Trade Tool recommendations

[VS 5.0]

The young bloke has just started a heavy diesel apprenticeship and now has the Snap-on rep whispering in his ear.

While I get they are quality gear, they are an expensive ask for a 1st year apprentice.

There are a few threads on this subject but they are 10+ years old now, so looking for some current / updated advice / suggestions from trades people as to suitable alternatives for trade use.

 

[Drawnnite]

Depends on what the young fella does and what is needed.
If he is based in a workshop then a top chest and rollcab would be the best option.
This is the kit i bought a few years ago and has a great range of everything in it, a good base for someone starting out.
https://www.blackwoods.com.au/tools...ool-sid-scmt10153-206pc-8dr-troley/p/03369850

A mate had a similar set up, and had made a trolley for a 2nd rollcab to sit beside it

Again it depends on what he does and uses but buy quality brands for stuff you want to keep for a long time
Knipex is my go to for cutters and pliers
Wiha/felo for screwdrivers, nut drivers and so on.
I do like Bahco for other socket sets.
Weidmuller for crimpers and strippers.
Bondhus for allen keys
But again this is all stuff for the Elec/Instro side of things (so insulated and specialist gear) although did use it while working on Trucks for a while.

Honestly any decent brand from a reputable tool store would be a good start.
Have the basics and expand on from there over time.

Oh and buy a copper hammer for when you need to hit the spanners.

 

[losh1971]

The good thing abut that Sidchrome roller is they make either a two or three drawer intermediate chest (can't remember which) that can be used when you run out of space. I wish I went with the Sidchrome roller. I bought basically the same one but with Repco badges 15 yeras ago but they no longer sell the intermediate Repco one.

The Sidchrome one is about 10mm wider so I'm not sure if I can make it fit without some high density foam underneath. Having the ability for more space is something I need and I'm not in the trade.

 

[Immortality]

Ouch, Snap On rep. Prepare to be poor.....

They have some nice gear and some stuff that is no better than other brands but all will cost you your left nut.

 

[Deuce]

I agree buy quality if you want it to last forever. But thinking about the fact he is a 1st year, needs alot of tools, and hasn't made much money yet, that's a big ask.

I'm actually happy with the cheap as set I got 20years ago for hobby use
A) it was cheap
B) everything I used often broke, so I replaced it with quality stuff at that point - therefore I don't have expensive tools for the stuff I barely use, and I could afford to buy good stuff a bit further down the track.

I would suggest he look at something like @Drawnnite suggested, as it has plenty of extra room for the extra stuff he finds he needs in the future.

 

[Immortality]

I guess it depends on the shop or the supplier but Snap On will allow you to buy and pay off over time. I know with my first employer I bought a tool set from Blackwoods which was then (supposed) to be then paid off weekly with a deduction from my wages.

Personally, I think Snap On is overpriced and I've seen their ratchets break like every other brand.

Seeing as he's doing heavy diesel he's going to need tools that go into larger sizes that most normal motor mechanics have it's not going to be cheap regardless.

I'd shop around though and price up a few different suppliers for what you need and approach the employer to see if they can assist with purchase/payment as they will get good prices from their suppliers.

 

[Drawnnite]

Quality doesn't have to mean expensive.
I honestly think that's a trap many get into that they see big dollars as the good stuff.

I've used plenty of cheap stuff and its lasted, and some exxy stuff and its been not great.
Have had good experience for example with TTI.
The "middle ground" in price is often a great start to get into the game then if/when it breaks go from there.
Same with buying kits early on, you might double or triple up on some things, but can be way cheaper to stock up with.

as @Immortality has mentioned, being a diesel mech itll likely involve some bigger equipment.
Have a chat with the employer and other employees to find out what basic kit the guys are using or required to have.

Also do they still have the tools for the trade initiatives going on?
A while back there was a 0% loan scenario for apprentices (was a few $k a year each year)
Might be something to look into too.

 

[VS 5.0]

Thanks all.

He is sussing out what the others are using but most seem to have snap-on set-ups.

One of the guys at his work wants to take him to Sydney Tools which is down the road from them.

They have this Sidchrome kit which appears similar to what Drawn linked....

https://sydneytools.com.au/product/...ed-hyper-colour-series-tool-chest-cabinet-set

Also looking into Kinchrome set ups.

 

[ephect]

Go middle ground, while I have cheap stuff they end up rounding heads and break after many uses.

Been impressed by repcos gear, price and lifetime warranty (if they still have it)

 

[Drawnnite]

Tools for trade info:
https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/aus-apprenticeships-incentives

Diesel Mech is on there