Whats the best tools to start with?

[makkas]

Hi, i've done my first year at college in fridge(at Basford Hall, Nottingham), now i'm looking for a job so i can do my second year.

I want to show employers that i'm willing and ready, the question i want to ask is;

Should I buy my own tools?, if yes, what should be the basic, what's the most reliable brand?

Or should the employer provide all tools?

Makka
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[pie man]

Hello Makka,

I've been doing fridge for nearly a year now...my company expected me to have a set of gauges, multi-meter/plus meggar would be a bonus... general hand tools, thermometer etc. A company should supply you with recovery unit, vac pump, scales, brazing kit etc...them tools are expensive!!! Hope all goes well.

Pie man

[makkas]

Cheers mate.

I've been looking at a lot of gauges, which one do you recommend?

[Silhouette]

If it's a decent company you intend to work for they will provide all specialist tools ( gauges, multimeter, thermometer etc) as they have to be calibrated to comply with their health & safety mandate. General hand tools are usually supplied by yourself, good quality tools will last better and won't fail you in the middle of the night when you cannot get an immidiate replacement!

[chemi-cool]

A hammer. A big shiny hammer impresses all men!!

For the rest of the tools, if you can afford, get only the best, they will last as much as your working life.

If not, go to any supplier and they will advice you .

[monkey spanners]

For hand tools i like Britool or Facom. I think they have a lifetime guarantee if you manage to break one.

[glenn1340]

Don`t go the way I did, Had a full set of Snap on stuff: tool chest, 1/2 & 3/8 socket sets, spanners etc. Great until those lovely travelling folk lifted them TWICE!!!! Now I just use anything thats not too cheap. The only exception I`ll make is Phillips and Pozidrive screwdrivers, and allen keys. No good in having cheapo ones of these, they`ll only round off.
Besides, I`m fed up with forgetting expensive tools on site
Regards,

[chill_ac]

I'd say just get your basic hand tools. I know from experience it speaks alot for you if you turn up on your first day with a tool box with atleast your basic hand tools in comparred to someone turning up with nothing.
Like others have said a good company should supply you with most of your specialist tools, gauges, vac pump ect but they are worth saving up and getting over time but not untill youve been at it a while and earnt some money. Best off just heading out to screw fix and buying some hand tools, Dont get the cheapest though you will buy twice (atleast) spend that bit extra and get a decent brand.
hows it going at basford, i went there for my NVQ