the moment I have most of the hand tools you have but I want to add to that. If I had the money I would be a tool aholic.

[bmwruss]

I'm in HVAC school now and think about my tool list regularly. In the past, I've always liked being prepared with my own tools. Right now, my garage is well stocked with all the hand tools I need from past jobs. Including multi meters, an amp meter, digital thermometer. I'm researching everything I'm going to need as an HVAV tech. Being in school, it will be some time before reaching that point, which gives me plenty of time to build my tool list. My first HVAC tool investment will most likely be a set of vacuum gauges. Any advice on a good, quality set would be welcomed.

[neophytes serendipity]

In my area, I have applied at 2 non-union shops.

One expected you to provide everything, the only thing they supplied was B tank and nitrogen tank exchanges, brazing rod and small consumables like reciprocating saw blades.

The other shop would provide a vacuum pump and reclaimer machine, unknown condition at that time.

[toocoolforschool]

Depends on how much side work you will be doing!

[blitz]

shop tool usually is worn and abused.. if you like working trust worthy tools consider getting your own.

[jpsmith1cm]

I completely agree. I plan on buying everything I need, but starting out that is quite hard. At the moment I have most of the hand tools you have but I want to add to that. If I had the money I would be a tool aholic.

Budget a small amount out of each paycheck. A couple bucks will do.

Put it in a jug, a jar, or a savings account.

Before you know it, you'll have a few hundred bucks in there. Enough to add a tool to the inventory.

I've been doing this for years. Informally at the start, stuffing my pocket change into a mason jar. More recently, I've set up an account and an automatic deposit each week.

It adds up FAST.

[pcp]

The shop I work for puts 7.50 a week into a tool allowance for each full time employee. This is for hand tools and specialty tools you might want,the company supplies vac pump, gauges, combustion analyzer, leak detector etc. But company clothes come out of the tool allowance after the first set and if you get let go you won't see the balance.

[royd2]

what type of factory are you coming from .was it true or delfeild or some one i got my start at wasserstrom

[Elfshadow]

what type of factory are you coming from .was it true or delfeild or some one i got my start at wasserstrom


I don't really want to say where I work, or what area I'm for that matter, parnoid that way, with the current economy.

I have worked for the last two to three years testing customized commerical, and light industrial packaged units, split systems, and some water to water 410a chillers. Most of our units run from 3ton to 40ton units. I have learned alot working here, but I want to learn more and don't have the funds for schooling, and well I messed up any chance of fianacing it to. I also have a background in comp sci, its what I messed up my fianancing options on, and find controls interesting. Wow, just relized I had put in alot of time with this company. Before I moved into testing spent about nine years wiring control panels and units.

[ryan1088]

You should be prepared to spend thousands on equipping yourself with the best stuff money can buy. I like to use my own stuff so I am not stuck using whatever junk the company wants to supply. As long as there is an agreement that the employer will cover maintenance/repair/replacement cost if it's used on the job.

I think most self-respecting techs own their own drills, saws, gauge manifolds, torch set, scale, leak detector(s), meters, thermometers, etc. in addition to the standard hand tools. Vacuum pump could go either way. Recovery machine & cylinders usually not. Your tools are an investment in your ability to do your job without being dependent on someone else. I would have a hard time taking someone seriously as a professional if they did not make this investment in themself.

Just for illustration purposes, here's what I roll with every day. Can handle most service calls with just what's on the table there.

You get to put your tools on your kitchen table? I'd be dead if I did that!!!!!!!

[Tech Rob]

You get to put your tools on your kitchen table? I'd be dead if I did that!!!!!!!

She didn't know until she saw the picture online. It is better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission! (This logic does NOT apply to all areas of any relationship) LOL

Mrs. Tech Rob just told me today "So I saw all of your tools on the table in the picture, HMMMMMMM.....". Lucky for me, today is our 5 year anniversary and I sent her a bunch of roses and some chocolate covered strawberries, which just happened to arrive about the same time.

[ndj22]

nice tactic to smooth it over:cheers: my girl would have my head :censored:

[Joseph12345]

Somebody should make a elaborate list of ideal tools for the Hvac/refrigeration tech. And in what order to get them

[Tech Rob]

Somebody should make a elaborate list of ideal tools for the Hvac/refrigeration tech. And in what order to get them

Ask Supertek65 for a copy of his personal tool list. That is what you need.

[2sac]

Somebody should make a elaborate list of ideal tools for the Hvac/refrigeration tech. And in what order to get them


Ampmeter and a 6&1.

[supertek65]

Lmao!!!!!




Ask Supertek65 for a copy of his personal tool list. That is what you need.

[Joseph12345]

Do it super tek, unless its some inside joke I don't know about

[supertek65]

I can not post my tool list from my phone.
When i get to a computer i will post it.

It is from 2011

I have added a laser alignment tool.
Thermal imaging laser, signal generator and two different fluke meters with detachable heads and a few other items in 2012.

[supertek65]

Joseph
It is not in order.

