Christmas is almost here and it’s likely some of your loved ones are in a last-minute gift shopping mode. Don’t know what to get for you? Well, skilled trade workers usually are expected to provide their own set of hand tools. You may want to drop hints to loved ones that certain tools make for ideal Christmas and birthday gifts to you.
Different trades will require certain specialty tools, but certain standard tools are needed by every trade worker. Here is an inventory of essential tools that every skilled trade worker should own to handle a range of tasks spanning installations, repairs and maintenance. Many come as sets that make for a handy gift-wrapped present.
1. Wrenches. Several different kinds, including at least two pipe wrenches to fit various pipe sizes ranging from a fraction of an inch up to a foot in diameter; adjustable wrenches for turning bolts and nuts of various sizes; a basin wrench designed to work in tight spaces; as well as socket wrenches.
2. Pliers. Again, several different types including needle-nose, tongue-and-groove, and slip-joint pliers for gripping, twisting or cutting, and channel lock pliers for gripping and holding larger objects.
3. Screwdrivers. Flathead and Phillips of various sizes.
4. Hammers. Claw and ball-peen.
5. Cutting tools. Saws, tin snips, utility knives, pipe cutters.
6. Power tools. These include a variable-speed drill and different sized bits; a reciprocating saw, also known as a Sawzall, for cutting through pipes, wood and other materials.
7. Soldering tools. These include a solder iron for joining copper pipes, along with flux, a compound used to prepare pipes for soldering.
8. Propane torch. For heating or thawing pipes.
9. Tube bender. To bend copper or steel pipes without kinking them.
10. Safety gear. Insulated gloves to protect hands from sharp edges, hot surfaces and corrosive chemicals; safety glasses to shield eyes from debris, soldering flux and other hazards; ear protection to reduce noise exposure when using power tools; hard hat to protect against falling objects on a construction site; rubber or leather boots that protect against falling objects and electrical hazards.
11. Tool boxes. A sturdy box large enough to store all your tools, along with a lighter handled box to transport only the tools essential for a given job.
Some of these tools might be provided by an employer, but if you’re serious about being a skilled craft worker it’s best to own them independently. Some employers may have a policy that enables you to purchase your tools from them at their cost.
Tip: Paint tool handles with a distinctive color to identify them from others on a jobsite and put your name or at least initials on expensive tools to help prevent theft.
Happy Holidays from Explore The Trades!