The oscillating multi tool, a dedicated hammer drill is a godsend when your dealing with serious concrete and a metal cutting circular saw is pretty bad ass. I think I prefer it to the portaband for cutting strut, rebar or conduit, and it doubles as a descent wood saw.
I bought a GEN 2 18v SUPER HAWG to replace my ancient corded hole hog. I was going to go with the regular 18v version (shown in this video) but had a 25% off coupon tht only applied to the super hawg and made it only 10$ more expensive then the regular one. All I have to say is HOLY CRAP. its a monster. It will plow though stud packs like they are made of cheese.... very soft cheese. Its unstoppable. I am happy with it but If i was to do it again I would likely just get the standard (smaller) 18v Hole Hawg (the one shown in this video). The Super Hawg is huge, and VERY long, good for leverage, bad for maneuvering it carrying it with a 24" Quic-loc extension in it. (think of a 20lbs framing square sized tool: AKA awkward) The super Hawg is VERY heavy 2x the weight of the standard hole hawg. ( `20lbs with a battery and bits/augers etc. vs. the regular Hole hawgs ~10lbs.) The amount of torque it make over the regular 18v hole hawg is likely only needed 5% of the time (if that) but the extra weight and length is always there. If you need to replace your old school tired corded hawg ... the 18volt Super Hawg crushes it ... I doubt the Standard hawg would dissapoint either.
The oscillating multi-tool is a must have for any kind of cut in. The thing has cut things I never would of imagined and saved my butt many times. I'm a red guy too...Hilti
I was going to buy a ryobi oscillating tool because it had a bunch of attachments (rigid does too) and I'm so glad I went with Milwaukee. I didnt need one at the time, I just live a ways away from a good tool store, and wanted to be prepared. I've used it SO much in the last 3 months. Been through 20+ blades.
Does hilti actually have one? I always tell everyone around me, that i have made a mistake when i need to use my (makita 18V) oscillating thingy. It will get me out of trouble, but usually everything where it is used, should have been cutted earlier with more suitable tools. And any blade that cuts steel is too expensive and too easy to fuck up (or at least you could not let your crew use yours). For plastic pipes and trunking its nice, but as you could cut and notch already installed conduits, you start to think less what you are doing and cut way more on a ladder than is safe or wise.
I would miss my SDS. The hammer setting on the Milwaukee drill is nice for a tap con or two, but after a few holes, it's worth the walk to the truck to grab the SDS. Also a must-have for drilling holes for threaded rod or larger masonry anchors.
I was told by my instructors in college "what makes you better for taking this class than any other electrician, is that you can ask any Journeyman in the trade how to wire something, and they can show you, but then ask them WHY it has to be wired that way, and most of them will tell you "because that's just the way it is, because that's code" but WHY is it code? What's the safety reason that makes it a code requirement? What does the current, the properties of the circuit that state WHY you wired it that way, WHY you used that size conductor, that size/type of pipe, etc.
If you haven't tried the midsized Milwaukee band saw you're missing out. It's the most versitle they have. Strut and pipe up to 2" cut like butter. Big pipe, draw a line then cut and roll.
Sds is a must. A corded coring drill too. I would also talk about batteries. I use the 1.5ah lightweight batteries on my impact & drill & my 4-6ah batteries with my sds & band saws. U don't need more then the 1.5ah & it's alot lighter unless doing some heavy drilling or cutting & u want the extra power & battery.
Missing on the list: 1) multi tool (Fein multimaster is amazing if you're willing to go off system for the batteries, a lot less vibration) 2) rotary hammer, needed for making larger holes in concrete if you need to run conduit through a wall. Running ground rods too. 3) cordless vac, but not the small ones. If you're team red then the 2 gal wet/dry is perfect. Optional: 1) Dewalt cable stapler, if you staple a lot of romex it will make your life much easier. 2) Hydraulic driver instead of an impact drill, less power but your ears will thank you in the long run. 3) rotary cut out tool, if you ever need to cut around something buried under sheetrock. 4) a good light source that runs on your main battery system, so you always have a battery ready.
I use the cordless oscillating multi-tool all the time. It is also a must have for cutting boxes into cabinets on islands. I also use it on remodels when removing old plastic boxes that have the lip behind the drywall. I use this tool more than I ever thought that I would. Great video
A SDS drill is a must, drilling larger holes through concrete, chipping out concrete, etc. Even seen people drive in grounding rods with them, not a recommended use but yeah. Replacing the jig saw with an oscillating multi tool is another one of those "where have you been all my life!" things. Only other critique is trying to avoid mixing brands, since the batteries aren't interchangeable and aren't cheap either.
Absolutely love my porta band so much easier to cut threaded rod for light fixtures, strut, conduit and I’ve even used it to cut service cable. Instead of a heat gun for heat shrink I use a map gas torch with the wide nozzle but then again I mainly use heat shrink only on the really big stuff like overhead service drop connections. The power companies around here have us do the disconnect reconnect even on underground services. We can even pull and reseal meters.
An SDS plus Roto hammer and a oscillating multitool are two other power tools that are must haves. We have a lot of stucco brick and stone houses around us so my Roto Hammer is also my core drill. And the ground is really rocky so it works really well for ground rods.
