My dad as a teacher always told his students if they would go into trade jobs: "Buy your tools cheap to start and then whenever one breaks you know you use that one and need it so you replace it with a good quality one."
Im in a pre employment plumbing course now at 28. I finaly decided this is what i want to do as a career. Took me long enough after high school. I love learning this trade. Its very satifying
12 years ago when i first started in the trade my first boss told me an apprentice has to carry channel locks, level, a tape measure, a pencil and preferably a crescent wrench and flashlight. These are my minimum every day carry in my overalls along with a sharp knife and 11 in one screwdriver
Mark Allan depending on what type plumbing you are doing everyday the list could be a million different variations. Great information though. Thank you for watching, commenting, and subscribing I hope...
During my first year as an apprentice, I have a pair of channel locks, crescent wrench, utility knife, torpedo level, flathead and Philips screw driver, 25' tape measure, pencil and a marker that I kept on me at all times in a 4 barrel pouch on my belt. I have acquired more tools that normally stay in my tool bag, but just having those basics at all times has been a life saver. Thank you for the great information and keep up the good work.
Starting as a helper this coming week and I just came across your channel while looking for tips. I’m also a Texan born and raised but have been stuck out of state for the past two 1/2 years, just trying to earn enough money to make it back (I just graduated hs) Finding you is Gods way of telling me I’m on the right path to get back home. Your videos have been super helpful thank you.
Tool I would add to the list, something I always have in my pocket is a beepstick or electrical tester. Safety is always priority. Always know when a circuit is live.
Such a big difference as I have been working as a plumber in Germany for over 20 years compared to America and other countries, just when it comes to the tool
A head lamp is very beneficial for underneath sinks or dark boiler rooms. And a note pad is ideal for making lists but a piece of cardboard will serve the same purpose.
Thank you I started residential plumbing to start my business and boy I tell you they know me at every home depo for the amount of time I come back for different fittings
Been a Cop 30 years, done all sorts of “Side Jobs”, but love Plumbing. I just like the work. Too bad I’m gonna be 52 when I retire. I’d love to get into the trade. I love working with tools and learning. I had the opportunity to learn pipe fitting from an HVAC guy some years ago. Anyway, I do a technical job at the PD I’m with, and have a ton of plumbing and tech tools. The bag I favor is the VETO Tech XL. It gets a little heavy but that is my Alamo bag with a smaller bag for the initial service call. I run the land mobile radio system for a municipality, and have to crawl around in police cars, highway trucks, anything with a radio in it. I like your videos, keep it up brother!
Pretty damn excellent tutoring. I'm a 63 year old carpenter who used to do a lot of home remods and I collected a lot of tools so I have almost everything on your list...keep teaching we're paying attention!
Great video Roger,started plumbing about a year ago myself. I started prepared with a husky tool bag that contained(channelocks,adjustable wrench,tape ,etc). I find my best investment I ever made was getting my Milwaukee m18 fuel hackzall about 5 months into the trade,I use it about everyday and it is very powerful,last long as well. I now have a bandsaw,new complete impact and hammerdrill set. Along a turbo torch kit set. My next goal is an sds hammerdrill and I would have about all the staple power tools necessities. Hoping to get my own gang box soon.
as a 4th year apprentice I carry in my pockets with me always, every day: tape measure, level, 10 inch channel locks, 12 inch channel locks, box cutters and a six in one tool. I also always have a sharpie and pencil on my hard hat and a light on my hardhat.
As a commercial Plumber, pipe fitter, and mechanical contractor. The three things every beginner needs to show up with is, Tape measure Two pairs of channel locks 8 inch and 10 inch work perfect With those items you will be able to get by. If you start with those items, we will guide you to what you need after that.
@@johnsoliz1640 Or people who aren't morons and don't want to be crippled when they are older. By the way I know some girls that are more rugged than you so you shouldn't try and use that as an insult.
As a plumber I started with cheaper tools, then as I worked my way up I passed my cheapy used tools down to my apprentices. Pass the trade and tools along.
Zwetschgen2 that is wonderful. Most of my apprentices were treated about the same. If there was something that they really needed I made sure that they had it!
Excellent video sir! I have been working for my dad as an apprentice for two years now, and if there’s one thing he has taught me above all else, is to always use two wrenches; one on whatever you are tightening, and one to use as a “back up” to prevent you from breaking something. There are a couple things I would add to your list, though: a good flashlight, and a socket set. We use a 3/8 socket almost every day for no-hub couplings and pac-joint fittings, but i also do mostly outside water and sewer repair.
A tiny 25ft hand cranking snake is defiently a good and cheap investment for anyone starting out . Also doesnt hurt to have extra fittings , parts , glue , primer , flux's , screws . and also a couple dreaded sharkbites on hand just in case . Love the videos , from NY
When I started in 2005 I was told I needed a torpedo level, 25' tape measure, 10" slip joint pliers, notepad and pencil and fine point sharpie when I showed up on the job.
Roger - I started as an apprentice, well a plumber's son. I carried the tool bag since I was 13 years old Plumbing and HVAC. Went away to college and worked as HVAC sheet metal labor (6 months) and then HVAC sheet metal service and installer for the (1 1/2 years) I had left. For me it was Hammer, Left/Right snips, 1/4 and 3/8 basic socket set, Straight and Phillips screwdriver and nut driver set (6 in 1) is far better today. Level and Hacksaw. That was by bucket with (4) things to add which I don't think you mentioned. 1 - Small hand broom and dustpan 2 - an old towel 3 - a magnet I know it sounds stupid obvious but since day one I was taught that our workplace is our customer's homes, always leave our workspace cleaner than when we came to work and never leave anything the customer must pick up or clean up after we are done. Now no longer doing these trades, I've had to hire some HVAC and Electrical work to be done and in both cases my property was left a garbage pit. It's the easiest way not to be called back by a customer.
