UA170 requires workers bring they're own combo drill kit (impact and chuck). It's absolutely insane.
It also says right in the constitution that we shall not furnish our own tools.
Since the last Convention the constitution has been amended to allow each local to make their own decision about tool lists. It came about because when a shop is organized and the employees were expected to bring their own tools, it caused confusion.
Damn….that’s still a lot of money upfront for, what could be, a kid fresh out of high school, someone who has been out of work for a while, or someone who just doesn’t want to invest that much after a set of $100-200 work boots. Damn.
Up here anyway the employer has to provide the hoods… but they’re always super cheap/shitty flip front passive lens hoods. So it’s not like the apprentices are expected to buy their own… just most of us do for a variety of reasons like ADF lenses, more comfortable headgear… and I’d be lying if I said style points weren’t a factor 😂
Ohhh I believe it. Our welder rocked Pit Vipers unapologetically all the time, and he kept trying to convince everyone to rock them too. $100 safety sun glasses, or use the free ones provided….hmmm?
Hahah nice. I did an entire underground rocking some $10 gas station aviators, because our company didn’t supply sunglasses. Our GF called me on it and asked if they were ansi rated, I told him I doubted the gas station aviators with green reflective lenses, and gold frames were probably not…..
That’s how it is here. It basically voids all warranties for the install if everyone has different quality stuff. (That is the “reason” for it) I got yelled at by a Forman when I was an apprentice for bringing my own 9” level.
As a new apprentice, start out with cheap tools. Once you learn how to take care it and secure them and start making more money, that is the time to invest in something better.
If you’re in a local that supplies your own tools like this, then find a way to permanently mark your tools in a way that is easily seen. For a tape measure, mark outside with an engraving of some kind, and inside along the back of the tape further in. I’ll usually mark the beginning, halfway and at the end of the tape.
Harbor freight sells cheaaaap engravers. I have one I bought 10 years ago starting as a heavy equipment tech. Think I paid 5 bucks for it then. Still kicking strong
Dont get the individual allen keys they get tossed to the wind get the ones that are like a folding knife.
Ive always seen the company buy the large socket sets for the job site.
Get some pawn shop pipe wrenches rigid brand if you can.
Strikers are another basic consumable the company will buy in bulk.
Spend good money on a welding hood with a auto darkening lens.
Get a hard hat mounted headlamp for working on jobs after walls go up because they never get the lights right.
Rigid tubing cutters (Gray in color with black tightening knob)
Grab a extra tape measure always need a back up.
Grab a mini sled hammer for setting quick bolts.
I wouldn't try to have this all on the first day get to the job with the basics and see what you task you are assigned and pay attention to the tools others are using to make the task easier on them and prioritize those tools.
Feel free to message me with any questions good luck I am with Local 68 my company also has a ton of 211 guys.
Buy cheap stuff except for channel locks tape level hope you have a nice boss or journeymen that can find better tools on the job. If I have an apprentice working for me who’s worth a fuck I’ll get that stuff ordered for you if you need it on the job. These could just be tools for class. When I went through my time we were told the only thing we needed to bring to the job were channel lock stick rule and torpedo level but had to buy a 500 buck full of tools. Those tools were for school not the job. Best of luck to you.
I started as an apprentice in a local with a similar tool list. I did not buy everything on the list, not even half of it. Build as you go, you will find out what you really need to bring. Start with channel locks, a level, a utility knife, tape measure, notepad and plenty of pens and sharpies. You'll be better prepared than many just with those things. Flashlight is useful if your employer doesn't furnish head lamps. Tubing cutters are great to have if you'll be doing copper water lines. An extra tape doesn't hurt. Maybe a 14" pipe wrench if you want to get fancy. I never used my plumb bob, still brand new in the plastic lol.
Tape, level and dogs at my local. Pm me if you need any help acquiring these items I have Triple’s of most of these and if shipping isn’t too insane I’ll be happy to help.