I have everything you mentioned and more in blank & yellow brand. I'd like ro stay in one battery platform. How could you miss "thread rod cutter", oscillating, and flashlight/work area light? I use headlamps but for ranch and attic I prefer a work light .
Russian sparkies don't use many of these tools due to the fact that most of our work is with concrete and masonry construction. Lots of core drilling and channel cutting in concrete! But the heat gun is my go-to. Thanks for the gifts, I use those tools all the time!
@@andover7067 Dude, you need a hug or something? Your parents didn't love you enough? Go have a drink, get laid, do something to deal with your anger issues.
@@andover7067 The government of the country and its people are NOT the same thing, dude. People are people everywhere. They love, they have kids, they die, they try to be good to others most of the time. The government of the country, if you have a problem with them, is a whole other thing. No need to hate on people bro.
Inspection camera. I love the DeWalt one as the screen comes off and is Bluetooth to the unit so I can have the screen stationary as I manipulate the camera around.
Also makita makes a Sheetrock saw that works very well. When do full remodels it collets the dust and cuts the depth exactly so you don’t damage anything inside the wall.
Consider an oscillating multitool. All the major companies have a version of it. I have the DeWalt version. It’s very useful for cutting out drywall for switch boxes, in remodel applications,. trimming wooden obstructions and a multitude of minor trims.
The moment when you go from a recip saw to a bandsaw is always an eye opener. After doing repetitive work the "traditional" way and then getting a tool that really helps the process, you almost want to yell, "why didn't anybody tell me this!?!"
Not an electrician here (12v automotive installer) but I love my Milwaukee M12 stuff. Definitely consider picking up their oscillating multitool. That thing can do just about anything. Also, having a super small impact/screwdriver has come in handy for me a few times when I didn't need a whole lot of power.
We do construction, everything from demo, framing, electric, plumbing, finishing and we use only milwaukee 12volt for impact, drill/hammer drill, sawsall. However at home I only use milwaukee 18volt 😏
Good list. I’m actually very surprised at the number of electricians I come across that don’t have a bandsaw. I see them cutting pipe with sawzalls and leaving these jagged edges on them. It makes me cringe. One additional thing I definitely would include is an SDS drill. Absolutely crucial to have it for chiseling and drilling larger size holes in masonry where the normal drill on HD setting doesn’t cut it.
The oscillating multi-tool has saved my hide many times when doing residential work. I’m a red guy, but I prefer the DeWalt gyroscopic screwdriver. It’s great for all of the machine screws that we use in switches and receptacles, but it can also drive a 3” screw when hanging a ceiling fan. Turn your wrist left, it turns CCW. Turn your wrist right, it turns CW. Turn your wrist a little bit, it turns slowly. Turn your wrist a lot, it spins fast. One of my favorite things too is that it fits in my back pocket
Home-gamer here. I was skeptical when I got an oscillating tool, but there are things it does that it does REALLY well and other tools do terrible. Particularly tight spaces. BUT, trying to use it for things other tools are great at, it does crap. I loved it for trimming tiles up against cabinets to open space to run my LV LED light cabling, and getting nails in between boards where you can't use the "bend the sawzall blade" trick. And I really love it for cutting drywall for remodel boxes. My color? Beige, but none of you use that junk. :-D
I barely seen anyone using that besides myself. Super useful love that tool it's very light for its power I installed more than 90 devices in a building just using that for screwing
Definitely agree on milwuakee vs dewalt/makita on drills... I'm not buying a circular saw until I get to $50/hr lol I'll just keep asking the framers to cut blocks for me until I make it 🤞 edit: nail gun and circular saws but no Fein saw? in residential that's more important than sawzall IMO
Dude I love using a angle grinder for when I cut pieces of uni-strut I grind the burs off the sides when I am building racks or trapeze racks for emt. Also a oscillating multi tool works badass for cutting out drywall for cut in boxes if you're gonna add a plug or etc. I'm a red guy thru and thru also!
The fact that this list has no sds or multi-tool makes me question the whole thing.. I don't know what places this fella works in but most electricians need to run cables through walls on a regular basis
The UK I use all the time is a Makita wall chaser as we flush cables in concrete walls. Saves hour and hours chasing cables in the walls. Best purchase Iv ever made for my work.
@@salg500 not for wood. I would substitute the jig saw with a multi tool on the list, but in some cases a jig saw works better (less noise, faster cuts). If you ever need to put an old work box into a piece of wood or a cabinet it's going to be a lot more difficult without either one.
Every electrician needs a porta-band. Also roto hammers are pretty necessary. Self leveling lasers are absolutely necessary. Vacuums and lighting can be important too.
I never used a band saw, and with all the tools I have I think I really need to get one. Seems like everyone here is praising them. I definitely agree about lasers and vacuums, my cordless vac gets used at every job I go to. Need a multi tool on the list as well, would make a top 5 on my list.
Just purchased the Milwaukee electricians tool belt and drill holster and I'm actually really loving it. As a pro, I was curious as your opinion about the belt? Love your channel, please keep up the great work!
owning your. own power tools is expensive. I joined the union and now I`m not allowed to bring in any of my own power tools or any tool over 50.00 or over 16" The contractor is responsible for providing all the tools. I love it. & I make 70.00 per hr.
