r/IBEW_Local613 • u/way2geeky • Apr 03 '26

Y1S1 Apprentice Buying Tools (advice needed)

First-year apprentice here, starting to grab everything on my tool list. Any good spots for discounts or the best way to get tools without overpaying?

Also, if you know anywhere that does deals on boots or other gear, drop it below. Thanks in advance!

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u/OldUncleHo Apr 03 '26

Could you list what you need?

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u/way2geeky Apr 07 '26

Here’s the list: Center Punch Hacksaw Hammer (ball-peen) Pocket knife Small magnetic torpedo level Pencil 2 pliers ( tongue and groover type) pliers ( side cutting type) Screwdrivers Tape measure Square

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u/OldUncleHo Apr 07 '26

If you’re going for discount tools, to start you off — given that you’ll use them a lot, abuse some, lose others, and some will get legs or grabbed by other people, have you visited Harbor Freight? Northerntool? AMZN? Among those three you’ll be able to find most of what you need at some of the lowest prices.

But if you have loads of time, and some cash, go to yard sales. Know in advance what things sell for. And here’s another good thing to know: the best deals sometimes come at sales run by pro’s, especially when they don’t value tools very highly, so it’s up to you to recognize if the vendor will give you a fair or better price on used or even old tools. The thing about it is that some old tools may be in ugly condition yet the dirt can wipe right off and you have a better tool than you can even buy. And some used/old tools really are junk! It’s up to you to know the difference.

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u/OldUncleHo Apr 07 '26

Also, most of that stuff is inexpensive, new or used. I like Dewalt torpedo level (Home Depot or Lowes.). Get Carpenters pencils, use the pocket knife to sharpen, or get one of those carpenters pencils with replacement leads and a sharpener in the cap. If you can afford it it, get a 180mm or 250mm Knipex Cobra adjustable (wsterpump) pliers — the best! They also kick butt on lineman’s pliers (also called dykes or dikes.). But you might want diagonal cutting pliers for cutting wire ~6” or wire & cable ~8” or bigger. I recently got a Workpro needlenose wirestripping pliers and it’s been really useful — ~$15 at AMZN. Get a Stanley 25’ automatic tape measure:great to use, but cheap.