Tools i'l need

[-=HaZ=-]

I have been doing a Plumbing course for a few weeks now and i need to start building my tools up so i have what i need, iv got the basics like adjustable spanners, pipe benders/cutters, saws etc but i would like to know if anyone could really help me out with a list of what i would really need so i can put them all in order and buy as i have the cash really, i need stuff so i can go and do a job and then be paid and put that into buying more stuff

if anyone could help me out with either websites with good lists of tools or if anyone has the time to just sit and write exactly what i might need for every aspect of the basic plumbing job including power tools, hand tools and other stuff i might need

if you can help me out i would be seriously greatful, i just dont want to advertise to mates that i will jobs and not have correct tools to do it all when i get there

thanks

 

[GQuigley67]

what course are you doing ? and how much has it cost you ?

best tool you can have is experience, if your not really experienced I would suggest you get insurance, the real world is completely different from working in a workshop.

 

[-=HaZ=-]

what course are you doing ? and how much has it cost you ?

best tool you can have is experience, if your not really experienced I would suggest you get insurance, the real world is completely different from working in a workshop.

i hate seeing that phrase everywhere lol, we all have to start someone in life with gaining experience..... i am doing one of the fast track courses which iv seen you hate but thats another matter.........
i have been looking for insurance but i am waiting on seeing if i have work from a few people i know first to help me sign my 6089 off, once i get that signed off il go it alone. Just in the mean time i want to do work for people i know for a small fee so i can gain that experiance

 

[northstar]

what area are you from haz ?

 

[-=HaZ=-]

what area are you from haz ?

Hi, im in Darlington in the North East

 

[GQuigley67]

I am just saying, if your going out working on your own without any guidance then its a bit risky, as everyone makes mistakes at the start but if your on your own with no one with more experience to help you out it could go badly, you could end up flooding a house or worse.

I am saying this from experience because I have made mistakes along with everyone else, and you panic and sometimes dont know what to do, you quickly learn from your mistakes anyway so all the best

 

[GQuigley67]

If you have all the basics like shifting spanners, screwdrivers, hammer, level, cutters, grips, sds drill then you should be ok, the equipment we need ends up costing a fortune and takes time to build up, constantly buying new tools and equipment.

Dust sheets, hoover, brush & shovel and keeping things tidy and making sure not to ruin carpets and wallpaper with dirty water and dirty hands.

Check everything twice before turning water back on, make sure you have soldered everything correctly always check your joints look around the full fitting it may be worth your while getting a small mirror, treat the house like your own.

You'll find mostly that you only use a handful of basic tools for most jobs.

and Good luck in your new career, just be careful as it can all go badly wrong pretty quickly

 

[-=HaZ=-]

I am just saying, if your going out working on your own without any guidance then its a bit risky, as everyone makes mistakes at the start but if your on your own with no one with more experience to help you out it could go badly, you could end up flooding a house or worse.

I am saying this from experience because I have made mistakes along with everyone else, and you panic and sometimes dont know what to do, you quickly learn from your mistakes anyway so all the best

yeah just re-read your post when iv come back on, im on the phone whilst at work so not reading properly lol...... yeah im scared of the first job in a house or wherever, i know classroom to actually doing it is different, always is going to be different and i cant wait to actually do more than iv ever done in the past, im really enjoying what im doing at the moment at the college i go to in York, finally got round to doing a full bathroom install from the stopcock onwards this week, iv managed to do all the underground pipework so when im back in tomorrow just the above ground work to link up with it

anyway back on with topic hehe, any advice on extra tools other than the basics they give you in classroom
thanks

 

[-=HaZ=-]

If you have all the basics like shifting spanners, screwdrivers, hammer, level, cutters, grips, sds drill then you should be ok, the equipment we need ends up costing a fortune and takes time to build up, constantly buying new tools and equipment.

Dust sheets, hoover, brush & shovel and keeping things tidy and making sure not to ruin carpets and wallpaper with dirty water and dirty hands.

Check everything twice before turning water back on, make sure you have soldered everything correctly always check your joints look around the full fitting it may be worth your while getting a small mirror, treat the house like your own.

You'll find mostly that you only use a handful of basic tools for most jobs.

and Good luck in your new career, just be careful as it can all go badly wrong pretty quickly

exactly how everyone should think

thanks mate

 

[WHPES]

This subject has been covered at length with lists of suggested tools posted - please look back through the tools sections at the older posts.

 

[tamz]

Where do you start? Get the basics first. Decent hand tools then move on to the other stuff. Bet if i counted it all up i have over 50K of tools lying around. Stuff i rarely use like chain cutters and even a rigid 300 to stuff that you would think a plumber wouldn't use like paslodes and stihl saws.
Buying tools becomes an obsession. You can never have enough tools but start at the bottom and buy the best you can afford then buy the best.