I am first year apprentice and have a question related to power tools. is it expected that either as apprentice or journeyman one should have their own sawzall, circular saw, and grinder? or these ones should be provided by the company you work for? I have my own hand tools and two basic power tools (drill and impact driver) but I am not sure about buying the above-mentioned ones. The only reason I am thinking about buying those tools is to save time and get the job done quicky as sometimes you don't have those company tools handy because someone else is using them. I see in some cases that some electricians have their own power tools (Aside from Drill and impact driver) even when they work full time for a company what about you guys, Do you think it's fair to buy those power tools with your own money or the company should provide you with power tools?
I would say make the investment as you will save you and your company time and $$, they will notice that and thay may keep you around versus the guy who dosen't have the necessary tools.
@@nathanielgardener318 it's about priorities. When I first started making decent money, I quickly bought a "badass" truck. As I progressed I learned that tools were going to get me more jobs, more money and enhance my learning. Nowadays, making what would be considered real good money in most places, I buy a lot of my clothes at Walmart, Costco and Target. I don't buy the newest vehicle out, I wait 5 or 6 years and I invest in my tools.
The Milwaukee metal cutting circular saw. That thing is awesome. It cuts 1 5/8 kindorf/unistrut faster than the bandsaw. Plus it's cool to the touch after a cut.
To those HVAC guys. A drill with hammer setting is perfect to start hole where the screw is aiming. This assume that the slipping clutch and hammer functions is work together otherwise we can over run the thread in the hole at the end of fastening.
You showed so many different saws and didn't include any hammer drills. Looks like someone really wanted to be a Carpenter but ended up as an Electrician 😂
Literally the first thing he showed was a hammer drill. As electricians we do a lot more cutting than drilling typically. Cutting pipe and metal studs is much more common than hammer drilling. The majority of concrete drilling is just drilling pilot holes for a tapcon.
@@Avaddon911 That highlights how different the trade can be from country to country. In the UK Sparks use hammer drills (mostly SDS) almost everyday especially on the industrial side. I'd say my cordless SDS makes up about 60-70% of my power tool usage on site.
@@stevoc9930 I do mostly commercial jobs. But typically a sawzall/bandsaw and an impact driver are the most widely used tools. I occasionally have to drill a few holes in concrete for 3/4 or 1 inch conduit. But if there is a larger hole needed it's usually an outside company that specializes in core drilling that is called in.
@@nathanielgardener318 I take it you're in the IBEW... I worked non Union for years and then joined, local 683. Then I saw how many lazy whiny fat fucks worked there and decided to move on. But if that's your opinion then I can't stop you from having it. Plenty of non Union and Union guys work hard every day. The difference is most of the Union guys are arrogant for no reason.
Never seen a residential electrician use a jig saw circular saw or framing nailer before...i would say a multi tool or sds drill is much much more valuable then those tool for electrical work.
@@GreasyReecey dude seriously?? are you an electrician or general contractor?? whats more important for an electrician a circ saw or oscillating multitool. how often are you cutting 2x4's? i actually never cut a 2x4 now that i think about it...for us electricians you're not a general contractor building a house you're an electrician installing units or wall sockets and running cable/conduit. and reading the comments, every other comment is saying the same thing i'm saying. i would even put a cut out rotary tool above a circ saw. also yes nails are cheaper but astronomically weaker then screws. screws last forever nails lose load strength over time. in my opinion the point isn't to make your life easy or to buy the cheapest stuff the point is to do the job right.
Nails aren't weaker than screws, they're used for different applications. Screws have much worse Shear strength and will break because they're brittle but have good hold. Take it easy just giving an opinion not trying to argue
SDS rotary hammer drill + rotary drill Chuck combo has been the my personal ace in the hole for the past 6 months. More efficient than a drill/hammer drill at being a hammer drill and can drill through studs all day.
My absolute must haves, in addition to what you mentioned, are a carbide/metal circular saw and a oscillating / "Fein" tool. I do a lot of commercial where I'm working around metal studs and/or working with conduit mostly, so a metal saw is an absolute must, and the oscillating tool is an absolute must for service work, remodels, etc.
I’ve had the original m12 impact/drill combo since they came out. I do apartment maintenance so use daily. The batteries last weeks. I lost the drill for about a year an a half found it in a shed. It sat in a shed in ny with no protection through all the seasons, the battery was still at full charge when found. I won’t buy anything but Milwaukee
I have found as my years of work evolved I had a mix of tool companies. Lately as I can I buy the same equipment brand so the batteries are compatible. Also phasing out corded tools, mostly. I give my other brand tools as I evolve to my apprentices.
@@edisona.543 the IBEW had decided not to accept me the go around they had, so I’m waiting for the next one. I’m working on all the classes they will have me take outside of the trade school, so I won’t have to then.
Never used a jigsaw or skillsaw so i would swap those for a multitool and for a rotary hammer because the Milwaukee drill/hammer drill can only do so much
Just one more very important tool. A good quality pair of safety glasses. Anti fog and comfort a must that way you will wear them. Thank you sir! well done.
