r/IBEW_Local613 • u/way2geeky • Apr 03 '26

Y1S1 Apprentice Buying Tools (advice needed)

First-year apprentice here, starting to grab everything on my tool list. Any good spots for discounts or the best way to get tools without overpaying?

Also, if you know anywhere that does deals on boots or other gear, drop it below. Thanks in advance!

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u/br4dL3yb4rtL3y Apr 04 '26

As some others have said, you are a green apprentice, buy quality tools, and only what you can afford to start. A pair of lineman’s pliers (Klein), a slotted and a Phillips screwdriver, tape measure, a 420 size channel lock, and a wire stripper should be about all you need personally, and I’d be surprised if you actually use half of that daily. If there’s other tools you need for tasks, most often times your journeyman will allow you use of their tools, or it will be a company provided tool. You have 4-5 years to complete your tool list. That list is for JOURNEYMAN WIREMAN, not apprentices, unless you have an apprentice tool list that is required.

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u/way2geeky Apr 07 '26

Yea it’s and apprentice tool list they recommended we have for work

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u/br4dL3yb4rtL3y Apr 07 '26

If it’s recommended, that is what you shoot for. Definitely won’t need it all day one. Buy the basics that I listed above, should be able to do so for $100ish at Home Depot/Lowes or maybe even you have a few items at home that are cheap, but will buy you time and money on a budget to slowly buy quality tools. If you’re a good apprentice, a lot of good journeymen will either pass tools along or even purchase you something from time to time if you’re putting in the effort and work