Any Electricians/Journeymen?

[abney09]

I have a question for any Electricians/Journeymen out there..

I just applied for an electrician apprenticeship to become a journeymen, but I also went ahead and signed up for the CW/CE program also, where I'll be on a list candidates and when a job comes up they'll call me. They gave me a list of tools (linemen pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) to bring with me when I get called out to a job. My question is, should I go ahead and get some insulated tools to bring on the job with me, or would my regular Craftsman tools work? Thanks!

 

[jteck75]

If you are kind of in a cash crunch,your old C-man stuff will probably do fine,unless your tool list specified insulated tools. If that is the case,Lowe's has some insulated tools for reasonable prices. It probably won't be an issue though,they will most likely have you out on new construction type jobs anyway. Congrads and good luck!

 

[abney09]

If you are kind of in a cash crunch,your old C-man stuff will probably do fine,unless your tool list specified insulated tools. If that is the case,Lowe's has some insulated tools for reasonable prices. It probably won't be an issue though,they will most likely have you out on new construction type jobs anyway. Congrads and good luck!

Thanks! It didn't say insulated tools, but I figured it might make a good impression if I show up with insulated tools so I don't look like a newb who doesn't know anything, but I also don't wanna come off as a know it all.

What kind of work should I expect as this will be my first experience. Graduated H.S less than a year ago, and took EMT/Firefighter but my ultimate goal is to become a journeyman. Thanks!

 

[jteck75]

It has been a looooong time since I've done any work in that line,but most likely,they'll start you off doing grunt work,pulling wire,fetching stuff, that kind of thing. Hang in there though,you'll learn alot,and be bringing home some KILLER paychecks in a few years. I'm happy with what I'm doing now,but sometimes I wish I'd stayed with it.

 

[Bull]

My dad is a tradesman. Based on my experience working with him through college, and what I have seen with other younger guys learning the ropes, you will probably be working as what is called around here "The ****-Boy," or "The Gofer."

But, it's part of the process. You are lucky to know what you want to do in life at a relatively young age!

 

[FNFS2000]

You'd more likely look like the noob if you showed up with insulated tools. Standard kleins would fit you in the best, get some Knipex and youd stand out like you drove a Mercedes to the jobsite

 

[hammlm]

Doesn't matter what you show up with, you'll still be the noob. I remember all the comments about "the sparky with the shiny new tools". Only takes a couple of days to get them dirty, depending on what they have you doing. Learn to bend pipe, it's fun. I'd get an insulated slotted and phillips and keep them in my box. That way you have them, you won't be violating any OSHA regs if you are asked to work in, around, or near eneregized equipment -- plus it might make you feel more comfortable.

+1 on the kliens for fitting in.

and, if you'll be working on any MC/Flex jobs, buy yourself an MC cutter as soon as you can afford it. http://www.mytoolstore.com/ideal/ide14-21.html

 

[rockwithjason]

it sounds like you signed up for an IBEW apprenticeship. if that's the case then go to the hall and get a copy of the tool list. don't bring anything that is not on that tool list. insulated tools will be worthless because nobody will let you work live anyway. if you can only afford a few good tools then make sure you get klein lineman pliers. if you have the cash, get klein screw drivers also, the rest you can scrape together as time goes on.

I have a question for any Electricians/Journeymen out there..

I just applied for an electrician apprenticeship to become a journeymen, but I also went ahead and signed up for the CW/CE program also, where I'll be on a list candidates and when a job comes up they'll call me. They gave me a list of tools (linemen pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) to bring with me when I get called out to a job. My question is, should I go ahead and get some insulated tools to bring on the job with me, or would my regular Craftsman tools work? Thanks!

 

[abney09]

it sounds like you signed up for an IBEW apprenticeship. if that's the case then go to the hall and get a copy of the tool list. don't bring anything that is not on that tool list. insulated tools will be worthless because nobody will let you work live anyway. if you can only afford a few good tools then make sure you get klein lineman pliers. if you have the cash, get klein screw drivers also, the rest you can scrape together as time goes on.

Yes sir, that is exactly what I did. I've gotta go pee in a cup today and that'll be my last step in the process until getting called out. So far I'm going to order a set of Klein screwdrivers, and hopefully a set of Klein pliers. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[kbs2244]

I would expect that your tool needs will depend on the type of contractor calls for you.

There can be a pretty big difference in the tools used for residential vs. commercial/industrial.

I would go with the posted tool list and wait to see what you need for the job.

I would not be surprised that the biggest need you will have for the few months is a real good pair of gloves and boots.
And the right color hard hat.

 

[back2class]

My local HD has a clearance on Klein. $54 gets you a 10" linesman plierrs, needle nose, dykes, shears, and I think wire stripper as a set. $31 gets you a linesmans plier, multiscrewdriver and a wire stripper/cutter. Good deals!