Starting Electrician Tool Kit, Need Best Brands For Items

[ricepudding]

I'm going to be starting college soon, and I have been given the required tool list. The school is offering a Snapon kit with everything required included, along with a hat; but its 600$ .

What I want to know is what "budget" brands are the best quality for each item.

List of required tools:
- Tool bag ( princess auto )
- linesman pliers 9"
- diagonal 8" cutters
- all Philips and Robinson screwdrivers
- pliers
- utility knife ( have already )
- Permanent Marker
- 9" aluminum level
- 8m tape measure ( have )
- electricans gloves ?
- two lockout locks and cords
- Soldering gun and solder

Thanks for the help

 

[espyking83]

I'd go with Wiha/Knipex for all the above. Wiha has a shitload of insulated tools. Dont be cheap when buying tools, you're going to be a professional.

 

[espyking83]

BTW, on a budget:

Bahco pliers
Felo screwdrivers



I always go with Weller irons. There are other quality brands out there, but Weller has never let me down.


Also, I'm assuming that you're going to be reading more than continuity, do yourself a favor and just **** it up and get a Fluke.

 

[fivespdcat]

For pliers, I gotta go with either Kleins or Knipex. I would say since you'll use them day in and day out, get whichever is most comfortable. As far as doing outlets are concerned, the best screwdriver that I have is not just a normal phillips, but the Klein combo tips:

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-7324-Number-2-Driver/dp/B00OJNJ9TM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1427937480&sr=1-1&keywords=klein+combo+tip

 

[jetdawg]

Those combo tips are cool, glad they finally came out with them.

I'd look at what espy recommended as well as klein and ideal also. Klein screwdriver tips aren't as hard as they once were so I'd go ideal or the german suspects for those (for other than the combo tip). Buy right so you only buy once.

 

[Tejaas]

Wera, Knipex, (some swear by Klein) for pliers and screwdrivers.

Starrett for a level.

Weller for soldering needs.

Oh, and Sharpie for your permanent marker, haha.


~Tejaas~

 

[cybrdyke]

BTW, on a budget:

just **** it up and get a Fluke.

^^^This. And dont cheap out on the test leads either. Make sure they are CAT IV rated. These are life safety items. No sense having stuff blow up in your face.
CD

 

[SantaAna12]

If you buy the Klein "combo" screwdriver, you might want to hold that one in your hand first. It has the new handle. I like Klein and have a full set, but the last one I bought had that new handle.
It is my last.Klein screwdriver purchase.
Klein 9" linemans for sure. Knipex diagonals.
Good luck in your new career!

 

[sonvolt]

I would go Klein so you can 1 stop shop at home depot. Although I love my Knipex tools

 

[3rdgen]

Go to your local supplier and ask them what they can help you with for pricing. Klein has some decent kits, then there is ideal and green lee too. Also if your anywhere close to the states its worth the drive, one of the cities I work in (Sarnia) most wholesalers don't carry much because its almost exactly half price at Home depot or Lowes in the states.

 

[RedRabbit]

I would agree for Wiha, they have a lot of insulated tools available.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Not an electrician, but working as a Generator Tech.

Wiha all the way for screwdrivers (and Nut Drivers). Excellent fit and finish, and the price is right (and made in Germany).

Klein, Knipex or Channellock for all your pliers needs.

I'm working out of a CLC bag and love it, they have a lot of styles to fit what works for you.

Weller for corded soldering, Portasol for portable.

Best Fluke you can afford.

