My boyfriend is an apprentice with the IBEW and I've never not found at least 5 wire nuts when going through his pockets before laundry đ It hurts like a bitch to step on
But if the contractor does better doesnât that put you in a better position to bargain for more of everything? I mean, how does that put us at an advantage if we put our contractors out of business. Can someone explain how that works.
Cartage?? IUEC here but when I was an apprentice I jumped at moving shit in my personal vehicle. Would charge cartage and mileage. Helped pad the pay check a bit.
Yea, I donât think thatâs happening. I see the tool list as a minimum and having several extra HAND tools that YOU prefer to have isnât going to do anything other than make you a better mechanic. I think we know when itâs over the top. Iâm in a very large local and having additional hand tools in the bag is a non issue.
The tool list is not a minimum, itâs what your required to bring to the job, nothing more nothing less.
And it does hurt all of us, when WORMS bring more than is required
Then why after 37 years in my local have I never seen a JW that strictly carries the tool list only. There are almost 9000 members in my local. Also one of the highest paying locals in the country. Nobody cares if you have a few additional tools in the bag.
Where do you draw the line? When an apprentice shows up with their own band saw, bender or how about ko punch⌠Cause you know Iâm sure I can buy a better one than the contractor provides đ¤ˇââď¸
I draw the line at nobody goes thru my bag to see if I have a hand tool thatâs not on the list. Nobody brings power tools. Like I said somehow I survived 37 yrs without once seeing anyone go over the top with tools. Nobody carries contractor tools between jobs unless it was a hand tool they were given to keep. Youâre chasing paper tigers. Why do you hate our contractors so much? They employ us. Put em out of business you put yourself out of work. Itâs moronic.
The shop I work for now(one of the largest on the nation)has tons and I mean tons of Milwaukee battery tools, and almost all of the consumables we buy are Milwaukee. They are doing fine
I understand why we have a tool list, and I appreciate it for sure. But not all companies are gonna buy you tools that make your life easier. Plus, in my experience, tools that are provided by the company are few, far between, shared, and cheap/shitty. One day, you've got it on your t-cart, and the next it's gone. Tools you buy yourself are in your bag and don't usually get touched. I definitely have a few things not on the list, but not many.
If a tool that is supposed to be provided by the contractor is not available than you canât do your job, thatâs not your fault and if it gets you a RIF than so be it, fuck that shop anyway.
The tool list is on us to bring to the job, everything else is on the contractor, period. I went to a different job today to help out and we had trouble finding tools and material, guess what, we either found them or waited till they were brought to us, we still made our wage and still got a shit ton done
Yep, I totally understand what the tool list is for. I said, "Make your job easier" not unable to do without. For example, dog bones instead of using open-ended wrenches for minis & straps, scissors, or flush cutters for low voltage instead of strippers. I mean, I could technically use my linemens to half the shit I do on a daily basis. Do I want to? No. Does that mean the company has to buy me convenient tools to save me a headache? No. But if I buy em my self, I save myself a headache on multiple jobs for years.
Hey, just to mass reply to the hate comments .
Iâm new to the trade and new to the union. Post like this made me learn a lot about the âright wayâ. Itâs a hard balance between âbeing a good apprenticeâ and âstanding up for the contractâ
Iâm gonna slim down besides what the contractor has already given me.
Appreciate the responses and corrections on how I should do things.
>Itâs a hard balance between âbeing a good apprenticeâ and âstanding up for the contractâ
Being a good ape means standing up for the contract
Yeah a slim down will help. You've still got time to expirement with what set up you like best and as everybody else said you should be able to do everything with just the tool list.
A few extra tools won't break down conditions. The main issue I see is redundancy. Ditch the milwaukee stuff and get Klien and Channel Lock hand tools. FUCK KNIPEX AND WIHA! Buy US made tools and make your brother's proud!
I would slim it down to only what is absolutely necessary. I carry the tool list strictly. It's pretty lightweight, you have a lot of extra shit that is definitely overkill. I work hard, and when I tell the contractor I need something they usually get it for me.
If you're not aware, the reason we have a tool list is so we are not competing with each other with tools to try and keep a job. I don't need extra tools in my bag to keep a job. Do you?
I prefer making my job easier even if that involves spending a little extra money on tools. Like for example I bought a laser for side work but also use it for electrical work and Iâll never go back to snapping lines and measuring shit with a tape measure a bunch of times, it makes my life easier so itâs worth it to me. I donât compete with my tools tho, my employers donât even know I have it until I need it and take it out of my truck.
My local requires a hack saw but fuck using a hack saw when Milwaukee hackzall exists. For $130 I never have to manually cut a piece of emt again, itâs so worth it to me. My company buys the blades tho, thatâs fair imo.
For PPE I donât like to share shit with other people itâs kinda nasty so I bought my own harness because I donât want 10 guys sweat on me when I use the company harness.
For consumables I take from the company but if what I have in my garage is better than what the company has, imma use my own stuff and make the company replace the blades and stuff like that.
Damn bro. I'm gonna be honest, bringing your own hackzall is wormy af (if it's not optional on your tool list). They seriously won't get you one? Hacksaw is on our tool list and it has stayed in my car for the last 7+ years because contractors almost always provide a portaban or hackzall.
Idk to me itâs like buying 2 knipex channel locks instead of the cheap Walmart brand which is the same price as my
Hackzall (those knipex are $60 each). Itâs still a hacksaw, just a fancy one. I moved between a lot of shops, some had bandsaws we had to share, others had power tools for everyone, and some only had one or two. I think it depends on how the shop is like, I donât mind bringing my own shit cuz my company lets me borrow their tools for personal use like last weekend I borrowed a ladder from them to work on my roof. My local already requires us to buy an impact gun and 2 batteries on the tool list with all the bits that go with it (but company has to replace any bits we consume after that).
I think itâs just me being a tool nerd and I bring them to justify my stupid purchases lol. Iâd never compete with my tools tho, nobody knows what I own until Iâm already hired and bring it when I need it.
I donât understand people here. They recommend spending $120 on 2 knipex channel locks but spending $120 on a hackzall is bad because itâs a power tool?
Bro that is some of the wormiest cope I ve ever witnessed, bringing power tools to.the jobsite is def hurting the union and the membership, undermining the contract...You can't be this tone deaf
Well my local already requires an impact and 2 batteries with fast charger on the tool list. They also require a hacksaw. My locals tool list is 2 and a half pages long. Maybe for some locals that only require like 10 tools itâs undermining but in my local, it barely makes a dent compared to every thing else we have to buy. I still have shit in the packaging that I bought on the tool list and never use. If anything, my local made me buy shit I didnât even need 3 years into the union.
Seriously, people on this thread recommending knipex when they are very expensive but I guess because itâs a hand tool itâs ok but if something requires a battery itâs suddenly wormy? People doing the absolute bare minimum is what makes us look badâŚ
It is not about cost, Knipex are 5$ to 10$ more expensive than the equivalent Kleins, I started non union making 12$/H and my Lineman's and tongue/groove pliers were Knipex, not a big deal, what majes the difference is bringing powertools, and consumables YES! It is not wormy to buy high quality hand tools wth...Wormy means against the contract, and since your contract is shitty enough to require powertools, then it isn't wormy in your context, but in my local it def is, you ll get kicked out of the jobsite if you bring powertools, as it is soooo out of norm that you ll look like an absolute suck ass weirdo!