I use my phone on all jobs to take before and after photos You never know when you will have a Kodak (or video) moment. Also, if you upload a pic online, the algorithms will pic up details like the location and show your photos to more people in that area.
I am an alarm technician / low voltage technician. I have found use for many of the tools that you have listed. I do most of my own Plumbing if it is not super complicated. Thank you for the list. All of your videos are top-notch.
Lol, I served as a plumber’s apprentice aka plumber’s helper in the 70’s. I learned back then the most important tool a plumber could have is a plumber’s apprentice with a good back! He would clean up the various ditches and do all sorts of tasks the plumber didn’t want to do. Aside from that, it was a cakewalk for the plumbers as I recall, lol
Hahaha... my father always told me that same thing! Sometimes you are waiting on something or someone and don’t want to look like you are wasting time. Measure anything, nobody has to know why , but they would rather see you moving than standing still.
I really appreciate your videos brother , you’re pretty thorough and very knowledgeable and most of all you have a gift talking and explaining things accurately. Thanks for your videos
You know I'm not a plumber but I am a novice handyman. And I've worked on a few urinals and toilets recently and there are a few tools that come in handy. One would be a inline screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a 3-way plumber's wrench, and on occasion some channel locks.
I’m 6 or 7 months into my apprenticeship and right now I have channel locks (3 sizes), hammer, crescent wrench (3 sizes), ratcheting wrenches, screwdrivers, markers, measuring tape, pvc cutters, strap wrench, knifes, brushless impact driver and hammer drill, multi tool, hackzall, flashlight, I need to buy a good pair of copper cutters I had one but it broke. I got all of this after starting so I feel like I’m not at a bad start to where I’m at, I do a lot of different work from houses to buildings like petco but I’m eager to learn and get more tools so I can be self sufficient when I learn more and am able to do things in my own I have already done a few jobs on my own like back flow devices and trap primers but still got a lot more to go
I am fortunate my dad was an electrician and my grandpa was general contractor who specialized in cement work. I have a garage full of tools and probably most plumbing tools. I do have the same pair of big ass channel locks haha. Only tool on your list I dont have is the flaring tool so if I can get in I am already ahead of the game in not having to spend a lot of $ on tools. A ferrule puller and valve seat wrenches have been a godsend even as a homeowner.
I’m 20, just starting as an apprentice plumber. After a few months I carry a small tool pouch with 9.5” channelocks, 8” adjustable, 8” pipe wrench, nut driver/screwdriver, utility knife, small flathead, ink marker, paint marker, pencil, and a tape measure on my other hip. I do various things, lots of service calls. But occasionally roughs or new construction. Luckily my tool pouch has a Velcro strap, so I’m able to remove it if I don’t want to get it dirty doing something like a main line.
I’m a maintenance technician and one tool that I didn’t see mentioned was a ratcheting pvc cutter. Especially working in apartments, it is often faster and more cost effective to replace a p-trap on a kitchen sink or lavatory then to try to clean the walls of the pipe and reassemble. Inevitably a slip joint or tail piece needs to be trimmed to complete the assembly.
I remember starting out...looked forward to every pay day so I could go buy a new tool or 2 or 3 lol. Make sure your tools are locked up somewhere safe though. I was so excited to use my first brand new rigid 5 piece kit that I just bought and the company job box got broken into 2 days later and just like that it was gone. We suspected it was one of the other j man but had no proof. It was pretty devestating. The quikpic with the 5/16 and 1/4 socket is super handy and easy to switch bits. Buy quality tools but always keep an eye on them as they will grow legs if you don't.
I always have a flip-knife with a built-in flat head and Philips screwdriver, pick-mattock and mud boots ready to go. The pick-mattock saves us huge amounts of time and energy when we're digging and I'm sure the mud boots have prevented trench foot plenty of times.
As a plumber you end up with a lot of specialty tools, some of them you rarely use but you got to keep in the van. Having a tri square is a super useful tool I use all the time for marking holes to drill and blocking to cut, have to have it.
Depending on the job, full PPE -gloves (leather if you'll be digging for a but or other form fitting ones for just workin) - a tool pouch that clips onto your pocket and for hell's sake, - a cooling shirt!! It's summer and it's hot!
I think the knipex channel locks are the best, I use them everyday they never slip and you get great leverage. The Milwaukee fastback razor, the rigid stop wrench, 1/2 and 3/4 crimpers, light, sawzall, impact
One of my favorite tools that's come in SO HANDY is a 6" and 12" extension bit for my impact, and a ringle angle bit for my impact. My journeyman was convinced to buy the 12" after watching me do some strapping during a roughin and not having to fiddle around the pipe to get to the screw, and my other journeyman saw the importance recently of the right angle bit when we had to get to an MJ clamp in a tight spot and it meant we didn't have to drop the whole bathroom group in the parkade to get it, only to redo it later and make sure everything was level. I'm one of those guys who's going to have a bag of power tools, bag of hand tools, and a bag of literally "These don't get used much but when you have a use for it, boy will it ever make your life easy"
Same tools are needed if you work as a waste water operator. Plumbing is a huge part of our job too. You have to replace damaged and broken lines, valves, and flanges along with servicing and repairing and rebuilding pumps. If you are doing municipal, commercial, and industrial wether water treatment or waste water, I also recommend getting a decent ratchet and socket set, along with a good set of wrenches. A lot of your larger valves, flanges and fittings are bolted together. We don't work too much with copper. In our world it's steel and pvc. I highly recommend getting Channel Lock PVC/oil filter wrenches. Some places provide tools and some places it's BYOT. Some places have a maintenance staff, others don't.
i have the Leatherman crunch but also i have found that the Leatherman surge has been one of my go to tools as a service plumber, with the Leatherman 42 Piece Bit Kit Set. been to many homes that had a leaky faucet that after just tightening or replacing boots and springs in a delta that helped me from having to go back and fourth to my van.
