Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Around The House). This thread is read-only.
i’m hopefully going into the construction/home building trade within the next year and so far here’s what i’m planning on getting
dewalt Tstaks and tough boxes
dewalt tool belt with pouches
m18 fuel hammer drill, circular saw, and sawzall
20v max drill driver and impact driver
Klein insulated pliers and wire strippers
channellock code blue pliers, screwdrivers and nutdrivers
estwing hammers
vaughn superbar
empire 48″ and 72″ levels, speed square, and carpenters square
komelon 200′ tape
irwin chalk reel
and werner and louisville ladders
if you have opinions or know of something better or if i left something out please reply
In my opinion spending the money on insulated pliers will be a waste of your money. You’ll likely never come across the need for them. Most electricians carry non-insulated because that’s all they need. Just my two cents though.
Cheers
Get yourself a track saw. I’ve got the Festool, but Dewalt, Makita and Grizzly make them too.
If you are getting into construction and one day go out on your own you will be buying tools to the day you retire.
Insulated pliers are a monster waste. If you insist on DIY electrical and you are not a electrician you will get hurt and or destroy something. Save your life and business and hire a electrician. That being said if you insist on DIY, electrical tape is 600 volt rated, so wrap any screwdrivers you want to use in live work with plenty of electrical tape and you will be fine for any residential setting.
that’s a cool idea I’ve never heard that before thanks for the input everyoneJordan.M wrote:
Insulated pliers are a monster waste. If you insist on DIY electrical and you are not a electrician you will get hurt and or destroy something. Save your life and business and hire a electrician. That being said, electrical tape is 600 volt rated, so wrap any screwdrivers you want to use in live work with plenty of electrical tape and you will be fine for any residential setting.
I would suggest picking one line of cordless tools, since the batteries would be interchangeable. Batteries & Chargers are a HUGE expense when you are looking at tool kits VS bare tools.
silverado79 wrote:
that’s a cool idea I’ve never heard that before thanks for the input everyone
If you every do live work just check that everything is in working condition, if any insulating material is gone fix it or destroy it so nobody hurts themselves on it.
I was planning to them all in kits except for the sawzallwoodstockva wrote:
I would suggest picking one line of cordless tools, since the batteries would be interchangeable. Batteries & Chargers are a HUGE expense when you are looking at tool kits VS bare tools.
I can’t recommend you wrap Tools with electrical tape and use them as “insulated”, home or professional use. Although many contractors do it.. It’s not best practice. More goes into insulated tools then just a coating of plastic and the effect can not be duplicated by wrapping electrical tape around a handle. The biggest problem is that you will try to use the tool on energized circuits… Never work on energized circuits! I would say generally you won’t need insulated tools, but if you have the cash, they are good for safety.. Just in case you cut through or touch a live wire. A better way to spend your money is by buying a multimeter or voltage probe. It might save your life… Knowing when an outlet or fan is live. Nothing worse the falling off a ladder because of an unexpected shock.Jordan.M wrote:
Insulated pliers are a monster waste. If you insist on DIY electrical and you are not a electrician you will get hurt and or destroy something. Save your life and business and hire a electrician. That being said, electrical tape is 600 volt rated, so wrap any screwdrivers you want to use in live work with plenty of electrical tape and you will be fine for any residential setting.
EEtwidget wrote:
I can’t recommend you wrap Tools with electrical tape and use them as “insulated”, home or professional use. Although many contractors do it.. It’s not best practice. More goes into insulated tools then just a coating of plastic and the effect can not be duplicated by wrapping electrical tape around a handle. The biggest problem is that you will try to use the tool on energized circuits… Never work on energized circuits! I would say generally you won’t need insulated tools, but if you have the cash, they are good for safety.. Just in case you cut through or touch a live wire. A better way to spend your money is by buying a multimeter or voltage probe. It might save your life… Knowing when an outlet or fan is live. Nothing worse the falling off a ladder because of an unexpected shock.
I said that he should never work on energized circuits firstly. But if someone truly insists on working on a 120v receptacle live electrical tape will work perfectly fine. 600v tape is 600v insulated for a reason after all. If you cant trust the tape to insulate for 120v then who the hell would use it to insulated 600v?
Jordan.M wrote:
I said that he should never work on energized circuits firstly. But if someone truly insists on working on a 120v receptacle live electrical tape will work perfectly fine. 600v tape is 600v insulated for a reason after all. If you cant trust the tape to insulate for 120v then who the hell would use it to insulated 600v?
A pin hole will negate the voltage rating of anything that’s insulated, even a proper tool. Every insulated tool requires regular inspection and testing to insure its ratting. Tape is rated but not for warping tools. I have my OSHA 30 and electrical safety, I’m not talking out of my ass over here. I deal with UL a few times a year and design electronics. You can do what ever you want to do, wrap what ever you want to wrap, but I’m going to cut you off and warn against anything that’s not safe. The poster can use the info how he sees fit. As far as a 600v rating, don’t forget to de-rate and remember that ratings are assumed for intended purpose under optimal conditions and do not guarantee when used improperly. Tape is not designed to take the kind of abrasion and sheer force a hand tool is subjected to, that’s why OEM can’t just wrap tools and sell them as rated. Sweaty hands and nicked tape = death.
