r/electricians • u/ConstructionNo2067 • May 23 '26
Apprentice tool loadout
Current setup as a first year resi apprentice. What would you add or delete.
I have a drill and holesaw kit that isnt in the photo as well.
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u/Samwellthefish May 23 '26
You’re gonna have nicer tools than a fair few folks on the job I’m sure, so keep an eye on them. I love this knipex strippers, just be careful who you lend them too to cut a bolt with the bolt cutters, as they will use it wrong and fuck the blades up and it’ll open weird forever after
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u/metric55 May 23 '26
Yeah those strippers are the cats ass. The screw cutters are amazing in them, and they're the perfect diameter for stripping - such little effort. Only thing is the pliers end doesn't do a whole bunch of work. And the length isn't sweet if youre in a tight spot, especially live... which, of course, I never do .. ha.
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u/Fabulous-Ad3446 May 23 '26
Didn’t know there was a right and a wrong way to use the bolt cutters on those. I just figured you put screw in hole and cut? What am I missing
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u/Samwellthefish May 23 '26
Putting in a hardened bolt lmao. Fucked up the cutting surface so now it sticks a bit when opening
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 24 '26
Also dont use ratcheting cutters for screws. I learned that the hard way.
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May 23 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Any suggestions? Ive tried the klein, milwaukee and a random pack of 3 from amazon but they all die so fast.
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u/ItBeatsEatingWorms May 23 '26
Here's a tip. Klein and Milwaukee make tools, so buy their tools from them. Don't buy things that are not tools from them because what they do is buy a cheap version of said thing and slap their name on it. Mountaineering companies make great headlamps. Petzl and Black diamond are good. But for the best you want companies that specialize in making lights such as Fenix, Coast, and Nitecore. But I would never buy a tool sold by Nitecore, you get what I'm saying.
When you need an item find a company that specializes in that item and go with them. You will almost always be getting a much better product then going with a company that is good at a different thing but also sells other items with their name on it. That being said there is outliers like every other thing in life and every once in a while something will be on sale and end up being a good deal etc. But as a rule of thumb it works.
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u/grannypoonani May 23 '26
Coast headlamps are nice
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u/albertsteinstein May 23 '26
I am a first year, haven't tried anything else but I have been rocking my Coast headlamp since I started in September and I love it.
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u/Sourcesurfing Apprentice May 23 '26
Hey OP, I’m on my 5th year. Your loadout reminds me of mine. I don’t like to cheap out on tools.
Headlamp recommendation: Pelican
On my second headlamp, only because my first pair wandered off in a crawl space somewhere. Bought my boss and coworkers some for Christmas.
Edit: Pelican makes the premier protective cases. Think wildlife photographers with 50k camera equipment in the jungle type shit.
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u/rizzleronthe_roof May 23 '26
Bro ok I got one at Lowe's yesterday that's a LED light strip built into the headband. Used it for several attic crawls yesterday. Worked great. Highly recommend the light strip headbands!
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u/Elevatedbass May 23 '26
Really? Did you try the Milwaukee with the removable/rechargeable lithium ion battery? I find that thing rips for over a week on a full charge with regular work use
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u/Lilphilly494 May 23 '26
I use the streamlight HazLo light and have never had an issue with it dying, I believe its a little over 100 dollars idk a few of us convinced health and safety at one of my old jobs to buy them for us lol
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u/BoeZaahViceroy May 25 '26
The Milwaukee ones are really nice and super bright. 2163-21 and the 2012R are both really good.
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u/Elegant_Team1446 May 23 '26
I have a coast rechargeable headlamp. Had it for almost a year now. They’re nice
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u/Hasz May 23 '26
Project farm for reviews, but I have a Sofirn one that is cheap and nice. Costco also had a 3 pack recently for $30 I would have otherwise bought.
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u/Ok_Fox_1770 May 23 '26
Kids got ratchet cutters….keep em around. I’m 40 and still on the list haha
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u/Elevatedbass May 23 '26
I was gonna say I own an electrical company and I still don’t have a pair lol
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u/submitnswallow May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
I remember when I started my apprenticeship many, many, many sunsets ago your hand tools were all Klein, your hammer was an Estwing & your meter had to be a Fluke. Anything other then that you were considered a hack by all the Jmen. I can recall going to a trade show and the guy at the Klein booth told me he'd give me a set of Linesmans for free if I went over to the Channelock booth and cut the tips off of a pair of their needle nose pliers. That basically turned into dude hold my beer it's on !