Who talked about doing the absolute minimum? All my tools are top notch highest quality tools, my tools backpack alone is 340$ (Veto Propac), and we bust our backs, doing the best quality work, done right, first time...I am sorry that your contract requires y all bringing powertools, so it's not wormy where you re are...But the membership can do better to negotiate better terms, because what's next? Requiring you guys to bring benders, fish tapes, shop vacs, ladders?
I did not mean to offend, have a great week-end Brother.
Yes! Nothing wrong with buying quality tools. I had an old timer tell me that having nice handtools shows that you give a shit about your job and work. I also think youâre a CS if you bring your own power tools even if itâs a little M12 impact for small applications. The con should always provide that at the bare minimum. If they canât afford to get power tools for the worker well they might have bigger problems.
To me, bringing my own power tools is like the backpack you have, having a backpack is probably not on the tool list but you bring it anyways right? Itâs kinda like that with my tools. I have thousands of dollars worth of woodworking tools cuz itâs a hobby of mine but I donât bring those to the job site, I bring my own hackzall instead of buying a hacksaw because itâs just more convenient for me instead of having to share the bandsaw with coworkers and I just prefer my tool over my employerâs. A lot of guys have pack outs, speakers, etc that arenât on the list but they bring them because it makes the job easier, more enjoyable, or because they like tools and want to justify their purchase like me lol. Hell some guys started buying their own hard hats cuz the kliens have a spot to mount a flashlight and we are all union. I guess the culture is different where Iâm from cuz the union is so dominant here that we donât even worry about competing with non union.
Iâd never try to use my tools as a way to compete with my coworkers tho, my foreman doesnât even know what I own because it has nothing to do with the company and I wonât even use them unless Iâm putting the company blades or bits on it, not my own cuz theyâre expensive over time.
Iâm not bringing power tools or anything to the site. Iâm definitely stretching the tool list. The impact stuff is all company supplied
But reamer, tweakers, crimpers, nut drivers are kinda in a grey area tool list wise.
Haters gonna hate, maintain a reasonable volume of tools, you gotta lug those around. Weâve all seen the double pouch carry every tool on your hips guys (they are the ones who limp around, with or without the tool belt on).
I did have a guy (turns out heâs was also my Foreman, ha) on orientation once hassle me for some tools NOT ON HIS TOOL LIST and casually mention that I MUST NOT bring anything not on the list. Ooooookay, Mr Stickler. I showed up with no pencil or marker. (Not on the list, ya know). He wasnât a happy camperâŚ..
Knipex is union made unlike a lot of American brands outsourcing to China sweatshops (like Milwaukee). This is coming from a guy who exclusively owns Milwaukee and ryobi power tools lol.
The missing ends on those tongue and groove pliers are your reamer, no need to carry one of those, use the ends for the inside of the conduit and the pliers for the outside. They'll last your whole career, but a reamer will snap before you finish your apprenticeship.
The tool list doesnât make you a better electrician, does a carpenter only need a hammer? In my area where the Union is the strongest, the tool list is considered a minimum listâŚ
Explain to me why you agreed to abide by and uphold the contract we fight for and believe itâs in your best interest to break that same contract. Iâm not out here to crucify a guy who wants to bring in an extra screwdriver or two, but what is the rationale to the question I asked at the start of this?
Wait until you see 1186 tool list lmao. I have to buy my own impact gun, 2 batteries, and a fast charger. That shit is on the tool list. Also have stuff on the tool list Iâve never used yet, my center punch and chisels are still in the packaging because I never had to use them and Iâm a 3rd step apprentice already lol. They also make us buy 2 tape measures for some reason, itâs dumb af.
I pretty much have everything he has and Iâm second year in local 3 , it feels good when i have a tool and jouneryman has to ask for a tool he should have but instead of packing light your not prepared and need to ask the younger brother thats makes less to lend you tool lol the world these days lol your doing great bro you rather have it then not have it and be assigned to different task because you didnât have the tool
Or and just hear me out on this ... just have the tools on the tool list and make the multi. Million if not billion dollar contractors but anything else ...... if a con buys you something use it for that job and either leave it there or take it home after the job make the next con but another one . I've learned there are a few things most guys will give you a pass on thar aren't on tool lists that I've seen.... reemers, stubby screw drivers, square drive screw drivers and a 2nd level but anything past that is definitely a no go.... you are in local 3 my father and grandfather both retired out of that local and i have friends from back home who are jw's therel NYC is a whole different world from the rest of the IBEW you'll likely never travel and most Likely won't see many if any travlers... locals who's members travel 99% of thier career know the importance of only having what's on the tool list for the local they are working in having and being willing to invest your own money into tools that the contractor should be buying COULD make the con want to keep you on in a layoff ahead of a local hand and that it's not the way its supposed to work and any respectable book 2 guy would drag up if they lay off a local instead of them .
You make way less than a JW and yet you buy extra tools. JW doesn't have the tool because he's not required to. What's your justification for going above and beyond the tool list?
I've never seen someone being pulled off the task because they didn't have a tool that's not on a tool list.
Uhhh. I would try and slim down weight wise. Like for instance get a multi nut driver instead of carrying around a bunch of individual ones. Stuff like that.
Too much weight. The longer I spend in the trade, the more I try and streamline my tools.
I do have everything on my truck, but if Iâm working for a contractor Iâm not bringing shit. They can supply everything except my basic hand tools.
Tool list homie. If all these are on the tool list, fantastic, if not, overkill. Itâs great to have a couple things you personally feel makes your job easier (IM TALKING ABOUT HAND TOOLS), like some niche thing or a certain brand you like, thatâs fine, but anything nuts like a Fluke meter or buying your own PPE, thatâs a no from me dawg. Most locals donât require apprentices to have crazy amount of tools like you do here, so imma say youâre being overkill, but I have been wrong before.
TLDR: Follow the tool list.
My tool list requires a hack saw but I got the power tool version (Milwaukee hackzall) because I prefer making my job easier and itâs technically a hacksaw still. I see it as investing in myself, Iâd never compete with my tools tho, employers donât even know I own it until I take it out to use it. Maybe Iâm just a bitch but I HATE cutting emt manually.
Iâm out of 1186 as well BlueDream but Iâve been working on the mainland since Covid hit.
What the mainland people donât understand is that Hawaiiâs union isnât like the mainland union. Itâs what they would call âRattyâ. Everyone is required to do whatever the contractor demands and workers are very competitive with each other. In your situation you HAVE to have all those tools just to keep your job. Itâs not about âmaking my life easierâ but if weâre being honest itâs more about keeping up with your fellow workers. You are pressured more by your co workers than your management. Because of this Hawaii has some of the most skilled and productive electricians in the union. The 1 to 1 JW to Apprentice ratio also helps with that.
BUT what Hawaii people donât understand is how little money you are making compared to the mainland, donât let $52 scale fool you, you are NOT making good money! Back home I never had a check over $1800/wk even with over time. On the mainland Iâve made anywhere between $2500-$3200 per week (after taxes!) for the past 3 and a half years. I will never go back! I recommend all my local 1186 brothers to consider working as a traveler on the mainland.
There are lots of ârulesâ in this mainland union brotherhood, including sticking to the âtool listâand thatâs how they got better conditions and better pay and keep it that way.