 

[kctyphoon]

$59 at home depot now.. Milwaukee can supply you with every handtool you need for a great price, and exceptional quality.. they have new tool bags, backpack tool bags, and tool belts too. insulated screw drivers, multimeters, knives, markers, utility knives, regular and demolition screwdriver... the list goes on forever.. btw - the fastback utility knives are the best ive ever found. i own dozens of different brands, and now own almost every fastback kife they make.

if i was lucky enough to have NOTHING, and could buy everything all from the same brand that gave me great quality, a good price, and matching tools, with matching tool belts and organizers too - id go for it.. whats nice too is home depot has most of those things in stock now, and you can EVEN go for the m12 power tools too..


do yourself a favor and at least check out the hand tool section of their site. so far im extremely happy with EVERYTHING ive purchased from Milwaukee, weather is be their power tools or markers.. check out their meters too. im gonna pick up another 4 tool set for work too..

persoanlly, i would not spend SO money for stuff like screwdrivers.. they are too easy to loose, break, get borrowed or stolen.. IMO the Milwaukee stuff is great quality at a "i wont hate myself" price if something horrible happens.

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/

good review of the Milwaukee lineman pliers.. will at least give you an idea of what you get for the money... not bad for a set of pliers that just got their price dropped to like $17.

hand tools demo -

screwdrivers -

voltage detector - milwaukee vs fluke

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The real question is what brand of hat are you going to get? I like Snap On, but $600 is retarded for the contents of that kit. I didn't even know they made tools geared towards electricians.

 

[The FIB]

Stick with Klein or Greenlee, that is what you will find in most electrical supply houses.

Industry proven, good quality, reasonably priced, comfortable to use, and as far as I know,

still made in the USA.

 

[anurag1990]

Screwdrivers - wiha / wera / felo/ pb swiss
Pliers - Knipex / wiha
Level- Stabila.
Laser distance meter - Leica / Bosch

 

[Evan(CA)]

This forum is a wealth of information but I can't help but think more than half of the advice given is from people who's work experience consists of sitting online looking at the so called top tier tools. He's just starting school and you guys are recommending Fluke meters which aren't even on his required tool list.

I'm equally shocked a college is offering an SO electrician kit. That kit for 600 is a complete rip off. Aren't you supposed to get a student discount from SO anyways? A soldering gun?! What kind of electrician are you planning on being? The only time solder is ever used is in automotive electric or electronics. It's banned by the FAA and is never used in commercial or residential electrical work. I've been a residential/commercial electrician for 5+ years and I've never soldered a single joint.

I'd recommend Klein for the tools and CLC or Klein for the bag as that is what 99% of electrical supply houses stock. Although mine does have Knipex and Ideal.

Buy some Klein journeyman series diagonal cutters, needle nose, and linesman pliers, a torpedo level, A Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver, whatever bag you like, sharpie, your lock out tag out stuff, a pair of gloves and a razor knife. And I guess a soldering gun since you need one apparently. You will spend WAY less than 200 bucks.

You didn't really explain clearly what you are actually training for but insulated tools are generally overkill and completely unnecessary.

 

[jetdawg]

It's unfortunate clc is no longer US made.

 

[kctyphoon]

This forum is a wealth of information but I can't help but think more than half of the advice given is from people who's work experience consists of sitting online looking at the so called top tier tools. He's just starting school and you guys are recommending Fluke meters which aren't even on his required tool list.

I'm equally shocked a college is offering an SO electrician kit. That kit for 600 is a complete rip off. Aren't you supposed to get a student discount from SO anyways? A soldering gun?! What kind of electrician are you planning on being? The only time solder is ever used is in automotive electric or electronics. It's banned by the FAA and is never used in commercial or residential electrical work. I've been a residential/commercial electrician for 5+ years and I've never soldered a single joint.

I'd recommend Klein for the tools and CLC or Klein for the bag as that is what 99% of electrical supply houses stock. Although mine does have Knipex and Ideal.

Buy some Klein journeyman series diagonal cutters, needle nose, and linesman pliers, a torpedo level, A Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver, whatever bag you like, sharpie, your lock out tag out stuff, a pair of gloves and a razor knife. And I guess a soldering gun since you need one apparently. You will spend WAY less than 200 bucks.

