Should I invest in my own tools or purchase the recommended 16 tools from the company as a 1st year apprentice?
Asked by Adriana Centeno 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 4, 2024
So, I’m just starting out as a first-year apprentice. What do you think – should I bring my own tools or go ahead and get the kit of 16 tools that the company offers for $300 to $400?
Can you believe you can snag 16 tools for just $300-$400?
I guess there are a ton of hand tools necessary in that field. Although I’m not an electrician, I strongly suggest investing in yourself (both in knowledge and tools) early on in your trade career. It’ll help you progress faster than those who rely solely on their employer to provide everything.
Just purchase what you actually need, whether it’s Klein or another reputable brand. Spending $300-400 is reasonable depending on the items on the list. Opting for Harbor Freight might help you save some cash.
I would recommend spending the 300-400. I don’t think the company is marking it up much, if at all, and it’s probably a good starting point. You can always add on from there.
They’re most likely looking to sell you some cheap knockoff items in bulk, like knives and meters. Be cautious – once you pay up, they might switch out the knockoffs for higher quality brands like Fluke.
It’s a good idea to do your own research. Most companies don’t benefit from you buying tools from them. As employers, we aim to ensure that new employees have the necessary tools and can spread out the cost over multiple pay periods to make it more manageable. Most new apprentice hires may not have a lot of money, so expecting them to spend $400 upfront on tools is unrealistic. By researching what tools the company provides, you’ll likely find that you’re paying the actual cost. It’s more of a recruitment strategy than anything else.
My boss, , used to make them pay for the tools up front. I decided to buy my apprentice’s tools myself and have the office reimburse me later. I got burned a few times, so now I always carry double the tools I need.
Make sure to get the journeyman tool list. I’ve seen an improvement in my arsenal and even received a raise just by having the required tools. Some companies offer incentives like shoes. I was even invited to work on weekend projects by the foreman when my regular schedule was Monday to Friday. It may be an initial cost, but it’s worth it if this is the career path you want to pursue. Look for new power tools on platforms like OfferUp. Milwaukee provides a 5-year warranty on all power tools and a two-year warranty on batteries.
Hey , I haven’t checked out the Milwaukee hand tools yet, but since Klein is no longer at Home Depot, I might give them a try 😬
It really depends on what you’re working on. For commercial projects, I suggest going for a high-impact brand like Milwaukee. And if you’re looking for tools, Klein has a set for around $100 that includes everything you need to get started.
Consider buying tools that are American-made and think about joining an I.B.E.W. apprenticeship.
The company’s goal is not to profit from your purchases. They simply want to ensure that you have the necessary high-quality tools. Consider buying the tools from them.
When I first started out, I used my initial paychecks to purchase a pair of Kleins from my foreman. He had an extra set. I also picked up 3-4 Craftsman screwdrivers. The next week, I invested in a pouch and wire strippers. From then on, I bought a new tool each week for about a year until I had everything I needed. After a few months, I was able to get a basic 12v Makita battery drill. This was around 1995-96, and even though I was only making $8.00 an hour, I was working a lot of overtime.
You’re lucky as a young person with no bills to pay the 3-4, so I’m pretty sure you could grab all those tools in just one trip to Home Depot for less.
Consider purchasing American-made tools from the recommended list and getting rid of any low-quality items. Stick to the specified tools on the list and rely on the contractor to supply the rest.
Hey, did you know that is erman?
I’d consider switching to a union where they provide you with everything you need.
At the place I go to, they simply hand you power tools. You need to bring your own manual tools.
Hector Perez, that was just a joke
You can’t just “join the union”. You have to apply, then take a test. If you perform well on the test, you may be invited for an interview. If they like you and you do well in the interview, you might get an opportunity
Hector Perez, my apprenticeship provided us with a variety of Klein hand tools
Exactly! It’s not as easy as just walking through the union hall and getting in. It can be quite a hassle haha
Lawrence ommel, they receive 3000 applications but only 3 guys make it in
Exactly, I know right?
