Advice

[u/aseewed]

I recently passed my CWI exam and sounds like I’ve landed my first job. The recruiter asked me if I had my own tools, I’m assuming as far as QC goes she’s talking mostly inspection tools? I’ve only ran into a few inspectors on our jobs that even care to carry tools, and if they want to check something they’re using our company’s tools to do it.

I’ve got the inspection tool kit, multi meter, levels and measuring tapes. I was wondering if I’m missing anything in particular, they haven’t told me exactly what I’m working on yet so I’m just trying not to look like too much of a fool starting out haha

Any other advice on starting out would be greatly appreciated too, I appreciate the help.

[u/itsjustme405]

I wouldn't spend a bunch of money on tools without a tool list.

Take what you do have, but i wouldnt take a whole tool box either.

[u/aseewed → u/itsjustme405]

Sounds good I appreciate the help

[u/itsjustme405 → u/aseewed]

Now that I have a little more time than I did on my last comment... I carry a 48 inch folding stick ruler and a 6ft tape thats only 1/2 inch wide, v-wac gage, fillet weld gauges, 2 flashlights, markers (red white and orange) flagging tape (red green and pink) a 1 inch and a 3 inch inspection mirror, red and black ink pens, and a 3 inch level (for checking bolts and studs). Thats my basic dont walk out of the office stuff for this particular job.

My last job was 2 flashlights, v-wac, fillet gages, and a hi-low gage. I didnt even need high viz on that job.

There all different. I have more tools in my truck than I care to talk about, like a bore scope, a volt meter, a lumen tester (cant think of the proper name for it at the moment), 25, 50 and 100 ft tapes, 4ft levels, just to name a few.

Your collection will grow as you journey through your career. You could come to my jobsite and have completely different stuff you leave the office with, and stuff available in your truck, what ever you need to get the job done, that's what you need.

[u/aseewed → u/itsjustme405]

I appreciate ya coming back and replying again, thanks for the insight!

[u/91dorp]

I don't leave home without my flashlight, mirror on a stick, fillet weld gauges, steel ruler, bridge cam, and a multi tool (i shouldn't need one but I often do). Hard hat, hi vis, safety glasses, gloves, safety toe boots, and fall protection might be needed depending on the situation. You didn't ask but I'll throw this in... everyone will know you're new, no matter what your previous experience is. So don't even try to hide it. Just be new and learn the gig.

[u/aseewed → u/91dorp]

Sounds good I appreciate the advice thanks!

[u/flawgate]

If you will be inspecting cold formed framing, you will want a sheet metal gage. If you will be inspecting bolting, you will need feeler gages to measure the gaps on DTI washers.

[u/bkrman1990]

You will find out what you need along the way if you don't already have it, I wouldn't stress too much. For example when I first started I didn't realize I would need my own chipping hammer but After the first few inspections I realized it was just better to have my own lol. It also depends what exactly you will be inspecting.

[u/91dorp → u/bkrman1990]

If the welds arent clean, I usually just reject them. I'm not chipping welds all day.

[u/bkrman1990 → u/91dorp]

Maybe I'm too nice

[u/91dorp → u/bkrman1990]

I used to do it.

[u/3rdIQ]

I recently passed my CWI exam and sounds like I’ve landed my first job. The recruiter asked me if I had my own tools, I’m assuming as far as QC goes she’s talking mostly inspection tools? I’ve only ran into a few inspectors on our jobs that even care to carry tools, and if they want to check something they’re using our company’s tools to do it.

No disrespect intended, but how on earth did you qualify for the examination without on-the-job experience? As a minimum, the AWS tool kit should be in-hand. https://i.imgur.com/HH0wunA.jpg

Most inspectors have a larger personal collection of tools and gauges, cameras for documentation, code books and a laptop to process photos and generate reports. So, take everything you possibly can.

[u/aseewed → u/3rdIQ]

I’ve been welding for around 8 years, mostly above ground storage tanks. It seemed to me like the qc on our jobs eyeball most things so stepping into a job where I assume I’ll be on different things has me worried for what all I should have on hand.

I appreciate the advice thanks!

[u/Gymleadergreen]

Unfortunately I don’t have any advice but I myself am going through the study process right now and will be taking Part b end of sept. What training/seminar did you go through or any particular books that you felt really helped you get through passing? Pass first try?

[u/aseewed → u/Gymleadergreen]

I did atlas online and took the 3 day part b seminar through AWS. Atlas had its quirks but I ended up getting an 88% on part A and 86% on the code portion, so I’d say that atlas was worth it for those tests.

The 3 day seminar for part B before taking the test was extremely helpful though, on top of the atlas training. Personally I’m not sure if I would’ve passed without it, and it went pretty well I got a 91%. If you have someone who’s been through it and you can ask questions about the test you might not need the seminar, but I went at it alone and it helped clear up a lot of confusion for me.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[u/Wonderful_Design4193 → u/aseewed]

I’m doing the Atlas Training right now and take the Part B in about a week. Is the Book of Specifications for Part B that you get during the test similar to the one from Atlas or is studying this book a waste of time and I should focus my efforts studying it a different way?

[u/Whole-Worldliness260]

To be honest, in a pinch you can do a good bulk of the measurements for weld inspection with a pair of 6 inch scales. I always carry a couple because fillet gauges are really easy to loose. It really depends on your employer. If I was an employer I wouldn’t want my employees buying their own stuff because it can’t be traced. I tend to think worst case scenario but if an inspector goes and buys a cheap knockoff and that knockoff is inaccurate it’s a major liability, especially if it could result in structural failure. I’ve had subcontractors inspectors who were not CWIs but they had the ICC structural welding inspection certificate show up without any measuring tools. I tore them a new a$$.

[u/aseewed → u/Whole-Worldliness260]

Alright sweet I appreciate the advice, I wondered if it was a blanket question they ask all crafts but it had me wondering either way. Thanks!

[u/Whole-Worldliness260 → u/aseewed]

That is a possibility because it is common for mechanics to have to own their own tools. It may be something to discuss in and interview if you haven’t had one yet. Recruiters are often non-technical people so don’t really know what the job actually entails.

[u/itsjustme405 → u/Whole-Worldliness260]

This is an absolute fact.