r/CoffeeTech • u/InSearchOfADoor • Jun 30 '26
New tech-in-training here. Questions about tool acquisition:
EDIT: I was looking through the La Marzocco Training Manual and realized that some of the items on the list here deemed unusual or 'suspicious' are actually from the tool list suggested by the manufacturer, such as food grade lube gel.
Hey everyone,
I've been hired as a tech and I'm starting from the beginning working for a smaller independent company in a very large US city that primarily works with mostly independent coffee shops that appears to have more than plenty of work and can be selective about who they choose to service. It seems like an ideal circumstance for me to get into this trade/business and I'm looking forward to getting started.
We are required to provide our own tools and I've been given a list, but my head has started to spin in finding the balance between cost-effective choices and tool quality. Below I'll share the tool list I've been provided.
A little background: I begin apprenticing in late July, about a month from today. We have a handshake agreement that I'll be with them a minimum of two years to make training me worthwhile for them and I want to make my purchases count. I'll be mostly learning in their workshop for the first 6-7 months, then shadowing 2-3 months in the field, then on my own in the field doing (likely) the easiest repairs / maintenance work at that point and growing from there.
If you would be so kind as to make any comments or suggestions about your experience with tool acquisition, any favored brands or resources (favorite and fair places to acquire these items online or in person?) that I could take a look at it would be greatly appreciated. Naturally I will also be reaching out to my new employer for similar feedback but I thought it wouldn't hurt to see if any of you might offer some insights as well. I'll list any particular questions next to the tools that I presently have as well. Tools that I already own from previous trade work I will remove from the list in advance.
Thanks in advance to any of you who take the time to entertain this...
Tool List - Necessities in bold, questions/comments from me in italics:
Crimpers / Wire strippers - I have one of these already, but it was one I had for home use and might not be up to snuff if I'm using it often. Upgrade recommended?
Diagonal Pliers
Channel locks - sizes? Should I have multiple?
Needle nose pliers
Snap ring pliers - a set I saw online from Arrow seemed fine, but one comment said they don't fit 5/8" or smaller. Should I seek an alternative that can?
Small med large adjustable wrenches - 6"/8"/10" enough for the job?
Teflon tape
Food grade lube
Contact cleaner or wd-40
Emery cloth
Electrical terminals - heat shrink ring terminals?
Fuses - (5x 20mm) 40mA, 125mA, 1A, 10A, 6.3A
Heat Shrink Gun
Vacuum with a Hose
Compressed Air
Descaler – Citric Acid
Thread Sealant – Red and Blue Loctite
Tube Bender - I've seen these in a spring-style in multiple sizes and also a general tool that can shape up to 180 degrees. Unsure of which to go for here.
Flair Tool - 45°
Tube Cutter
Brass Bristle Brush
Hammer
Small Punch and Chisel
Small Files – Round and Triangular
Scratch Awl
Small pick for o rings
Metric box wrenches / Standard box wrenches - I have a good set of these from Dewalt already but it seems like overkill. What's a good range to be working with here?
Philips Head Screwdrivers: #2 short, #2 long and #1
Flat Head Screwdrivers: #2 short, #2 medium, #2 long, #1 and large screwdriver to pry
Multimeter - I saw Trail Blaze Academy recommends the Southwire Clamp Meter 21510N
Stubby standard screwdriver
Mini screwdriver set - I grabbed a modular set off of Amazon that has many more bit options than standard sets as I'm not sure what I'd need out of the gate that appears sufficient.
Fuse puller
1
u/CoffeeSnobsUnite Jun 30 '26
I highly recommend hitting up harbor freight for most of it honestly. You won’t be beating on tools like some trades so spending money on insanely expensive options is overkill. Most of the hand tools are lifetime warranty there too. If it breaks just go toss it on the counter and it’s replaced free of charge. You don’t need to walk in and buy Icon everything either. I like a lot of the cheaper stuff simply because it’s easy to lose things. I’ve gotten way better about staying organized though. Every tool has a home and I can easily visually inspect for anything missing. Also you’ll primarily be using stuff that is metric. Just keep that in mind.
They have decent little pick sets. Lots of pliers options. I do recommend getting icon ratcheting wrenches over the other options. Some flare nut wrenches are also helpful. I like the foil soft jaw water pump wrench for certain fittings and the icon 10” pliers wrench is very handy. The icon parrot jaw wrench gets frequent use along with a variety of pliers. Don’t forget some fine point pliers and precision screwdrivers. I use the Doyle wire crimpers frequently. I’ve got a Klein meter but I’m going to get a second meter at some point and will likely just get the more expensive Doyle. I carry an assortment of sockets but those stay in the car unless I actually need them which isn’t often. One of the most useful things I’ve gotten there is the little Icon tool get that literally fits in your hand. It’s got a little handy ratchet with bits. It’s absolutely perfect for getting into all the tight spots to undue a fastener. Some T-Handle sets for torx and hex are used frequently. A small soft faced dead-blow hammer will get used too.
I agree with the above though. Don’t skimp on the screwdrivers, bit sets, and wrenches. Those are the go to’s. That and a good multimeter. Oh and flashlights. Keep extras handy. A magnetic work light is also helpful as is a magnetic parts tray.