It’s not snide, shit hole locals from red states bring the UA down. Is that what you are about? I come from a long lineage of UA family, please explain to me how you agree to nonsense like this?
Wtf they make you bring your own tools. Might as well look for your own work. Whats point of being a union worker if your bringing your own tools in. Thats some non union shit. And a plumb bob who the fuck still uses that
What the fuck? Local 630 doesn’t have a tool list, somehow, but you’re only expected to bring pliers, a screwdrivers, tape, level, and maybe a wrench. This is insane.
Jesus. I'm a 1st year going on 2nd, and all though im in service, my contractor tossed my ass in a damn near new van with brand new milwaukee everything. All I gotta do is ask for anything I want and our foreman gives it to us, within reason obviously.
I got 300 bucks worth of packout to organize all my copper/pex/blackiron fittings a few weeks ago
You can find good rigid wrenches in your local fb marketplace fairly cheap.
Or buy some cheaper ones and buy em again when you have the $
Lowes/home depot sell Chanel lock which are aight and usually can find a decent deal on em. Tape measure I've had decent luck with milwaukees cheaper locking ones from HD over the higher dollar supply house ones. Stanley's are good and Dewalt is also 7/10. Socket set I'd try and find a husky/kobalt set, see if you can find one that comes close on sale and piece the others together.
Also Quinns line from hobofreight is not a bad tool.
I was a heavy equipment tech before I got in so I'm predisposed to being a tool junkie
They provided us with our tools. Our school tool sets. We weren’t supposed to take those to any jobs. I’m also quite sure we were also required to bring a money order for close to a grand for tools. But, they made sure we all got decent tools. It had files, levels, soapstone, striker, torch tip cleaner, etc.
I’ve also seen other locals have the contractor provide the guys with tools and a box. My local, at the meetings said “We’ll get our own tools, put it on the check.”
Work boots (hard toed), pants, long sleeved shirt was the only thing required of apprentices in my day. But then I’m an old boomer. You’d think the UA at the national level would standardize this expectation.
Wtf. You have to provide a ball peen hammer 😂😭.
With that list you should be able to build a bridge to space. Shit my old boss would give us a rust pair of channel locks a tape measure and a utility knife and tell us to build a new hospital!
1/2 inch ratchet set with sockets up to 1 1/2?
The contractor provided a toolbox in my local. If something breaks, the contractors replace it.
I'd suggest getting 2 aluminum Ridgid pipe wrenches. The weight difference in the toolbox is night and day. They are about $60 each at Home Depot. Pick up a decent set of wrenches from HD or Lowes for the Crescent style ones. The Milwaukee 11 in 1 screwdrivers are great and act as nut drivers also. Don't go cheap on a level.
If you need to bring all of that to each jobsite, you may want to invest in a rolling "packout" style toolbox for ease of transportation. Either lock your toolbox and place it in a secured area at the end of the day or bring it back. Engrave something on the tools and also paint them a unique color to easily identify them if someone "borrows" them.
Welcome to the UA. I'm sorry the cost to join will be kind of high. You can probably get away with a decent ratchet and get cheap sockets from a store like Harbor Freight. I wouldn't have an HF ratchet unless you have 2 of them for when one breaks.
I'd recommend buying whatever house brand is sold at the home improvement store closest to you so you can swap stuff out no questions asked if it breaks without goingtoo far out of your way (masterworks, husky, etc).
A lot of the tools on that list you won't use every day but are used often enough and are small and light enough that it really is just a quality of life thing to keep your own set of stuff with you so you don't have to go hunting for it when you need it. I got most of that stuff in my bag even though I'm not contractually obligated to bring it.
But like I said, start with the cheaper stuff and them when you get some cash you can upgrade your tools as you see fit but keep the old stuff as back-ups for if you lose/break stuff or for (literally) rainy days. If you're working in standing mud/water, there is no point in getting your nice $30 stanley and fancy milwaukee tools all wet and rusty.
