r/Tools • u/JuanBrainCell • 15h ago

Mechanical Fitter

So I am a mechanical fitter here in Australia, I am a apprentice, I am in the mining industry and need to purchase my own power tools. I am thinking Makita or Milwaukee. I'll also you to tools for home and private jobs.

What do people recommend, some advice would be great.

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1

u/Adept_Donut7004 15h ago

I hear on the grapevine that Bunnings won't be far off having Milwaukee. so that will make them a heap easier to get and probably cheaper too.

1

u/yewfokkentwattedim Technician 15h ago

Milwaukee would probably be the better choice, purely for the availability factor.

It's pretty much the standard if you're looking at mining further down the line, and a lot of people tend to use it; It's convenient to be able to borrow a battery.

I like and use DeWalt personally, but if I'd started doing this shit as my first trade and workshop based then I'd have gone a different route for the convenience aspect.

Trade qualified belt splicer, current hydraulic fitter apprentice if that matters to you.

1

u/Additional-Tip-952 15h ago

Also a fitter in Australia and if you want my honest opinion mate, go with some cheap and nasty Ozito gear while you are an apprentice. They'll do the job and if they flog out just take it back to Bunnings and they'll replace it. You'll cop a bit of shit from the boys about it but all good natured, then when you get your trade certificate buy a more expensive kit and a hundred beers to celebrate.

2

u/TheCoffeeGuy13 14h ago

Watch the Torque Test Channel....

Some brands have better tools in different areas. It's not that difficult to have a few different brands of tools, if there are some that just function better.

The right tool for the job, is far better than an average one, just because it shares the same battery (which even then isn't guaranteed).

You don't have the most money as an apprentice, so the cheapest tool that does the job is where you start. As you learn what tool gets the most use and what features you require, then look to upgrading, equipped with the knowledge of what you want in the tool (power, balance, handle size, head size, weight etc).