need to tool up

[toddy]

hi all
i have got all the tools i need for around my place, but i may have a job as a fabricator and wondering what tools i would be needing
hopefully i will be given all the big equipment and ppe that i need.
but what generial tools would you lot surgest for me to get that you have found very usefull.

 

[zzr1200]

That could depend on which site you're working on, Gas Terminal, New Power Station or the International Power Link Site???

 

[toddy]

it is a steel works and it is generial repairs on the equipment, i could be working on thin wall s/s to 3" thick steel

 

[weldingscotty803]

decent ppe is a must. breathing apps as well.
plenty of decent clamps, decent powertools, grinder especially
they should have most other large equipment you need ie pillar drill oxy fuel vices etc

 

[toddy]

so generial idea is get loads of clamps, and i assume they would supply all the big eqipment etc and the power tools.
so i will go clamp shopping, anyone got some surgestions where to get some good ones from?

 

[gavuk]

I would have thought marking out kit would be useful..imho you may be better off waiting or phone your new boss and ask his advice ,they may supply a lot more than you think ,,angle grinder? prob not in these days of pat testing ..good luck Gav

 

[Hitch]

Clamps, a range of sizes is usefull.
Carver clamps are one of the best, not cheap by any means though.
Another make which seems decent is Piher, not sure who stocks them though.

A basic list of tools i couldnt do without-

A couple of squares, 6" and 12", decent centre punch, clamps, few hammers, i use a 16oz for centre punching etc, and for hitting stuff, a 48oz.
Thor copper/hide mallet is also very handy, No3.
Quality adjustable spanner, carbide tipped scriber, 600mm steel rule, a few prybars, rigid scrapper, small level, tape measure and a big cold chisel.

 

[weldingscotty803]

why not gav, we have a maintainance bloke who tests all new equipment and puts a sticker on.
marking out gear will be usefull,

 

[Hitch]

Good point gav, some places will supply just about everything.
Others not even tape measures.

The stuff on the list i made, you could easily wave godbye to £500.

 

[Welderpaul]

Hammers, spanners, wire brushes, allen keys, chisels, scrapers, drill bits, centre punch, steel rule, spirit level, sledge hammer, crowbar, hacksaw, screwdrivers, pilers, squares, clamps, scribers, angle finders, taps, tape measure....
Start with the basics and add to it as you need to. Don't buy crap and it should last you a good while. As others have said...ask what you are going to need. Most places provide all the power tools you will need, and expect you to provide hand tools. Some bigger places provide hand tools as well.

 

[toddy]

i wasnt going to buy crap that is why i wondered what i should get and if any one could surgest a good place to buy it from
and i wasnt got to buy anything yet, but if i get the job i will have a day or so with the generial crap ive got around here(minus clamps etc) and then see what i defo need and do a nice order

 

[weldingscotty803]

think thats they way toddy, you will find out exactly what you need within the first few days

 

[toddy]

but as far as i could see today and what i was told i need most of my own tools
was here today for a weld test

 

[gavuk]

I would and have (12months ago) phoned and asked what i needed to supply and then added to a very basic first day kit as i spoke to the other fitters and looked at the machines i would be working on.....(maintenance fitter)..........scotty ,i took in my own 110v grinder and drill and was told to take it home again,too much hassle to pat test and add to asset list .......better to check with new employer before buying is all i'm saying .....

 

[toddy]

well as for electical equipment
i am a registed pat tester so i test all my own equipemt and that is not a problem

 

[gavuk]

My company wouldn't let me use my own power tools even if they were tested .problems with insurance if involved in an accident i expect .....ask before you start is my best advice .....then ask here about .. best buys for kit you know you need ......how many people in dept/shift doing the same job ?...i had to do a week of safety and induction i would imagine a steel works would be similar?....so you might not need any tools for days

 

[weldingscotty803]

scotty ,i took in my own 110v grinder and drill and was told to take it home again,too much hassle to pat test and add to asset list .......better to check with new employer before buying is all i'm saying .....

no probs gav

 

[Brain_stew]

all the right threads seem to be poping up for me lately, first the magnetic clamps and now this one.

quick question about clamps tho, i know there are LOADS of diffrent types. i've allready got a 4x C Clamps(Draper), and those 'Welding Plier/Clamps' from halfrauds. what other clamps would you suggest? i'm mainly doing work on Banger cars, and the odd car panel repairs and i may have a 8x2ft table to build in the coming weeks.

(sorry for the Hijack Toddy)

 

[SC_BK]

I have about 5 cheap metal "market stall" style clamps, think they were about 50p each! Sometimes they are usfeul for thinner stuff.

Also silicone gun style quick clamps, useful for clamping wood (or metal while you're painting/marking out). I got them from lidl, they have them back in a week today

 

[Weldingartisan]

Just a thought, if you are qualified to do your new job how did you qualify without knowing what tools to use? W/A