Multitool, rotary hammer drill, vacuum, lights (bigger than flashlights), and fans, all battery-powered. In your list, the only tools I don't have are the bandsaw, framing nailer, and a HoleHog. I do have an angle drill. Not being a "Pro" my tools are green, don't knock them, my tools have been serving me well for years now.
Been doing commercial for quite a while as an apprentice, and i’ve been using the drill, impact, sawzall, and hammer drill. Though i may use the hammer drill less since the site ceiling for every floor is like metal. I don’t have my own band saw, but when the company provides ys and i cut some emt, wow so smooth
This is different more geared to residential work. For commercial must haves got to include a sds,iso tool, and the m12 3" cut off wheel is a beast for troughs and switch gear
The irony of an electrician using cordless tools is just too good not to mention. But of course it makes sense given that the reason an electrician would be on the job site is to hook up the electricity. 🙄
I agree with the bandsaw thing I used to use the sawzall for everything until I tried a bandsaw one day and I was like holy shit got to get one of these ASAP
Ive spoken with some electricians that their company gives them a tool allowance. Usually its not too much money but enough to cover the basics. Whats your experience in that?
The only thing that Dewalts XR label means is extra runtime all their tools are supposed to be "professional-grade" like a 5-10 year old Dewalt or Milwaukee at the time was called "professional-grade" but certain Black n decker or Ryobi tools made today use technology from the 5-10 year old Dewalt or Milwaukee so they could be consider "professional-grade"...
In Europe a hammer drill would make #2 and you would have a second big one with SDS-MAX for drilling holes > 1" in concrete. Electricians in Germany mostly use Bosch (blue is the pro stuff), where Carpenters have Protool and Festo. You won't see a nailer in an electrician's hand here though.
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You missed the oscillating multi tool. Must have!
Its not a must have, its more of a Quaility of life
YUP !
@@bloodsongsToolreviews 😂😂 so true
The oscillating multi tool, a dedicated hammer drill is a godsend when your dealing with serious concrete and a metal cutting circular saw is pretty bad ass. I think I prefer it to the portaband for cutting strut, rebar or conduit, and it doubles as a descent wood saw.
Definitely a must have if you live in an area with alot of plaster and lathe. No more shaking the lathe of the plaster.
I bought a GEN 2 18v SUPER HAWG to replace my ancient corded hole hog. I was going to go with the regular 18v version (shown in this video) but had a 25% off coupon tht only applied to the super hawg and made it only 10$ more expensive then the regular one.
All I have to say is HOLY CRAP. its a monster. It will plow though stud packs like they are made of cheese.... very soft cheese. Its unstoppable.
I am happy with it but If i was to do it again I would likely just get the standard (smaller) 18v Hole Hawg (the one shown in this video).
The Super Hawg is huge, and VERY long, good for leverage, bad for maneuvering it carrying it with a 24" Quic-loc extension in it. (think of a 20lbs framing square sized tool: AKA awkward)
The super Hawg is VERY heavy 2x the weight of the standard hole hawg. ( `20lbs with a battery and bits/augers etc. vs. the regular Hole hawgs ~10lbs.)
The amount of torque it make over the regular 18v hole hawg is likely only needed 5% of the time (if that) but the extra weight and length is always there.
If you need to replace your old school tired corded hawg ... the 18volt Super Hawg crushes it ... I doubt the Standard hawg would dissapoint either.
The oscillating multi-tool is a must have for any kind of cut in. The thing has cut things I never would of imagined and saved my butt many times. I'm a red guy too...Hilti
I second the oscillating tool. And I'm a Hilti man too. Got to go with the best.
Ridgid jobmax has the hacksaw, angle drill, jigsaw, & oscillating tool attachments so its a pretty good buy if you ask me.
I was going to buy a ryobi oscillating tool because it had a bunch of attachments (rigid does too) and I'm so glad I went with Milwaukee. I didnt need one at the time, I just live a ways away from a good tool store, and wanted to be prepared. I've used it SO much in the last 3 months. Been through 20+ blades.
Does hilti actually have one? I always tell everyone around me, that i have made a mistake when i need to use my (makita 18V) oscillating thingy. It will get me out of trouble, but usually everything where it is used, should have been cutted earlier with more suitable tools. And any blade that cuts steel is too expensive and too easy to fuck up (or at least you could not let your crew use yours). For plastic pipes and trunking its nice, but as you could cut and notch already installed conduits, you start to think less what you are doing and cut way more on a ladder than is safe or wise.
best tool for cutting drywall lol. fuck a keyhole saw when i got one of these
I would miss my SDS. The hammer setting on the Milwaukee drill is nice for a tap con or two, but after a few holes, it's worth the walk to the truck to grab the SDS. Also a must-have for drilling holes for threaded rod or larger masonry anchors.
My journeyman doesnt teach me much of anything. Almost everything I know came from you. You're the man dude!
Dude your journeyman has a job to do. You should be learning on your own. Ur getting paid
quit
find a new company
That guy sounds like a real piece of s***
If you ask questions and he brushes you off... QUIT and brush his ass off.