You didn't really explain clearly what you are actually training for but insulated tools are generally overkill and completely unnecessary.

curious where you think the "bad" advice lies, cause i dont see any..

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[kctyphoon]

I've been thinking the same thing lately. The quality of their entire line-up is consistently impressive.

If you want USA, buy Klein or Channellock. If you don't care and just want good tools at a good price, look seriously at Milwaukee's stuff.

whats good (for now) is they have been lowering the prices on most of the hand tools.. i think they have a new line coming out, with all red handles instead of the red/black.. personally i LOVE the look of the red.black stuff... so much so, i started buying them now, even though i already have almost everything they make in different brands.. i seriously am addicted to Mikwaukee tools.. i have not made ONE purchase from them where i didnt feel like i should have paid more for what i got in return.. what drives me to them also, if their commitment to innovation - and the development to make those innovations pratical, usefull, and dependable.. every time i DONT have to put one tool down to pick another one up - makes my day that much easier.

new style handles / tool design.. i like the red/black combo better myself..

 

[kctyphoon]

Milwaukee hand tools available at HD - http://t.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hard...tk-All/Ntt-milwaukee?Ntx=mode+matchall&NCNI-5


Milwaukee tool belt / pouch at HD -
http://t.homedepot.com/s/milwaukee tool belt?searchtype=text

 

[rick carpenter]

It's unfortunate clc is no longer US made.

I recently got a CLC W438 at Ace Hardware because it was US made (I hope it was not just NOS waiting to clear the racks). The price was good, maybe $24? The W500 next to it was made by the good chairman.

Kuny's is the Canadian version of CLC, looks like they may have a few different products.

 

[jetdawg]

Kctyphoon are you a milwaukee rep? Their tools are ok and I'm friends with the guys at the service center but their hand tools cannot compare to professional stuff. There is better as has been mentioned that lasts longer and some people prefer to go with tools with a track record unless you're not doing this for a living then just like HF I'm sure it'll work.

I recently got a CLC W438 at Ace Hardware because it was US made (I hope it was not just NOS waiting to clear the racks). The price was good, maybe $24? The W500 next to it was made by the good chairman.

Kuny's is the Canadian version of CLC, looks like they may have a few different products.

We had a couple items similar to that (don't remember if it was the 438) and we ended up dropping them right when we were going to add more. Now it's all occidental, r&j and klein. Perhaps I shouldn't have assumed since I was basing it on the two we had not being US anymore (usually these things trend in that direction hence my post).

 

[the_nelson]

I solder for a living... Spend at least 25 hours a week with an iron in my hand. Dumped weller a few years back for a hakko and have never been happier.

Not quite sure what you are going to be soldering, but they have everything from a battery operated soldering pen to the most advanced reworking station.

I have a station on my bench, one at home, and a station and pen iron in both workboxes that are circling the globe at any given point.

For hand tools, kleins are fine. Just bought a great ratcheting screwdriver from channelock that has all of the common bits, insulated handle, and the best ratcheting action I've ever used. All for $30 on Amazon

Try crocodile strippers from rack-a-tiers.com. $25 and worth every penny

 

[brook41]

+1 on the CLC bag I have one and it wears well . Klein makes a decent screwdriver,not what they used to be, but OK. You cannot go wrong with Klein pliers, but get the basics only D2139ne and the red handle diagonals. Seriously consider the Milwaukee tools, I used the screwdrivers and the wirestrippers, the quality of both, especially the wirestrippers was amazing. Get a MAGNETIC torpedo level ...Let price be your guide , as time goes on you''ll figure out what you really need and add to your collection.

 

[_Dock_]

I'm going to be starting college soon, and I have been given the required tool list. The school is offering a Snapon kit with everything required included, along with a hat; but its 600$ .

What I want to know is what "budget" brands are the best quality for each item.