 

[chinkyboy84]

hi haz, i'm in a similar position to you. I finished a course in bristol (6129) and have found it difficult to find work. I had the tools i was given from college (pipe benders, cutters, hacksaws etc) but was unsure about the rest. I then went to install a new bathroom suite for my auntie and quickly worked out that i needed a blow tourch and decent drill. i borrowed the tools i needed for the job and have since got a decent set of power tools (2 drills, 2 saws, sander and handy vac), a blow torch and some tiling tools. I am now like you looking to go out on my own and I am confident that i have enough tools and ability to go and do a decent job anywhere, still a bit daunting though. I got a few jobs lined up for family first to get some experience, then the next piece of kit i'm going to look for is a van.
Good luck mate, hope it all goes well for you.

 

[double d]

If your staring out id say get the basics and then go from there, get the things you need as you go along

at the moment i have battery drill and drill driver combo, Diamond hole cutters, SDS power drill, Tile cutter, Lead lamp, Tileing tools ( float, snips,file, holecutting set ) electric tile cutter, Blow lamp, Pipebnders, Step ladders, extension ladders,

Then my toll bag consists of Cheapy things like Hammer, screwdriver set, chisel set, Bolster chisel set, wrecking bar

But imo you cant go cheap when you get things like Spanners, pipe grips, Spirit level, Pipe slice

And im still looking at srew fix for new things LMAO

 

[-=HaZ=-]

Haha thanks, since I posted this iv ordered the toolstation, screwfix, machine mart and trade point catalogues
Iv gone through them and the cash has gone right up hehe, found alot of the stuff on eBay from companies on there

 

[secret squirrel]

what course are you doing ? and how much has it cost you ?

best tool you can have is experience, if your not really experienced I would suggest you get insurance, the real world is completely different from working in a workshop.

I'd agree with this except for one aspect.

I'd recommend insurance with experience or without, having done work with experienced plumbers. Changing a 22mm stopcock live..... could only end in tears!

Still what did I know, I was the assistant. I still chuckle now thinking about the look on my mates face!

 

[secret squirrel]

Haz,

As for tools, you'll need loads and then some.

Pipe cutters, hammers, spirit level work light, head torch, extension lead, good sds drill, hole core set, cordless drill, selection of wall fixings, screws, pipe benders.

Head torch again, essential as far as I'm concerned.

Drain rods. Cuddly toy just for the odd cuddle when it goes a bit wrong or to throw it in temper. On a serious note, what I did was buy a good selection of bits and bobs then as a job would come up and I'd need a tool then I'd buy it.

Eg. I didn't need a set of drain rods for about 6 months so I saved myself £30, job came up then I needed them the job actually paid for them otherwise it rages out of control.

Although we probably all carry the same kit, the makes will differ: I got a good deal on a makita sds and a few weeks later a deal came up on the dewalt. Thats why I got those and they're superb.

Others here will prefer Ryobi, I think with them one battery does all.....

 

[double d]

Ye i had a dewalt 18v drill and it lasted me about 6 years! great drill imo, ive just switched to Makita tho, there was deal on for a 18v Makita drill with a Impact driver so i though id go for that, only time will tell if its as good as my Dewalt tho

As you say to a good quality head lamp is great, i had one a few years ago for when i go running at night, and ive only recently started to use it on site, its a handy ' tool ' to have imo

 

[secret squirrel]

I think I've got a fetish for head torches, I've got three in the van. One I use all the time and a back up and just in case a back up for the back up. Then just in case spare batteries. Nothing like having both hand free...

Trying to hold a three sell mag lite in your mouth and tighten a couple of nuts is impossible.....

 

[pauls]

you cant beat a good head torch they are so handy

 

[WHPES]

I'd recommend insurance with experience or without, having done work with experienced plumbers. Changing a 22mm stopcock live..... could only end in tears!

Had to change a 25mm stopcock live at a farm last summer. It was in an outbuilding so water spray wasn't an issue. Put on some trunks and flip flops like I was off down the beach. Got soaking wet, water everywhere and everyone had a laugh. Fortunately it was a baking hot day!

 

[wiggers]

get yourself a 6 inch wide jaw bahco spanner its worth its weight in gold. plumbfix

 

[woodytheplumber]

i would also say a good level set and a cordless drill and maybe even a cordless circular saw ryobi do a set for about £200 2 batterys a combi drill and a saw

 

[Tomlad]

a decent tap spanner, i would say dont go for a cheap one

 

[GQuigley67]

on the subject of tap spanners stay well clear from the rothenberger one, get the monument one

 

[ljrgas]

screwdrivers, benders, spanners, tape measure, pencil, blow touch, wire wool is a must!, speed fit caps both 15 and 22, pipe slice, grips. tap spanner, hose, radiator key, level, solder matt, stanley blade, sew, hack saw, continity bonding, towel, pluger, flexible rod