I was told by my instructors in college "what makes you better for taking this class than any other electrician, is that you can ask any Journeyman in the trade how to wire something, and they can show you, but then ask them WHY it has to be wired that way, and most of them will tell you "because that's just the way it is, because that's code" but WHY is it code? What's the safety reason that makes it a code requirement? What does the current, the properties of the circuit that state WHY you wired it that way, WHY you used that size conductor, that size/type of pipe, etc.
If you haven't tried the midsized Milwaukee band saw you're missing out. It's the most versitle they have. Strut and pipe up to 2" cut like butter. Big pipe, draw a line then cut and roll.
Lil Bandi is my favorite tool
Sds is a must. A corded coring drill too. I would also talk about batteries. I use the 1.5ah lightweight batteries on my impact & drill & my 4-6ah batteries with my sds & band saws. U don't need more then the 1.5ah & it's alot lighter unless doing some heavy drilling or cutting & u want the extra power & battery.
Missing on the list:
1) multi tool (Fein multimaster is amazing if you're willing to go off system for the batteries, a lot less vibration)
2) rotary hammer, needed for making larger holes in concrete if you need to run conduit through a wall. Running ground rods too.
3) cordless vac, but not the small ones. If you're team red then the 2 gal wet/dry is perfect.
Optional:
1) Dewalt cable stapler, if you staple a lot of romex it will make your life much easier.
2) Hydraulic driver instead of an impact drill, less power but your ears will thank you in the long run.
3) rotary cut out tool, if you ever need to cut around something buried under sheetrock.
4) a good light source that runs on your main battery system, so you always have a battery ready.
Wouldnt you just use the multi tool for the sheetrock lol
I use the cordless oscillating multi-tool all the time. It is also a must have for cutting boxes into cabinets on islands. I also use it on remodels when removing old plastic boxes that have the lip behind the drywall. I use this tool more than I ever thought that I would.
Great video
A SDS drill is a must, drilling larger holes through concrete, chipping out concrete, etc. Even seen people drive in grounding rods with them, not a recommended use but yeah.
Replacing the jig saw with an oscillating multi tool is another one of those "where have you been all my life!" things.
Only other critique is trying to avoid mixing brands, since the batteries aren't interchangeable and aren't cheap either.
After the angle drill, goes the multi-tool AKA oscillating tool. Cheers 🥂
Absolutely love my porta band so much easier to cut threaded rod for light fixtures, strut, conduit and I’ve even used it to cut service cable. Instead of a heat gun for heat shrink I use a map gas torch with the wide nozzle but then again I mainly use heat shrink only on the really big stuff like overhead service drop connections. The power companies around here have us do the disconnect reconnect even on underground services. We can even pull and reseal meters.
An SDS plus Roto hammer and a oscillating multitool are two other power tools that are must haves. We have a lot of stucco brick and stone houses around us so my Roto Hammer is also my core drill. And the ground is really rocky so it works really well for ground rods.
I have everything you mentioned and more in blank & yellow brand. I'd like ro stay in one battery platform.
How could you miss "thread rod cutter", oscillating, and flashlight/work area light? I use headlamps but for ranch and attic I prefer a work light .
Russian sparkies don't use many of these tools due to the fact that most of our work is with concrete and masonry construction. Lots of core drilling and channel cutting in concrete! But the heat gun is my go-to. Thanks for the gifts, I use those tools all the time!
@@andover7067 Dude, you need a hug or something? Your parents didn't love you enough? Go have a drink, get laid, do something to deal with your anger issues.
@@andover7067
"Dude, sorry you got a rotten soul or anger issues. In Russia we try to be kind to village idiots like you. Wish you all the best"
@@andover7067 The government of the country and its people are NOT the same thing, dude. People are people everywhere. They love, they have kids, they die, they try to be good to others most of the time. The government of the country, if you have a problem with them, is a whole other thing. No need to hate on people bro.
@Castlebury21 👍
As an American, I apologize for Kenwood. He seems kinda not there
Milwaukee makes a skill saw type metal cutter, works very well and cuts quickly
Dewalt romex stapler. It works for mc/bx also.
Inspection camera. I love the DeWalt one as the screen comes off and is Bluetooth to the unit so I can have the screen stationary as I manipulate the camera around.
1.angle grinder
2.rotary hammer/chipping gun
3.impact drill
4.oscillating tool
We work on concrete,cheers!
I would get a oscillating multi tool and an SDS plus roto hammer way before I get a cordless framing nailer.
About the recep saws ..... that one hand version has a stroke length about 1/2" .... the bigger one is probably 1.25" or so.
Also makita makes a Sheetrock saw that works very well. When do full remodels it collets the dust and cuts the depth exactly so you don’t damage anything inside the wall.
you left out the oscilating saw but you have a nail gun and a freaking jig saw in the list?? gtfo
a jigsaw and two sizes of sawzall. - and no oscillating multitool. I guess he doesn't know you can get jigsaw blades to fit a sawzall.
Consider an oscillating multitool. All the major companies have a version of it. I have the DeWalt version. It’s very useful for cutting out drywall for switch boxes, in remodel applications,. trimming wooden obstructions and a multitude of minor trims.
