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  1. #1
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    List of tools that are carried in van



    hi, I was wondering if anyone has a list of tools equipment neccesary to be carried in a van for self employed / sub-contractors, just so I can get an idea.

    I am at college and wont be qualified for another 2 years, but am looking to build up a tool set so I am prepared when I finish my training.

    thanks



  2. #2
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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    well a good start would be:
    a set of gauges
    vac pump
    benders
    cutters
    flaring tool
    multimeter
    clamp meter
    screwdrivers movers etc
    rotaloc key
    extension lead
    comparator
    brazing equipment
    refrigerant
    drills
    a selection of breakers contactors overloads and controllers
    universal fan motors
    probes
    swager set
    brazing rod

    the list goes on

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    glass hammer
    long stand
    flux capacitor
    skirting board ladder

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Quote Originally Posted by jonjon View Post
    glass hammer
    long stand
    flux capacitor
    skirting board ladder
    a box of holes, brass magnet (I got caught on that one ) and the best one when sent to the stores by a fitter....a long weight.

    serioulsy though, a must is a Mapp gas gun

    Don`t go overboard with buying expensive hand tools ie Snap On, over time you`ll find you`ll leave them on site. I know I have and I kick myself when I think of a spanner costing £30 left in a plant room. The only top notch stuff I get is allen keys and Pozidrive/Phillips screwdrivers.

    Good luck for the future.

  5. #5
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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    haha thanks for the list, and some funny jokes. . wish I was a bit younger and hadnt heard them before

    what would be a reasonable price to kit a van out to a good standard?

    £3,000 ?

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    i wouldnt go kitting it out with new gear keep your eyes peeled for special offers or 2nd hand things like expanders etc

    i would recommend a set of decent snips knipex or similar and also irazola drivers and a decent fluke meter

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    I like to carry items in my shirt pocket as well, its a bugger when bending into a freezer though. 2 pens/pocket knife/240 test pencil/marking pen/ small screwdriver/pt chart/bic lighter/wallet/small note pad(for female phone numbers...kidding..). Have never been able to find a pocket extension ladder or sonic screwdriver.. Mike.
    To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Couple of things without thinking too long about it is Magnetic Snap On screwdriver(had mine for 12 years now) and a torch
    In the words of David Byrne, Well...How did I get here?

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr-Frosty View Post
    well a good start would be:
    a set of gauges
    vac pump
    benders
    cutters
    flaring tool
    multimeter
    clamp meter
    screwdrivers movers etc
    rotaloc key
    extension lead
    comparator
    brazing equipment
    refrigerant
    drills
    a selection of breakers contactors overloads and controllers
    universal fan motors
    probes
    swager set
    brazing rod

    the list goes on
    Good idea to add to the list I think:
    1/2" socket set
    1/4" mini socket set
    Silicone!
    Hammer!
    PVC glue, WD40, silicone lubricant, cork tape, thread tape, duct tape
    grinder
    rotary tool (dremel)
    Megger
    Thermometer
    masonary drill and core drill
    laptop full of manuals
    waffle pad
    level
    drop sheet
    wet and dry shop vac (cleaning up plus suction to suck out on blocked drain lines)
    dustpan and brush
    garden hose, rope, tie down straps, 4ft steps, 6ft steps, 10ft steps 18ft extension ladder.
    short odd bits of copper tubing in case you have to braze in a section
    capillary tubing for the same reason
    Bearing pullers
    schreader valve cores, schreader fitting + tails, core removal tool and caps.
    deburring tools
    flare unions to extend you gauge lines or 72" gauge lines (actually both)
    refrigeration oil, driers.
    capacitors, fuses, transformers, contactors, relays, soldering iron.

    edit: forgot leak detector, expanders, nitrogen + regulator, metal holesaw drills, and half of a hardware store for bolts/screws/rivets/washers/plugs etc
    Last edited by paul_h; 20-12-2010 at 03:34 PM.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Some wood blocks and a lenght of 3" x 2".
    They are useful for proping things up, drilling into, levering things, etc.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Don't forget the tin of tartan paint for touch ups, or hammer glaze and hammer in tin.
    OK joke.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Quote Originally Posted by jonjon View Post
    glass hammer
    long stand
    flux capacitor
    skirting board ladder
    Dont forget the dilithium crystals for that flux capacitor, in all seriousness, you have the start of a good basic list, overtime you will want , need other items that are not on these lists. Take your time find most of these items second hand if you can.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Always buy good quality screwdrivers as there is nothing worse than the pozi driver that goes round.
    As others have said, be selective with what you buy dependant on what type of equipment you mainly work on. You will gradually accumulate special tools which get rarely used, but might come in handy.
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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Gets the better of me when tools, and spare parts become invisible. This becomes a daily frustration, i just put that driver down but hey... where has it gone? No-one else around, find another then Bam, its back.
    To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    In case anyone is still listening, don't forget the spare bucket of steam, the piping stretcher for when you cut twice and it was still too short and of course... the propane powered skil saw.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    I find a sky-hook comes in handy when working outdoors with heavy gear.
    Only the dogmatist says he will never change his mind. We all know that some of our opinions are wrong but none of us know which they are for if we did then they just wouldn't be our opinions. - JS Mill.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    whatever you have is never enough but the basics have to be a fluke tester 4 line gauges a thermometer a small socket set the rest depends on what you are doing ie domestic/commercial/industrial or put a card in the wholesalers and someone who retires may sell give you some kit

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    If you get everything on this thread, its a truck you will need not a van

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Hammers ........lots of them

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    dont forget the sparks for your grinder!
    "Old fridgies never die, they just run out of gas!"

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    a good accountant thats cheap

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    20 B&H and cheep gin

    OK this has turned into a farce now

    but one sensible thing never compromise on tools

    your tools put a roof over your head and food on the table

    buy good quality once and look after them
    Paul


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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    some of my favorite tools are:
    1/2 inch socket set plus a 1/4 or 3/8 set.
    half moon file for pipe work etc
    Large solid screw driver for bashing and leavering
    permanent magnet for solenoid coils.
    good allen keys.
    Shroader removing tool to remove stem under pressure.

    I do a lot of work on compressors and chillers, one of the best things i recently bought is a battery powered rattle gun. I got a makita one with a good drill. this is awesome. I also got with it a battery 4" grinder, circ saw and recip saw. (great but not essential)

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    A compressor picker upper for hermetics is very useful, wouldn't be without one now.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Quote Originally Posted by monkey spanners View Post
    A compressor picker upper for hermetics is very useful, wouldn't be without one now.
    take it you're talking about an apprentice here, tell me , do they graduate from picker upper to tea boy or tea boy to picker upper??

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    In Canada it would be coffee boy and he who runs to the truck in a downpour for the forgotten tool.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Quote Originally Posted by sfnz View Post
    take it you're talking about an apprentice here, tell me , do they graduate from picker upper to tea boy or tea boy to picker upper??
    Heres a short vid of me only just managing to pick up a 5hp L'unite with my picker upperer

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBCOjIlVx8

    Note the tidy van....

    Jon

  28. #28
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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    laser thermometer is v. handy for checking if a rooftop unit is actually working from inside store, without having to access roof or scissor lift. I'm talking about the real high ceilinged stores.
    my cant do without tool is a fluke voltage tester (pen type). Never leave home without it, saves a lot of time and helps prevent the old electrocution there.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van

    Don't forget a FriOil System!

    Seriously, it is compulsory to have a recovery unit, maybe not in the van, but to own it at least. (and put it in the van in case of inspection,
    I think that was missing... I guess you were waiting for my post

    Regards,

    Nando.

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    Re: List of tools that are carried in van


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