New tech tools

[hvacmutt]

So i just graduated A HVAC-R program have $600 to spend on tools and i literally have 0 tools. So what should i get to make shure i have a good starter kit?

[abjz71]

clamp on multi-meter, 1/4 & 5/16 magnetic nut driver, diagonal cutters, needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, groove joint / groove lock pliers, 8"or 10" and 6" adjustable wrench, refrigeration wrench, wire strippers, wire crimper (you can buy a combination stripper/crimper but they never seem to work as well as a standalone tool), phillips and flat blade screw driver, persition phillips and flat blade (T-stat terminals circuit board terminals), utillity knife, pipe cutter then a tool bag or a tool belt to keep it all in i finally landed on the Husky 14 in. Total Tool Bag with Tool Wall
Model # 79907N09 Internet # 202017827 you might also want to add a magnetic dish for holding screws as you take units apart

[Moonrunner]

Make sure you buy quality tools. Other than the screw drivers, cheap tools will cost you more in time than you'll save on them. A small 12V impact driver can come in useful when servicing multiple rooftop units. If you're doing gas piping, go with aluminium handle pipe wrenches 14 and 18 to start, can't go wrong with Ridgid.

[pageyjim]

With "only" $600 I might wait until you get a job and find out exactly what you will be doing then they will probably tell you what you need. I would also expect that they may allow you a tool allowance. Or make purchases for you and take it out of your pay.

A tool bag with some of the general tools already listed may be a safe bet in either case. Some tools are specialized and will be best purchased through Johnstone etc or possibly the internet or vendors that are members here. Other tools such as drills and general tools may be better purchased through Lowes or Home Depot. Harbor Freight has some good deals and some quality items but they can be hit and miss.

Purchasing quality tools is always the way to go but you will have to make some compromises probably. You will need a good drill in any event. The best buy out there currently imo is the Makita 18V at Home Depot for $199. You can save money with Ryobi but it won't stand up as well to install type work. A full answer would go on and on.

Do a search and you will find many threads with good advice. Good luck!

[hvacmutt]

thanks for the advice i wish i could shop around but my school gives me a 600 dollar voucher for grainger and i have 30 days to use it or it expires so i dont have time to wait and shop i kinda just have to go and get the basics now. i forgot about needing adjustable wrench so thanks again for all the tips!

[ADillon]

i would get all my basic hand tools and then get some of the larger ticket items once you have a job and hopefully a tool allowance. nut drivers 1/4 & 5/16, wire strippers, hammer, screwdrivers, pvc cutters, pie/tubing cutters, sheet metal snips, seamers, tensioning tool, razorknife/duct knife, a multimeter, adj wrenches, maybe a pipe wrench, gloves! and a bag or belt

after you in you will need to get gauges, nitrogen reg, torch, vac pump and a whole never ending list of other ****. Get the basic stuff first. there is no need to buy specialized tools yet if you aren't going to be using them. Also Once you have a tool bill and work for a company you should be able to go somewhere that is a little more competativly priced than grainger which i have found to be somewhat expensive...

[rdholder]

See if Grainger has a the Juglugger refrigerant strap to carry a refrigerant jugs up a ladder.

[jpsmith1cm]

Start with quality hand tools.

A basic set of mechanics tools will suffice along with a good tool box or tool bag.

If there is any money left, and there should be, buy a GOOD digital multimeter, a GOOD thermometer, and a GOOD set of manifold gauges.


These are the basics of our trade. Without them, you cannot function.


Once those items are purchased, look to things like cordless drills and drivers, sawzalls, and the like.

Most companies will provide the big ticket tools like recovery equipment, vacuum pumps and torches.

[marter]

See if Grainger has a the Juglugger refrigerant strap to carry a refrigerant jugs up a ladder.

as for me, when im going up a ladder, if it dont fit in my pockets then it comes up on a rope

[trippintl0]

6-n-1 screwdriver ($6), Cordless Impact / Drill combo ($200 Home Depot), Manifold Gauge set (Johnstone has Yellow Jacket 41 with hoses for $62 right now!), Channel Lock 4-pack set (has pliers, needle nose, dikes, and channel locking pliers) - ($40?), adjustable wrenches ($50?), ref. service wrenches ($25?), flashlight _ Olight T25 ($50) buy online, Fieldpiece SC77 multimeter ($150?) That's $583 of course with tax, shipping on the flashlight, etc. may come out a little over.

What? Grainger only? Hmm I've never bought tools there before, sorry my post was WORTHLESS but I worked too hard on it to just cancel! Good luck!

[rdholder]

as for me, when im going up a ladder, if it dont fit in my pockets then it comes up on a rope

Yes I use the Juglugger to carry refrigerant jug on the grown I leave the ladders for the young.

[Crkdbateman]

I agree with jp. You need a tool bag, 11-1 screwdriver, meter and flashlight. Until you get a feel for what you really need or want keep it simple. Also for a/c season coming up you will need gauges. Good luck

[pageyjim]

6-n-1 screwdriver ($6), Cordless Impact / Drill combo ($200 Home Depot), Manifold Gauge set (Johnstone has Yellow Jacket 41 with hoses for $62 right now!), Channel Lock 4-pack set (has pliers, needle nose, dikes, and channel locking pliers) - ($40?), adjustable wrenches ($50?), ref. service wrenches ($25?), flashlight _ Olight T25 ($50) buy online, Fieldpiece SC77 multimeter ($150?) That's $583 of course with tax, shipping on the flashlight, etc. may come out a little over.

What? Grainger only? Hmm I've never bought tools there before, sorry my post was WORTHLESS but I worked too hard on it to just cancel! Good luck!

Good basic choices imo for the 600. Just add a tool bag and nut 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 nut drivers.