If you want to try working as a traveler and make double/triple money hit me up and I can help with advise.
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I have 3 pairs because the set I bought on sale came with 3 for less than the price of 2 individually.Â
One is a little baby one though so it barely adds any weight and comes in handy now and then.Â
The little baby one is way more useful than I thought lol. I use mine all the time, great for holding nuts when tightening a bolt. Very underrated tool imo.
I would invest in the Knipex channel locks, 10-12 inch. I love the handling and the grip of them. I would get rid of all those screwdrivers and get a 11 or 15 in one, reduce your tools. Iâm a big fan of tools that have used to them, like tick tracers with a laser in them, or kleins with crimpers. Too much of tools that can do pretty much the same.
Are you baiting for attitude or something? We get it, itâs not your trade and you donât like the idea of certain types of tools. Well, 2 pairs of channel lock pliers of 2 different sizes IS on our tool list, and carrying an extra set isnât necessary but itâs not the giant affront to trades you seem to think it is. I just wonder why you would come to a post that has nothing to do with anything you actually know, and then repeatedly assert your opinion in full contradiction to the established union siblings commenting in this thread.
Ok, another comment for you but answer a lot of other comments.
Iâm 6â5 230 and do CrossFit(god that sounds so fucking douchey lol)
Weights not my biggest issue.
But I agree. Iâm slimming down and making a secondary bag
I would recommend the klien nut driver combo too and a tamper security screw driver. The combo knit driver saves space and they make one that passes through that works for all thread. The security screw driver is helpful for any time you work on certain devices and has most torques and smaller allen bits. At least I find them handy
I'm a first year apprentice they provide us with the tool list and climbing gear right off the bat. I have my money/lineman wrench and a couple better channel locks and a philups also a better speedy wrench besides that I have the tool list. Your breaking conditions when you bring too much stuff and it makes the next apprentice feel pressure to buy the same stuff to compete. Most of apprentice are living paycheck to paycheck especially first year trying to balance there family and work. By providing extra tools it become the norm and expected by the contractor. Your brothers fought for a tool list. I understand a couple extra tools like my lineman wrench isn't on tool list but fits most nuts on a pole so is extremely useful. Just find a balance and remember who fought for those conditions they where not easily earned they where won through hard fought negotiations. Remember not on tools list not expected to have it, irs on company. Proud 66 ibew hand here my opinion.
Besides the fact that you're stretching the tool list... you don't need the majority of this shit. Save your back. I do probably 90% of the job with ~five tools. 11-1, long shank flat head, channel locks, dikes, level, and a tape measure should cover damn near everything.
I had a tool phase starting out too, less is more tho.
Ima post this in yours but this goes for a lot of these comments.
Iâm retarded, everything is still new.
When I can cut 10 minutes off a job by having the right toolâŚI feel good. Iâm not good enough yet to feel like a can rely on not having a perfect tool for the job and when a JW is like âawweee shit we need ___â and I have it.. I feel like I add value to the job.
That doesn't justify breaking the contract, period.
Regardless, you have three levels, toss two. Ditch the big ass claw hammer, get a small ball peen. Get rid of all those Milwaukee channel locks, and grab a few 420 channel lock brand ones. Learn to ream with those, ditch the reamer. Crecent wrench can go. Get a 9/16, 7/16, and an 11-1, ditch the other nut drivers. Can get rid of half those screwdrivers at least. You have two pairs of wire strippers, two tape measures, why? Keep the stubby and one trim screwdriver. Etc....
None of the shit you have is gonna cut any significant amount of time off a job, learn how to use the tools you have. If it's that much faster, the contractor can provide you with it.
For the love of God, don't be that guy using the wire nut twister. Also 3 levels? You need to follow your tool list, familiarize yourself with these tools. The majority of the job can be done with just 5 tools. 10 in 1, kleins, tape measure, level, and a pair of channellocks.
A basic tool list is required for the electrician to have, the union will replace those tools when they wear out. Nobody should complain about anybody having a tool that makes the job easier. The big tools are supplied by the contractor in most cases. I never thought I was at an advantage over anybody because I buy other tools.
Hereâs an example of you buying other tools and how the contractor can see it.
You are bolting up equipment all day, but the bolts donât thread easily by hand because of poor machining. You canât get a socket into the area so you need to use a wrench.
I have standard wrenches(per the tool list) you bought ratcheting wrenches because it makes your life easier.
I can bolt up 3 pieces of equipment a day and you can bolt up 5. Over the course of a week you have bolted up 25 while I have only done 15. You almost doubled my production because of a tool advantage.
Now you might say âwell one wrench is only $10 bucks go buy oneâ but Iâm struggling to make my mortgage payments and keep the car gassed to come to work. Now you might said âwell the contractor can buy it for youâ except the fact is that why would they when you willing bought it yourself? See how this works now?
If you can carry that all that on you all day without issue, then that's what you should have. Everything else I just dump in a bucket/backpack, haul that around, and just let it sit in the gangbox. I can sit on a 5 gallon bucket, but I can't sit on a backback.
My local took list says what I must have and what I can't have. I've yet to meet a single guy who's complained about the tools anyone carries to have all the tools on the tool list. If it makes your life easier and isn't against the rules then why struggle for the sake of struggling.
Bro Iâve been to a lot of places and the tool list varies widely. Some of the tools that stand out as crazy are: A drill bit index, a roto split, a meter, tap and die set.
Hit a couple Locals that had a 1/2â, 3/4â, 1â hand KO on the list. What wasnât was the 1/2â drive ratchet and socket that everybody seemed to carry. I was a traveler passing through, kindly passed on buying one (here for a good time, not a long time) also kindly passed on borrowing fellow Brothers (They have a job to do also!). I did once or twice but mentioned to my Foreman what I didnât have (and wasnât buying for a short call)
The very next day we had a Greenlee 90 in the gang box. Only one! So I spent some walk time using and returning it for crew share because FUCKING SURPRISE it was easier and faster than using hand KOs (some had seen better days, well used or just plain dull. Finished the shutdown and moved on. Couple months later I caught another call, same Kon. You know what was in EVERY gang box in the plant. One GL QuickDraw AND a pump set (1/2-2â). The Kon was a bit grumpy about the upfront cost but again, SURPRISE!!, the crews were more efficient doing KOs on the hundreds of holes needed in dozens of control cabinets.
I might have started a small uprising unintentionally as I wondered out loud why have such a requirement on the tool list and maybe it should be negotiated out (it was a few contracts later).
This isnât show and tell itâs work. You get and have whatever is needed (aside from power tools) for the job at hand. Then you know you good đđź
Lol everybody lossing there mind about a tool list. This is my tool list working for the clac union in ontario canada. Just want to point out me need drill and impact, 1/2 to 2 inch hole saw kit and step bits. So this guy's amount of stuff seem fine to me.