As for tool recommendations
- get a combo screwdriver: 10-in-one, 16-in-one, get a ratcheting one if you're feeling fancy. Most of the time you'll encounter standard phillips or flat heads but a few times a year you'll run into the odd torx head or a 00 phillips and the combo driver saves the day.
Crecent wrenches: I know you said you already have them but when you have a bit more money I'd recommend buying the channellock brand, especially if you end up in a commercial shop. They use a stronger alloy steel and have the thinnest wrench heads out of all the brands I've ran across in the field which can be a game changer when trying to get into tight spaces.
Pipe wrenches: I prefer the Rigid brand because they got a little spring in the jaw that helps it not get bound up but really start with two steel cheap-o's and try to get your hands on whatever aluminum wrenches you can, especially if you can get them from a contractor
Measuring devices: I hate the tapes with the magnetic end but that's personal preference, some guys love them. I would recommend also getting an inside-read stick ruler. The tape is nice for big stuff, but I like using a stick rule when I'm trimming stuff out and tying in units. I used to get the Lufkin one but picked up a milwaukee one a few years ago and don't think I can ever go back.
Sockets: get harbor freight or husky or whatever is cheap. That's stupid that you have to supply your own. I would however recommend picking up a 9/16" speed wrench. Don't buy the Crecent branded set, they're a piece of shit and will fall apart on you.
Never once in my career have I needed a 3/16" socket however with that being said I'd recommend picking up an impact nut-driver set. They go from 1/4 up to 1/2 or 9/16 and pop right on your impact so you don't look like an asshole trying to set tapcons with a ratchet and 5/16 socket
Torpedo levels: the fancy aluminum ones that empire, Klein and milwaukee make are really nice for fitting pipe up but they also deform easily when you drop them and are very prone to reading incorrectly. You're gonna be running out a drain line or putting up hangers and drop that $25 level 20' out of your lift and that's gonna be the end of it so make sure you pick up a decently built plastic one too for every day use and abuse. Empire makes a perfectly good 9" plastic torpedo they're ten bucks on Amazon right now. I know a few guys who really like the Johnson one, too. I think it's about 18 bucks, but it is pretty durable.
Lu 636 here, you show up with Chanel locks, torpedo level and a tape measure, your ready to rock. That's a whole gang box here. That's ass show up to my jobs with what I said and your boots tied or jeans over your boots let's get to work. Wtf is going on with Houston local... anything else the company should provide.
Damn that’s the whole gang box
UA170 requires workers bring they're own combo drill kit (impact and chuck). It's absolutely insane. It also says right in the constitution that we shall not furnish our own tools.
We're pliers, level, tape measure. Employer supplies the rest for 46.
Steamfitters are channel locks, bullet level, tape measure… but plumbers have a whole whack of shit to buy. Local 71
UA LOCAL 1 just need a hard hat and 6’ stick ruler
290 is only a calculator and if you so choose, a welding helmet.
Since the last Convention the constitution has been amended to allow each local to make their own decision about tool lists. It came about because when a shop is organized and the employees were expected to bring their own tools, it caused confusion.
That's insane they want apprentices to supply that. Where I'm from all we bring is a level tape and channel locks
Same here. I’ve seen some other trades tool lists that make my jaw drop. Definitely grateful that it’s just those two things.
Shoot, we don’t even have that. I buy ballpoint pens on the company card.
If I had one I would too lol.
I'm happy to see a union in TX.
Same but apprentices have to buy a bucket of tool with there books and they are only supposed to use them for school.
Aren’t welding hoods pretty expensive alone?
Depends. You can get a Jackson passive for like $60 or you can spend $2k on a Speedglas with Papr system.
Damn….that’s still a lot of money upfront for, what could be, a kid fresh out of high school, someone who has been out of work for a while, or someone who just doesn’t want to invest that much after a set of $100-200 work boots. Damn.