I'm not a plumber, but before switching to electrical work, I spent 5 years doing brewery maintenance, so I've had plenty of experience with sanitary plumbing. When I need an adjustable wrench, I usually reach for a quality pliers wrench and am fortunate to have a few, including some from Knipex. Harbor Freight's Icon series is also quite good for the price. When it comes to Crescent-style adjustable wrenches, I prefer those made in Spain. While there are some brands in Japan that I like, they are harder to find in the US. My preference for Spanish brands is because many other wrenches I've used in recent years, including some American-made ones, have caused nothing but frustration. The two Spanish brands I trust are IREGA and Bahco. IREGA, in particular, white labels their wrenches for many companies, including Channel Lock, and they are the manufacturer of the wrench shown in this video
Back in the 80s while I was attending vocational school a teacher from another trade told us the only 2 tools you need to become a plumber is an adjustable wrench and channel locks!
I'm slowly getting all of this useful information. My goal is to remodel my bathroom by this summer. The challenge is moving the shower and knobs from one wall to another. I'm also moving my sink over by a foot so have to change the plumbing as well
Early in the year I started as a labor. Entered with legit just a tape measurer for the first week, now I have a belt full of gear and cordless tools ready for whatever comes my way.
The Basin Wrench ahhhh been looking for this for month now. I just did a sink the was real tight. I just cut it off with my recip saw. Hopefully this will be a cure to my head aches
In big commercial. A turbo torch is a must have. In the hospitals we do all domestic water Is copper type k . All waste is cast iron and copper waste arms. Type L. Starting out. Imo. A good 25' tape measure a torpedo and channel locks. Then build from there.
When I worked for my dad, I was almost always with him so I used most of his tools. But tools he made sure I bought myself were Channel locks, pocket knife (preferably a box cutter style), tape measure, sharpie and pencil, ppe, and he always made sure I had two shovels so he could leave me digging holes while he went to the next job.
A couple tools I use pretty regularly as an apprentice, is the one stop wrench, and a jam bar ( small blue tool made to hold johnni bolts that are spinning)
Douglas channel locks is a must either yellow ones or red ones. by working with an old plumber I learned about special pliers made in Germany really good for pipe application 'KNIPEX' expensive though they're great tools There's another wrench which is really handy I think every one who's a plumber has it ONE STOP WRENCH is for replacing shut off valves its made by Ridgid it is a two piece tool, PASCO makes one also 15/16 x 3/8 # 4524. I do service plumbing in my solder kit I do have a round pipe kit which is a must to have 1/2'', 3/4", 1'' it is really handy to have if one has to solder softer copper which sometimes when one cuts it is not fully rounded.
Even though I was born in 1966, why do I need a pencil? This day in age, with everyone having a non flip phone (Smart Phone), you don't need pencils or pens anymore, well, except maybe to mark a pipe. ;-) All jokes aside, I love your channel. I do all the plumbing, electrical, networking, and fire system work at a drug and alcohol facility. So I have my own truck and have much of the tools and more, that you mentioned, on hand at all times on our 150 acer facility. I get stopped by the other maintainers all the time because they don't have what they need for a job that I end up finishing. I said I do all of the above work, but I try to get the other guys to at least try to fix some of the issues, but I usually end up finishing up. So like the other guys say, that is why I get paid the BIG BUCKS.! :-)
hi i like the videos, its fun to see how you guys do it over there in us. but in my 16 years as a plumber in Norway I have never had to buy tools. Plumbers in Norway get all tools from their company on loan as long as you are there. and I think this is being done all over the country. It is a pity that apprentices in your country have to buy their own tools when starting with a small salary. it is the company that profits in the long run and trains new and good colleagues. Keep make the entertaining videos where I can see that you are still in the 70's with pipe systems. 😁👍
And I have to say that I use exactly the same tool in norway, except for the collar tool which is really only used for gas in this country and brake lines.
I am a freshman in college as an econ major, and quite frankly, i’m not enjoying the whole college experience. I’ve been looking into getting into a trade, and i had a few questions. So to become a journeyman plumber do i need to go to any type of trade school? Or can i become a licensed plumber only from the apprenticeship? And if i become a plumber apprentice, generally, how much control do i have over my work schedule? Keep up the awesome videos Mr. Roger! They give me hope that i don’t have to deal with academia to be successful! Thanks!
Since youve graduated high school you can just go apply to plumbing companies to start an apprenticeship. You can either go with a private company or go down the Union route.
My personal advice as a 36 year old now is get into a trade now. I went to computer school and hated it.. Worked dead end office jobs all this while. My dad tried to get me into electricians trades when i was early 20s and I didnt really want to go down same path as him.. I wish I would have got into the trades years ago. I really want to get into the trade now at 36. I wish i didnt waste all those years at meaningless jobs.. Just my personal outlook. Do it now while youre young. Shit i coulda beem making bank at this age if i stayed with it.
Were I live we have well pumps and city water but on well pumps there's some times a 2 inch sch 80 union from the pump to the house and my big channel locks come in handyer than a pipe wrench.
