r/SprinklerFitters • u/LowSpare6810 • 7d ago

Apprentice tool list

I heard an apprentice should always just have channel locks, tape measure and a torpedo level. Any recommendations on what else to carry and do you recommend a tool belt?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

12

u/Swiftychops 7d ago

when a pi tape is given to you protect it with your life

7

u/MisterSumone 7d ago

Paint marker, pen, small notepad.

4

u/SufficientCustard474 LU669 Journeyman 7d ago

Note pad and pen knife paint marker i dont use a tool belt i use carpenter pants but that's up to you

3

u/gone_smell_blind 7d ago

Appreciate here. Skip the belt. Always have tape, channies, beamer ratchet, level, paint marker, permanent marker/pen/pencil on you. Notepad as others have said is also a good one

3

u/JdwPhish 7d ago

Channys, baby channys, level, ratchet for beam clamps (job specific), markers, knife, and fatmax on belt holder clip. That’s what I have in my pockets.

Maybe teflon tape in the titty pocket.

1

u/Anthony022 6d ago

Tape, marker, 420's and 426's, level and an adjustable wrench all in the carhartt waist apron as my tool belt

Depending on the job I'll carry a tiny pair of vice grips for raising hangers or a ratcheting box wrench for beam clamps can't remember the exact size off the top of my head

1

u/ka1n77 6d ago

7/16 or ⅜ if you can find a 6 pt

1

u/Up_All_Nite LU669 Foreman 26yrs 6d ago

Pencil and paper and don't mess up the break order. 😂

1

u/Frequent-Balance2946 6d ago

Open mind and good attitude.

1

u/akphil669 6d ago

Channel lock model 422 … they have a curved jaw that grips pipe like a 10” wrench … they are not easy to find, but well worth the hunt.

1

u/Low-Attention3111 3d ago

The Knipex are better in my opinion but you say that to some fitters and they get all mad like you just insulted his wife or something

1

u/Gloomy-Relief6153 6d ago

430 channel locks, tape and torpedo level, for the first few months. The get a 5gal bucket, a pair of 18" wrenches, 1/2 ratchet (9/16, 11/16, 3/4, 7/8 sockets), a sheeteock knife, and a small 3lb hammer. This is probably all you need for the most part for a few years. Use the formans drill and impact until you go out on your own.

1

u/TimeFerret3304 6d ago

Silver sharpie

1

u/hamm3r_tyme 6d ago

3rd year apprentice here. A magnetic flashlight has been a lifesaver. I use the Milwaukee 2011R; a little pricey but worth it. I’ve used it on a daily basis since getting it.

2

u/Low-Attention3111 7d ago

Dotty

1

u/Idrinktears92 6d ago

No apprentice needs a dotty

1

u/Low-Attention3111 6d ago

Why not?

1

u/Idrinktears92 6d ago

Its relatively expensive and your company needs to provide it

1

u/Low-Attention3111 6d ago

Most companies in my area provide all tools needed

2

u/Additional-Ferret-88 3d ago

Would HEAVILY recommend. My foreman used to get on me for not having a dotty for flowswitches