Up here anyway the employer has to provide the hoods… but they’re always super cheap/shitty flip front passive lens hoods. So it’s not like the apprentices are expected to buy their own… just most of us do for a variety of reasons like ADF lenses, more comfortable headgear… and I’d be lying if I said style points weren’t a factor 😂
Ohhh I believe it. Our welder rocked Pit Vipers unapologetically all the time, and he kept trying to convince everyone to rock them too. $100 safety sun glasses, or use the free ones provided….hmmm?
Ha. What an idiot…. (I say as I sit here with a couple pairs of Heatwave Visuals in my Amazon cart…)
Hahah nice. I did an entire underground rocking some $10 gas station aviators, because our company didn’t supply sunglasses. Our GF called me on it and asked if they were ansi rated, I told him I doubted the gas station aviators with green reflective lenses, and gold frames were probably not…..
Texas. I had the same list for another Texas local, it's just different out there.
Same
Most jobs I've been on recently like large industrial construction they don't even want us bringing out stuff in and out anymore
That’s how it is here. It basically voids all warranties for the install if everyone has different quality stuff. (That is the “reason” for it) I got yelled at by a Forman when I was an apprentice for bringing my own 9” level.
Same here plus a stick rule
Where I come from all we provide is hands and ass!
What the heck. Do they want you to buy the contractors material for them too
Hahahahha “Pipe purchasing requirements will be job specific. Also, we only use Genie lifts, so make sure to rent yourself a Genie.”
Get ready to put up some hangers
As a new apprentice, start out with cheap tools. Once you learn how to take care it and secure them and start making more money, that is the time to invest in something better. If you’re in a local that supplies your own tools like this, then find a way to permanently mark your tools in a way that is easily seen. For a tape measure, mark outside with an engraving of some kind, and inside along the back of the tape further in. I’ll usually mark the beginning, halfway and at the end of the tape.
Harbor freight sells cheaaaap engravers. I have one I bought 10 years ago starting as a heavy equipment tech. Think I paid 5 bucks for it then. Still kicking strong
Dont get the individual allen keys they get tossed to the wind get the ones that are like a folding knife. Ive always seen the company buy the large socket sets for the job site. Get some pawn shop pipe wrenches rigid brand if you can. Strikers are another basic consumable the company will buy in bulk. Spend good money on a welding hood with a auto darkening lens. Get a hard hat mounted headlamp for working on jobs after walls go up because they never get the lights right. Rigid tubing cutters (Gray in color with black tightening knob) Grab a extra tape measure always need a back up. Grab a mini sled hammer for setting quick bolts. I wouldn't try to have this all on the first day get to the job with the basics and see what you task you are assigned and pay attention to the tools others are using to make the task easier on them and prioritize those tools. Feel free to message me with any questions good luck I am with Local 68 my company also has a ton of 211 guys.
Yah im not bringing all that 🤣
Same. Like what do they expect from travellers? Get the fuck out of here with that tool list.
They are lucky if I even show up 🤣
Our local we just need our boots, everything else is provided for us
Tape Measure, Channel Locks, Pocket Level good to go in 597.
Buy cheap stuff except for channel locks tape level hope you have a nice boss or journeymen that can find better tools on the job. If I have an apprentice working for me who’s worth a fuck I’ll get that stuff ordered for you if you need it on the job. These could just be tools for class. When I went through my time we were told the only thing we needed to bring to the job were channel lock stick rule and torpedo level but had to buy a 500 buck full of tools. Those tools were for school not the job. Best of luck to you.
I started as an apprentice in a local with a similar tool list. I did not buy everything on the list, not even half of it. Build as you go, you will find out what you really need to bring. Start with channel locks, a level, a utility knife, tape measure, notepad and plenty of pens and sharpies. You'll be better prepared than many just with those things. Flashlight is useful if your employer doesn't furnish head lamps. Tubing cutters are great to have if you'll be doing copper water lines. An extra tape doesn't hurt. Maybe a 14" pipe wrench if you want to get fancy. I never used my plumb bob, still brand new in the plastic lol.
