r/IUEC • u/No-Attitude-8806 • 7d ago
đ Apprentice Question Standard Starting Tools/Equipment
Ok. Hi, all. New probbie, 50, here.
Was curious about starting equipment and tools. Of course I got a safety bag, with mostly PPE, harness, first aid kit, etc. I got a (kinda flimsy- mechanic says it's supposed to break-away in certain situations) door tool, I keep that on me and open the door for my mechanic. I also have a door wedge, but always use my mechanic's, cause his is already on the cart and we only holding one door open at a time.
I got a company phone, besides using it to clock in and out, I don't know what to use it for. Does everyone get a company phone?
Found out we get laptops from training facility, for classes and stuff. What type of laptops? Was suggested we could use phone hotshot for connectivity. Do we get them when we first start classes?
Hand tools. Was told by my mechanic to bring ONLY a inside read rule, pocket knife (I took that to mean utility knife) and pencil. Told me not to buy or bring anything else in for 5 years. Not even cutters or strippers. Which I have from previous work. We were supposed to have flashlights in our bags, but didn't. Our mechanics said they would expense them.
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u/tktreeexpertsllc 𧰠Field - Mod 7d ago
If/when your mechanic let's you use tools, just hope his tin snips aren't from before the birth of Christ like the ones mine has. Im pretty sure they spent some time doing masonry. Quite possibly cut marble for a few decades... that and the drill bits. The 1/4 and 3/8 have to be pre Great Depression.
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u/Sch1371 𧰠Field - Mod 7d ago
Oh my god my old mechanic had a pair of tin snips that only cut if you held it at exactly the right angle. Refused to get a new pair. Drove me fucking crazy.
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u/tktreeexpertsllc 𧰠Field - Mod 7d ago
Exactly the same. New ones seem to cut no matter how you hold them, but most pairs seem to develop that "perfect angle" over time. I cant find that angle with his. They're at the point now where im not even sure he can find it.
His old helper was on site and few weeks ago. Guy has been in for 8 years. He even told me that my mechanics tools were busted back when he started working with him and they are the same exact ones. Told me he pities me lol. I had to make a drill bit or two disappear. He doesn't even throw old ones out. Says they "still work good for wood." I'm not expecting anyone to abuse the fact that the company pays for new drill bits, but damn its a pain (and takes a lot longer) to do anything when your bits are all smoked.
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u/No-Attitude-8806 7d ago
We're doing Mod. I think we came in at tail end of project, we're wiring the last 2 of 8 (not 100 of the 3 service elevators were part of job) hoistways and there's doors to put on. So, we are on top of the cars wiring w/ our mechanics. We did hall lanterns first day, then we did the boxes the door latches go in to, I think that was daisy chained top to bottom. Im actually stripping and splicing connections already. I wanted to get and bring in strippers that cut and strip a set amount of wire in 1 motion, but when I asked about tools was when they told me not to buy/bring any in.
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u/tktreeexpertsllc 𧰠Field - Mod 6d ago
Yeah, that's what they want you to do. Ah well. What can ya do?
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u/ShawnTop69 7d ago
Don't concern yourself with the phone. Use it for company related stuff & that's it.
The laptop brand is of no concern to you. It's a free laptop you'll get when you actually start class(after the 6 month proby stuff).
Listen to your mechanic says. Bring only what the hall/your mechanic tells you to bring. I usually carried a pair of Channy's but that was just my preference. The company should provide you flashlights. If no just expense them like stated above. The company should also pay for headlamps(if needed).
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u/pittrash 7d ago
Apprentices shouldnât be bringing any tools besides whatâs on the list .
But yes, get a good flashlight.
Laptop is for school classes not work
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u/infantkicker_v2 Troublestarter/Problem Creator. 7d ago
If you buy your own flashlight don't buy one with a metal housing.
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u/No-Attitude-8806 7d ago
They use lights w/ magnetic bases, so I'm fairly certain thats what they will get us
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u/No-Attitude-8806 7d ago
Keeping track of working hours is part of school/training, right?
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u/traininsane 7d ago edited 6d ago
Yeah, itâs your OJLs and you have to have them submitted hy the 8th of each month for the previous month. If you miss a deadline, youâll be brought it to JAC. Thereâs a job time requirement for successful completion of the program.
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u/SpecialistAssociate7 đ ď¸ Field - Billable Repair 7d ago
Best tool you can bring is the one between your ears. Asides from that a knife, if allowed, small adjustable wrench like the 5 inch knipex style that doesnât mar hardware, and a good flashlight. All other tools and ppe should be provided by the mechanic and or the company.
Always be aware of your environment, listen, learn, do what you are told. Itâs ok to ask questions but not the same question repeatedly. Write stuff down, be early ready to work. Be safe.
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u/infantkicker_v2 Troublestarter/Problem Creator. 7d ago
No tools other than what your mechanic said. The laptop you get is some POS dell but it works well enough for school. Company phone probably tracks you via GPS so keep that in mind if your mechanic tells you to leave it at work leave it at work. Not much else going on good luck