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Tool suggestions new job

4

4v shane

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Apr 26, 2011
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269
Location
Motor City,Michigan
Took a position as a entry level heavy tech for a trainyard. Still awaiting company tool list but i know ill be in need of large sized sockets, wrenches etc.

Basically looking for suggestions and pointers on what i should be looking at adding to my box if there is any guys who do familiar work here!

Thanks in advance!
 
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Tallpilot

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Jan 13, 2017
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Orlando
Congratulations on the new job. It sounds fun. I will be interested to see the tool list as well.
 
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gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
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Connecticut
I know Proto offers complete sets for railroad techs. Just to give you some ideas, take a look at these links http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/searchlist/railroad/

The really big tools, like 2" open end wrenches and 1" drive impact stuff for example, should be provided by the company. And you never know, they may buy the tools for you.
JTS-0172RR.png
 
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ddawg16

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Jul 11, 2008
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S. California
We all love tools....but wait until after your first day to figure out what tools you will need.

If it was me....I'd show up with proper safety shoes and good work gloves. The OG's will tell you what you need.
 
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gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
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ddawg16 said:
We all love tools....but wait until after your first day to figure out what tools you will need.

If it was me....I'd show up with proper safety shoes and good work gloves. The OG's will tell you what you need.
Click to expand...

Exactly. :beer:

Wouldn't you be thrilled if you spent $300 on 3/4" metric socket set just to find out everything is sae?
 
F

Finky198

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Feb 25, 2014
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North East
We are across from the rail yard and we know a few of the guys down their. Almost all of the big stuff is supplied by the company. Most of them have fairly small amount of personal tools. tiny compared to some of the auto guys. There is no need to spend money if you won't need them.
 
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Dimitri

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Toronto
E

Empty Pockets

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Sep 21, 2015
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Rural New York
Like others have said, I would wait until They provide a list, and I knew what I needed. The only suggestion I have, is to buy quality
 
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sberry

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Jun 18, 2005
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Brethren, Michigan
I agree, I might carry a tape measure too. If I was a plumma it would be 440 Channelock and folding rule. Ironworker 12 inch Proto or Diamond adjustable in back pocket and 25 ft heavy tape, no idea what a railroad guy carries.
 
H

HanShotFirst

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Joined
Jun 29, 2015
Messages
846
Location
NW Nevada
4v shane said:
Took a position as a entry level heavy tech for a trainyard. Still awaiting company tool list but i know ill be in need of large sized sockets, wrenches etc.

Basically looking for suggestions and pointers on what i should be looking at adding to my box if there is any guys who do familiar work here!

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I would suggest you wait for the list. And then wait a little further to see what is actually used so you can assess where money really should be sent. Nothing worse than dropping good money on tools that you never use.
 
M

maintguy

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Nov 20, 2014
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393
Location
North central Indiana
4v shane said:
I know anything larger then 2 3/4 is provided everything else is self provided.

My foreman told me i would need atleast a basic 3/4 set

http://www.performancetoolcenter.co...-drive-standard-length-fractional-socket-set/

and some angled wrenches for hydraulic lines and such.

I totally agree on not wasting money but like to be as prepared as possible![/fee
QUOTE]

Even with a list. It will probably take at minimum a month to have all of what you will need. It will always be the little time saving tools that make life easier that aren't on the list
Click to expand...
 
W

Wamsutta

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Jan 8, 2014
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10,883
Location
Amarillo, Texas
Why do all the big tool companies like Proto have all black oxide wrenches and sockets in their railroad sets? What is it about choo-choo trains that you're not supposed to have chrome tools?
 
B

bwringer

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Jan 1, 2013
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10,316
Location
Indianapolis
Wamsutta said:
Why do all the big tool companies like Proto have all black oxide wrenches and sockets in their railroad sets? What is it about choo-choo trains that you're not supposed to have chrome tools?
Click to expand...

Chrome can chip or flake off, so there are many types of jobs where chromed tools are not allowed, or at least are not customary.
 
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ihateminimumwage

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Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
3,960
4v shane said:
I know anything larger then 2 3/4 is provided everything else is self provided.

My foreman told me i would need atleast a basic 3/4 set

http://www.performancetoolcenter.co...-drive-standard-length-fractional-socket-set/

and some angled wrenches for hydraulic lines and such.

I totally agree on not wasting money but like to be as prepared as possible!
Click to expand...
So chrome 3/4 is out of the question? That Grey set looks damn nice, but a LOT to move around. Biggest problem with the 3/4" drive sets is the sheer amount of sizes that never get used (one industry might never see 1-11/16" used, one might use it daily). I sold off both of my sets and opted to buy individuals I've used between trucks, equipment and generators. Lots of individuals through Cripe Distributing for around $6-20 each. Just an idea.

At least you might have an excuse to get a Wright RR Ratchet, haha:D
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/1-drive-wright-ratchet-42.html

Definitely keep us all posted, and get pictures if you're allowed to.:beer:
 
M

mlum6969

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Jan 24, 2015
Messages
126
congrats on the new job! bring your safety equipment, a flashlight and get to know the older guys and see what they use. just get the basic stuff and work your way up.
 
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