Really nice to have a knowledgeable and experienced person explaining what's needed. Your videos are spot on and indicate real field experience. Thanks.
Malco flippable 1/4 5/16 nut driver is superior plus the Klien multiple size but driver is better for more. Not to mention just buying a set of imperial (us) nut drivers with various sizes.
Would recommend the 20-in-1 Impact Driver Set with Screwdriver Bits and Flip Sockets 32303HD in place of most of the screwdrivers mentioned. It is also by Klein. Love the choice of Midwest snips!! Also highly recommend. Recommend also picking up a Dewalt 18GA Shear Attachment, fits most drills and works great for cutting large pieces, furnaces, and plenums. They are a great tool to have around. Should have some kind of ratcheting pipe cutter Also highly recommend a deburring tool for ABS, PVC, CPVC, like the DEB4 but they are pretty expensive. I see there are knockoffs on Amazon, haven't tried them yet. Would recommend prioritizing the ratcheting wrenches over the normal ones, adjustable wrenches will work in most places, where the work is very tight, you'll want to have a ratcheting one. Recommend the Milwaukee Surge Fuel hydraulic impact driver, much quieter and easier on the hands. 10/10 Recommend having a bump cap, saves countless bumps and bruises. Should have a pipe bender somewhere in that list as well.(with reverse bender) My favorite step ladder is the 5.5 ft. Aluminum Dual Platform Ladder with Removable Project Bucket by Gorilla, it is just small enough to fit most places, but big enough to work in raised ceilings, also the "Project Bucket" is super handy for pretty much anything you need to do on a ladder.
One of the best videos on tools. I actually used it in my class to introduce my students to the tools of the trade. GREAT VIDEO. THE BEST. THE BEST VIDEO. ++++++++++++++
Cool to see the differences between the US and Canada. In Canada we are called refrigeratoration mechanics but they also work on heating systems. Our apprenticeship is 4 years consisting of 1600hours per year on the job and 8 weeks technical training per year. In Alberta we get an allowance of about $500 per week while we attend technical training. It's a red seal trade meaning if you pass the red seal test after your final year of technical training, it's a certification that is recognized world wide.
Remember: As an apprentice you are not expected to have all this stuff starting out. As an installer I don’t use a lot of the tools he said to get like the sheet metal notching tool, just use your snips to notch it and save the money and weight for your self. Most guys just use needle nose pliers to open up the copper to fit copper inside of it. Not proper but it saves you from carrying around a lot of extra stuff.
Most of the expensive tools, company will supplies they only really expect you to have hand tools and gauges. Companies don't expect a tech to have a vacuum pump, scales and recovery machine. But it's a pretty good list of tools that people should be familiar with for sure.
As a new tech just starting this channel was great for me to learn. Even now with almost 2 years of being in the field I still enjoy watching all these videos it a great way to keep refreshing my mind and I seem to always learn something new. Thanks for all the videos and all your help, keep up the good work. Oh... happy 100,000 subs!!!
I cannot overstate how much I love the Klein HVAC 8-in-1 takes the place of the 11-in-1, it's rare for me to use torx or square, but the 8 has a core tool and stat screwdriver
Wow. I consider myself an HVAC hobbyist, yet I have all the tools in one form or another except the anemometer (I have the fieldpiece manometer tho) and gas analyzer - the latter simply because I would never work on the gas metering myself. A lot of tools carried over from my other 'hobbies' plumbing, auto mechanics, gas welding, and electrical. Things I don't have but would eventually like: iron pipe threader and cutter. I grew up on grandaddy's farm and was put to work right after school, he also had a trailer/rv camp grounds on the lake so got into HVAC in 5th grade working on mobile home hvac. Age 50 now with more decades of 'hobby' experience. for those starting out, recommend you check craigslist for HVAC guys who are retiring and selling their tools did i miss nitrogen flow meter, core removers? fireproof fiberglass canvas for brazing? sheet metal breaks and folding tools, circle cutter, crimpers...
Solved a bad circuit board that would cause blower fan to stop during an AC cycle and freeze up my condenser because of this channel. More recently I replaced the ignitor on my furnace because of this channel. Best RU-vid channel hands down.
To any new technician or even the veterans nylog blue is not only for your manifold hoses you can use them on mini split flares. One of the best things ever
Best tape measure: Stanley fat max 25”, the Kobalt one at Lowe’s was good and a lot of guys like the DeWalt tape measure too. I like to have one magnetic and one not magnetic. Cheap tape measures the Walmart one or craftsman (Lowe’s) can get you by for a quick measurement but you will end up throwing it away.