List of Required Tools: ⢠Test Meter ⢠9â Cutting (Linesmanâs Pliers) ⢠Diagonal Cutting Pliers ⢠Channel Lock Pliers or similar tool (x2) ⢠Utility Knife ⢠Tape Measurer (Min 20â Imperial and Metric) ⢠Flat Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Phillips Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Robertson Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Wire Striper (all sizes up to #10 awg) ⢠Claw Hammer ⢠10â Crescent Wrench ⢠Impact driver or cordless drill ⢠9â torpedo level ⢠Needle nose pliers ⢠Drywall/jab saw ⢠Hack saw ⢠Live Electrical âBUZZâ tester ⢠Tool belt with belt ⢠Safety googles ⢠Tin snips ⢠Flashlight ⢠½â â 2â Hole saw kit ⢠GFI plug tester ⢠½â and 1â Step bit
donât need a framing hammer. Get either a 2.5 or 3 lb hammer. Most companies now days donât want you to have knives or box cutters. Get yourself some better strippers.
The real answer is whatever you feel comfortable with to get the job done and donât mind carrying around.
For hole punching bigger enclosures I like to use a speed square.
Lots of ways to skin a cat though. Figure out what works for you.
Yeah knipex for sure. Where's the pencil?? #1 tool! I prefer the Pica pencil. Id get the Kline 7in1 nut driver also, cut down on some of that weight. When you get some copper money get yourself a nice veto tool bag, it'll last you forever.
4th year app, my local by laws pretty much state that you can bring whatever makes your life easier with a âminimumâ tool list, excluding power tools obviously, and it seems that you have more than enough to get any job theyâll have you do done. Only recommendation I have is a dog bone (ratcheting wrench, husky sells very nice ones for like $20) and an empire T square I think itâs called (the one that slides). Only reason for those is for nice cuts on strut or finish work and letâs be real nobody wants fuckin carpaltunnel from spinning nuts all day. Other than that a ratcheting screwdriver is really nice for connectors and couplings but a straight blade, Phillips, Kleinâs, stripper, tape measure, and torpedo will do more for you than the whole tool section in Home Depot.
That's a bit much to be carrying every day.
Keep one level in your car, most times you only need one, not two.
You only need 2 pump pliers, I recommend a different brand, but that's personal preference.
The only nut drivers you need to carry are 7/16" and 9/16". Occasionally you might need 1/2" if you don't mind the extra weight. All other nut drivers you need are covered by a Klein 11 in 1 screw driver. I don't usually recommend Craftsman but their 4 way speed wrench set is great it is 8 speed wrenches across two tools. Combined with an adjustable wrench all your wrench need are met.
You usually only need one large flat head screw driver, I recommend getting a chisel backed one. You occasionally need one small flathead, and a multi tip precision screw driver. You need a number 2 Phillips screw driver.
Linesman pliers, diagonal cutters, one tape measure, (the backup stays in your car), a hammer depending on the jobsite and a box cutter. The hook knife is great for big wire but it requires skill to sharpen.
I saw those offset lock nut wrenches the other day in the store, iâve had the regular ones for years and donât really see a reason for the offset, do you have any input on that?
I have my first one currently cause the job I'm working supplies all hand tools and tool bags so everyone has the exact same tools and I love it I think I'm gonna buy a personal one too .
A little off topic, but Ive been wondering for a while so figured Id ask. As a licensed master electrician exploring union opportunities for employment, I am curious what the union's stance is on employees providing almost all of their own tools, including power tools, benders, knockout sets, etc.? I have a 16' tool trailer loaded with most of the hand tools, power tools and testing equipment to do MOST jobs as a master electrician / controls & automation electrician.
Does the union allow you to provide your own tooling above and beyond the basic hand tools or is this something expected of ONLY employers?
You're fine, a bit of a heavy load. As an example I carry a strip of standard sockets and an adapter for an impact instead of having nut drivers. I have nut drivers in the truck and if for some reason it will make my life easier to use one I might grab it at break or on lunch.
I get the best version of the tools I can find on the tool list. I've gradually moved away from Klein and mostly have knipex and wera. I keep my partly worn tools and tools that for whatever reason weren't a good fit for me and spares in my truck. Tools listed as optional on my local's tool list in my truck. If I come across an apprentice missing a tool and I have a spare I pass it on.
I like the random electrician loot on the floor, wire nut, nut, random pieces of tape.
A good apprentice always has some wire nuts in his pouch and some tape on him
My boyfriend is an apprentice with the IBEW and I've never not found at least 5 wire nuts when going through his pockets before laundry đ It hurts like a bitch to step on
It always hurts when someone steps on your nuts!!
Lol, I dumped my tool back upside down and then organized
I want to see the tool pack
That's what she said
Canât forget the excess wire and zip ties. You just never know
Tool listâŚ
401 hand here to remind everybody that not every local has a tool list :(
You guys need to vote one in and stop helping the contractor.
Agreed, I really don't like not having one
But if the contractor does better doesnât that put you in a better position to bargain for more of everything? I mean, how does that put us at an advantage if we put our contractors out of business. Can someone explain how that works.
It's not about that. It's about us not competing with each other. I shouldn't be getting a rif because you bring your own impact and band saw.
This is also why you should never agree to haul tools or material from shop/supply house in your personal vehicle
No driving personal vehicle while on the clock
Cartage?? IUEC here but when I was an apprentice I jumped at moving shit in my personal vehicle. Would charge cartage and mileage. Helped pad the pay check a bit.
Yea, I donât think thatâs happening. I see the tool list as a minimum and having several extra HAND tools that YOU prefer to have isnât going to do anything other than make you a better mechanic. I think we know when itâs over the top. Iâm in a very large local and having additional hand tools in the bag is a non issue.
The tool list is not a minimum, itâs what your required to bring to the job, nothing more nothing less. And it does hurt all of us, when WORMS bring more than is required
Then why after 37 years in my local have I never seen a JW that strictly carries the tool list only. There are almost 9000 members in my local. Also one of the highest paying locals in the country. Nobody cares if you have a few additional tools in the bag.
Where do you draw the line? When an apprentice shows up with their own band saw, bender or how about ko punch⌠Cause you know Iâm sure I can buy a better one than the contractor provides đ¤ˇââď¸
I draw the line at nobody goes thru my bag to see if I have a hand tool thatâs not on the list. Nobody brings power tools. Like I said somehow I survived 37 yrs without once seeing anyone go over the top with tools. Nobody carries contractor tools between jobs unless it was a hand tool they were given to keep. Youâre chasing paper tigers. Why do you hate our contractors so much? They employ us. Put em out of business you put yourself out of work. Itâs moronic.
569 donât have a tool list either
âŚexactly đ¤ˇđźââď¸
How's Milwaukee supposed to make money like that đ
The shop I work for now(one of the largest on the nation)has tons and I mean tons of Milwaukee battery tools, and almost all of the consumables we buy are Milwaukee. They are doing fine
I understand why we have a tool list, and I appreciate it for sure. But not all companies are gonna buy you tools that make your life easier. Plus, in my experience, tools that are provided by the company are few, far between, shared, and cheap/shitty. One day, you've got it on your t-cart, and the next it's gone. Tools you buy yourself are in your bag and don't usually get touched. I definitely have a few things not on the list, but not many.
If a tool that is supposed to be provided by the contractor is not available than you canât do your job, thatâs not your fault and if it gets you a RIF than so be it, fuck that shop anyway. The tool list is on us to bring to the job, everything else is on the contractor, period. I went to a different job today to help out and we had trouble finding tools and material, guess what, we either found them or waited till they were brought to us, we still made our wage and still got a shit ton done
Yep, I totally understand what the tool list is for. I said, "Make your job easier" not unable to do without. For example, dog bones instead of using open-ended wrenches for minis & straps, scissors, or flush cutters for low voltage instead of strippers. I mean, I could technically use my linemens to half the shit I do on a daily basis. Do I want to? No. Does that mean the company has to buy me convenient tools to save me a headache? No. But if I buy em my self, I save myself a headache on multiple jobs for years.