I would advise any newer residential service plumber to also get a rigid one stop wrench, a rigid faucet installation tool and a rigid plastic tubular waste pipe cutter, they may see gimmicky but they have saved me so much time over the years. Also an inspection mirror, retrieval magnet, easy outs. Usually employer provides large items such as pipe threader, hammer drill, demo hammer. Before you know it you’ll have tools you can’t even remember why you bought because that spud wrench never leaves the tool bag.
I just want to point out the flare blocks and flare wrenches are made for hvac techs too. We use them for flare connections on ductless mini split systems
I still use my Dad's 50 year old Ridgid end pipe wrenches and never met a old union that I couldn't break ... Never and don't forget the gator aid piss bottle...
It depends where you work and maybe it's a thing of branche you are working in. For some of my friends that do work like carpentry, plumbing, electrical and so on, their company gifted them their first basic toolset (in most cases not that cheap stuff but still more on the lower price side) when they started their apprenticeship, but always with the note that they have to expand on their tools on their own in the future. And there are also some companies that completely give you all the tools necessary because you only work on super specific stuff. Naturally there also are companies where they don't give you anything.
As a Diy er. My basin wrench was probly the first real plumber tool I bought and use a lot. My original one that my grandpa gave me finally broke and that thing was old and simple.
1:32 We still use these all the damn time in Germany. The side of them always has a company logo printed on them so they act as a little advertisement that tradesmen carry around lol.
I am a HVAC journeyman working for a plumbing company I tell my new hires to go raid kitchen Drawer the one with all the random stuff in it and get the tape measure level and pencil to use for now Then I tell them to buy more and better tools every payday till the day they retire
You should buy knipex. They are the best. When it comes to screw drivers, snap on all the way. Also flair tools are used in automotive for building brake lines.
Hello Roger, thanks for the recommendations. Have you used these torch heads that you can screw on a portable propane tank? are those suitable as a stopgap measure until a more permanent setup is acquired? Thanks
NapoleonLouverture I have actually used them. They are great to have. I have had some plumbers that use them all the time. Is that what you have or are you getting one?
@@RogerWakefield I'll get one to start, then if I see that I find myself doing copper all the time get a serious torch setup I guess. But it's good to know the portable ones do a good job as well thanks.
Those torches are really popular with plumbers here in the UK with many using nothing else these days. Generally avoid the smaller/cheaper ones that run on butane and get one that take the propane or map gas cylinders..I'm not sure what's available in the US, but in the UK, the Rothenberger Surefire 2 seems to the popular one used by the pro's...But which ever one you go for, try to handle one mounted on a cylinder first as they feel quite heavy/clumsy compared to the sort Roger shows in the video....
@@peterevans8194 Got a Bernzomatic brass kit, the most basic one with a blue propane cylinder. It's looked exactly the same for the last 30 years, must be right!
My dad as a teacher always told his students if they would go into trade jobs: "Buy your tools cheap to start and then whenever one breaks you know you use that one and need it so you replace it with a good quality one."
Good advice!
Excellent advice!!!
Your Dad sounds like a wise man
Great advice.
That is really good advice
Im in a pre employment plumbing course now at 28. I finaly decided this is what i want to do as a career. Took me long enough after high school. I love learning this trade. Its very satifying
12 years ago when i first started in the trade my first boss told me an apprentice has to carry channel locks, level, a tape measure, a pencil and preferably a crescent wrench and flashlight. These are my minimum every day carry in my overalls along with a sharp knife and 11 in one screwdriver
Mark Allan depending on what type plumbing you are doing everyday the list could be a million different variations. Great information though. Thank you for watching, commenting, and subscribing I hope...
I hope you added a hammer to that list
Could do %95 of service calls with just those alone
@@theoneandonlyravioli2985 Yeah idk about that
That’s what I started with too
During my first year as an apprentice, I have a pair of channel locks, crescent wrench, utility knife, torpedo level, flathead and Philips screw driver, 25' tape measure, pencil and a marker that I kept on me at all times in a 4 barrel pouch on my belt. I have acquired more tools that normally stay in my tool bag, but just having those basics at all times has been a life saver. Thank you for the great information and keep up the good work.
James Cunningham How much did it all cost?
@@wonderbread6802 ive been plumbing for about 9 months, prepare to spend more than a thousand in tools after youre out in your own truck
I would want pipe wrenches in pairs,, got to hold the pipe, while you turn the fitting. Also head lamp and flash light.
Starting as a helper this coming week and I just came across your channel while looking for tips. I’m also a Texan born and raised but have been stuck out of state for the past two 1/2 years, just trying to earn enough money to make it back (I just graduated hs) Finding you is Gods way of telling me I’m on the right path to get back home. Your videos have been super helpful thank you.
Spot on respect
It’s hard to work with guys who don’t have the basics and they think you are a Free tool hire
Roger is the man, I just started a new plumbing job last week because of his videos
Tool I would add to the list, something I always have in my pocket is a beepstick or electrical tester. Safety is always priority. Always know when a circuit is live.
Such a big difference as I have been working as a plumber in Germany for over 20 years compared to America and other countries, just when it comes to the tool
A head lamp is very beneficial for underneath sinks or dark boiler rooms. And a note pad is ideal for making lists but a piece of cardboard will serve the same purpose.
Thank you I started residential plumbing to start my business and boy I tell you they know me at every home depo for the amount of time I come back for different fittings
Been a Cop 30 years, done all sorts of “Side Jobs”, but love Plumbing. I just like the work. Too bad I’m gonna be 52 when I retire. I’d love to get into the trade. I love working with tools and learning. I had the opportunity to learn pipe fitting from an HVAC guy some years ago.
