Tools for new apprentices
As far as boots go, It’s really a process of trial and error for each individual person obviously, but I have spent a lot of money on Red Wings over the years and found that they would last me about a year before they broke down. So last year I bought a Thorogood boot (http://www.midwestboots.com/product/TH804-6293.html) that I’ve been happy with. It’s about fit and comfort for the work you’ll be doing. I like a boot I can slip on and off but I don’t work in the field as much as I used to, I’m going in and out of houses. That boot wouldn’t hold up very long if I was digging trenches or crossing a lot of ground on a construction site.
For tools, a good company should help you out with a tool list. Our first year apprentice list is:
Linesman pliers (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-9-in-High-Leverage-Lineman-s-Pliers-with-Crimper-48-22-6100/205652185)
Diagonal cutters (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-8-in-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-J2000-28/100648086)
Utility knife (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Fastback-Flip-Utility-Knife-Set-2-Piece-48-22-1909/303867716)
16’ or longer tape measure (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FatMax-16-ft-Tape-Measure-33-716Y/100018975)
Wire strippers (www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-10-in-NexGen-
Electricians-Wire-Strippers-48-22-3079/202966263)
16oz or larger straight claw hammer (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Estwing-22-oz-Smooth-Face-Framing-Hammer-E3-22S/100075763)
Crescent wrench (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-3-8-in-Drive-Pass-Thru-Adjustable-Wrench-Set-11-Piece-CPTAW8/205642158)
Straight blade trim screwdriver (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-3-16-in-Cabinet-Tip-Flat-Head-Screwdriver-with-6-in-Round-Shank-and-Cushion-Grip-Handle-6016/202282834)
6 in one (or more) Screwdriver x2 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Heavy-Duty-Multi-Bit-Screwdriver-Nut-Driver-Cushion-Grip-Handle-32557/202970514)
Precision screwdriver (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-4-in-1-Electronics-Screwdriver-32581/207210483)
Holding screwdriver (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-3-Piece-Screw-Holding-Screwdriver-Set-SK234/100648025)
Channel Locks (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-in-and-10-in-Straight-Jaw-Pliers-Set-2-Piece-48-22-6330/205652219)
You should buy what you can afford, but with tools, the more you spend, the longer they’ll last. We recommend manufacturers like - Milwaukee, Klein, Stanley, Channel Lock, Knipex and on the lower end Husky makes a suitable tool.
Some companies want you to provide your own cordless drill set. I don’t, but, if you run into that, if they leave it up to you, go for something that has the hammer function. Everyone has their favorites, but, I’ve seen guys who love Ryobi, and guys who love Dewalt. I’d suggest looking at the whole family of cordless tools a manufacturer offers. We really like our Rigid brand cordless drills, but, I’ve also used Dewalt in the past and Milwaukee has always made great power tools. Make sure to get the extended warranties on those because if you’re using them everyday, you will wear them out and better to know you have a free replacement than the shock of your drill breaking and the sadness of spending $300 on a new one.
We encourage our apprentices to put in two and a half hours of overtime per week and put that extra towards one new tool per week.