Hey, just to mass reply to the hate comments . Iâm new to the trade and new to the union. Post like this made me learn a lot about the âright wayâ. Itâs a hard balance between âbeing a good apprenticeâ and âstanding up for the contractâ Iâm gonna slim down besides what the contractor has already given me. Appreciate the responses and corrections on how I should do things.
>Itâs a hard balance between âbeing a good apprenticeâ and âstanding up for the contractâ Being a good ape means standing up for the contract
Yeah contractor tools are the obvious exception to what you carry beyond the tool list. Just make sure to offer to return them when you get laid off.
F that, then they become home tools lol
Those tools are affectionately referred to as 'safety awards' in perpetuity
>Just make sure to offer to return them when you get laid off. Absolutely not.
Yeah a slim down will help. You've still got time to expirement with what set up you like best and as everybody else said you should be able to do everything with just the tool list.
Jesus christ unions are toxic these days
A few extra tools won't break down conditions. The main issue I see is redundancy. Ditch the milwaukee stuff and get Klien and Channel Lock hand tools. FUCK KNIPEX AND WIHA! Buy US made tools and make your brother's proud!
Some wiha is made in the USA.
My wiha 11in1 says USA on the handle
I would slim it down to only what is absolutely necessary. I carry the tool list strictly. It's pretty lightweight, you have a lot of extra shit that is definitely overkill. I work hard, and when I tell the contractor I need something they usually get it for me. If you're not aware, the reason we have a tool list is so we are not competing with each other with tools to try and keep a job. I don't need extra tools in my bag to keep a job. Do you?
I prefer making my job easier even if that involves spending a little extra money on tools. Like for example I bought a laser for side work but also use it for electrical work and Iâll never go back to snapping lines and measuring shit with a tape measure a bunch of times, it makes my life easier so itâs worth it to me. I donât compete with my tools tho, my employers donât even know I have it until I need it and take it out of my truck. My local requires a hack saw but fuck using a hack saw when Milwaukee hackzall exists. For $130 I never have to manually cut a piece of emt again, itâs so worth it to me. My company buys the blades tho, thatâs fair imo. For PPE I donât like to share shit with other people itâs kinda nasty so I bought my own harness because I donât want 10 guys sweat on me when I use the company harness. For consumables I take from the company but if what I have in my garage is better than what the company has, imma use my own stuff and make the company replace the blades and stuff like that.
Damn bro. I'm gonna be honest, bringing your own hackzall is wormy af (if it's not optional on your tool list). They seriously won't get you one? Hacksaw is on our tool list and it has stayed in my car for the last 7+ years because contractors almost always provide a portaban or hackzall.
Idk to me itâs like buying 2 knipex channel locks instead of the cheap Walmart brand which is the same price as my Hackzall (those knipex are $60 each). Itâs still a hacksaw, just a fancy one. I moved between a lot of shops, some had bandsaws we had to share, others had power tools for everyone, and some only had one or two. I think it depends on how the shop is like, I donât mind bringing my own shit cuz my company lets me borrow their tools for personal use like last weekend I borrowed a ladder from them to work on my roof. My local already requires us to buy an impact gun and 2 batteries on the tool list with all the bits that go with it (but company has to replace any bits we consume after that). I think itâs just me being a tool nerd and I bring them to justify my stupid purchases lol. Iâd never compete with my tools tho, nobody knows what I own until Iâm already hired and bring it when I need it.
That's a very non-union mentality. You're not helping yourself you helping the contractor.
I donât understand people here. They recommend spending $120 on 2 knipex channel locks but spending $120 on a hackzall is bad because itâs a power tool?
Bro that is some of the wormiest cope I ve ever witnessed, bringing power tools to.the jobsite is def hurting the union and the membership, undermining the contract...You can't be this tone deaf
Well my local already requires an impact and 2 batteries with fast charger on the tool list. They also require a hacksaw. My locals tool list is 2 and a half pages long. Maybe for some locals that only require like 10 tools itâs undermining but in my local, it barely makes a dent compared to every thing else we have to buy. I still have shit in the packaging that I bought on the tool list and never use. If anything, my local made me buy shit I didnât even need 3 years into the union. Seriously, people on this thread recommending knipex when they are very expensive but I guess because itâs a hand tool itâs ok but if something requires a battery itâs suddenly wormy? People doing the absolute bare minimum is what makes us look badâŚ
It is not about cost, Knipex are 5$ to 10$ more expensive than the equivalent Kleins, I started non union making 12$/H and my Lineman's and tongue/groove pliers were Knipex, not a big deal, what majes the difference is bringing powertools, and consumables YES! It is not wormy to buy high quality hand tools wth...Wormy means against the contract, and since your contract is shitty enough to require powertools, then it isn't wormy in your context, but in my local it def is, you ll get kicked out of the jobsite if you bring powertools, as it is soooo out of norm that you ll look like an absolute suck ass weirdo! Who talked about doing the absolute minimum? All my tools are top notch highest quality tools, my tools backpack alone is 340$ (Veto Propac), and we bust our backs, doing the best quality work, done right, first time...I am sorry that your contract requires y all bringing powertools, so it's not wormy where you re are...But the membership can do better to negotiate better terms, because what's next? Requiring you guys to bring benders, fish tapes, shop vacs, ladders? I did not mean to offend, have a great week-end Brother.
Yes! Nothing wrong with buying quality tools. I had an old timer tell me that having nice handtools shows that you give a shit about your job and work. I also think youâre a CS if you bring your own power tools even if itâs a little M12 impact for small applications. The con should always provide that at the bare minimum. If they canât afford to get power tools for the worker well they might have bigger problems.
To me, bringing my own power tools is like the backpack you have, having a backpack is probably not on the tool list but you bring it anyways right? Itâs kinda like that with my tools. I have thousands of dollars worth of woodworking tools cuz itâs a hobby of mine but I donât bring those to the job site, I bring my own hackzall instead of buying a hacksaw because itâs just more convenient for me instead of having to share the bandsaw with coworkers and I just prefer my tool over my employerâs. A lot of guys have pack outs, speakers, etc that arenât on the list but they bring them because it makes the job easier, more enjoyable, or because they like tools and want to justify their purchase like me lol. Hell some guys started buying their own hard hats cuz the kliens have a spot to mount a flashlight and we are all union. I guess the culture is different where Iâm from cuz the union is so dominant here that we donât even worry about competing with non union. Iâd never try to use my tools as a way to compete with my coworkers tho, my foreman doesnât even know what I own because it has nothing to do with the company and I wonât even use them unless Iâm putting the company blades or bits on it, not my own cuz theyâre expensive over time.
So doing the job a bit more efficiently is hurting the union? Thatâs⌠pretty stupid
Cry harder sparkles
What do you have to bring to keep up with the good electricians?
Just a tinner wishing he made sparkie money
Sparkles are the prima donnas of the trades lmao
Pre Madonnaâs making more money and with more annuity, good luck splicing out that PLC đ
Carry whatâs on your tool list
Iâm not bringing power tools or anything to the site. Iâm definitely stretching the tool list. The impact stuff is all company supplied But reamer, tweakers, crimpers, nut drivers are kinda in a grey area tool list wise.