[Elfshadow]

I would just be happy with a priority order. What expensive tool to save up for first.

[ckartson]

You should be prepared to spend thousands on equipping yourself with the best stuff money can buy. I like to use my own stuff so I am not stuck using whatever junk the company wants to supply. As long as there is an agreement that the employer will cover maintenance/repair/replacement cost if it's used on the job.

I think most self-respecting techs own their own drills, saws, gauge manifolds, torch set, scale, leak detector(s), meters, thermometers, etc. in addition to the standard hand tools. Vacuum pump could go either way. Recovery machine & cylinders usually not. Your tools are an investment in your ability to do your job without being dependent on someone else. I would have a hard time taking someone seriously as a professional if they did not make this investment in themself.

Just for illustration purposes, here's what I roll with every day. Can handle most service calls with just what's on the table there.

Most companies that I have worked for allowed me to purchase the epuipment that I will be using, such as reclaimer. If you don't go overboard they have no problem with it. As far as self reaspecting goes I disagree. The company needs to supply certain tools. As technology changes tools change. The company needs to keep all employees up to speed. They can't have one guy thatowns his own micron gage while another guy doesn't own one. Not fair to the customer, which guy do they get. Self respect is making sure the proper tools are supplied, such as evac tree and good evac hoses not those allin one gages with four valves on them. The industry has changed over my 33 years and I don't think I should be responible for upgrading my epquipment as it changes. There was no such thing as digital gauges and meters when I started. Simpson 260 was the elite meter at the time now fluke digital (imho).

[Joseph12345]

Good info, in my case I work for a small company so they don't purchase the more recent tools for a quality job, and as an up incoming tech, seeing corners cut all the time for budget reasons dosent help me in the long run. Which is why I'm trying to acquire all the necessary tools for the trade. Is it fair for someone to work for a company and have to use their own vaccum pump, recovery cylinders/ machines, refrg scales, nitrogen/acetlyne tank w/ their nice regulators things like that. Wear and tear on your hard earned tools

[Tech Rob]

Most companies that I have worked for allowed me to purchase the epuipment that I will be using, such as reclaimer. If you don't go overboard they have no problem with it. As far as self reaspecting goes I disagree. The company needs to supply certain tools.

OK.


As technology changes tools change. The company needs to keep all employees up to speed. They can't have one guy thatowns his own micron gage while another guy doesn't own one. Not fair to the customer, which guy do they get. Self respect is making sure the proper tools are supplied, such as evac tree and good evac hoses not those allin one gages with four valves on them. The industry has changed over my 33 years and I don't think I should be responible for upgrading my epquipment as it changes. There was no such thing as digital gauges and meters when I started. Simpson 260 was the elite meter at the time now fluke digital (imho).

If you buy quality stuff that is built to last and the technology behind it is tested and true, you won't need to upgrade anything for a long time. We are not building rocket-ships and swiss watches. Knowing how to use your tools is more important than whether it is a Digi-Cool gauge or analog gauge. You don't need a $200 vacuum manifold and $75 1/2" x 1/4" hoses to pull down a system.

I believe an employer's responsibility ends with repairing/replacing all tools that are used on the job, whether they are personal or company owned. Every company is different regarding what they supply and what they don't. Union shops in this area are required to supply any tools larger than 12" or with an electric cord. Others supply only vacuum pumps, recovery machines, and torches. Others still supply nothing, not even ladders. It is up to you who you want to work for. If you're willing to work for the guy who supplies nothing, then that's your problem, not his. It's his business. If you're using a cheap meter and it breaks, I'm not buying a Fluke for you. I'll contribute the replacement cost of your cheap meter, but the difference is coming out of your pocket. This is where the "self-respecting" part comes into play. It is your career. It is your livelihood. Do you want to be the guy with the tool bag full of chinese junk from Harbor Freight that you have to replace every week, or the guy with dependable professional quality tools that last a lifetime???

[ryan1088]

I can not post my tool list from my phone.
When i get to a computer i will post it.

It is from 2011

I have added a laser alignment tool.
Thermal imaging laser, signal generator and two different fluke meters with detachable heads and a few other items in 2012.

All of which are brand new still!

[supertek65]

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but true!!!!!!!!!!!!!



All of which are brand new still!

[supertek65]

here is my toollist
it needs updated and i need to add models and serial numbers!

I want my daughter to attach a picture to each tool also!

[Elfshadow]

here is my toollist
it needs updated and i need to add models and serial numbers!

I want my daughter to attach a picture to each tool also!

Thats a nice list, wish I had..... well anywhere near close to that.

[supertek65]

thanks Elf!!!!!!!!!!!!!
been working on it for a long time!

[Elfshadow]

thanks Elf!!!!!!!!!!!!!
been working on it for a long time!

I would hope so, if you had the coin to drop on that list at one time......

Yeah, now I have save every spare cent. Factory setting is nice because they provide everything for you, they won't even let you use your own multimeter or gauges, just hand tools.