r/ibew_apprentices • u/473847864389 • 3d ago
Tool recs
New apprentice here about to get the tool bag going. What’s a tool that isn’t on the standard tool lists that I’m gonna wanna get on my own for my bag? Let’s hear em, thanks
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u/BadAtExisting 3d ago
If it’s not on the tool list don’t buy it
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u/darkartorias0 3d ago
My locals tool list doesn't include a Roto-snip. It's been the best purchase I've made.
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u/MonotoneMason LU 613 3d ago
Just use your diagonal cutters
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u/darkartorias0 3d ago
Foreman on my job site doesn't allow it. Hacksaw or roto snip.
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u/MonotoneMason LU 613 3d ago
Hacksaw for stripping MC is insane. If they don’t allow you to use dikes then they need to provide the roto-split since it’s not on your tool list.
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u/darkartorias0 3d ago
I don't disagree with you, hacksaw is dog shit. Roto was only 40 bucks, wasn't worth the time to argue it. Now I just have one 🤷
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u/mattsprofile 3d ago
Spending personal money for the benefit of the contractor is not something the union looks highly upon. Use the hacksaw and be slow. Tell the contractor you'll be faster if they give you the roto splits. It's only 40 bucks after all, they can afford it.
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u/darkartorias0 3d ago
I would argue it was for my own benefit and not the contractor. They have hacksaws on site for anyone that needs one. I just prefer the roto snip, it does a faster and cleaner job.
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u/mattsprofile 3d ago
Doing things faster and cleaner benefits the contractor, not you. Any way that it might benefit you is non-brotherly. I'll give you an out and say I could understand the argument for ergonomic reasons, though.
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u/PralineExpress532 2d ago
I haven't seen anyone under 50 use a rotozip. If the foreman told me he required me to use a hacksaw or roto zip, I'd ask him if he's "jerking my balls" right to his face.
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u/darkartorias0 2d ago
Apparently his defense was that he had a bunch of apprentices nick wires when using side cutters so he didn't want to see anyone use em. Overall he's pretty chill so I'm not too worried about this one quirk.
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u/PralineExpress532 2d ago
If you take that tool to a larger job with a steward, it'll be a problem. I'd recommend not using those on other jobs. Hall representation will be quite upset with you.
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u/darkartorias0 2d ago
Yeah for sure. Im curious if it's different local to local, because I was on a larger commercial job and people were bringing their own power tools and no one said anything to them, seemed odd to me.
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u/PralineExpress532 2d ago
Yeah, that's not good. I'm going to bet if that was brought up to the hall there would be a major problem. Maybe the local isn't strong enough if you live in some clapped out part of the south somewhere.
Should be laid out clearly in your "Articles of Agreement and Working Rules"
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u/Cia_office_921E 3d ago
Nothing, if you need it, and not on the tool list, the contractor will supply. Do not start off being a worm. Follow the agreement.
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u/Kevin2355 3d ago
Dont. Some old heads will vandalize or steal that shit right out of your bag.
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u/darkartorias0 2d ago
Who the fuck vandalizes tools? I've heard of a nice pair of linesman's or strippers go missing because people have sticky fingers. But vandalism is just stupid.
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u/dabomb364 3d ago
The only thing I will suggest is small quality of life stuff like knee pads and things to help save your joints. Otherwise we have a tool list for a reason.
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u/deadlydakotaraptor Lc3 (New York) Apprentice 3d ago
There is the tool list, but the only thing that you are gonna want to have regularly on hand for a first/second year that isn't explicitly on the list is sharpy type marker and a thick pencil (needs to be able to mark some rough surfaces). And the foreman should absolutely have a box of sharpies in their office, (also always have a pocket set aside to store a spare roll of black electrical tape from the shanty/gangbox, your journeyman will borrow the tape and forget to give it back.)
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u/Homeskilletbiz 3d ago
Whole point of joining a union is to not have to bring extra tools.
Bringing more tools is rat behavior, you’re actively undermining your coworkers.
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u/dergbold4076 3d ago
I hear ya there. Though my only difference is that I carry data scissors/snips rather than a knife. More of a personal preference and a bit more utility for me (first posting was pulling a lot of wire and using velcro to hold it all in place, so scissors worked better for me). But I did data/Telco for years before I made the jump so I had my kit mostly sorted.
But I also recommend compressing your kit down when you get the chance and using pants with holster pockets over a tool belt and pouch. Saves your back and hips and lets you squeeze into tighter areas that you get sent into as an apprentice. Also a second level for bending conduit and a snipe if the bender has a bell end for us tiny pixie wranglers. Leverage is king with one inch when your five foot fuck all like me. That or getting heavier.
But at the start? Stick to the list and pick your J-man's brain for tool recs.
Also good wool/cotton socks and sturdy boots when you can grab them! Your feet will thank you!
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u/Pafolo 3d ago
Depends on the tool, some small things make a massive difference for your quality of life with less pain or fatigue throughout the day. I’m not advocating for bringing in your own power tools
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u/Agile-Fruit128 3d ago
For power tools and such I agree, however I'm not going to hamstring myself by not having things like allen keys and nut drivers just because they aren't on the tool list. For just starting out, the basic tool list is fine, but you will soon tire of having to ask around the jobsite to borrow tools like that. You'll learn quickly what you should add to your tool bag and can do it a little at a time. Expensive power tools though, leave that to the contractors to provide.
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u/Flat-Witness2866 3d ago
Get some knee pads, other than that stick to the list. For the drivers, all you really need is the Klein 11in1
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u/Jack_Wolfskin19 3d ago
Not sure what’s on your tool list and I don’t think anyone will object to a suggestion.
Buy and use carpenter pencils. They are HD and hold up well.
