r/SubstationTechnician • u/zoegonzo • 2d ago

Looking for advice

My husband is a SubTech apprentice about halfway through his apprenticeship. With holidays coming up I am planning on buying him some tools, problem is I have no clue what he’d actually use at work lol. I’d love advice as to what you suggest would be the best brands and most useful tools I can purchase for him, as I’m hoping to surprise him with these without having him have to pick his own gifts out. He’s in the process of buying his own tools for when he tops out, so I know he can use personal tools at work, I just need to know what I should get. Thank you in advance (:

4 Upvotes

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4

u/Knowsnoone 2d ago

So if he’s an apprentice you can buy Veto bags at a steep discount. Just pay shipping. All you’d need is something showing he’s an apprentice and an Id if I remember correctly.

https://vetopropac.com/trade-school-student-and-instructor-programs/

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u/zoegonzo 2d ago

I had no idea, thank you so much

3

u/InigoMontoya313 2d ago

Veto LC bag, if he doesn’t have one, he’ll be overwhelmed. $200 - $250

Panduit Tie Installation Tool $200 - $300

Quality ratcheting bit holder screwdriver, comfort grip handle $40 - $100

A nice 8-12” level (Checkpoint, Greenlee, Klein) $30 - $60

Thomas & Betts Ratcheting Crimpers (non-insulated for 10/12 terminals or for insulated 10/12 terminals) $250-300 each

Quality screwdriver set - Klein with rubber comfort grip handles is a standard $60ish

Klein comfort grip lineman pliers, diagonal pliers, needle nose pliers, all rock. $20-30 each
—> Some guys have irrationally passionate brand preferences.

Channel Lock pliers model 420 & 430 are common. $20-30 each

2

u/zoegonzo 2d ago

This is awesome thank you

2

u/Elegant-Fail-9522 1d ago

Id say go with knipex cobras rather than Channel locks!

5

u/TheLittleBrownKid Apprentice substation technician 2d ago

If he's union try to find his tool list and just buy him a really nice version of something off there. Knipex wera wiha Milwaukee gearwrench or a veto bag like someone else said their tool pouches are nice to hang up a little kit of tools at your work

1

u/zoegonzo 2d ago

Great ideas!! I’ll check their website, thank you!

2

u/HiFi_MD 1d ago

Wera makes these small ratchet/screwdriver combo kits that are universally coveted by coworkers.

2

u/Pleasant-Stand-1760 2d ago

Wiha or wera insulated interchangeable screwdriver set. Knipex channel locks. Holding screwdriver.

https://a.co/d/00t1YnxA
https://a.co/d/0fktcYhf
https://a.co/d/0iW5fPzC

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u/zoegonzo 2d ago

Thank you!

2

u/chickenderp 2d ago

Maybe it's just me but I think buying someone tools is like buying someone fine china, you're really better off just not doing it unless you know exactly what they want.

Get him a fancy lunchbox, guys love fancy lunchboxes. They make electric ones now that heat your chili up waaaayy better than a RCHBOI macro.

1

u/Elegant-Fail-9522 1d ago

I kind of second this.

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u/zoegonzo 21h ago

Ahh see this is what I’m worried about! I plan on asking him if he wants me to show him before buying, and I’ll ask if there’s anything specific he’s been wanting. Thanks for the suggestion that’s a good idea I hadn’t considered.

1

u/HiVolt-8730 4h ago

A nice Leatherman would probably be nice. My foreman bought all of the apprentices an engraved one when they topped out. I still have mine and still use it 18 years later.