Need help with purchasing HVAC tools

[tommy2tone]

Hey guys, I am signing up in a couple weeks to take HVAC at Tidewater Community College in the summer. Wanted to build an arsenal of tools now, because I see want ads saying you need your own tools. Get as general or specific as you want (ie nut drivers or 1/4" and 5/16" nut driver).. Thanks.

 

[Rodnall]

The best thing to do would be to talk to the instructor. You don't want to be buying tools you don't need. Starting off you might need only general hand tools.
Good luck!

 

[plantman]

Jeff; When you sign up they will give you a list of the tools required for the class. Jim S

 

[SerenityWoodWorks]

I have been in HVAC for the past 30 years, I started as a gofer and continued through the years to getting my engineering degree in this (how sad is that? No mom I'm not going to be a doctor, I am going to design HVAC systems). shoot me a PM with your email address and I will give you the list that I require any and all new employees to own. I would do one thing first...get 3/4 the way through your school before you invest in any tools, I see people start these programs all the time only to say..This is NOT for me. Also most decent places that you will work will payroll deduct through a tool account the high dollar tools you will need.

 

[Justturnin]

When I worked as an HVAC Tech the main tools we uesd were a complete nut driver set from 1/4-1/2 w/ the occasianl need for 9/16, Phillips and Slotted screw drivers, Cordless drill with Hex bit as well as Phillips and slotted, Channel Locks (2 pair), Pliers, Needle Nose, Wiremand pliers, Dykes, Wire Stripper, Tape Measure (I had a 12' and 25'), flat and round file, Copper tubing tools like a Chamfer tool, wire brush and such to clean before you solder, Gloves, saftey glasses, knee pads for crawling around in the attics. Thats all I can think of now but I am sure there are more.

 

[tommy2tone]

Jeff; When you sign up they will give you a list of the tools required for the class. Jim S

The best thing to do would be to talk to the instructor. You don't want to be buying tools you don't need. Starting off you might need only general hand tools.
Good luck!

There are really no tools you need for the course. Most of it is classroom instruction or they will let you use thier tools for troubleshooting.

 

[CharlesJohnson]

I installed for 40 years. Enjoyed my work real well. Trained a lot of helpers that went to other companies. Some that got their own team. A couple that started their own companies. Some that just disappeared at lunch time. That wasn't much fun. We worked a good many guys starting in tech for some months to see if they liked it. Saved some a lot of school time they wouldn't have used. This 'is' work. See if this is offered through your school. But remember my second statement. I really did. I wish you the best in this. As far as buying tools now, NO. Some got assistance with this while in school. They got the good stuff ,too. Good luck.

 

[shippy]

hvac work

I, too, have a few years under my belt in hvac. It's physically demanding, mentally challenging, and very rewarding once you get a good place to work.Can be difficult to get your foot in the door even with school, and the first couple years can be very trying. If ya like it, hang in there, if ya don't like it, find something thats a better fit. As far as tools go, check out a web forum called hvac-talk, I've seen list of tools on there for people just starting out. I'd suggest just basic hand tools and maybe a decent multi meter to start with. Oh, and a good tool bag to put them in, something to drag around roofs and crawl spaces and attics! If ya like it, you'll love it, if you don't, you'll grow to hate it!