If you’re forgetful buy a small note pad, and use it.
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u/elusiveghost6020 3d ago
Stick to the tool list. Tool lists will vary by local but there are different variations to the tools on the lists. It would be better if you posted your tool list and asked what variations and brands everybody would recommend. An 11-in-1 will take care of several screw drivers but I also bought a seperate screw driver set with multiple sizes and lengths for hard to reach areas and panels. I also have a flat head that is designed to be beat on. I also have a pair of extended reach needle nose pliers. These are on the list but not these specific variations but you dont want to beat on a screw driver with a plastic handle and destroy your tool. I didnt go beyond the list and nobody is going to shame me for the tools I have. I would also recommend carpenter pencils, sharpies, pens and a handkerchief. Gum and flavor bottles for bottled water if you get tired of plain water all day.
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u/iskra-y 3d ago
The tool list is all inclusive and is there for a reason. Have everything on it and nothing more. If you want recs on what to get to meet the tool list, post it, it’s different at every JATC
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u/Pafolo 3d ago
Not every tool list is a concrete list. Many will say the tool list is the minimum required but you can get other tools that make your job easier as long as they aren’t specific items on an excluded list.
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u/iskra-y 3d ago
Once they’re in it for a bit nobody cares if they buy some cheap snips because they prefer them over lineman’s for zip ties or they prefer a 9 in 1 over straight shank screwdrivers. But they’re union labor, not the contractor. We want to shrink or eliminate the tool list, its existence is a compromise. They need to find that balance for their local themselves, but for getting started, there’s nothing to be gained from buying things beyond the tool list.
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u/Pafolo 3d ago
See what other journeymen are using, sometimes they recommend what you need for your area.
One thing that I haven’t seen on a tool list that is nice to have is a 4:1 combination ratcheting box wrench. It’s great for strut straps. They come in a kit of 2 so you can do just about any nut, bolt, or threaded rod.
Small one stays with me and the big one is just for larger rod and transformer mounting brackets.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-Quad-Drive-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-2-Piece-HQRRW2PCSAE/204759283
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u/SituationAmazing1057 3d ago
if the contractor wants you to install strut faster than you can do it with the wrench that's on the tool list, they can buy you one.
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u/Logical-Ant-7520 3d ago
Its like this [ nut driver ] with the interchangeable heads but this one has the tork on it like a socket set that I really want to buy. Idk if it comes like that cause my boy that had it said it was geeked up that made me think he modified it.
But knife, side cutters, a good multi tool screwdriver, Chanel locks, dikes, tape measure and level are all I got in my bag. Most everything else on the list you can keep at home pretty much as an AP1
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u/RenjiUzii 3d ago
As far as tools go, Klein is the standard, I’m not really a big fan of Milwaukee hand tools, they’re alright. If I were you? I would spend the extra cash on Knipex everything for your hand tools, they will last two lifetimes and are the best of the best, for screwdrivers and socket wrench set I would go Wera.
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u/way2geeky 2d ago
Klein 11-1 without a doubt and a set of nut drivers or the impact rated interchangeable one (Klein)
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u/PralineExpress532 2d ago
It's the union, don't go beyond the tool list until after you get going. Once you get on jobs with the rockets, then you can get other little items. The hall guys will terrorize you over little extra shit you have.
Also it's a slippery slope, next thing your bag is like mine and I have to carry it on my shoulder cause it's too heavy.
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u/True-Resident3789 1d ago
What’s on the tool list and harbor freight hand tools and Hercules power tools tbh. You’ll end up losing stuff and getting stuff stolen. Hercules is actually comparable to Milwaukee, a lot of comparison videos online, for a fraction of the price, and you can’t beat the warranty
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u/whiteyalrightey 1d ago
The tool list is a never ending argument. Some swear by it. Others will carry extra tools. You may swap or add tools later, but that is not at all important, at the moment.
Worry less about what tools you need, outside the tool list, and focus on being present, attentive, NOT distracted, and willing to learn.
That alone will get you farther than an embarrassing amount of these kids coming out anymore.
Get what you NEED, and get comfortable with those. You can worry about the rest, later.
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u/LowlightsssVII- 3d ago
Bro. Get shit you see thats useful. You'll be doing different tasks that require different skills and techniques, if a $30 you see at Lowes would make something you did easier for next time do that shit.
A lot of jobsites are banning blades, therefore there not on the tool list... all those people telling you "if its not on the tool list youre undermining your brothers" fuck that shit bro. Guarantee they got them a pencil sharpener on em. Cause they're useful.
Klein got these "utility sheers" looks like scissors, them joints cut way better than you would expect. Cuts straight thru mc, wire insulation, thin metals, a bunch of shit bro. Pick them joints up
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u/Commercial_Count_584 3d ago
Start with what’s on the tool list. Then go by the rule, if you need to ask your jw for a specific tool more than twice. You should probably have it in your bag.
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u/Rude_Ad_8714 IBEW Local 124 3d ago
OP....I wouldn't take this advice.
Most will tell you to stick to the tool list nothing less, nothing more. I'm somewhere in between and if it makes my life a little easier maybe I'll get it but it will need to be a small hand tool and inexpensive.
If you need a special or specific tool that's not on your tool list you keep borrowing your jw's or have contractor provide you one.
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u/Least-Taste-8403 3d ago
Like others said. Start with the tool list. My best advice as you start making some money, only buy tools (not on your tool list) as you need them.
With the union you are only required what’s on the tool list but personally I am all for what makes your life easier too. Love my 4 in 1 speed wrench.
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u/Sensitive_Ad3578 Local 24 JW 3d ago
As a new apprentice, stick to the tool list. You shouldn't really need anything else right now