Anyway, I do a technical job at the PD I’m with, and have a ton of plumbing and tech tools. The bag I favor is the VETO Tech XL. It gets a little heavy but that is my Alamo bag with a smaller bag for the initial service call. I run the land mobile radio system for a municipality, and have to crawl around in police cars, highway trucks, anything with a radio in it. I like your videos, keep it up brother!
Pretty damn excellent tutoring. I'm a 63 year old carpenter who used to do a lot of home remods and I collected a lot of tools so I have almost everything on your list...keep teaching we're paying attention!
Great video Roger,started plumbing about a year ago myself. I started prepared with a husky tool bag that contained(channelocks,adjustable wrench,tape ,etc).
I find my best investment I ever made was getting my Milwaukee m18 fuel hackzall about 5 months into the trade,I use it about everyday and it is very powerful,last long as well.
I now have a bandsaw,new complete impact and hammerdrill set. Along a turbo torch kit set. My next goal is an sds hammerdrill and I would have about all the staple power tools necessities. Hoping to get my own gang box soon.
as a 4th year apprentice I carry in my pockets with me always, every day: tape measure, level, 10 inch channel locks, 12 inch channel locks, box cutters and a six in one tool. I also always have a sharpie and pencil on my hard hat and a light on my hardhat.
As a commercial Plumber, pipe fitter, and mechanical contractor.
The three things every beginner needs to show up with is,
Tape measure
Two pairs of channel locks 8 inch and 10 inch work perfect
With those items you will be able to get by. If you start with those items, we will guide you to what you need after that.
I'm not a plumber, I’m an electrician , but this video was very informative and interesting.
Thanks Roger and have a great weekend 👍
Hey Roger! I'm a UA Member outta local 502 in Louisville KY, and I appreciate all of your videos! I just wanted to add knee pads to the list!
definitely knee pads. and hello from local 290 out of Tualatin OR
Adding them to the list now! I plan on getting my plumbing cert in the fall.
@@an253 My suggestion to you is don't cheap out on them! I bought $60 gel ones and they make a world of a difference.
Knee pads are good for wet surfaces but only girly girl people use them
@@johnsoliz1640 Or people who aren't morons and don't want to be crippled when they are older. By the way I know some girls that are more rugged than you so you shouldn't try and use that as an insult.
As a plumber I started with cheaper tools, then as I worked my way up I passed my cheapy used tools down to my apprentices. Pass the trade and tools along.
Zwetschgen2 that is wonderful. Most of my apprentices were treated about the same. If there was something that they really needed
I made sure that they had it!
Pex crimpers and tubing cutters are needed a lot now days.
Zeroce11 there are a million tools I could have put in there! I will add more for a later video. Thanks for commenting!
Just starting out and the company lets their plumbers have a personal tool account where they take 25 per check to pay off, such a great thing
Excellent video sir! I have been working for my dad as an apprentice for two years now, and if there’s one thing he has taught me above all else, is to always use two wrenches; one on whatever you are tightening, and one to use as a “back up” to prevent you from breaking something. There are a couple things I would add to your list, though: a good flashlight, and a socket set. We use a 3/8 socket almost every day for no-hub couplings and pac-joint fittings, but i also do mostly outside water and sewer repair.
I’m a new plumbers apprentice and I love the job so much, I love your videos more! Roger your awesome
Pretty much the perfect starter gear for any level 1 plumber. ❤ Start dumping points into pex and soldering stats to make the most Runes/money .
A tiny 25ft hand cranking snake is defiently a good and cheap investment for anyone starting out . Also doesnt hurt to have extra fittings , parts , glue , primer , flux's , screws . and also a couple dreaded sharkbites on hand just in case . Love the videos , from NY
Great video. My son just started plumbing school and now I know what to get him for Christmas.
I'm an apprentice fixing to go into my 2nd year and I can say my vicegrips and utility knife are my most used tools
When I started in 2005 I was told I needed a torpedo level, 25' tape measure, 10" slip joint pliers, notepad and pencil and fine point sharpie when I showed up on the job.
If you’re trimming on a commercial or residential job, a hex key set is perfect for installing fixtures and also a ridgid angle stop wrench
@Eduardo Padilla I agree. But, what tools do you use every single day no matter what?
Pipe benders for 3/8s lines
Roger - I started as an apprentice, well a plumber's son. I carried the tool bag since I was 13 years old Plumbing and HVAC. Went away to college and worked as HVAC sheet metal labor (6 months) and then HVAC sheet metal service and installer for the (1 1/2 years) I had left. For me it was Hammer, Left/Right snips, 1/4 and 3/8 basic socket set, Straight and Phillips screwdriver and nut driver set (6 in 1) is far better today. Level and Hacksaw. That was by bucket with (4) things to add which I don't think you mentioned.
1 - Small hand broom and dustpan
2 - an old towel
3 - a magnet
I know it sounds stupid obvious but since day one I was taught that our workplace is our customer's homes, always leave our workspace cleaner than when we came to work and never leave anything the customer must pick up or clean up after we are done. Now no longer doing these trades, I've had to hire some HVAC and Electrical work to be done and in both cases my property was left a garbage pit. It's the easiest way not to be called back by a customer.
there's so much to learn, but your videos make it much less intimidating. Thanks so much.
Glad you like them!
The most important--a cell phone, for calling a plumber.
