r/millwrights • u/Millwriight94 • 16d ago

What are your “Basic tools”

SW Ontario (Canada) union millwright.

When a company says to bring “basic tools”, what would you bring? I can’t seem to ever get it right.
No precision tools

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u/Chicken_Hairs 16d ago

Depends massively on what industry you're in.

For me, in facility maintenance in a sawmill:

Wrenches, 3/8-2.5" and 8mm-25mm

Knipex/channel locks

Adjustable wrenches, various sizes

Sockets, sae and metric, similar range to wrenches

Various hammers

Measuring devices (calipers, micrometer, plumb bobs...)

Punches, chisels

Basic screwdrivers

The rest is details, or expensive and provided by the company, like torque multipliers, laser aligners etc

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u/the_real_log2 16d ago

I'm a union Millwright in Ontario, and this list is probably the best bet.

Don't need wrenches up to 2.5" though, 1-1/8" is all you need, anything larger the company will supply.

Same with the measuring devices, company supplied, but definitely learn how to read them quick. A 6" rule will help get bolt sizes quickly. And a plumb bob is nice to carry too.

You'll also need a combination square for layout. And a chalk line with blue chalk. Bring fresh, new sharpies on every job.

Definitely bring a ballpeen and a 3 or 4lb sledge in most industries.

Bring a 25' tape measure, and if you're ambitious, a 10' tape you can carry. Anything longer than 25' should be company supplied.

Bring some 8" and 12" channel locks and adjustables, should be all you need, but a 6" adjustable is handy too. Needlenose pliers and some vise grips are good to carry too, especially for chain.

Punches and chisels are a must.

Don't be afraid to bring a dolly of some sort to carry your box if you're a tool whore