I use these screwdrivers, they are tested to 10,000 VAC and certified for 1,000 VAC usage. Plus they have a carrying case to keep them safe. And they include the main tips you might encounter. Klein insulated pliers and these would make a good combo for any hot work you desire. Just we said just check to make sure they are insulated and functioning properly.
Off topic from the last ones is like to second woodstockva’s comments about sticking to a line. It allows you to buy a single kit then expand your tool line without having to spend money on extra batteries.
So I can’t roll my tools in Owens-Corning and install breakers on a live panel? It is insulation….right?
Conductor562 wrote:
So I can’t roll my tools in Owens-Corning and install breakers on a live panel? It is insulation….right?
you can do what ever you want to do, but it won’t be a safe thing to do!
EEtwidget wrote:
you can do what ever you want to do, but it won’t be a safe thing to do!
But when I get the fuck shocked out of me, can I sue the Pink Panther?
I don’t think a panther has a whole lot of money. All they do is give him pink insulation to eat that’s all he asks for in his contract. How do you think the Pink Panther got pink in the first place? He loves the taste of Owens Corning.
EEtwidget wrote:
I can’t recommend you wrap Tools with electrical tape and use them as “insulated”,
I agree with this, it is dangerous especially for someone not used to working with electrical on a daily basis. I wrap some of my drivers but complacency has lead to blowing up the side of boxes etc. Especially the pliers, it is impossible to wrap them as tight as the manufacturer coats them. As an electrician I do carry Non-insulated tools but thats because working live isn’t as common as dead. They are expensive but well worth the investment.
If you are going to be swinging a hammer often I would suggest buying a Stiletto Tibone, once you use it you’ll never go back to an ordinary hammer again.
Oh yeah, before you put a hex on the whole damn thing; get the M18 JobSite radio with the beer buddy bottle opener (y)
regopit wrote:
If you are getting into construction and one day go out on your own you will be buying tools to the day you retire.
This is very true! Don’t expect to buy all the tools you need right off the bat, it’s great to cover the basics but some tools should be purchased when the need arises especially when starting out. If you own your own business you will amass hundreds and hundreds of tools costing tens of thousands of dollars, and that’s not getting crazy with big machinery and equipment.
If starting a house building business first and foremost find a good set of subs. electrical, plumbing, hvac are things that you most likly can not do on a permitted job unless your specifically liscensed. other trades that you might want to consider subbing based on the fact that they are (in my opinion) high labor and some are low cost trades are; site work, concrete, insulation, drywall… roofing, while not the worst often requires a separate (much more expensive) liability insurance policy so consider subbing that too. One thing that you need to know, and I’m still learning is you can’t do it all!
As far as actual tools… few solid sets of saw horses are essential on almost every job, Trojan, while expensive, makes a Incredible set of horses and they will no doubt last you your entire career. . Also invest in a compressor and some nail guns. Framing/sheathing gun, trim guns… whatever you expect to be doing will most likely require lots of nails and nothing compares to the speed of a nail gun. Rolair makes a great compressor, the jc10 is super nice and unless you expect to be using multiple framing or roofing guns at the same time, should cover all your needs. . You could also consider ditching the compressor and going all cordless guns (maybe minus serious roofing)
Good luck
John
well guys ive been thinking on this quite a bit i know am leaning probably 90% towards an auto tech due to the lack of home constructions in my area im looking into a tech school so now i need advice on what tools to get i think ill post a new topic about that
Probably a good call Silverado cars always need to be worked on. Where as construction can be very dependent on the national or local economy. Even at the worst of times people will need transportation.
You better be ready to let go of some money. The cheapest kit for my school was $3100. None of the other options had any air tools as well. One kid did buy his hand tools from harbor freight though.
well guys i did some not so quick math and got $9,354 as a number for how much it would cost to buy https://fhtc.edu/media/files/cost-sheets/amt-supplies.pdf from snap on(the only tool truck where i live) without a box im looking for a used box. i know that i can substitute with lower quality such as blue point gearwrench craftsman etc. of course thats before student discount or any deals. does anyone know how much a student discount is, and how long i can finance for? any help is appreciated
The student discount is a good 50% off which is a huge savings. Im not sure aboutbthe financing though. I had my own tools but some of the students at my school bought their tools rhrough the school. I can look up the price for a snap-on starter kit for you if you want. I am elegible for the discount. I would reccomend you get a 44 (I think) inch craftsman box during one of their 50% off sales. Their boxes arent that bad at all i think so long as you get a ball bearing one. A used truck brand box will still be extremely high. I am currently in a tech school going through an automotive program so if you need any help with anything let me know, I will be glad to help.
is the 50% off of the total or each item? i have my own tools mostly old SK that i got from my grandpa
As conductor mentioned the some of the Harbor Freight tool boxes are of a good value too. The thing is with the tool truck brands abuse that student discount as much as you can because once it is over the prices are freaking insane. That’s when the industrial brands like proto conductor promotes is a good way to add tools also at a better price point that the tool trucks.