💯🔥🔥🤣😂🤣😂
Have to have a cell phone for when the poop get deep and I can't make it quit coming. Lol 🤣😂🙃
Cell phone to take a pic of these technological bullshit fixture before you take the damn thing apart
I use my phone on all jobs to take before and after photos You never know when you will have a Kodak (or video) moment. Also, if you upload a pic online, the algorithms will pic up details like the location and show your photos to more people in that area.
I am an alarm technician / low voltage technician. I have found use for many of the tools that you have listed. I do most of my own Plumbing if it is not super complicated. Thank you for the list. All of your videos are top-notch.
What about a plunger??
5/16 torque wrench for no hub bands.
2 pairs of gloves (leather and cotton).
Pry bar or large flathead screwdriver.
My first day as an apprentice I showed up with 6-inch channel locks a marker tape measure a 6 in 1 a box cutter and a willing to learn
Lol, I served as a plumber’s apprentice aka plumber’s helper in the 70’s. I learned back then the most important tool a plumber could have is a plumber’s apprentice with a good back! He would clean up the various ditches and do all sorts of tasks the plumber didn’t want to do. Aside from that, it was a cakewalk for the plumbers as I recall, lol
Pan Tex It is still like that until the helper/apprentice learns to be more valuable... Thanks for watching!
When I did commercial new construction a framing square is invaluable!
I used to always tell my helpers, " have a tape measure, level, and a pencil on you at all times and you'll never look like your f'n off".
Hahaha... my father always told me that same thing! Sometimes you are waiting on something or someone and don’t want to look like you are wasting time. Measure anything, nobody has to know why , but they would rather see you moving than standing still.
I really appreciate your videos brother , you’re pretty thorough and very knowledgeable and most of all you have a gift talking and explaining things accurately. Thanks for your videos
I appreciate that, thanks for watching
That choice of beat for the intro is epic. ;)
You know I'm not a plumber but I am a novice handyman. And I've worked on a few urinals and toilets recently and there are a few tools that come in handy. One would be a inline screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, a 3-way plumber's wrench, and on occasion some channel locks.
I’m 6 or 7 months into my apprenticeship and right now I have channel locks (3 sizes), hammer, crescent wrench (3 sizes), ratcheting wrenches, screwdrivers, markers, measuring tape, pvc cutters, strap wrench, knifes, brushless impact driver and hammer drill, multi tool, hackzall, flashlight, I need to buy a good pair of copper cutters I had one but it broke. I got all of this after starting so I feel like I’m not at a bad start to where I’m at, I do a lot of different work from houses to buildings like petco but I’m eager to learn and get more tools so I can be self sufficient when I learn more and am able to do things in my own I have already done a few jobs on my own like back flow devices and trap primers but still got a lot more to go
I am fortunate my dad was an electrician and my grandpa was general contractor who specialized in cement work. I have a garage full of tools and probably most plumbing tools. I do have the same pair of big ass channel locks haha. Only tool on your list I dont have is the flaring tool so if I can get in I am already ahead of the game in not having to spend a lot of $ on tools.
A ferrule puller and valve seat wrenches have been a godsend even as a homeowner.
I’m 20, just starting as an apprentice plumber. After a few months I carry a small tool pouch with 9.5” channelocks, 8” adjustable, 8” pipe wrench, nut driver/screwdriver, utility knife, small flathead, ink marker, paint marker, pencil, and a tape measure on my other hip. I do various things, lots of service calls. But occasionally roughs or new construction. Luckily my tool pouch has a Velcro strap, so I’m able to remove it if I don’t want to get it dirty doing something like a main line.
One Benefit of our local is that the company supplies the tools. It was so nice starting that way. I’ve been working on buying my home set
im just a teenager and i dont even live by myself but i still love your plumbing tips for some reason
Nice video Roger. I think you touched on most everything. One thing I'd add is a flashlight. Like a mini-mag in a belt case, and a headlamp.
I’m a maintenance technician and one tool that I didn’t see mentioned was a ratcheting pvc cutter. Especially working in apartments, it is often faster and more cost effective to replace a p-trap on a kitchen sink or lavatory then to try to clean the walls of the pipe and reassemble. Inevitably a slip joint or tail piece needs to be trimmed to complete the assembly.
I asked our service plumber why he had so many tools, and he explained if it saves you time it’s probably worth buying.
I remember starting out...looked forward to every pay day so I could go buy a new tool or 2 or 3 lol.
Make sure your tools are locked up somewhere safe though. I was so excited to use my first brand new rigid 5 piece kit that I just bought and the company job box got broken into 2 days later and just like that it was gone. We suspected it was one of the other j man but had no proof. It was pretty devestating. The quikpic with the 5/16 and 1/4 socket is super handy and easy to switch bits.
Buy quality tools but always keep an eye on them as they will grow legs if you don't.
I use an 11 in 1 Milwaukee screw driver I love it
Joshua Kist one of my favorite tools. I use it every day! Thanks for watching and commenting. Have you subscribed?
I always have a flip-knife with a built-in flat head and Philips screwdriver, pick-mattock and mud boots ready to go. The pick-mattock saves us huge amounts of time and energy when we're digging and I'm sure the mud boots have prevented trench foot plenty of times.
Would you recommend the same base tools of a "New Plumber" for a "New Homeowner"?
Yes, but if you have a newer home tubing cutters, flaring tools may not be needed very much. Be careful to who you lend tools to.
As a plumber you end up with a lot of specialty tools, some of them you rarely use but you got to keep in the van. Having a tri square is a super useful tool I use all the time for marking holes to drill and blocking to cut, have to have it.
Depending on the job, full PPE
-gloves (leather if you'll be digging for a but or other form fitting ones for just workin)
- a tool pouch that clips onto your pocket and for hell's sake,
- a cooling shirt!! It's summer and it's hot!