The moment when you go from a recip saw to a bandsaw is always an eye opener. After doing repetitive work the "traditional" way and then getting a tool that really helps the process, you almost want to yell, "why didn't anybody tell me this!?!"
Yep, had the same revelation with a band saw after years with a sawzall or a hacksaw non-powered.
your reaction to the bandsaw was exactly the same for me. once you go bandsaw you never go back.
A hole hawg as a personal is overkill AF
Not an electrician here (12v automotive installer) but I love my Milwaukee M12 stuff. Definitely consider picking up their oscillating multitool. That thing can do just about anything. Also, having a super small impact/screwdriver has come in handy for me a few times when I didn't need a whole lot of power.
Agreed . If I was him some tools I would have both. The light weight m12 tools are handy and more easily carried on belt.
Doing residential, get an electric screwdriver. It's the best for hanging fixtures, plugs and switches, sooo much stuff lol
We do construction, everything from demo, framing, electric, plumbing, finishing and we use only milwaukee 12volt for impact, drill/hammer drill, sawsall. However at home I only use milwaukee 18volt 😏
Good list. I’m actually very surprised at the number of electricians I come across that don’t have a bandsaw. I see them cutting pipe with sawzalls and leaving these jagged edges on them. It makes me cringe. One additional thing I definitely would include is an SDS drill. Absolutely crucial to have it for chiseling and drilling larger size holes in masonry where the normal drill on HD setting doesn’t cut it.
Oscillating multitool
Small cordless flood light so you don't have to always choose flash light vs work hot
12v impact
Apprentice
The oscillating multi-tool has saved my hide many times when doing residential work. I’m a red guy, but I prefer the DeWalt gyroscopic screwdriver. It’s great for all of the machine screws that we use in switches and receptacles, but it can also drive a 3” screw when hanging a ceiling fan. Turn your wrist left, it turns CCW. Turn your wrist right, it turns CW. Turn your wrist a little bit, it turns slowly. Turn your wrist a lot, it spins fast. One of my favorite things too is that it fits in my back pocket
That's the second most used tool in my bag besides my linesman pliers. BTW... Yellow guy here. =)
Home-gamer here. I was skeptical when I got an oscillating tool, but there are things it does that it does REALLY well and other tools do terrible. Particularly tight spaces. BUT, trying to use it for things other tools are great at, it does crap. I loved it for trimming tiles up against cabinets to open space to run my LV LED light cabling, and getting nails in between boards where you can't use the "bend the sawzall blade" trick. And I really love it for cutting drywall for remodel boxes. My color? Beige, but none of you use that junk. :-D
I made the mistake of using an oscillating tool to trim a WP box and it basically melted the plastic over the screw holes
I don't want to turn my wrist so I'll stick with Milwaukee electric screwdriver
I barely seen anyone using that besides myself. Super useful love that tool it's very light for its power I installed more than 90 devices in a building just using that for screwing
I always recommend the larger band saw. I found the smaller ones are just not as well constructed.
You rock
Definitely agree on milwuakee vs dewalt/makita on drills... I'm not buying a circular saw until I get to $50/hr lol I'll just keep asking the framers to cut blocks for me until I make it 🤞
edit: nail gun and circular saws but no Fein saw? in residential that's more important than sawzall IMO
Oscillating tool is a must especially, if you have the pop in box cut out blade makes clean fast cut outs nicer than using a jab saw
Dude I love using a angle grinder for when I cut pieces of uni-strut I grind the burs off the sides when I am building racks or trapeze racks for emt. Also a oscillating multi tool works badass for cutting out drywall for cut in boxes if you're gonna add a plug or etc. I'm a red guy thru and thru also!
You must not work where you need hot work permits. And I think a bandsaw cuts strut faster.
Nathaniel Gardener Yea I use a bandsaw to cut the strut but grind the edges with a grinder
I would have replaced the jig saw with an oscillating tool but awesome video anyways!
everyone keeps talking about them, never knew they existed until a year ago. they are really that good for cutting nice clean lines?
No oscillating tool?? ((Multi tool))
We do resi and commercial, oscillating tool gets brought out after day.
The fact that this list has no sds or multi-tool makes me question the whole thing.. I don't know what places this fella works in but most electricians need to run cables through walls on a regular basis
The UK I use all the time is a Makita wall chaser as we flush cables in concrete walls. Saves hour and hours chasing cables in the walls. Best purchase Iv ever made for my work.
What is the catalog number? I was watching a UK sparky and was wondering what that thing was.
Makita SG1251J 125mm Wall Chaser .
Did resi for 3 years never used a jigsaw
yup mostly jab saws.
@@salg500 not for wood. I would substitute the jig saw with a multi tool on the list, but in some cases a jig saw works better (less noise, faster cuts). If you ever need to put an old work box into a piece of wood or a cabinet it's going to be a lot more difficult without either one.
Every electrician needs a porta-band. Also roto hammers are pretty necessary. Self leveling lasers are absolutely necessary. Vacuums and lighting can be important too.
I never used a band saw, and with all the tools I have I think I really need to get one. Seems like everyone here is praising them. I definitely agree about lasers and vacuums, my cordless vac gets used at every job I go to. Need a multi tool on the list as well, would make a top 5 on my list.