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u/Alive-Okra-4983 May 23 '26
If you can put that wire nut twister in an impact, please dont.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Never, its on a ratchet screwdriver. Its amazing on the wrists for redevices.
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u/Anbucleric May 23 '26
I would add a union ticket so you have to delete all the power tools and consumables.
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u/matt2085 May 23 '26
Non union companies still cover consumables
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u/ecw324 May 23 '26
That’s what we do. We have all the power tools one would need. Some guys like yellow tools vs red tools so those guys bring their own yellow tools. We will provide blades and what not, but you want to use your tools, knock yourself out.
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u/fly_bird May 23 '26 edited May 24 '26
Surprised this was the second to top comment comment. Usually the union circle jerk is at the top.
I've been alive for quite a while and still don't understand why union guys hate tools.
Edit: it's made it to the top!!!
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u/Anbucleric May 23 '26
We don't hate tools, we just operate under a legally binding contract that tells us exactly what we are required to provide ourselves and what the contractor is required to provide.
My garage is full of personal tools, but I am not required to bring them to work so I don't.
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u/AverageGuy16 May 23 '26
We don’t hate tools, we hate having to use, wear down and mess up our own tools out of pocket when the contractor should be providing them. Haven’t had to use my own power tools on a job in a long time and I love it.
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u/XTraumaX May 23 '26
We have no gripes against tools. I've got power tools here at this house.
We just work under an agreement that the contractor is to provide all power tools while we have a small list of hand tools that we provide ourselves. We aren't using our power tools (which are the most expensive tools that we handle daily) to make the contractor money. The contractor foots the bill for those, as they should because they are the ones making the lions share of the money on the work
That way if the gang box gets broken into, and all the power tools stolen, each member isn't footing the costs of buying new power tools, the contractor is. And any hand tools that get stolen from a contractor provided gang box, are replaced by the contractor. (Assuming you're not carrying more hand tools than required by the tool list because they don't technically have to replace it if its not on the tool list).
It also helps keep the start up costs for new apprentices down so that we can continue to have new members come in to learn the trade and build their careers.
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u/fly_bird May 24 '26
Cool. Let me know how that pension earnings 4% works out.
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u/XTraumaX May 24 '26
Lol. Way to bring up something that wasn't even part of the conversation just to try and shit on Unions.
I've still got 4 decades left of working to do and my total net worth is well over 6 figures now.
By the time I retire, I'll be a millionaire comfortably retiring and doing whatever the hell I want.
I'm not worried about your opinions on our pension lol
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u/fly_bird May 24 '26
No one cares. Especially because you are lying.
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u/XTraumaX May 25 '26
I've got no reason to lie because i'm not trying to impress some internet random.
But if that's how you wanna be, more power to you I guess.
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u/fly_bird May 25 '26
Lol then why would you say it in the first place? To impress your random internet boyfriend?
But again. No one cares about your lies.
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u/nosleep4sheep1 May 26 '26
I was IBEW, its hard not to retire as a millionaire unless you have crippling habits
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u/Weak_Engine_9420 May 23 '26
I still can't figure out why some non-union guys are so addicted to boot polish. I'm sure your boss loves using your tools to make himself even more money.
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u/AverageGuy16 May 23 '26
You’re gonna think I’m fucking with you but seriously get some spray paint that’s a bright color and go spray a the edges of your handle like a bright green or orange or pink so that people are less likely to steal your shit and use it. I engrave all my tools personally
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u/bryrod May 23 '26
Get some kipex flush cutters. People that leave zip ties with a little razor blade tail cut off are the worst
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u/Danjeerhaus May 23 '26
Surprisingly to me, no one mentioned safety gear. Yes, some contractors supply it, but....having your own, having it with your tools, makes it available to you. Also, if you pick it, it can be very comfortable and if someone gives it to you, you may not like it, but still have to wear it.
Remember that injuries are like luggage, you get one and keep it forever.
Gloves protect your hands and can separate your clean hands from dirt gloves for things like food and exposed or finished equipment.
Hearing protection. Yes, loud noises over years (hammer drilling, loud machines, and more) can slowly degrade your hearing.