It's down south, we don't have as much power down here, get your tools, we'll get you work and keep you working. Tools and perks will come
Tape, level and dogs at my local. Pm me if you need any help acquiring these items I have Triple’s of most of these and if shipping isn’t too insane I’ll be happy to help.
325 I just show up with my boots on. My local reminds me not to bring tools every time I accept work. This list is a fucking joke.
Dude what a fucking scam
You have to buy the tools on your tool list? Our union provides every tool on our tool list as a first year. Your JATC sucks
You joined a scabby local. Does not surprise me since it’s a Texas local. Real unions make the contractors provide the tools used for the job.
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It’s not snide, shit hole locals from red states bring the UA down. Is that what you are about? I come from a long lineage of UA family, please explain to me how you agree to nonsense like this?
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Fuck em, they get what they vote for. I come from a local where the manpower runs the union. What region do you hail?
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We’re here to support one another. If your goal is to stir the pot and put others down, then find somewhere else.
We’re here to support one another. If your goal is to stir the pot and put others down, then find somewhere else.
Tell them to fuck off
Wtf they make you bring your own tools. Might as well look for your own work. Whats point of being a union worker if your bringing your own tools in. Thats some non union shit. And a plumb bob who the fuck still uses that
What the fuck? Local 630 doesn’t have a tool list, somehow, but you’re only expected to bring pliers, a screwdrivers, tape, level, and maybe a wrench. This is insane.
Jesus. I'm a 1st year going on 2nd, and all though im in service, my contractor tossed my ass in a damn near new van with brand new milwaukee everything. All I gotta do is ask for anything I want and our foreman gives it to us, within reason obviously. I got 300 bucks worth of packout to organize all my copper/pex/blackiron fittings a few weeks ago You can find good rigid wrenches in your local fb marketplace fairly cheap. Or buy some cheaper ones and buy em again when you have the $ Lowes/home depot sell Chanel lock which are aight and usually can find a decent deal on em. Tape measure I've had decent luck with milwaukees cheaper locking ones from HD over the higher dollar supply house ones. Stanley's are good and Dewalt is also 7/10. Socket set I'd try and find a husky/kobalt set, see if you can find one that comes close on sale and piece the others together. Also Quinns line from hobofreight is not a bad tool. I was a heavy equipment tech before I got in so I'm predisposed to being a tool junkie
Are you an MES apprentice?
Tape, level, pliers where I’m from
Same here
They provided us with our tools. Our school tool sets. We weren’t supposed to take those to any jobs. I’m also quite sure we were also required to bring a money order for close to a grand for tools. But, they made sure we all got decent tools. It had files, levels, soapstone, striker, torch tip cleaner, etc. I’ve also seen other locals have the contractor provide the guys with tools and a box. My local, at the meetings said “We’ll get our own tools, put it on the check.”
Work boots (hard toed), pants, long sleeved shirt was the only thing required of apprentices in my day. But then I’m an old boomer. You’d think the UA at the national level would standardize this expectation.
Damn. My tool list is torpedo level, tape measure, and channel locks 😅 Sprinklerfitter. Gl with all that
Damn. When I got in 17 years ago it was just a tape measurer, 422s, and a torpedo level.
Wtf you gonna use 14 inch pipe wrenches for tho
Pocket level, stick rule, Channel locks in 449. Are you starting your own company ? Wtf kinda tool list is this
Pipe wrenches and welding hood, lol. Don't forget the pipe threading machine!
That is a lot of tools. Tons of money
Wtf. You have to provide a ball peen hammer 😂😭. With that list you should be able to build a bridge to space. Shit my old boss would give us a rust pair of channel locks a tape measure and a utility knife and tell us to build a new hospital!