List of required tools:
- Tool bag ( princess auto ) I have a husky rolling bag, I love it
- linesman pliers 9" knipex for me, kliens would be good choice also
- diagonal 8" cutters same as above
- all Philips and Robinson screwdrivers wera or wiha, the whia's are better screwdrivers but you cant go wrong with either one
- pliers knipex
- utility knife ( have already )
- Permanent Marker sharpies will last forever as long as you keep the cap on and dont push down to hard
- 9" aluminum level ive always used cheap levels, they break, get lost, or stolen to easy to buy expesive
- 8m tape measure ( have ) not sure if they make a metric tape but I have always used Stanley fat max tapes
- electricans gloves ? not sure I dont where gloves, alot of the guys that do wear something from mechanics
- two lockout locks and cords stay away from plastic, some places wont let you use it. get aluminim body and steel clasp, get one with a large throat
- Soldering gun and solder if your not using it much the standard kit at radio shack will serve just fine.

Thanks for the help

Answers in red

 

[_Dock_]

I use a CLC bag for my drills, taps and bits, Im a very big fan of it also.

Oh yeah F that snap on rig. I can outfit you with VERY nice tools for way less than that and you would probably never have to buy another thing the rest of your career, that is a complete rip off, snap on is geared toward the automotive industry anyways...


This is the CLC bag I use, two drills, impact driver, charger and batteries in the top. Bits, taps, punches, pencils, locktite, etc. in the bottom tackle box.

http://www.goclc.com/products/Work-Gear-Softside-Tool-Carriers-Bags-Backpacks/1139

This is the rolling bag I use. I can throw the drill bag and my laptop and hook it on the upright and go anywhere I want. Sometimes I work in warehouses where I need to go damn near a quarter mile from the parking lot to where I'm working, this setup will save my back when I'm 60.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-in-Rolling-Tool-Tote-82001N11/203124166

 

[AE2]

I wouldn't buy anything other than Klein. I have multiple brands and cannot say anything is any better. This set has almost everything on your list and its cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WMTFWU/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2/191-8801925-6060726?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=029K1R3TMQAAY5E39YP2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687622&pf_rd_i=B004OHHU5I

This one is a good starter set and is a good bit cheaper.
http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-92914-ProPack14-Apprentice/dp/B004OHHU5I

 

[Ohmthis]

Not sure exactly what type of work you will be doing so it's hard to give great advice. I've been an electrician for 17 years now. I still have some of the original tools from the beginning. My advice based on my experience is to use.
Pliers-klein or knipex, though I like klien a little better
Tounge and groove- channel lock, they are tough, durable, and inexpensive
Screwdrivers I like the klien 6-n-1. I don't like the 11-n-1. In my experience you don't really use all of the other bits and the 1/4" section isn't very durable. I also like wera and wiha. Pick which ones feel the best.
For the level I've been using a craftsman for years, but I believe they are made they are made by empire. Just make sure it is magnetic
Tape measures to me are a wearable item. I've has several through the years. I have tried a few different ones, but always go back to Stanley power lock. Tough, cheap, and I know they have a metric version.
I don't do much soldering, but my weller pencil type and gun type have never let me down.
Can't go wrong with sharpies either, but always keep a few pencils on you. I had a JW that would rip your *** for using a marker when running pipe. He didn't want to see the marks on anything exposed. Plus they never dry up.
For wire strippers I've used ideal and klein, both good, and both will last a long time. I probably have over a million strips on my Klein brand.
Get a good comfortable leather (LEATHER not synthetic) glove. When pulling big wire or rigging things your hands will thank you. Also get a good comfy pair of safety glasses. I have clear and tinted.
On the bag, I have a husky that is pretty large. I'm not sure what model it is, but it holds my pouch, hammer, hacksaw, a small fish tape, nut driver set, Allen sets, control screwdrivers, tin snips, a flashlight, fluke meter,and a couple of more things. I suggest getting a pouch to carry your most used tools. Once you get in the trade farther you'll know what will work for you. Good luck and ask anything on your mind. This forum is a wealth of knowledge.