im a new tech

[mark stevenson]

i start friday with a company in dallas tx. its comercial they are going to start me out in pm. what tools will i need and what all will i be doing?
ive just got out of school {ATI}

[MikeJ]

If you just got out of school you should have a bag with some tools in it. Along with a meter and a few shirt pocket items you should have enough to start with. For prev maint you won't need a lot to start out with. Hope you have a meter that does temps, capacitence, and amps, cause that would be useful. Invest in a very good set of guages if you don't already have a set.

Next find out what the company supplies before you max out your credit card. Also, find out if they will let you buy needed tools thru them and do payroll deducts. That can be helpful. I've purchased a few tools and meters at pawn shops but I always wonder about their history,(the tools), but they have been decent tools. Or, I bought them cheap and repaired them.

After a few weeks on the job and talking with others, you will soon know what you need and don't need.

Good luck.

p.s. What will you be doing? Hopefully, whatever they instruct you to be doing. Make sure you know what that is. Also, I'm guessing you will be riding shotgun for a bit so you can get questions answered from someone who knows?

[h2045]

All kidding aside in the very beginning, during the week you`ll most likely need a rope to get filters up thru the roofhatch and a greasegun. On Saturdays 250` of hose, rubber boots and a rainsuit.

Don`t let it get you down that`s how everyone starts out You`ll be measured by your attitude and production during this period so bear that in mind and GOOD LUCK!!

[control_noob]

Welcome to the Trade and to the Board... PM's are a good way to learn the accounts and the equipment. Be aware that PM means hustle, accurate record keeping and great customer relations. PM contracts can be competative and there might not be much room within the contract for you to do anything other than what is specifically spelled out in the contract. Impress your new boss with your hustle, accuracy, and attitude and you will graduate to bigger things before you know it. A basic tool list: all items previously mentioned plus, screw/ nut drivers, battery drill, wrenches (not neccisarily just adjustables), socket set, an accurate means of taking temps, torpedo level, allen wrenches note pad and pen.

Good Luck!

[Diceman]

Take a flashlight and a screwdriver, keep your mouth shut as much as possible.

[Linden Swanson]

Welcome to the trade! Everybody has given great pointers. I'll throw in a couple of more.

1. Before you leave the roof-Make sure the disconnects are on!
2. Put panel screws back in
3. AND check the disconnect switches
4. Leave the roof clean
5. AND check the disconnect switches

[flange]

the best tool you can take is attitude. know going in that you dont know everything. also know that in ten years you wont know everything. ask questions. get explanations of answers till you understand. as far as actual hand tools, build them up, dont go nuts yet. if you are a decent guy you may get some hand me down stuff to help you out. only buy what you need dont buy gizmos yet.

[control_noob]

Originally posted by Linden Swanson
4. Leave the roof clean

One of my biggest pet peeves...

I've been known to clean up others' garbage so I won't be thought of as a pig!

[maxair]

I will be straight with you PM contracts suck but you
can learn alot from them.Pay attention look how the units
are laid out ect . Thats the way it starts small steps.PM contracts are different from customer to customer. Some
contracts Ive seen were mainly to keep the lease.It also
depends on the company.Some companies are slam bam some
focus on good work.No matter what being professional is
up to you.Be safe and good luck.

[rango]

Originally posted by Linden Swanson

1. Before you leave the roof-Make sure the disconnects are on!
2. Put panel screws back in
3. AND check the disconnect switches
4. Leave the roof clean
5. AND check the disconnect switches

And, just because the handle goes up on the disconnect doesn't mean it's made. Check voltages after switching it on.

[vmc1161]

Originally posted by control_noob

Originally posted by Linden Swanson
4. Leave the roof clean

One of my biggest pet peeves...

I've been known to clean up others' garbage so I won't be thought of as a pig!

Hey control_noob can you clean my shop its a mess, paul can give you directions. It should only take a day ....or two.

[mike4hvac]

Well I have been at this about a week or so now doing Com. Rooftop units. This is the little stuff that you will need for PM,
1.) Get a rod of solder and bend the top 1/2 inch into a hook. This will make getting some of those Filters easier to get to.

2.) Mini Mag Light flash light.

3.) Get a set of insulated Carhartt Overalls and a good coat.

4.) An awl for disconnecting sertain types of 24v control wire.

5.) Small pen and pad

6.) 14.4 volt (or better) Cordless drill

7.) A box of magnetic screw and bolt bits for said drill.

8.) A relitivly powerfull small magnet and some string to fish for dropped tools and screws that fall into the plenum.

9.) 20+ feet of rope

[coolwhip]

I hope you dont mind taking acid baths with coil cleaner.