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.