Tool advice

[Waterboymatt]

Hello

I'm new to the forum and to the plumbing world but I start my course in September and in the meantime I though it would be a good idea to start accumulating the tools of the trade for the future as I'm sure they won't be cheap, so really I just want to know where do you recommend I do my collecting and what are the good brands to look for, when I was a mechanic it was all about snap-on so which brand is the one for plumbing.

Thanks guys

 

[ShaunCorbs]

what ever fits/does the job tbh

 

[kris]

Hi mate, I buy many snap on tools from battery drills to socket sets lol. Best to start off with the usuals shifters ( bahco ) , footprints, screwdrivers , pipe slices for all sizes , hacksaw big n small, Stanley knife etc etc, pipe benders ( hilmor ) ,, my main and most loved tool is my makita radio, it's the first tool into a job and the last tool out, lol

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Hi mate, I buy many snap on tools from battery drills to socket sets lol. Best to start off with the usuals shifters ( bahco ) , footprints, screwdrivers , pipe slices for all sizes , hacksaw big n small, Stanley knife etc etc, pipe benders ( hilmor ) ,, my main and most loved tool is my makita radio, it's the first tool into a job and the last tool out, lol

dont forget the massive hammer when things dont move/ go right 😀

 

[rpm]

You tried using the search box mate, this has come up a few times in the past.

 

[Waterboymatt]

Thanks for the replies youve been very helpful, sorry to waste anyone's time if this had already been posted I'm just enthusiastic and want to get all the knowledge I can from my own personal questions

 

[rpm]

Nothing wrong with that mate.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Thanks for the replies youve been very helpful, sorry to waste anyone's time if this had already been posted I'm just enthusiastic and want to get all the knowledge I can from my own personal questions

Your not wasting our time mate, RPM just means theirs loads out there to read alongside asking today!

Oh and welcome to the forum😀

 

[gasmanrob]

Ohh shinny new tools!!

If you're a former grease monkey keep hold of your sockets and spanners especially ratchet head and 14mm and 16mm my 14 always goes walkies! Your break line tools can also be used for 10mm copper so you should already have a few bits.

General rule is if you're working with someone and you borrow a certain tool twice, you'll need it so buy one.

Hand tools popular brands are bahco, knipex or Chanel locks, footprints, kopex, rothernberger (although personally I'm not a fan) hillmor, Irwin, Stanley, wera, wira, irizola, ck,

All the above are fairly reputable and trusted although screwdrivers really seem to be poor quality at the minute across all brands.

Power tools, makita, dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch are all pretty skookum

forgot estwing definitely add an estwing to the collection

 

[Best]

Any tools you are going to be using all the time and giving them abuse, - buy quality, look after them and don't lose them. Bahco adjustable spanners are an example. On that subject, the Swedish made Bahco is better. Wide jaw Bahco will do most sizes of nuts.
Other tools you might be better just buying cheaper types.
Consider a Multitool for cutting very awkward timbers, backs of kitchen units, skirting boards etc. A Lidl corded Multitool is only about £35. Fein is probably the best, but is a £200 professional tool.

 

[Waterboymatt]

Thanks guys you have all been so helpful and welcoming, I'm thinking I 2 ill make a list of tools I will need and start ticking them off each week. Is there any specific shop that is good for our trades tools or should I just hunt around which I will do any way :biggrin: thanks again

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

When the colleges start their new terms the local merchants usually put kits together, worth a look.

 

[rpm]

Car boot sales, sometimes the older stuff is the best as in the Bahco adjustables and the odd pipe bender pops up as well.

 

[mountainman]

I've just ordered a 125mm knipex cobra plier off of fleabay, less than £16

 

[Paulplumb]

I've just ordered a 125mm knipex cobra plier off of fleabay, less than £16

125mm? Taken up watch making? :wink:

 

[Waterboymatt]

Thank you I think I will hunt round the car boot tomorrow after work, I'll let you know if I find any treasure!

 

[Waterboymatt]

Well no luck today but I have been having a look on ebay and looks like there may be some deals on some bahco adjustable, most are without the rubberised handle but I doubt that matters ill have to see what the college offers. Thanks

 

[rpm]

Well no luck today but I have been having a look on ebay and looks like there may be some deals on some bahco adjustable, most are without the rubberised handle but I doubt that matters ill have to see what the college offers. Thanks

The older originals didn`t have the rubber cover and will outlast the newer type so don`t let that put you off. They are easier to clean as well.

 

[tolly]

I would just get a couple of 9031's...I've got the older made in Sweden widejaws and the newer Spanish made ones I believe and to my eyes there no difference. Jaws still have the same play in both of them.

 

[goz666]

One good thing about Bahco adjustables is you can buy new rollers,screws and jaws if they get lost or damaged and don't need to buy the whole spanner. I'm a Bahco fan, and screwdrivers I get Teng Tools.