I think the knipex channel locks are the best, I use them everyday they never slip and you get great leverage. The Milwaukee fastback razor, the rigid stop wrench, 1/2 and 3/4 crimpers, light, sawzall, impact
One of my favorite tools that's come in SO HANDY is a 6" and 12" extension bit for my impact, and a ringle angle bit for my impact. My journeyman was convinced to buy the 12" after watching me do some strapping during a roughin and not having to fiddle around the pipe to get to the screw, and my other journeyman saw the importance recently of the right angle bit when we had to get to an MJ clamp in a tight spot and it meant we didn't have to drop the whole bathroom group in the parkade to get it, only to redo it later and make sure everything was level.
I'm one of those guys who's going to have a bag of power tools, bag of hand tools, and a bag of literally "These don't get used much but when you have a use for it, boy will it ever make your life easy"
Never no when u have to cut somebody or skin somebody lol had me lmao
Came across this great channel because I have a 1979 manufactured home that has been giving me plumbing headaches and hitting my pocket hard
Same tools are needed if you work as a waste water operator. Plumbing is a huge part of our job too. You have to replace damaged and broken lines, valves, and flanges along with servicing and repairing and rebuilding pumps. If you are doing municipal, commercial, and industrial wether water treatment or waste water, I also recommend getting a decent ratchet and socket set, along with a good set of wrenches. A lot of your larger valves, flanges and fittings are bolted together. We don't work too much with copper. In our world it's steel and pvc. I highly recommend getting Channel Lock PVC/oil filter wrenches. Some places provide tools and some places it's BYOT. Some places have a maintenance staff, others don't.
i have the Leatherman crunch but also i have found that the Leatherman surge has been one of my go to tools as a service plumber, with the Leatherman 42 Piece Bit Kit Set. been to many homes that had a leaky faucet that after just tightening or replacing boots and springs in a delta that helped me from having to go back and fourth to my van.
I'm not a plumber, but before switching to electrical work, I spent 5 years doing brewery maintenance, so I've had plenty of experience with sanitary plumbing. When I need an adjustable wrench, I usually reach for a quality pliers wrench and am fortunate to have a few, including some from Knipex. Harbor Freight's Icon series is also quite good for the price.
When it comes to Crescent-style adjustable wrenches, I prefer those made in Spain. While there are some brands in Japan that I like, they are harder to find in the US. My preference for Spanish brands is because many other wrenches I've used in recent years, including some American-made ones, have caused nothing but frustration. The two Spanish brands I trust are IREGA and Bahco. IREGA, in particular, white labels their wrenches for many companies, including Channel Lock, and they are the manufacturer of the wrench shown in this video
Thanks for sharing your experience with those wrenches, I'll have to look into those!
Back in the 80s while I was attending vocational school a teacher from another trade told us the only 2 tools you need to become a plumber is an adjustable wrench and channel locks!
I'm slowly getting all of this useful information. My goal is to remodel my bathroom by this summer. The challenge is moving the shower and knobs from one wall to another. I'm also moving my sink over by a foot so have to change the plumbing as well
I use a six chamber Milwaukee pack out toolbox and a 5 gallon bucket from Tractor Supply a lot.
You are really awesome... salute you from my heart.
Thank you
Afnan from Bangladesh
One of the things I find super useful in any tool bag is a good flashlight or head light
Early in the year I started as a labor. Entered with legit just a tape measurer for the first week, now I have a belt full of gear and cordless tools ready for whatever comes my way.
As you start to run pipe by yourself a plumb bob is a must have for a plumber.
Not a plumber but definitely love the channel. Keep up the good work man!
The Basin Wrench ahhhh been looking for this for month now. I just did a sink the was real tight. I just cut it off with my recip saw. Hopefully this will be a cure to my head aches
In big commercial. A turbo torch is a must have. In the hospitals we do all domestic water Is copper type k . All waste is cast iron and copper waste arms. Type L.
Starting out. Imo. A good 25' tape measure a torpedo and channel locks. Then build from there.
When I worked for my dad, I was almost always with him so I used most of his tools. But tools he made sure I bought myself were Channel locks, pocket knife (preferably a box cutter style), tape measure, sharpie and pencil, ppe, and he always made sure I had two shovels so he could leave me digging holes while he went to the next job.
A couple tools I use pretty regularly as an apprentice, is the one stop wrench, and a jam bar ( small blue tool made to hold johnni bolts that are spinning)
Douglas channel locks is a must either yellow ones or red ones.
by working with an old plumber I learned about special pliers made in Germany really good for pipe application 'KNIPEX' expensive though they're great tools
There's another wrench which is really handy I think every one who's a plumber has it ONE STOP WRENCH is for replacing shut off valves its made by Ridgid it is a two piece tool,
PASCO makes one also 15/16 x 3/8 # 4524.
I do service plumbing in my solder kit I do have a round pipe kit which is a must to have 1/2'', 3/4", 1'' it is really handy to have if one has to solder softer copper which sometimes when one cuts it is not fully rounded.
You also use flaring tools to make brake lines if you're a mechanic.