Veto tp4b is a great back for service techs.. there are several videos to show how to load them out. Open top helps you not loose tools! I also agree that knipex by far had the best pliers on the market. I’ve switched over to snap on for some of my screw drivers, and 1/4 swivel head ratchet! Great video, also a cps solenoid magnet is a helpful tool!
@Adonis Portillo There is a shortage on HVAC technicians so this is a great time to come on board! I'm glad you are finding my videos useful! Thank you for watching!
I would like to mention a tool. It is a locking adjustable wrench. I find myself using it quite a bit. It works well during times when you need to break up two nuts back to back or when working on a nut in an odd location. Once the wrench is locked on it won't come off like a typical adjustable wrench.
Very interesting. The biggest thing I would say is: It depends on where one lives! In my area, southwest desert 🏜 you will not use most of you suggestions. Also Buy Quality to start with, it's your profession. I also would stay away from UEI and the "no name" tools. My 25+ year experience.
Awesome video man, only recommendation I have is a mini split service valve adapter for your gauge hoses. And thanks for taking the time to construct this list, I can vouch for 90% of these and plan on grabbing the other 10% after watching this. Well done 👍
Thank you! I appreciate the add suggestion as well! I was looking on Amazon and am having a hard time finding mini split adapters that have high reviews. Do you by chance know which brand is good? Or an Amazon link would be good too. I rarely work on mini-splits so I don't have an adapter like that.
@@WordofAdviceTV really difficult to gauge an honest review sometimes on amazon. apparently alot of companies give out free product for an "honest review." Love your videos btw
Extremely helpful! Thank u bro, u have great content and for someone starting out in school in an accelerated program and will be done in 6 months this stuff really helps along with your entire channel. I def appreciate the tips and videos u share
I just finished my cert classes and qualified for my union apprenticeship which I test/interview out next month (March) and could be starting this June! So excited, thanks for videos like this. I was told to not buy all my tools at once in the beginning but find out which tools you use the most throughout your training and get those as you go.
If you are doing much duct work (new construction, change outs) I firmly recommend Midwest crimpers, reds, greens, hand seemers. However I barely use my handseemers. I would not go with Klein for sheet metal tools speaking from experience. Also Malco Turbo sheers are a must have for ductwork. If you are in service or going into service you may not use this stuff as much but I wish I was told this when I first bought my tools doing new construction.
Great vid, can’t go wrong with the Klein hand tools!! Veto makes the best tool bags, they’re backpack is killer! Small note, the orange handled crescent wrench is too small for a lot of the low side king valve caps!! But definitely recommend a rubber handle crescent wrench, those things get blazing hot when sitting out!
That stubby Klein screwdriver is a lifesaver (mines Milwaukee and ratcheting idk if the Klein is but same thing) seriously a must have also the Milwaukee bit kit and the color coded hex set are as well. And of course a good Impact/Drill set is a necessity i use Makita but Dewalt Milwaukee and Ridgid are great too and a duct knife Malco is nice cos the soft sheath but Milwaukee and Hilmor are nice too. Also a refrigeration unlock key so you can hook your gauges to the lines if they have locks on them and a rubber mallet. EDIT:That was a really good list you covered all the basic tools for beginners.
Hey bud, I would like to know what u carry on your e everyday bag and also what is the best brand to do your diagnostic on furnace and AC. If you could make s separate video on that. THANKS 😊
Great list! Insulated screwdrivers, lockout cap screwdrivers, clamp for door switch. I like Milwaukee for some hand tools which is close to prices. Wireless gages are less invasive but expensive. Indestructible shoes. They’re construction toed running shoes.