Just purchased the Milwaukee electricians tool belt and drill holster and I'm actually really loving it.
As a pro, I was curious as your opinion about the belt?
Love your channel, please keep up the great work!
I used a rotor hammer drill like everyday.
Yep that should have been number 5 and the multi tool should have been number 6
Your videos are great man, very informative. How about making a video on arc. Flash suits and the types of PPE for arc flash
M18Cordless sds, m12 Milwaukee bandsaw....
owning your. own power tools is expensive. I joined the union and now I`m not allowed to bring in any of my own power tools or any tool over 50.00 or over 16" The contractor is responsible for providing all the tools. I love it. & I make 70.00 per hr.
I never had to buy a hole hawg company supplied that. Used it all of the time.
Hi mate love ur channel from Oz
Rotary hammer drill gets used a fair bit
Your contractor should supply all of those
Love the channel! Is there any way you could show us how to properly wire a lutron CL dimmer next to a eaton switch for a ceiling fan?
Im starting a new job tomorrow as an aprendice electrician and im nervous
I am first year apprentice and have a question related to power tools.
is it expected that either as apprentice or journeyman one should have their own sawzall, circular saw, and grinder? or these ones should be provided by the company you work for?
I have my own hand tools and two basic power tools (drill and impact driver) but I am not sure about buying the above-mentioned ones. The only reason I am thinking about buying those tools is to save time and get the job done quicky as sometimes you don't have those company tools handy because someone else is using them. I see in some cases that some electricians have their own power tools (Aside from Drill and impact driver) even when they work full time for a company
what about you guys, Do you think it's fair to buy those power tools with your own money or the company should provide you with power tools?
I would say make the investment as you will save you and your company time and $$, they will notice that and thay may keep you around versus the guy who dosen't have the necessary tools.
Milwaukee knockout set is by far one of my favorite ones to use
2 grand is out of most guys price range
@@nathanielgardener318 it's about priorities. When I first started making decent money, I quickly bought a "badass" truck. As I progressed I learned that tools were going to get me more jobs, more money and enhance my learning. Nowadays, making what would be considered real good money in most places, I buy a lot of my clothes at Walmart, Costco and Target. I don't buy the newest vehicle out, I wait 5 or 6 years and I invest in my tools.
Ike Rivers I bought a truck too and have a decent collection of tools now, but I agree the right tools will make jobs easier and make you more money,
The Milwaukee metal cutting circular saw. That thing is awesome. It cuts 1 5/8 kindorf/unistrut faster than the bandsaw. Plus it's cool to the touch after a cut.
Oscillating tool for drywall so nice
To those HVAC guys. A drill with hammer setting is perfect to start hole where the screw is aiming. This assume that the slipping clutch and hammer functions is work together otherwise we can over run the thread in the hole at the end of fastening.
You showed so many different saws and didn't include any hammer drills. Looks like someone really wanted to be a Carpenter but ended up as an Electrician 😂
Literally the first thing he showed was a hammer drill. As electricians we do a lot more cutting than drilling typically. Cutting pipe and metal studs is much more common than hammer drilling. The majority of concrete drilling is just drilling pilot holes for a tapcon.
@@Avaddon911 That highlights how different the trade can be from country to country. In the UK Sparks use hammer drills (mostly SDS) almost everyday especially on the industrial side. I'd say my cordless SDS makes up about 60-70% of my power tool usage on site.
@@stevoc9930 I do mostly commercial jobs. But typically a sawzall/bandsaw and an impact driver are the most widely used tools. I occasionally have to drill a few holes in concrete for 3/4 or 1 inch conduit. But if there is a larger hole needed it's usually an outside company that specializes in core drilling that is called in.
The real difference isn't the country its union vs non union. We do the real work and rats build houses.
@@nathanielgardener318 I take it you're in the IBEW... I worked non Union for years and then joined, local 683. Then I saw how many lazy whiny fat fucks worked there and decided to move on. But if that's your opinion then I can't stop you from having it. Plenty of non Union and Union guys work hard every day. The difference is most of the Union guys are arrogant for no reason.
Never seen a residential electrician use a jig saw circular saw or framing nailer before...i would say a multi tool or sds drill is much much more valuable then those tool for electrical work.
Jigsaw nah, but circ is nice for 2×4s and a paslode nailer makes putting them up fast and easy, also over time nails are cheaper than 3inch screws
@@GreasyReecey dude seriously?? are you an electrician or general contractor?? whats more important for an electrician a circ saw or oscillating multitool. how often are you cutting 2x4's? i actually never cut a 2x4 now that i think about it...for us electricians you're not a general contractor building a house you're an electrician installing units or wall sockets and running cable/conduit. and reading the comments, every other comment is saying the same thing i'm saying. i would even put a cut out rotary tool above a circ saw. also yes nails are cheaper but astronomically weaker then screws. screws last forever nails lose load strength over time. in my opinion the point isn't to make your life easy or to buy the cheapest stuff the point is to do the job right.