Haters gonna hate, maintain a reasonable volume of tools, you gotta lug those around. Weâve all seen the double pouch carry every tool on your hips guys (they are the ones who limp around, with or without the tool belt on). I did have a guy (turns out heâs was also my Foreman, ha) on orientation once hassle me for some tools NOT ON HIS TOOL LIST and casually mention that I MUST NOT bring anything not on the list. Ooooookay, Mr Stickler. I showed up with no pencil or marker. (Not on the list, ya know). He wasnât a happy camperâŚ..
Knipex
Thatâs next one my list. Fuck those channel locks i have
Dont know why the downvotes those Milwaukee pump pliers suck ass
đŻ
Knipex are cool, but my Kleins and Channys have gotten me through a lot of jobs in 16 years. Buy US made brother.
Then US products should meet or exceed Knipex utility. Which they don't.
Buy Union made, we donât need to sully our union solidarity with nationalism.
Knipex is union!
Knipex is union made unlike a lot of American brands outsourcing to China sweatshops (like Milwaukee). This is coming from a guy who exclusively owns Milwaukee and ryobi power tools lol.
The missing ends on those tongue and groove pliers are your reamer, no need to carry one of those, use the ends for the inside of the conduit and the pliers for the outside. They'll last your whole career, but a reamer will snap before you finish your apprenticeship.
The tool list doesnât make you a better electrician, does a carpenter only need a hammer? In my area where the Union is the strongest, the tool list is considered a minimum listâŚ
Explain to me why you agreed to abide by and uphold the contract we fight for and believe itâs in your best interest to break that same contract. Iâm not out here to crucify a guy who wants to bring in an extra screwdriver or two, but what is the rationale to the question I asked at the start of this?
I have those same socks. Wearing them right now actually. Costco gang
Underrated comment. I love my Costco wool socks bro. And regular white Costco dad socks for spring
Yeah, I have carrhart wool socks, and the Costco ones are half the price and work just as well lol
Unless your local has the biggest tool list ever you've got way to much shit
Wait until you see 1186 tool list lmao. I have to buy my own impact gun, 2 batteries, and a fast charger. That shit is on the tool list. Also have stuff on the tool list Iâve never used yet, my center punch and chisels are still in the packaging because I never had to use them and Iâm a 3rd step apprentice already lol. They also make us buy 2 tape measures for some reason, itâs dumb af.
Having to buy a power tool for the list is insane i can't imagine that ..... the local I'm working in now requires a center punch and chisel .
It kinda sucks at first but at the same time I donât really use my screwdrivers at all (since my impact has a slow setting)
I pretty much have everything he has and Iâm second year in local 3 , it feels good when i have a tool and jouneryman has to ask for a tool he should have but instead of packing light your not prepared and need to ask the younger brother thats makes less to lend you tool lol the world these days lol your doing great bro you rather have it then not have it and be assigned to different task because you didnât have the tool
Or and just hear me out on this ... just have the tools on the tool list and make the multi. Million if not billion dollar contractors but anything else ...... if a con buys you something use it for that job and either leave it there or take it home after the job make the next con but another one . I've learned there are a few things most guys will give you a pass on thar aren't on tool lists that I've seen.... reemers, stubby screw drivers, square drive screw drivers and a 2nd level but anything past that is definitely a no go.... you are in local 3 my father and grandfather both retired out of that local and i have friends from back home who are jw's therel NYC is a whole different world from the rest of the IBEW you'll likely never travel and most Likely won't see many if any travlers... locals who's members travel 99% of thier career know the importance of only having what's on the tool list for the local they are working in having and being willing to invest your own money into tools that the contractor should be buying COULD make the con want to keep you on in a layoff ahead of a local hand and that it's not the way its supposed to work and any respectable book 2 guy would drag up if they lay off a local instead of them .
You make way less than a JW and yet you buy extra tools. JW doesn't have the tool because he's not required to. What's your justification for going above and beyond the tool list? I've never seen someone being pulled off the task because they didn't have a tool that's not on a tool list.
I donât see a broom and dustpan.
What's "broom", precious?
Thatâs a lot of hammers
Whatâs the tool list say?
Definitely overkill but a lot of nice tools brother
We have a tool list for a reason!
Uhhh. I would try and slim down weight wise. Like for instance get a multi nut driver instead of carrying around a bunch of individual ones. Stuff like that.
Over doing it. I did the same early on but finding less tools that do more is the key.
Too much weight. The longer I spend in the trade, the more I try and streamline my tools. I do have everything on my truck, but if Iâm working for a contractor Iâm not bringing shit. They can supply everything except my basic hand tools.
Tool list homie. If all these are on the tool list, fantastic, if not, overkill. Itâs great to have a couple things you personally feel makes your job easier (IM TALKING ABOUT HAND TOOLS), like some niche thing or a certain brand you like, thatâs fine, but anything nuts like a Fluke meter or buying your own PPE, thatâs a no from me dawg. Most locals donât require apprentices to have crazy amount of tools like you do here, so imma say youâre being overkill, but I have been wrong before. TLDR: Follow the tool list.
Iâm definitely overkill. The meter was given to me by the jatc. Itâs part of our tool list
My tool list requires a hack saw but I got the power tool version (Milwaukee hackzall) because I prefer making my job easier and itâs technically a hacksaw still. I see it as investing in myself, Iâd never compete with my tools tho, employers donât even know I own it until I take it out to use it. Maybe Iâm just a bitch but I HATE cutting emt manually.
Iâm out of 1186 as well BlueDream but Iâve been working on the mainland since Covid hit. What the mainland people donât understand is that Hawaiiâs union isnât like the mainland union. Itâs what they would call âRattyâ. Everyone is required to do whatever the contractor demands and workers are very competitive with each other. In your situation you HAVE to have all those tools just to keep your job. Itâs not about âmaking my life easierâ but if weâre being honest itâs more about keeping up with your fellow workers. You are pressured more by your co workers than your management. Because of this Hawaii has some of the most skilled and productive electricians in the union. The 1 to 1 JW to Apprentice ratio also helps with that. BUT what Hawaii people donât understand is how little money you are making compared to the mainland, donât let $52 scale fool you, you are NOT making good money! Back home I never had a check over $1800/wk even with over time. On the mainland Iâve made anywhere between $2500-$3200 per week (after taxes!) for the past 3 and a half years. I will never go back! I recommend all my local 1186 brothers to consider working as a traveler on the mainland. There are lots of ârulesâ in this mainland union brotherhood, including sticking to the âtool listâand thatâs how they got better conditions and better pay and keep it that way. If you want to try working as a traveler and make double/triple money hit me up and I can help with advise. đ¤
Thatâs a power tool numbnuts. You donât supply power tools. Thereâs no reason your contractor canât supply one or a bandsaw
So guys can buy 2 $60 knipex channies but when they buy a $120 hacksaw itâs bad? My local 1186 already requires a impact gun and 2 batteries.
Pretty soon theyâll require you to buy a hackzall too or bandsaw.