Huge fan of the clarity in your videos. Components. Operation, troubleshooting, and now useful tools that all techs can use to help there situations. How long you think it took you to be comfortable in diagnosing and troubleshooting all kinds of equipment. I feel like im always seeing something new and learning alot but im now 1 1/2 yrs in and am good with heating but struggle with AC and refrigeration. Lmk your feedback. Thanks keep up the good work
Few different ideas I use: Nut Driver set from Ace Hardware or Harbor Freight..However i only keep the 1/4" and 5/16" in bag and use a 18" extension with a set of magnetic nut drivers from Dewalt (Dewalt is skinnier than Malco but are not flip bits however have a strong magnetic hold - I don't carry long nut drivers since this is a dual use tool) Also just my opinion Malco sells the best Aviation- L/R Snips. Also if your doing Installs you will need a Hammer Drill to bore in stucco and concrete with the anchors - Sheet metal hammer all are Must Haves! Also if your going service you will need a Pigtail alot of time there are not convenience outlets (Don't get stuck on a roof without a way to plug in your vacuum or Recovery units) Since they are around $20 it will save your life! I totally agree with you in regards to pliers Knipex are the way to go ( I have both pliers with button and without I use the ones without more since you can adjust them very easy one handed) I also think you should add Scrub towels as you don't want to have dirty marks on walls from dirty hands ( also they remove blood if you cut yourself and didn't notice and touch a wall) I also believe all techs should have 2 meters as you will run into issues if you only have one (back ups are always recommended) Just another thought if you buy cheap tools you will have to replace them more often so if you can afford them buy name brand as they will last and think of it this way ..your making your living with these - if you cheap out your will have to work harder to get the job done..And don't let my name fool you I'm not really a Rookie..lol
Wow! That was a comment LOADED with useful information! As I was reading it, I kept looking at your username and thinking there's no way a rookie is writing this. This man sounds like a veteran technician on a master level! Well and then you said it yourself at the end :) Thank you for all the good information and advice! I have added most of the things you mentioned to the tools list.
Starting out or even in to it, Harbor Freight builds some good stuff. We farm, poultry houses, so lots of switches, motors, capacitors ect. I used Simpson analog years ago, then used fluke, I burned it up and bought a Ames from Harbor Freight and it has worked fantastic. Been dropped hauled in a truck ect and works great.
Thanks for sharing the list of HVAC tools,you missed the torches,an extra acetylene and oxygen tank and nitrogen tank, the squeegee,dolly,some different sizes of copper fittings and tap cons,you have a very good videos👍✌
Headlamp: I recommend the Klein and/or the Milwaukee rechargeable handlamps. Klein one seems to last longer and the Milwaukee has the ability to shine brighter. Don’t buy ones that tank double As because it is more expensive to have overtime. My friend regretted buying a cheap headlamp.
HVAC/R tube cutters are best made by Yellow Jacket. Also, Pipe Expanders is from Rothenberger (Expensive, but great) Tube benders are a needed tool also. Ratcheting is recomended.
I would recommend asking your boss to bill the sawzall blades, utility knife blades, and other small stuff to the job. Most places I work at is fine with it so you are not spending your own money on blades and using that money to buy better quality tools
Glad to hear you are still with us and enjoying the videos! When I went to school for HVAC, my other choice was an electrician too! They are both nice trades. Good luck as an electrician!! When you have an Electrician Channel, I will subscribe :)
You should fix the problem if it's electrical. Don't be so 'categorical', you could make way more $. The evac kit could be a good compliment when you know the nooks and crannies. ... You're young. You'll find out.
Awesome list, appreciate you taking the time putting it together. By the way in case you haven't seen them already malco released a 5/16-3/8 bit series at the beginning of the year. My supply house is already just about sold out for the first order.
Your videos are always entertaining and educational and this one is no exception. I personally go DeWalt and Fieldpiece whenever possible for tools. The Job Link gauges with psychrometers and clamps changed the game for me on maintenance calls. I was wondering if you’ve heard of the teaching app called SkillMill by Interplay, I pay $20 a month and have found it to be worth every penny as I’m new to the service side of the industry. If you could do a video on it that would be great
Glad you like the videos! Thank you sharing what your favorite tools are as well. I have never heard of that app so I'll have to check it out. Can't make any promises about making a video on it though :) We'll see.
On gauges: I do think the 4 port is worth the extra money because you can pull vacuum so much faster on an install. I have yet to learn service so I’m not sure if that 4th hose would make as big of a difference to you guys but it does for me
Milwaukee 12 Impact is my favorite and use today. I also bought the RIGID version and it is just as good. RIGID is registered and battery is lifetime warranty. I say this because I used to use DEWALT, and after 14-18VOLT batteries dying over time, I game $1000 worth of tools away to another DEWAULT fan, because I was Done. I bought RIGID, and am happy. I have replaced 2 of my original batteries (FOR FREE)) and have no other problem with them. BUT YOU HAVE TO REGISTER YOUR TOOLS. IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER WARRANTY IS ONLY 3 YEARS. ALSO, CHECK ONLINE AND MAKE SURE YOUR TOOL WAS REGISTERED. I HAVE A FEW BOUGHT ONLINE THE THEY DID NOT REGISTER EVEN THOUGH I FILLEDED OUT RESTISTRATION. IF REGISTER AND APPROVED, LIFETIME WARRANTY ON EVERYTHING FOR THAT TOOL.