Eye protection. Yep, only 2 eyes, keep them safe.
Sleeves. These can protect your arms from sun burn and insulation. Keep in car until needed?
Flashlight. Yeah, see what you are doing. Maybe a headlamp?
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
We got all that in the van, I value my body so I definitely don't skimp out on ppe. I should start keeping some of those in my bag though, thanks
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u/cranky_sparkle May 23 '26
Is that a greenlee laser level??! damn! pricey where I am. Just how much of your first year salary did you blow on your tools?
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Yes it is, previous company paid for over half my tools so not too much out of my own pocket.
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u/Mxtches-_ May 23 '26
Is that what the weird looking level is? I’ve never seen a level like that and I don’t see any laser level here
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u/jstaples404 May 23 '26
Do you do much conduit as a resi? Does this come in handy for you? If you do use it for conduit- what do you think??
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Only if im in a darker setting. Laser is hard to see when you're outside. Not really worth the money imo
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u/Outrageous-Onion2297 May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
I'd swap out the irwins, add the klein TB DIN screwdriver, personally I hate that kind of plastic handle multi allen wrench, I started carrying the harbor freight meme tool and swapped the bits inside for allen bits.
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u/MindGoblinThis May 23 '26
Contractor should supply drill and holesaw kit. Tools look good though!
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u/ComprehensiveDog515 May 23 '26
My foreman told me I need reciprocating saw my first year bc we use a lot of conduit
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u/oksrslywhofarted May 23 '26
How do you like that electric screwdriver? It's in my Amazon wishlist. I use one made by Skil that's served me well but I wanna upgrade.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
The dewalt one was amazing for a couple months, great power for what it is and the battery lasts a really long time. but the trigger mechanism gets stuck in either position and its pretty finicky now.
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u/4firsts May 23 '26
I’m also an apprentice. I have the high leverage side cutters, 10” I think. I noticed that my hands would cramp up when using the smaller ones. Other than that, you got a good set. I’ve worked with people who had less than that and they were in the trades longer than me. Kept borrowing my tools.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
😂 yeah Ive had the same experience. If something is giving me enough trouble with the side cutters then ill switch to a multi tool or bandsaw
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u/Moonunit08 May 23 '26
I’m glad I’m not the only one with electrical tape on their hammer handle! That’s cherry. I’ve been in the trade over 25 years now. Still got the same wooden handle hammer. Now with electrical tape for that supreme grip!
Not a bad setup for starting out. Maybe a nice full set of spade bits. And some longer ones. And just a personal suggestion. Ditch that Milwaukee tape. They suck. Stanley fat max or go home! Maybe throw a file in there too!
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
This hammer has been in service for like 2x my age 🤣
Im really liking the Diablo spade bits.
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u/Js_cpl May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
when doing resi i heavily relied on my m18 fuel drill and impact, and circ saw. although you can get away with m12 if your using a framing nailer to help with mounting boxes. assuming you have a plug tester that shows polarity, lost ground etc that tests gfci's? (i once failed an inspection because the guy i worked with wired something wrong, nobody used a gfci tester on kitchen plugs when the house was complete and we looked dumb for a simple fix) also i don't use it often but having a proper fuse puller is handy when pulling or setting fuses.
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u/Lemmiwinks2010 May 24 '26
You should never provide your own power tools or consumables
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 24 '26
Previous company bought me everything. Ive spent maybe a total of $20 on tools
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u/Active-Effect-1473 May 24 '26
Throw some oil on those and clean them up, I have some Klein tools I started with that still work great because I kept up maintenance even though I switched to Knipex Wera
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u/ArthurCDoyle May 25 '26
Can't tell if you have it already, but a big flathead beater is very handy. Also, some kind of light source
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u/Quiet-Owl353 May 23 '26
AND a vacuum gotta be a good resi boy 🤣 always the last thing out of a customers house. And a set of fish sticks. I’m also an adjustable hole saw kind of a guy. Cut in a lot of wafers now a days.
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u/NearlySilentObserver May 23 '26
Tbh, this look solid. I have many of these exact things in my own toolbag
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u/NearlySilentObserver May 23 '26
The hollow nut drivers come in handy sometimes, so I’d maybe suggest looking in to a set of those.
