Help with Electrician Apprentice tools

[justletmein]

My Little man is 19 and he's working as an apprentice now, needs to buy himself some tools. I kinda wanted to surprise him and get him a set of something better than bottom of the barrel, but then I'm sure he'll develop preferences along the way so maybe best to hold off. I see a lot of nice looking (to my untrained eye) Klein sets at Home Depot but don't want to ignorantly throw money at something I don't know anything about. He starts a school in January for more training as well and has a list of required tools. I dunno if it'll be legible but here's the sheet his employer gave him. They provided the PPE and I happen to have a nice brand new impact to give him. Any help would be appreciated. I'm probably stuck with Home Depot or Lowe's if I'm gonna pick it up soon.

[BertramBass]

Linesman pliers? Like what it used to tie wire. Maybe that is what they call Kleins, which is actually a brand name. I see lots of electricians that will also use them to drive staples etc. Maybe a hammer? Utility knife?

[BertramBass]

If it is for residential, I see a lot off offset screwdrivers being used for putting the plates on...

[justletmein]

So far he's been working only commercial job sites.

[Pushbutton2]

?" Drill or Impact Driver?

[waterdog]

where you at? i have a lot of electrical tools i dont need anymore.

[Rubi513]

Few things I would add
11-1 screwdriver
Stanley fat max tape measure. They will last.
roto split
battery power screw driver is handy for trim out work
ugly’s book
Fluke T6 meter

Good luck to him. Hope he stays with it.

[Rubi513]

?" Drill or Impact Driver?

Both

[doright]

Hard to go wrong with Klein tools

[boy wonder]

Hard to go wrong with Klein tools

Agree!

[.17fireball]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-6-Piece-Apprentice-Electrician-Tool-Set-94126-94126/308709644

try this link sir. I’ve been a commercial and industrial electrician for 24 years. Klein tools are great for electricians. They have different series that have thicker handle material if you want to look at others but stick with Klein and get the 9” linemen’s (Klein’s) and side cutters (dykes). Screw drivers are ok. I think there are better out there but these work great to get started. Klein also has but driver sets with the most popular sizes. Buy them as singles if you want but start with 1/4”, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2” for sure. Of course they make 10 n 1 screwdrivers and nut drivers now too so look at all your options and see what makes sense cost wise. A good volt meter is a must if he is going to be in this for any amount of time. Fluke is the top dog but I have used an Ideal meter for years and it works great. Just get one and make sure he uses it. Stanley Fat Max for the tape measure. It is a 1 1/4” wide tape with 11’ ft standout and works great. Tool pouches are a personal preference thing and everyone likes different things. If you can take him with you then have him try on what he likes. I could type for days about this but that’s a start. When we hire new guys we give a list that is similar and tell them to get what they can afford to start with. You can always add more when the paychecks start rolling in. If he want to move to Lubbock I’ll put him to work too
hope this helps a little and I’m glad to hear he’s picked a good trade to learn.

[justletmein]

where you at? i have a lot of electrical tools i dont need anymore.

We're in San Antonio and POC.

[justletmein]

Thank you all. I'm gonna link him to this post and have him read through it also, I can tell there's awesome Intel being dumped in here and I'm probably not able to appreciate it due to not being in the industry.

[aggie2000tx]

https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/20-heavy-duty--multi-pocket-28-piece-tool-kit-0159-28multi

This tool kit we sell is very popularly for new electricians. We offer several different tool kits of various sizes

[justletmein]

That lot looks awesome. I couldn't find it at Rexel and think I found it at Grainger, but it's backordered. Grainger said $727, that about right? I don't think we can spend that much on it just yet so probably have to stick to basics for now and upgrade once he starts needing more things.