I really enjoy the klein 16 in 1. it comes with the #3 phillips and putting in our CO monitors really comes in handy vs the 11 in 1. just my preference though.
Haha glad to hear you are excited for it! That list of tools is pretty much the bulk of what every technician works with. There's some expensive stuff in there!
** Also buy 2 refrigerant wrenches as they get left due to the size of them - they also double to use Blower motor shaft on the squirrel wheels. I would also add offset racketing wrenches (Yellow Jacket sets are great..but they are NOT color coded! lol)
Wera insulated screwdriver set I think they are much better quality than Klein and also cheaper on Amazon. Also the Klein 5/16 1/4 slide lock 10 in one I think is the must have screwdriver. Get it you will never go back to regular 11 in 1 it also has a Schrader valve core remover
3. Check garage, yard, patio or estate sales for tool deals. Keep a list in your wallet or purse. 4. Look for advertisements such as retired plumber, electrician, hvac guy . Not only can you get a good deal on tools, but veteran tradesmen like to help out new guys coming into the trades with tools and advice.
you missed nice crimpers,ladders,spot lights,recovery tanks Nitrogen tank(s),sprayers for solutions to clean coils,water hoses (are a few more items might of missed in video, single jack,tap/die metric/us, sawsall, manual hoist or block n tackle,safety harness,cleaning tools for fan blade and cooling tower spruce up). Anyway nice video , 2005-2015 180+ split 1t thru 20t & gaspacks, 4 walk-ins,12 coolers,25 upright ref/freezers,1 90t chillers air over water with 30 water cooled units, r-12,r-22,r-134a,r-404a,r-502,mp39,mp66, yes I had many recovery tanks and gauge sets (school district)
Got a hair less than 3 years and all 3 years I have been directly trained by a guy with 30 years of experience Slowly building my tool bag Anyways a few cool tools of mind is a “ swedge tool “ negates having to buy copper fitting saving ALOT of money per job And another is a copper bender to keep from buying copper elbows n such when they run here about 15$ a piece
great video but would like to throw a little hint about tools , i have learnt from my use of tools , the manufacturer, means a tool that does'nt degrade due to poor material process, such as , side cutters , made by many companies in china , these tools dont keep a good cutting edge , the edges chip away or deform , i actually had a jaw of a cutter break , but i do have great U.S.A. made tools and when i used my klein , it worked great , maybe it sounds like i dont like china but when you pay for tools and they dont perform while on the job, i start to steer away from foreign made tools. not all of my foreign tools were bad but too many were not the best , kudos for this video , wish i had this info when i was starting into my profession, thanks for these videos.
@@WordofAdviceTV sounds good I see yours videos and is very helpful to my, I have associate degree in HVAC/R in 2016 but I start working in the field 10 months ago and I feel more truthful my self THANK YOU
I figured up the price for everything i have in my main tool bag only (not counting my 28v power tool set sheet metal bag, and tool box) and bag included (veto tech pack) it was about $1800.
That's just in one tool bag right? Those tools are not cheap.. Thank you for giving us an average tool set price HVAC Tech! Michael, it sounds like yours is a lot more expensive, what would you estimate yours to be? :)
@@WordofAdviceTV I am a dual tech, doing both HVAC and appliance. My basic bag that goes into every job to start out with last I check has about $2400 in it.
At my shop you provide your tools but they help you get the expensive ones and if there is a particular one you need they will purchase for you then they will take parts out of each check to pay it off
Hey Jay, I got a question for you. What type of different screw/bolt head shapes and sizes would you say we must have in the HVAC field? I don't want to run into a screw/bolt I can't take out because I don't have the right drill head. I noticed on some of the all-in-one Klein screwdrivers that they don't have the right size for some gas valves. I believe I got what I need, but I just wanted to double check. Thanks
If I add tools to my wish list and buy later do you still get credit. Ps. I quit my job and staring school in August for commercial hvac. Thanks for all of the videos and motivation.
if you are just starting out your business I suggest you only take on the jobs you know about 100% and have someone in your back pocket preferably someone more qualified to take on those more technical jobs until you become comfortable you allow the other guy to make some money and you get educated along the way plus more than likely he was going to give you a percentage of what he makes for the reference
I am in HVAC school right now and am looking to buy a drill and/or driver. I am currently thinking about buying a small 12v driver for screwing and a larger 18/20v drill for more power for drilling. Is this a good setup for the cordless drills/drivers?