Even though I was born in 1966, why do I need a pencil? This day in age, with everyone having a non flip phone (Smart Phone), you don't need pencils or pens anymore, well, except maybe to mark a pipe. ;-) All jokes aside, I love your channel. I do all the plumbing, electrical, networking, and fire system work at a drug and alcohol facility. So I have my own truck and have much of the tools and more, that you mentioned, on hand at all times on our 150 acer facility. I get stopped by the other maintainers all the time because they don't have what they need for a job that I end up finishing. I said I do all of the above work, but I try to get the other guys to at least try to fix some of the issues, but I usually end up finishing up. So like the other guys say, that is why I get paid the BIG BUCKS.! :-)
hi i like the videos, its fun to see how you guys do it over there in us. but in my 16 years as a plumber in Norway I have never had to buy tools. Plumbers in Norway get all tools from their company on loan as long as you are there. and I think this is being done all over the country. It is a pity that apprentices in your country have to buy their own tools when starting with a small salary. it is the company that profits in the long run and trains new and good colleagues. Keep make the entertaining videos where I can see that you are still in the 70's with pipe systems. 😁👍
And I have to say that I use exactly the same tool in norway, except for the collar tool which is really only used for gas in this country and brake lines.
I am a freshman in college as an econ major, and quite frankly, i’m not enjoying the whole college experience. I’ve been looking into getting into a trade, and i had a few questions. So to become a journeyman plumber do i need to go to any type of trade school? Or can i become a licensed plumber only from the apprenticeship? And if i become a plumber apprentice, generally, how much control do i have over my work schedule?
Keep up the awesome videos Mr. Roger! They give me hope that i don’t have to deal with academia to be successful! Thanks!
Since youve graduated high school you can just go apply to plumbing companies to start an apprenticeship. You can either go with a private company or go down the Union route.
My personal advice as a 36 year old now is get into a trade now. I went to computer school and hated it.. Worked dead end office jobs all this while. My dad tried to get me into electricians trades when i was early 20s and I didnt really want to go down same path as him..
I wish I would have got into the trades years ago. I really want to get into the trade now at 36. I wish i didnt waste all those years at meaningless jobs.. Just my personal outlook. Do it now while youre young. Shit i coulda beem making bank at this age if i stayed with it.
Were I live we have well pumps and city water but on well pumps there's some times a 2 inch sch 80 union from the pump to the house and my big channel locks come in handyer than a pipe wrench.
Awesome video. Will do you a video on residential new construction plumbing and how you make a blueprint drawing for the plumbing? Thanks!
I would advise any newer residential service plumber to also get a rigid one stop wrench, a rigid faucet installation tool and a rigid plastic tubular waste pipe cutter, they may see gimmicky but they have saved me so much time over the years. Also an inspection mirror, retrieval magnet, easy outs. Usually employer provides large items such as pipe threader, hammer drill, demo hammer. Before you know it you’ll have tools you can’t even remember why you bought because that spud wrench never leaves the tool bag.
I just want to point out the flare blocks and flare wrenches are made for hvac techs too. We use them for flare connections on ductless mini split systems
I still use my Dad's 50 year old Ridgid end pipe wrenches and never met a old union that I couldn't break ... Never and don't forget the gator aid piss bottle...
Thanks am new in Canada, thanks to show me what tools should I get thanks.
It depends where you work and maybe it's a thing of branche you are working in. For some of my friends that do work like carpentry, plumbing, electrical and so on, their company gifted them their first basic toolset (in most cases not that cheap stuff but still more on the lower price side) when they started their apprenticeship, but always with the note that they have to expand on their tools on their own in the future.
And there are also some companies that completely give you all the tools necessary because you only work on super specific stuff.
Naturally there also are companies where they don't give you anything.
As a Diy er. My basin wrench was probly the first real plumber tool I bought and use a lot. My original one that my grandpa gave me finally broke and that thing was old and simple.
1:32 We still use these all the damn time in Germany. The side of them always has a company logo printed on them so they act as a little advertisement that tradesmen carry around lol.
Those big azz channel locks come in real handy when running 3-4" emt pipe
Thank you for this great content
I am a HVAC journeyman working for a plumbing company I tell my new hires to go raid kitchen Drawer the one with all the random stuff in it and get the tape measure level and pencil to use for now Then I tell them to buy more and better tools every payday till the day they retire
The knife is crucial for me when we get service calls in downtown Austin. Some of the other plumbers prefer Glock or Sig tho.
Love the bloopers being included!
Amazing 👏👏👏 I am new to plumbing, but I am eager to learn.
You should buy knipex. They are the best. When it comes to screw drivers, snap on all the way. Also flair tools are used in automotive for building brake lines.
Great video. What do you recommend I buy as my first pipe wrench steel or aluminum & what size would be perfect for starters. Thank you boss.
Hello Roger, thanks for the recommendations.
Have you used these torch heads that you can screw on a portable propane tank? are those suitable as a stopgap measure until a more permanent setup is acquired? Thanks
NapoleonLouverture I have actually used them. They are great to have. I have had some plumbers that use them all the time. Is that what you have or are you getting one?
@@RogerWakefield I'll get one to start, then if I see that I find myself doing copper all the time get a serious torch setup I guess. But it's good to know the portable ones do a good job as well thanks.
Those torches are really popular with plumbers here in the UK with many using nothing else these days. Generally avoid the smaller/cheaper ones that run on butane and get one that take the propane or map gas cylinders..I'm not sure what's available in the US, but in the UK, the Rothenberger Surefire 2 seems to the popular one used by the pro's...But which ever one you go for, try to handle one mounted on a cylinder first as they feel quite heavy/clumsy compared to the sort Roger shows in the video....
@@peterevans8194 Got a Bernzomatic brass kit, the most basic one with a blue propane cylinder. It's looked exactly the same for the last 30 years, must be right!
Thank you very much Mr. Wakefield, your video has helped me a lot in my search!
Goated for using the Lenox mini hand saw
Thanks for deafening my right ear by the torch.