I guess we all do different work
Nails aren't weaker than screws, they're used for different applications. Screws have much worse Shear strength and will break because they're brittle but have good hold. Take it easy just giving an opinion not trying to argue
@@GreasyReecey yea i guess i did come off kind of aggressive. my bad not trying argue just friendly debate
SDS rotary hammer drill + rotary drill Chuck combo has been the my personal ace in the hole for the past 6 months. More efficient than a drill/hammer drill at being a hammer drill and can drill through studs all day.
Gotta love the band saw.
My absolute must haves, in addition to what you mentioned, are a carbide/metal circular saw and a oscillating / "Fein" tool. I do a lot of commercial where I'm working around metal studs and/or working with conduit mostly, so a metal saw is an absolute must, and the oscillating tool is an absolute must for service work, remodels, etc.
I’ve had the original m12 impact/drill combo since they came out. I do apartment maintenance so use daily. The batteries last weeks. I lost the drill for about a year an a half found it in a shed. It sat in a shed in ny with no protection through all the seasons, the battery was still at full charge when found. I won’t buy anything but Milwaukee
I have found as my years of work evolved I had a mix of tool companies. Lately as I can I buy the same equipment brand so the batteries are compatible. Also phasing out corded tools, mostly. I give my other brand tools as I evolve to my apprentices.
Dustin, what is your opinion of Bosch power drills?
blowers! and vacuums!
There is a reason why most tool rental joints rent Makita. If anyone knows which brand is the most reliable it is rental companies. just say'n
SDS-plus/max drills and hepa vacs. Standard equipment in the commercial world now.
Your videos have really inspired me and made me choose that I wanna go into being an electrician. I will start my apprenticeship within a year!
How is the apprenticeship going?
@@edisona.543 the IBEW had decided not to accept me the go around they had, so I’m waiting for the next one. I’m working on all the classes they will have me take outside of the trade school, so I won’t have to then.
@@Hellcatraz I am sorry to hear. good luck. GREAT on doing your classes on your own.
Never used a jigsaw or skillsaw so i would swap those for a multitool and for a rotary hammer because the Milwaukee drill/hammer drill can only do so much
Just one more very important tool. A good quality pair of safety glasses. Anti fog and comfort a must that way you will wear them. Thank you sir! well done.
Multi tool to cut boxes inside cabinets sometimes or walls that have plaster on them. Pretty hand for residential work
Contractor should provide all power tools.
what? no SDS ?
How many of these tools do apprentices need?
Multitool, rotary hammer drill, vacuum, lights (bigger than flashlights), and fans, all battery-powered. In your list, the only tools I don't have are the bandsaw, framing nailer, and a HoleHog. I do have an angle drill. Not being a "Pro" my tools are green, don't knock them, my tools have been serving me well for years now.
Been doing commercial for quite a while as an apprentice, and i’ve been using the drill, impact, sawzall, and hammer drill. Though i may use the hammer drill less since the site ceiling for every floor is like metal. I don’t have my own band saw, but when the company provides ys and i cut some emt, wow so smooth
where is the Wall Chaser?
The nail gun is what I'm saving for next, save a ton of time in rough ins for blocking out and setting boards for services
The M18 hole hawg is the best tool I have bought in the last ten years
This is different more geared to residential work. For commercial must haves got to include a sds,iso tool, and the m12 3" cut off wheel is a beast for troughs and switch gear
Thats weird.. Before fuel... What did you use?
Or were you not a PRO at that time? It worked for you then, it works for me now.
I would have a multi tool and hack zall as gotta haves.
What the heck is that thing on the back of the hole hawg? Oh…the handle. The thing I removed 60 seconds after first using it. Lol
Ditch the sawzall and save up for hackzall and bandsaw. Don’t need most of these tools unless u plan on doing residential.
The irony of an electrician using cordless tools is just too good not to mention. But of course it makes sense given that the reason an electrician would be on the job site is to hook up the electricity. 🙄
I agree with the bandsaw thing I used to use the sawzall for everything until I tried a bandsaw one day and I was like holy shit got to get one of these ASAP
Hackzall vs. Sawzall: The Sawzall has a longer stroke length than the Hackzall. Because of that, it cuts faster.
I don't have jigzaw or nail gun but I totally get what you mean for both of then that will be my next bday gift for sure!!
Metal cutting circular saw or chopsaw.
Wheres the most important sds drill??
I love my m12 bandsaw. Wish it was brushless though.
Ive spoken with some electricians that their company gives them a tool allowance. Usually its not too much money but enough to cover the basics. Whats your experience in that?
This is definitely residential orientated. Weird realizing I haven’t used a lot of these tools in years.
Were is the Multi tool or Roto zip? Those are way more important than a nail gun and a grinder.
In what world are you using a jig saw over a Oscillating Multi Tool?
The only thing that Dewalts XR label means is extra runtime all their tools are supposed to be "professional-grade" like a 5-10 year old Dewalt or Milwaukee at the time was called "professional-grade" but certain Black n decker or Ryobi tools made today use technology from the 5-10 year old Dewalt or Milwaukee so they could be consider "professional-grade"...
What about a real hammer drill?
In Europe a hammer drill would make #2 and you would have a second big one with SDS-MAX for drilling holes > 1" in concrete. Electricians in Germany mostly use Bosch (blue is the pro stuff), where Carpenters have Protool and Festo. You won't see a nailer in an electrician's hand here though.