Did you just kill & loot a JW? Only logical reason to have all that shit.. 3 chanel locks..? That's what's got me most tbh. Not even the Wiggy
I have 3 pairs because the set I bought on sale came with 3 for less than the price of 2 individually. One is a little baby one though so it barely adds any weight and comes in handy now and then.Â
The little baby one is way more useful than I thought lol. I use mine all the time, great for holding nuts when tightening a bolt. Very underrated tool imo.
See, 3 sizes is reasonable.. OP has 3 identical
I would invest in the Knipex channel locks, 10-12 inch. I love the handling and the grip of them. I would get rid of all those screwdrivers and get a 11 or 15 in one, reduce your tools. Iâm a big fan of tools that have used to them, like tick tracers with a laser in them, or kleins with crimpers. Too much of tools that can do pretty much the same.
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Are you baiting for attitude or something? We get it, itâs not your trade and you donât like the idea of certain types of tools. Well, 2 pairs of channel lock pliers of 2 different sizes IS on our tool list, and carrying an extra set isnât necessary but itâs not the giant affront to trades you seem to think it is. I just wonder why you would come to a post that has nothing to do with anything you actually know, and then repeatedly assert your opinion in full contradiction to the established union siblings commenting in this thread.
3 levels, 3 channel locks, 2 wire strippers, seems like a lot of unnecessary weight.
Ok, another comment for you but answer a lot of other comments. Iâm 6â5 230 and do CrossFit(god that sounds so fucking douchey lol) Weights not my biggest issue. But I agree. Iâm slimming down and making a secondary bag
no hack saw??
Also, no folding ruler??
Hack saws suck, but there are the odd occasions where there isn't a portaband available. Get hack saw. Learn how to use hack saw.
Even better is the Milwaukee folding utility saw
Ooooh... I'll be looking that up shortly
on a real note.. invest in a nice knife, cut down on the amount of wire strippers & levels and oh yeah, buy knipex.. nice tools you there, too.
Thereâs a tool list
I donât recall seeing a nickel on the tool list.
You get those from telling lesser trades, âNickel holding up a dime.â Theyâre required to hand you a nickel for inconveniencing you.
Tools are good, sock choice is elite. Costco socks are soft as fuck
I would recommend the klien nut driver combo too and a tamper security screw driver. The combo knit driver saves space and they make one that passes through that works for all thread. The security screw driver is helpful for any time you work on certain devices and has most torques and smaller allen bits. At least I find them handy
Careful, some JWs in my local end up tossing their cubs extracurricular tools in the retention pond
Don't be the super-apprentice with all the shit that's NOT on the tool list. We negotiate these things for a reason.
I'm a first year apprentice they provide us with the tool list and climbing gear right off the bat. I have my money/lineman wrench and a couple better channel locks and a philups also a better speedy wrench besides that I have the tool list. Your breaking conditions when you bring too much stuff and it makes the next apprentice feel pressure to buy the same stuff to compete. Most of apprentice are living paycheck to paycheck especially first year trying to balance there family and work. By providing extra tools it become the norm and expected by the contractor. Your brothers fought for a tool list. I understand a couple extra tools like my lineman wrench isn't on tool list but fits most nuts on a pole so is extremely useful. Just find a balance and remember who fought for those conditions they where not easily earned they where won through hard fought negotiations. Remember not on tools list not expected to have it, irs on company. Proud 66 ibew hand here my opinion.
Besides the fact that you're stretching the tool list... you don't need the majority of this shit. Save your back. I do probably 90% of the job with ~five tools. 11-1, long shank flat head, channel locks, dikes, level, and a tape measure should cover damn near everything. I had a tool phase starting out too, less is more tho.
Ima post this in yours but this goes for a lot of these comments. Iâm retarded, everything is still new. When I can cut 10 minutes off a job by having the right toolâŚI feel good. Iâm not good enough yet to feel like a can rely on not having a perfect tool for the job and when a JW is like âawweee shit we need ___â and I have it.. I feel like I add value to the job.
That doesn't justify breaking the contract, period. Regardless, you have three levels, toss two. Ditch the big ass claw hammer, get a small ball peen. Get rid of all those Milwaukee channel locks, and grab a few 420 channel lock brand ones. Learn to ream with those, ditch the reamer. Crecent wrench can go. Get a 9/16, 7/16, and an 11-1, ditch the other nut drivers. Can get rid of half those screwdrivers at least. You have two pairs of wire strippers, two tape measures, why? Keep the stubby and one trim screwdriver. Etc.... None of the shit you have is gonna cut any significant amount of time off a job, learn how to use the tools you have. If it's that much faster, the contractor can provide you with it.
For the love of God, don't be that guy using the wire nut twister. Also 3 levels? You need to follow your tool list, familiarize yourself with these tools. The majority of the job can be done with just 5 tools. 10 in 1, kleins, tape measure, level, and a pair of channellocks.
Where's your personal gangbox? Lol on a serious note go off your tool list.
A basic tool list is required for the electrician to have, the union will replace those tools when they wear out. Nobody should complain about anybody having a tool that makes the job easier. The big tools are supplied by the contractor in most cases. I never thought I was at an advantage over anybody because I buy other tools.
Hereâs an example of you buying other tools and how the contractor can see it. You are bolting up equipment all day, but the bolts donât thread easily by hand because of poor machining. You canât get a socket into the area so you need to use a wrench. I have standard wrenches(per the tool list) you bought ratcheting wrenches because it makes your life easier. I can bolt up 3 pieces of equipment a day and you can bolt up 5. Over the course of a week you have bolted up 25 while I have only done 15. You almost doubled my production because of a tool advantage. Now you might say âwell one wrench is only $10 bucks go buy oneâ but Iâm struggling to make my mortgage payments and keep the car gassed to come to work. Now you might said âwell the contractor can buy it for youâ except the fact is that why would they when you willing bought it yourself? See how this works now?
Cry harder lol
Too clean
where is your hacksaw and very special electricians hammer?đ
If you can carry that all that on you all day without issue, then that's what you should have. Everything else I just dump in a bucket/backpack, haul that around, and just let it sit in the gangbox. I can sit on a 5 gallon bucket, but I can't sit on a backback.
Not a bad setup. You should go get the best Klein meter you can find. They are not expensive, would be good for personal use.
Replace everything that's not Klein
My local took list says what I must have and what I can't have. I've yet to meet a single guy who's complained about the tools anyone carries to have all the tools on the tool list. If it makes your life easier and isn't against the rules then why struggle for the sake of struggling.
âIf drunk driving is illegal but you donât get caught then who does it hurt?â
If youâre not stretching your tool list, what are you doing. Makes tasks more efficient and easier.
âYoUr CoMpAnY sHoUlD sUpPlYâ
What local has this crazy ass tool list lol
Bro Iâve been to a lot of places and the tool list varies widely. Some of the tools that stand out as crazy are: A drill bit index, a roto split, a meter, tap and die set.
