apprentice...what tools should i buy

[stcywll]

I just started buying tools and I want to get the Rigid aluminum pipe wrenches but they are pricey. I saw onse made by Michigan Industrial Tools for a third of the price of Rigid. These any good ,or should I just invest in getting good ones?

http://www.bosstoolsupply.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4246

[smokin68]

How often do you use them? Daily get the good ones(aluminum's nice, but not necessary). Alot of Roof work? As far as brands, Rigid's not a super brand, but adequate, so I'd look into the other ones (warranty?).

[otto]

Tools....You get what you pay for. then again, if you're a young'in and just starting out, it'll do the job for now. You show up on my job with a shiny foreign pipe wrench, you gonna get snickered at for the least.

[otto]

Go to the flea market and get some good, used pipe wrenches. They do the job just as well and have the added bonus of looking well-used. Impression to the customer is everything when you're a rookie or even when you're a seasoned pro. As a matter of fact, when you do get to be a seasoned pro, you'll understand how much more impression is so much more than actual knowledge.

Now I don't mean to disregard knowledge. BS only goes so far. Then again, a good BS'er can sell a job where an unprepared PHd would lose the job.

[stcywll]

I use the boss' daily. We go lots of gas and boiler pipe work...mostly overhead.

[TGGsucks]

Tried Ebay?

[stcywll]

Ebay is great if you live in the U.S. as most of the stuff is in the states, Its not worth it to ship it to Canada and pay the extra shipping and exchange rate.

[TGGsucks]

Try Craigslist....

[wolfstrike]

if you don't have a job in HVAC yet , buy gauges and some cheap hand tools from places like Harbor Frieght or Ebay so you can tell your potential employer that you have them.

only consider buying expensive tools after you are employed and you break or wear out your cheap ones.

[otto]

I got a 4-wheel Reedy cutter from the 1970's. A collectable if you're into that sorta thing. And it's a well-used piece of equipment. I'll even include a spare set of cutting wheels for only $200.00 shipped to your door. I guarantee everyone in the shop will know you're a pro and be in awe ot his tool. The secretaries will all wish they could tame you and the fitters will wish they could be like you.
You need this tool.