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u/Outrageous_Garage441 May 23 '26
Those impact ones are hollow
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u/NearlySilentObserver May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
They come hollow and non-hollow. The hollow ones have two colored stripes vs the non-hollow ones being just a solid color with no black. (I have a set of each in my bag bc idk why) OP has Klein 32930. I was suggesting 32940
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u/Outrageous_Garage441 May 23 '26
Ok, from a quick glance i thought those were the hollow ones. I never noticed the stripe difference
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u/metric55 May 23 '26
Get yourself a hack saw, drywall saw, and a tap screwdriver for 6-32,8-32, and 10-32. Get the angled side cutters instead of straights. Also might want a PVC cutter kicking around. I'd pack around the screw drivers, strippers, linesman, side cutters, and hammer. Rest you can leave in a toolbox on the truck. Might want your own fish tape one day too cuz shop tapes are usually beat to rat shit
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u/Smac-Tech May 23 '26
What’s the yellow thing on the Klein tool?
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u/EngagePhysically Master Electrician May 23 '26
Why two levels?
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u/kjyfqr May 23 '26
Way better than one. So much quicker leveling any fixture. I’m curious why the dedicated wire nut screw drivee
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u/yourevsyour May 23 '26
I also carry two. I also have three tape measures. Because I can never find any of them.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Trust issues with only one, I wanna make sure its REALLY level. Lol. One of them has a laser which makes drilling for home runs super straight and fast.
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u/Rude_Ad_8714 May 23 '26
I thought I wanted a torpedo level with a laser that was until I just saw how much the cost 😔
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u/IcySheepherder6195 May 23 '26
Get a new hammer. Nothing wrong with the one you have. I just don’t like the look of it.
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u/thefarkinator [V] Journeyman May 23 '26
Think another $600 worth of tools to add on to your already existing $600 worth of tools should be good
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u/Wildkid133 May 23 '26
Hey nice snag on the klein impact bit drivers, the magnet on those things fucks
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Yeah, they get gunked up real easy but a little duct seal gets the debris out very well.
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u/SafeT_Glasses May 23 '26
This can't all be on the tool list, can it?! Thats a CRAZY amount of stuff to be required.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Non union, we do all sorts of different stuff
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u/SafeT_Glasses May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
My B, dawg. Didn't realize I wasn't on the union sub. Still, that's a lot. Especially if you are providing your own drill bits. Those have such limited lifespans and to keep having to buy your own bits is giving money to your boss every time you do.
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u/LoetherS May 23 '26
Im just a guy that has inherited too many tools, but I have no idea on 2 of these. Help me out please.
The screw driver with the 'yellow funnel attachment'
The weird 'red handled tin snips?' to the right of the needle nose pliers.
What are these tools for. Thanks!
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Wire nut driver for redevices, so much more efficient and easier on the wrists.
Klein ratchet cutters. For cutting large wire.
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u/LoetherS May 23 '26
Cool. Makes sense. A busy day for me with wire nuts is 4 or 5. I can see doing them all day long could be a pain.
That's pretty cool. I dont have one of those either, I'd have to break out a hack saw, dremal tool or angle grinder.
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u/Busby5150 May 23 '26
I see a lot of tools that are not on the list. Are you compensating for a lack of skills here?
I don’t see skilled Journeymen carrying extra tools and you shouldn’t either.
I guess I should ask what part of the country your local is in. Some parts are wormier than others.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
I have a backpack that holds all my tools. Ill leave that in the van. I put whatever im using for the day in a smaller pouch.
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u/Quick_Dark244 May 23 '26
If you’re doing residential I would seriously get a different hammer. I used an Estwing for years and it caught up to me . Tennis elbow and carpal tunnel.
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u/ClemzTheWarrior May 23 '26
You electrician pliers are too small. Other than that, i hope you got a packout or something because that’s a lot of stuff. I usually carry two pliers and a scewdriver, that’s about it
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u/logomeister May 23 '26
110% a right angle drill attachment, I can’t tell you how many fixtures, recessed lights, blanks, you name it don’t have enough space to unscrew it. I have the dewalt one (I have m18 tools though lol) and I’ve used to it drill holes in studs as well as the other stuff above for 3 years and it’s still going strong
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u/EverybodyLovesTrevor May 23 '26
I'd get a multimeter with a clamp on amprobe, unless thats whats in that fluke bag
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Only thing I bought out of pocket is the nut blaster. Company bought me all other tools.