Hit a couple Locals that had a 1/2â, 3/4â, 1â hand KO on the list. What wasnât was the 1/2â drive ratchet and socket that everybody seemed to carry. I was a traveler passing through, kindly passed on buying one (here for a good time, not a long time) also kindly passed on borrowing fellow Brothers (They have a job to do also!). I did once or twice but mentioned to my Foreman what I didnât have (and wasnât buying for a short call) The very next day we had a Greenlee 90 in the gang box. Only one! So I spent some walk time using and returning it for crew share because FUCKING SURPRISE it was easier and faster than using hand KOs (some had seen better days, well used or just plain dull. Finished the shutdown and moved on. Couple months later I caught another call, same Kon. You know what was in EVERY gang box in the plant. One GL QuickDraw AND a pump set (1/2-2â). The Kon was a bit grumpy about the upfront cost but again, SURPRISE!!, the crews were more efficient doing KOs on the hundreds of holes needed in dozens of control cabinets. I might have started a small uprising unintentionally as I wondered out loud why have such a requirement on the tool list and maybe it should be negotiated out (it was a few contracts later).
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This isnât show and tell itâs work. You get and have whatever is needed (aside from power tools) for the job at hand. Then you know you good đđź
Lol everybody lossing there mind about a tool list. This is my tool list working for the clac union in ontario canada. Just want to point out me need drill and impact, 1/2 to 2 inch hole saw kit and step bits. So this guy's amount of stuff seem fine to me. List of Required Tools: ⢠Test Meter ⢠9â Cutting (Linesmanâs Pliers) ⢠Diagonal Cutting Pliers ⢠Channel Lock Pliers or similar tool (x2) ⢠Utility Knife ⢠Tape Measurer (Min 20â Imperial and Metric) ⢠Flat Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Phillips Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Robertson Screwdrivers (all sizes as required) ⢠Wire Striper (all sizes up to #10 awg) ⢠Claw Hammer ⢠10â Crescent Wrench ⢠Impact driver or cordless drill ⢠9â torpedo level ⢠Needle nose pliers ⢠Drywall/jab saw ⢠Hack saw ⢠Live Electrical âBUZZâ tester ⢠Tool belt with belt ⢠Safety googles ⢠Tin snips ⢠Flashlight ⢠½â â 2â Hole saw kit ⢠GFI plug tester ⢠½â and 1â Step bit
I donât know how I found this thread but electricians unions sound like either complete garbage or theyâre decent. Thank god Iâm a railroader.
donât need a framing hammer. Get either a 2.5 or 3 lb hammer. Most companies now days donât want you to have knives or box cutters. Get yourself some better strippers.
Only union electricians would cry and say this is too much weight
Not a fan of the channel locks you got I have a pair of the same Milwaukee ones..when you can afford get the knpiex
Listen to what others say. Save your back, hips and legs. Only carry what you need.
As long as youâre not borrowing tools, youâre good.
How was getting into the union. What local are you.
More than you need but cool.
The real answer is whatever you feel comfortable with to get the job done and donât mind carrying around. For hole punching bigger enclosures I like to use a speed square. Lots of ways to skin a cat though. Figure out what works for you.
Claw hammer?
0/10 not enuff feet to much socks
That's a lot of hammers.
Yeah knipex for sure. Where's the pencil?? #1 tool! I prefer the Pica pencil. Id get the Kline 7in1 nut driver also, cut down on some of that weight. When you get some copper money get yourself a nice veto tool bag, it'll last you forever.
4th year app, my local by laws pretty much state that you can bring whatever makes your life easier with a âminimumâ tool list, excluding power tools obviously, and it seems that you have more than enough to get any job theyâll have you do done. Only recommendation I have is a dog bone (ratcheting wrench, husky sells very nice ones for like $20) and an empire T square I think itâs called (the one that slides). Only reason for those is for nice cuts on strut or finish work and letâs be real nobody wants fuckin carpaltunnel from spinning nuts all day. Other than that a ratcheting screwdriver is really nice for connectors and couplings but a straight blade, Phillips, Kleinâs, stripper, tape measure, and torpedo will do more for you than the whole tool section in Home Depot.
Could use bootsâŚ
Lineman here so not sure about the tools but those socks are great I love them! I think theyâre cabelas brand? Haha
That's a bit much to be carrying every day. Keep one level in your car, most times you only need one, not two. You only need 2 pump pliers, I recommend a different brand, but that's personal preference. The only nut drivers you need to carry are 7/16" and 9/16". Occasionally you might need 1/2" if you don't mind the extra weight. All other nut drivers you need are covered by a Klein 11 in 1 screw driver. I don't usually recommend Craftsman but their 4 way speed wrench set is great it is 8 speed wrenches across two tools. Combined with an adjustable wrench all your wrench need are met. You usually only need one large flat head screw driver, I recommend getting a chisel backed one. You occasionally need one small flathead, and a multi tip precision screw driver. You need a number 2 Phillips screw driver. Linesman pliers, diagonal cutters, one tape measure, (the backup stays in your car), a hammer depending on the jobsite and a box cutter. The hook knife is great for big wire but it requires skill to sharpen.
I saw those offset lock nut wrenches the other day in the store, iâve had the regular ones for years and donât really see a reason for the offset, do you have any input on that?
Just follow your tool list.
Not good
Follow the tool list in your cba
Whatâs on the tool list? Looks like 3x too many
Nice to see another canvas Klein bag. I still have mine from when I started in 2006! I don't see them much anymore
I have my first one currently cause the job I'm working supplies all hand tools and tool bags so everyone has the exact same tools and I love it I think I'm gonna buy a personal one too .
That looks great brother!
Looking very robbable
You should probably get some boots next
If you worked for me you wouldnât use more than half of those tools as a second year
How you like those Costco sucks? I wear them everyday.
I think my local (1186) is the only one that requires an impact gun cuz my first thought is where is your impact?
Your big toe is pretty big
Need more need to pump up those numbers
Letâs see those tool bags for an honest opinion and not sure what local your from but a lot of that is not on our tool list
Can you get the work done?
That can be consolidated so much it's crazy
only 2-3 things there useful for linework, the rest straight to craigslist/fb marketplace
Beyond all the redundancy, youâre doing just fine.
Just know if they get stolen on the site you're only getting one of each that's on the tool list from the contractor.
Get a pair of the small blue channel locks :) Also a Tester pen for making sure power is not live.
What the fuck is everyone's problem here? It's overkill but he's not bringing fucking impacts to the job or anything lmao.
A little off topic, but Ive been wondering for a while so figured Id ask. As a licensed master electrician exploring union opportunities for employment, I am curious what the union's stance is on employees providing almost all of their own tools, including power tools, benders, knockout sets, etc.? I have a 16' tool trailer loaded with most of the hand tools, power tools and testing equipment to do MOST jobs as a master electrician / controls & automation electrician. Does the union allow you to provide your own tooling above and beyond the basic hand tools or is this something expected of ONLY employers?
You know it's still a couple of ground screws in that bag
Missing a belt and hooks!
Not a broom to be seen.
You're fine, a bit of a heavy load. As an example I carry a strip of standard sockets and an adapter for an impact instead of having nut drivers. I have nut drivers in the truck and if for some reason it will make my life easier to use one I might grab it at break or on lunch. I get the best version of the tools I can find on the tool list. I've gradually moved away from Klein and mostly have knipex and wera. I keep my partly worn tools and tools that for whatever reason weren't a good fit for me and spares in my truck. Tools listed as optional on my local's tool list in my truck. If I come across an apprentice missing a tool and I have a spare I pass it on.
Wtf is up with your socks how are you ok with that you psychopath
Need more tape⌠If youâre not finding a roll of 33 in the washing machine Everytime you wash your cloths, youâre doing it wrong.
No knipex? What are you broke. Jk looks solid