i’ve considered buying a HF box but ive seen waterloo and mac boxes on craigslist go for less than the harbor freight boxes also I’m a fan of SK I have some of my great grandpa’s tools when he was a mechanic still looks great but i wouldnt want to risk breaking those so thats why i want to buy new stuff
A lot of the hand tools are 50% off or more with matco but I haven’t checked with snap-on yet. A lot of the air tools and such aren’t off that much but are still a good chunk off.
i wish i had more options here but the mac guy who is based 30 mins away stopped coming here a few years ago
Here is a link to the snap on starter kit. It is 2800 with the discount. http://buy1.snapon.com/sep/catalog/item.aspx?group=2&sku=9200AGSO
Also here is a 36 inch snap-on box. http://buy1.snapon.com/sep/catalog/item.aspx?group=26&sku=KRSC326FPC
the 36″ box showed up as a roll cart, was that intentional if so that probably would not hold all that i need
It is plenty big. I managed to get all of my things in a 5 drawer craftsman box. A couple of kids have one and they are noticeably taller and wider. You shouldn’t have an issue with space. I just showed you that since it was pretty cheap compared to a regular box.
Nick went through this recently and knows the ropes.
Don’t count Carlyle out either. They are mostly Taiwan sourced, but they are nice quality and will save you a bundle over the trucks.
Even if you go to the trucks for things like ratchets, wrenches, and drivers, consider Carlyle for sockets, pliers, bit sockets, etc.
Carlyle’s Power90 series rats are very nice.
The carlyle stuff is almost as cheap if not cheaper than the truck tools with a student discount. I haven’t checked to see how much the discount is with carlyle yet. I have the 100 tooth ratchet and it is a nice ratchet. Their screwdrivers are also good. I bought all of my service tools at napa as well since they are all rebranded anyway.
I haven’t heard of Carlyle I gotta checkem out
Bigmikez wrote:
I haven’t heard of Carlyle I gotta checkem out
Carlyle is NAPA’s top tier house brand. Pretty decent stuff.
Silverado79: Do both of us a favor and check out this article I did awhile back before purchasing and specialty or service tools
http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2014/08/who-makes-what-tools/
Conductor562 wrote:
Silverado79: Do both of us a favor and check out this article I did awhile back before purchasing and specialty or service tools
http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2014/08/who-makes-what-tools/
I read that when it was first posted. Almost all the time you can find the same tool for a better price, however sometimes there are ways around that like with the lisle disconnects for $40 and re-branded snap-on version for $75. With a student discount (witch not everyone has) the snap-on version would be cheaper for me, but not always cheaper sometimes even with the discount it is better to get the tool through the manufacturer like the lang bit ratchet set for $25 and blue point for $58, in this case the lang is cheaper. Don’t get me wrong i’m not trying to tell you that your post was not appreciated by me because it was. Sometimes you trade price with ease, in the sense that I can put all of it on credit and pay it off over time and let’s face it I cant afford to pay it up front.
hows the list coming out Silverado??
Was I supposed to post it here? I made one but I’ll have to find one
here goes nothing
Bayco drop light $50
Northern branded bone creeper
Boltsizeit bolt and pitch gauge
Snap-on 3/8 sockets 6-21mm deep and shallow
Carlyle 3/8 sockets 3/8-1″ deep and shallow
Carlyle flex sockets 3/8,7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16
Craftsman spark plug socket 5/8 13/16
Snap-on 3/8 drive flex head ratchet
SK drive extension 6” and 8” long
SK 3/8 drive finger ratchet
SK 1/4 sockets 7/32-1/2, 4-14 mm deep and shallow
Carlyle 1/4 drive ratchets flex and standard
Snap-on 1/2 drive ratchet standard and flex
Carlyle 1/2″ drive extensions 2”, 5”, and 10”
Knipex diagonal cutters
Snap-on needle nose pliers straight and 90 degree
Channellock pliers 420-430-440
Craftsman regular pliers
Vise-grip regular and needle nose
Lisle 25-blade feeler gauge
cheap spark plug gapper
Vaughn 16 and 40oz. ball pein hammer
Stanley 14oz plastic tip hammer
Mayhew punches and chisels and bronze drift punch
Wilde gasket scraper set
nicholson files
Lisle Door trim pad removing tool, door handle, and window lift remover
NAPA brake tool set
Lisle brake pad spreader
Snap-on bleeder wrenches
3M safety glasses
OTC battery cable clamp puller
Snap-on Pocket screwdriver
Kobalt magnet and flex handle mirror
DeWalt 5-1 hacksaw
Snap-on Tire pressure gauge 0-100 PSI
Fluke 87-V multimeter
Lang Snap-ring pliers
Snap-on green test light
Goodyear 25′ air hose
Snap-on oil filter wrenches
Snap-on torx screwdriver set
Craftsman fender covers
Snap-on adjustable wrench set
Snap-on radiator pick set
HF 56″ toolbox
Streamlight stylus light
Snap-on valve core tool
cheap air chuck
Let me know your opinions on this list