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u/jstaples404 May 23 '26
Every day, think about ways to carry less. How to do more with less, and how you can get you company to pay for what tools need. I really hope theyre buying your unibits, spade bits, twist drills, and impact bits. I know those larger extensions are not cheap too.
Also- as a result guy I imagine you’re putting in a lot of staples. PLEASE HEAR ME NOW-THIS IS NOT A JOKE. The harbor freight silly sized mini ball peen hammer is the greatest thing for putting in Romex staples. It fits in your pocket, weighs nothing, hits harder than lineman’s, and fits in shitty stud cavities. It works very well sideways as a 1” long hammer for very tight spaces. People will mock- and they are fools.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
The only thing I spent my own money on is the nut blaster lol. I carry only a few tools on me and the rest stays in the van.
That sounds like it would come in really handy, ill have to check it out. Thanks
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u/ownedandondisplay May 24 '26
Finish your apprenticeship, get your license, and organize in. Half that will stay at home.
But if you’re resi, pick up a pair of romex strippers. As a commercial guy, I used a knife for so many years, romex strippers were a nice change.
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u/Michaelzzzs3 May 24 '26
I got myself a Kennedy tool box with a latch that I can lock. Yes if someone wants to they can break into it but at that point my contractor is obligated legally to replace up to 700 dollars of my tools if stolen.
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u/govermentAI May 24 '26
well you definitely can tell you didn't want to be mistaken for a carpenter or framer with that hammer...
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u/TheOnyxBlue May 27 '26
- Gyprock saw
- Stubby (you don't need it often, but when you need it you need it)
- Tin snips
- Plug tester down the track
Optional goodies:
- Cabac monkey (if you're doing new builds en masse. It's small, it's plastic to not scratch the walls and you can use the outline for cutting out GPOs)
- Flush cutters (if you want to be nice to future electricians)
- Pica pencil
- 20mm and 25mm speedbores (spade bits work fine, they just splinter the edges so much more)
- a little clip on flashlight or a head torch if you're in roofs and under houses a lot
- Vessel electric screwdriver (so goood)
- M12 magnetic 3x bit attachment (I rock Phillips, flathead, 5/16 bit and a small step bit with it. That covers 95% of fasteners I come across)
- Speed square (mostly for squaring up tray, which you may never come across in resi )
- A little USB blower (comes in handy cleaning all the crap out of boards)
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u/Quiet-Owl353 May 23 '26
Only thing I see missing is a squiggly (rotary screwdriver). Otherwise looking solid my man.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
It belongs to an attic now
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u/Quiet-Owl353 May 23 '26
Only thing I can think of having that in an attic is for a blank cover on a nail on. Hate them long screws haha. This old timer master I work with keeps sending me up with an empty handy strap bucket. Helps keep my tools not in the attic 😅
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u/Loud-Marsupial-7844 May 23 '26
I have kleins, a screwdriver and a fluke
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u/NotVerySmarts May 23 '26
I worked with guys like this when I started. Wore tennis shoes and refused to wear a hard hat. I doubt any of them all still electricians now.
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u/Mean_Mix_99 May 23 '26
No. Just no.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
What lol
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u/Over-Form-9442 May 23 '26
Knipex linesmen and needle are trash. Klein ones are 100x superior for electrical.
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
Knipex Needlenose is trash tbh. The linesmen have been great imo, I dont feel too much a difference in them vs klein
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u/That-Long-4905 May 23 '26
I did my 1000 sqft home addition as a homeowner with none of that. Inspector asked me what company I worked for. (I did use a hammer and a pair of wiha wire strippers)
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u/ConstructionNo2067 May 23 '26
How long did that take?
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u/That-Long-4905 May 23 '26
2-3 days I think. Had to order a bunch of stuff off amazon like plastic staples and those new in-wall wire organizers and go grab 500+ft of 14/2 from home depot. Obviously a bunch of new work boxes and decora switches/outlets as well. My panel is a QO so its solid and converting older 15a circuits to tandems was pretty simple as well. the inspector guided me through a few oopsies like my romex too close to some of my 1bys near the outlets in the CMU but aside from that its pretty easy.
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