IBEW Tele-data required tools.

[Brownsfan]

I am considering applying for the IBEW tele-data union. Please don't turn this into a for or against union discussion. I was wondering what tools are needed for this job. I do automotive electrical so have an extensive tool arsenal. I did some low voltage and AV installs a few years ago. So I do have some experience. I'm just wondering what is company supplied and what is employee supplied. Thanks in advance.

 

[rockwithjason]

It will be a little different in each local. Other than the standard pliers and screw drivers you may need a toner. You will need telco scissors and punch down tools. Othr than that you will have to ask the jact office.

 

[UpNorther]

It will be a little different in each local. Other than the standard pliers and screw drivers you may need a toner. You will need telco scissors and punch down tools. Othr than that you will have to ask the jact office.

^^ what he said.

I used to be IBEW electrician. The JATC office will have a list of required apprentice tools; and another list for required journeyman tools.

 

[Brownsfan]

Thanks guys. I probably already have everything but was just checking first.

 

[FigureItOut]

When it comes time to buy, Labor Savings Devices has some incredibly innovative and ingenious stuff. Good support too, I've called them with specific questions and they'll go grab the tool in question and check it out for you.
Tech Tool Supply is an excellent source and I noticed Dow has pretty good prices on their stuff too.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[southalabama]

My dad spent his entire 30 plus year career in the Communications Workers of America. He worked for AT&T in the glory days. They were lucky all the best tools were provided. An AT&T worker recently came to the office. He had to stop and buy screwdrivers on the way to the job. He bought cheap screwdrivers. I thought it unamerican to work on telco stuff with anything but a Klein screwdriver.

Enjoy your new career.

As others said they will tell you what gear to buy.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you want an idea for some of the more specific tools for the data end of it, check out the Jonard Tools websites. They specialize in the telecom industry.

http://www.jonard.com/en/Categories.aspx

The entire northeast Verizon territory may be on strike come Wednesday morning..

 

[bry@n]

I used Fluke Telco scissors, krone tools, and harris (maybe fluke now) punch down tools. The Harris tools, had tips for just about every block out there. Don't cheap out on a toner and probe.

I usually had a lot of extra's, so I may be able to help you get tools cheaper if you have something specific.

 

[Brownsfan]

My dad spent his entire 30 plus year career in the Communications Workers of America. He worked for AT&T in the glory days. They were lucky all the best tools were provided. An AT&T worker recently came to the office. He had to stop and buy screwdrivers on the way to the job. He bought cheap screwdrivers. I thought it unamerican to work on telco stuff with anything but a Klein screwdriver.

Enjoy your new career.

As others said they will tell you what gear to buy.

What about a Snap On or Mac? Lol. Or Williams USA ?

 

[Brownsfan]

If you want an idea for some of the more specific tools for the data end of it, check out the Jonard Tools websites. They specialize in the telecom industry.

http://www.jonard.com/en/Categories.aspx

The entire northeast Verizon territory may be on strike come Wednesday morning..

Thanks for the link. I put in the application yesterday. I do have "verifiable" hours in the business so I have that. Plus I know 3 journeyman electricians and they are being asked almost daily if they know guys for data com. I guess there is a shortage in my area. I'm not going to abandon my 12v aftermarket electronics business. I'm just going to do it more part time. I just need something stable now with benefits.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Sent you a PM!

 

[CharlieM]

Dykes
Long nose
Shears
Knife
Combo- screwdriver
Long skinny screwdriver
2-16
**** set
Meter
Punch down tool w/bits
Toner
Probe
Banjo adapter
T-25 and up stapler
chicklet pliers
Amp gun
Comfortable boots
Safety glasses

Maybe I missed a few things, haven't been in copper for a while. All fiber now.

 

[bry@n]

Dykes
Long nose
Shears
Knife
Combo- screwdriver
Long skinny screwdriver
2-16
**** set
Meter
Punch down tool w/bits
Toner
Probe
Banjo adapter
T-25 and up stapler
chicklet pliers
Amp gun
Comfortable boots
Safety glasses

Maybe I missed a few things, haven't been in copper for a while. All fiber now.

You got a good list. If he is doing lost of cable, I would add a power screwdriver for the gen box screws. I would also add a drill if mounting racks etc...

 

[bry@n]

Funny, how I'm in mgmt. and still have almost all my tools.

 

[Brownsfan]

Thanks again everyone for four help. I want to come in prepared if this goes any further

 

[kctyphoon]

Even in a utility company like mine all of your tools are normally provided to you by the company.. But these days it's such a PITA to get some stuff, or get things replaced, it's just easier to buy it yourself. Some guys don't believe in that, but if it makes my life easier - I'm buying it.. One thing that has gotten a lot easier is putting in for reimbursement.. So far I'm up to over $850 I got back, just since January.. Lol.. I'm actually amazed nobody has said anything to me yet..

 

[Ohmthis]

You'll also need:
A torpedo level
High tension back saw
A couple pairs is channel locks (I'd go for 440s)
A carry tool box that can be locked
A tool pouch.
Good luck!!!

 

[Roobaix]

Also...

Drywall saw
Hack saw

It really depends on what type of work you're going to be doing. I do soup-to-nuts installs/fixes/moves/etc in a hospital and I have a huge amount of tools loaded in a Snap On box that I mainly paid for by myself.

We've got hammer drills, core drill, sawzalls, knockout punches, conduit benders, sockets, wrenches, etc.

 

[bmwrd0]

My dad spent his entire 30 plus year career in the Communications Workers of America. He worked for AT&T in the glory days. They were lucky all the best tools were provided. An AT&T worker recently came to the office. He had to stop and buy screwdrivers on the way to the job. He bought cheap screwdrivers. I thought it unamerican to work on telco stuff with anything but a Klein screwdriver.

Enjoy your new career.

As others said they will tell you what gear to buy.

I am a tech for At&t, and we get all tools provided, no bringing our own tools at all. Union (cwa) would flip if we did. If I need something, I put in a request on my Ipad (also company provided.) Comes on the truck the next day. Sometimes mangemet will have us order extras in case a noob looses stuff, but there is also a closet of tools and other gear from guys who have quit. Company damn near throws tools at you, don't care what happens to the stuff.

 

[bry@n]

I am a tech for At&t, and we get all tools provided, no bringing our own tools at all. Union (cwa) would flip if we did. If I need something, I put in a request on my Ipad (also company provided.) Comes on the truck the next day. Sometimes mangemet will have us order extras in case a noob looses stuff, but there is also a closet of tools and other gear from guys who have quit. Company damn near throws tools at you, don't care what happens to the stuff.

If my guys hardly come to me with tools requests for hand tools, I have no issue. if you're an every week flats, screw driver etc.. guy, then I have an issue. WTH happens to them? They do it to get extra's.

Extra's are okay, but tell me. Don't try and get over.