1500 people applied for 100 spots in my local
They enroll more than that at once or else they wouldn’t be able to fill up their classrooms 🙄
I’m curious how many out of the 100 will end up on the bench? Which state are you located in?
Specifically in Illinois, particularly the Chicago area
They utilize different books than the ones at the hall for the apprentices. Our apprentice books are typically pretty organized and we have a large number
“more than that” is like saying “join the union.” The commercials make it seem like landing a job in the trades is simple, but it’s not true!! Winning the lottery is easier.
I managed to get in on my first attempt 🤷♂️
We have around 12-13k members in Local 26, and our Book 1 currently has 118 members on it, including .
Start by getting a nice pair of pliers (especially if you work in commercial, get one that can pull the fish). rab a few screwdrivers: a red square (#2 square), star head, flat (one that can chisel). Also, make sure to have a tape measure, an electrician knife, a pen tester, and a tool pouch. Focus on these essentials first, and you can always add more tools later on.
I bought some Klein tools from school and added them to my backpack, but now I’ve started getting all my tools from Milwaukee. Can’t believe it’s already been a year! 💪🏼
This is great!
Your space looks clean while mine is a bit messy, but hey, I’m not an electrician!
‘t forget to grab a quality awl!
An awl for electrical work? Not something I’ve used in quite some time.
I haven’t had the need for one of those since the 1980s
I can still recall 30 years ago when my shop teacher emphasized the importance of a tool that we never actually used.
I don’t think they are needed often, but they can be handy when the time comes – in my opinion
The cordless drill has made the awl obsolete. No need to pre-drill holes for screws anymore.
I also find a folding ruler and hacksaw very handy.
The folding ruler is still my favorite.
I should have joined a union and moved on from it 😔
Just and only the new text:
I should have joined a union and moved on from it 😔
Seems cool
If you have to purchase all your own tools, it may be a sign that they don’t have faith in your abilities.
Many people are aware that hand tools are easily lost or damaged, especially if they haven’t paid for them themselves
I started my apprenticeship in 1995 and I still have the very first hammer, side cutters, and Dykes I ever bought. Some tools do wear out over time
So you still have some of the first tools that you purchased?
Consider buying from Home Depot for commercial electric 😉
reat quality at a good price 👍🏼
I spent around $300-400 to buy all of my tools.
I regret purchasing my $340 package from the union hall. I only used a fraction of the tools I bought, they just collect dust in my truck. I ended up with multiple types of flat heads. Buy a 5 in 1 screwdriver, wire strippers, Klein tools, a 15 ft measuring tape, the square bit for panels, a tool belt and pouches, a sharpie or pencil, and then figure out what other tools you need after a few days on the job
Why did choose a 15 ft tape measure?
Avoid purchasing power tools, as they are provided by the company.
It’s up to you – offering to help others get started with a toolkit is a cool idea.
Make sure to have the tools on the list – it’s the bare minimum you’ll need. Use what you already have and grab the rest if you don’t have them.
The guys at my company who are first years received the starter kit. It’s decent, but when I started, I simply asked the experienced guys what they used daily and bought those with my first paycheck. I financed it through Afterpay – say what you want, but it really helped me gradually build my setup without a huge initial investment. You could save $20-40 every week, either accumulate it or, like me, buy one tool per week until you’re all set. Listen to recommendations, but also use common sense to avoid unnecessary purchases. I know some first years who splurged after their first pay and now they can’t even use half of what they bought.
Invest in your tools. You can’t call yourself an electrician if you don’t have the essential tools
To successfully complete your apprenticeship, it’s essential to invest in the necessary tools.
Consider investing in your own tools as a way to show initiative. Just remember to strike a balance – avoid purchasing low-quality items, but you don’t need to splurge on expensive tools either. And whatever you do, steer clear of Ryobi! Instead, check out Milwaukee or Dewalt. Head over to your local Lowe’s and seek out the employee in the electrical department who is checking out the tools. Explain your situation and ask for their advice!
Your company doesn’t provide tools? I personally bought my own tools, and most of the time I was reimbursed. If they got damaged, my company covered the cost of a new one or repairs.
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