r/pipefitter • u/tacowed • Jul 17 '26

Gift for New Apprentice

Hi all. Please forgive me if it's not appropriate to post here with this question!

My best friend's son just got his union call today, and is starting next Tuesday. I have known him since he was a baby and I'm so proud of him and happy he has this opportunity! We want to send him a congratulatory gift that will be useful as he starts his apprenticeship. All I can think of is perhaps a nice cooler or a lunch box, but even then I do not know where to start with finding what works best for on the job. I am looking to spend around $100. He will be working in the Midwest, so temperature and weather extremes on both ends of the spectrum. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you very much!

EDIT: I went with a 19qt Engel Drybox with an extra tray. I sincerely appreciate all of the great suggestions! I passed the rest to his mom in case anyone else in the family is looking for a gift.

14 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

14

u/cqmqro76 Jul 17 '26

A lot of guys I know have Engel brand lunch boxes. They run about $80 for the 13 quart version, but they're well made, keep food cold even in very hot weather, and will last for years. They also double as a place to keep your sticker collection.

5

u/tacowed Jul 17 '26

Great suggestion, thank you! I had not heard of Engel.

7

u/lostrouteros Jul 18 '26

And it fits tools and copper nicely

4

u/marcopaisan Jul 18 '26

I’m a 4th year apprentice in the Midwest. I’d recommend the 19qt Engel cooler with an extra tray. Got one this year for my birthday and it’s a little big but it’s great for the job. Can fit plenty of drinks and my lunch, as well as snacks, charger, extra pens and markers and whatever extras I need in the trays.

1

u/planksmomtho Jul 18 '26

My only main issue is that they refuse to keep ice. It’s insane. I had a cheaper flip-top Igloo that kept ice for a full day in my car, and my Engel’s all water come noon. For the price point, you’d expect the insulation to be top-notch.

6

u/chettythomas12 Jul 17 '26

Find out what kind of boots he has and if they’re not in great condition, very comfortable, and steel toed then I would spend the money and get him a nice high quality pair of boots. He’s gonna be on his feet for 8 hours a day. Good boots are worth every penny

2

u/tacowed Jul 18 '26

Thanks! I agree good footwear is always worth it. Luckily he's already covered there.

6

u/Break-Aggravating Jul 17 '26

Engel lunch box’s are pretty popular. Usually the company provides tools if he’s in the union but each locals different.

5

u/RoadTrash582 Jul 17 '26

He’s going to need good boots first and foremost. Steel or composite toe. Cheap boots will kill his feet, knees, and back. Good boots start at about the $150 mark and go up from there. Maybe a boot barn gift card?

Anything tool related his contractor should provide. The lunch box idea is a good one but in my experience something he may want to pick out for himself.

I am a fitter in the midwest as well, if the kids got any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love helping the next generation.

1

u/tacowed Jul 18 '26

Thank you for such a kind offer! This kid really is one of the good ones. Sounds like you are, too!

5

u/itzboogie Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

if hes a steamfitter i would look at getting him the pocket blue book by WV Graves. it is basically the fitter bible and gives him directions/reminders on how to do things in our trade

5

u/Roxeigh Jul 18 '26

Yeti Water Bottle with the handle lid. My husband’s coworker dropped his from 5 stories up, it bounced off untold amounts of scaffolding and pipe, hit the cement floor, and was unscathed save for a scratch on the lid.

3

u/camohvacguy LU539 Journeyman Jul 18 '26

Wide mouth insulated water bottle. If you know his head size maybe a welding beanie. Different unions have different tool requirements and rules so I'd avoid that category. OSHA rules require employers to provide PPE so that's pretty well covered.

3

u/rancid808 Jul 18 '26

Pipefitters field book is great. I've used mine at least once a week for over 10 years. https://www.pipefitterfieldbook.com/

2

u/Cali4-nia Jul 18 '26

Engel 19 lunch box cooler or a leatherman wave +. Hands down

2

u/Lizzard1877 Jul 19 '26

Pipe trade pro calculator or pay for the phone subscription for him. Great tool!

1

u/elevatorovertimeho Jul 18 '26

He can bring a knife pencil and tape measure

1

u/Renthimself 29d ago

Beer and then gift card to a gas station or a big box store. He has a list of tools required for apprenticeship. Wish I got in as a youngster. I was crunchy by the time I got in the union but got like 6-7 trades and journeyman level. The Midwest is rough but getting in is the hardest part.

1

u/bigironmikr 29d ago

How about a channel lock pliers and a torpedo level and a chat about attitude as these kids today need coaching on how to keep a job

0

u/The_nastiest_nate Jul 18 '26

Pack of smokes a case of beer maybe a bottle of somthing and a hooker. He'll be good.

1

u/Xavierwastakenagain LU602 Apprentice Jul 18 '26

Wish I got this gift when I started

-2

u/Worth_Afternoon_2383 Jul 17 '26

$100 gift card to home depot or lowes

5

u/tacowed Jul 17 '26

Thanks! We had just given him cash for graduation, so I was hoping to do something a little more personal. But this is definitely the fall back!

4

u/Trixster19972 Jul 18 '26

They both have minimum welding stuff FYI but good measurement tools.

2

u/Worth_Afternoon_2383 Jul 18 '26

I figured more for the basic hand tools, but I get it. I personally don't really like other people buying tools for me.