Mechanical apprentice starter tools: what to buy first
Pipefitting, plumbing, heating and plant all start with the same handful of tools. Buy these in order and you'll always have what the job in front of you needs.
Ask first. Check with your employer or college before you buy. Many firms supply larger kit like benders, threading gear and power tools, and some give apprentices a tool allowance.
1. Grips and spanners
Most of your first year is tightening and undoing things. A good adjustable spanner and a pair of water pump pliers will handle the majority of fittings you meet. Look for jaws that don't slop about, because a loose jaw rounds off nuts.
2. A pipe wrench
For steel pipe and anything seized, you need a Stillson-type pipe wrench. A 14 inch is a sensible first size. Keep it away from chrome and soft fittings, as the teeth will mark them.
3. Something to cut pipe with
A pair of pipe slices in 15mm and 22mm gives a clean, square cut on copper in tight spots. Add a junior hacksaw for everything else.
4. Measuring and levelling
Pipework that isn't level or to fall gets ripped out. A decent tape and a spirit level are cheap compared with doing a run twice.
5. Hex keys and a toolbox
Hex keys turn up on valves, pumps and brackets more than you'd expect. And you need a box that survives being thrown in the back of a van.
What can wait
- Socket and spanner sets. Useful from year two, when you're doing more plant and maintenance work.
- Pipe benders. Often supplied by the firm. Learn on theirs first.
- A torque wrench. Only needed once you're working on flanges and plant to a specified torque.
The whole list in one place
These are bundled as a ready-made kit with a running total. See the Mechanical Essentials starter kit.