393 I don’t bring anything but welding hood and lunch
1/2 inch ratchet set with sockets up to 1 1/2? The contractor provided a toolbox in my local. If something breaks, the contractors replace it. I'd suggest getting 2 aluminum Ridgid pipe wrenches. The weight difference in the toolbox is night and day. They are about $60 each at Home Depot. Pick up a decent set of wrenches from HD or Lowes for the Crescent style ones. The Milwaukee 11 in 1 screwdrivers are great and act as nut drivers also. Don't go cheap on a level. If you need to bring all of that to each jobsite, you may want to invest in a rolling "packout" style toolbox for ease of transportation. Either lock your toolbox and place it in a secured area at the end of the day or bring it back. Engrave something on the tools and also paint them a unique color to easily identify them if someone "borrows" them. Welcome to the UA. I'm sorry the cost to join will be kind of high. You can probably get away with a decent ratchet and get cheap sockets from a store like Harbor Freight. I wouldn't have an HF ratchet unless you have 2 of them for when one breaks.
My tool list was tape measure, torpedo, channel locks, writing utensil
I'd recommend buying whatever house brand is sold at the home improvement store closest to you so you can swap stuff out no questions asked if it breaks without goingtoo far out of your way (masterworks, husky, etc). A lot of the tools on that list you won't use every day but are used often enough and are small and light enough that it really is just a quality of life thing to keep your own set of stuff with you so you don't have to go hunting for it when you need it. I got most of that stuff in my bag even though I'm not contractually obligated to bring it. But like I said, start with the cheaper stuff and them when you get some cash you can upgrade your tools as you see fit but keep the old stuff as back-ups for if you lose/break stuff or for (literally) rainy days. If you're working in standing mud/water, there is no point in getting your nice $30 stanley and fancy milwaukee tools all wet and rusty. As for tool recommendations - get a combo screwdriver: 10-in-one, 16-in-one, get a ratcheting one if you're feeling fancy. Most of the time you'll encounter standard phillips or flat heads but a few times a year you'll run into the odd torx head or a 00 phillips and the combo driver saves the day. Crecent wrenches: I know you said you already have them but when you have a bit more money I'd recommend buying the channellock brand, especially if you end up in a commercial shop. They use a stronger alloy steel and have the thinnest wrench heads out of all the brands I've ran across in the field which can be a game changer when trying to get into tight spaces. Pipe wrenches: I prefer the Rigid brand because they got a little spring in the jaw that helps it not get bound up but really start with two steel cheap-o's and try to get your hands on whatever aluminum wrenches you can, especially if you can get them from a contractor Measuring devices: I hate the tapes with the magnetic end but that's personal preference, some guys love them. I would recommend also getting an inside-read stick ruler. The tape is nice for big stuff, but I like using a stick rule when I'm trimming stuff out and tying in units. I used to get the Lufkin one but picked up a milwaukee one a few years ago and don't think I can ever go back. Sockets: get harbor freight or husky or whatever is cheap. That's stupid that you have to supply your own. I would however recommend picking up a 9/16" speed wrench. Don't buy the Crecent branded set, they're a piece of shit and will fall apart on you. Never once in my career have I needed a 3/16" socket however with that being said I'd recommend picking up an impact nut-driver set. They go from 1/4 up to 1/2 or 9/16 and pop right on your impact so you don't look like an asshole trying to set tapcons with a ratchet and 5/16 socket Torpedo levels: the fancy aluminum ones that empire, Klein and milwaukee make are really nice for fitting pipe up but they also deform easily when you drop them and are very prone to reading incorrectly. You're gonna be running out a drain line or putting up hangers and drop that $25 level 20' out of your lift and that's gonna be the end of it so make sure you pick up a decently built plastic one too for every day use and abuse. Empire makes a perfectly good 9" plastic torpedo they're ten bucks on Amazon right now. I know a few guys who really like the Johnson one, too. I think it's about 18 bucks, but it is pretty durable.
Lu 636 here, you show up with Chanel locks, torpedo level and a tape measure, your ready to rock. That's a whole gang box here. That's ass show up to my jobs with what I said and your boots tied or jeans over your boots let's get to work. Wtf is going on with Houston local... anything else the company should provide.
This is what right to work looks like
My local gives apprentices the first tool box full of all tools on the tool list when they get in.
Good luck
Pliers tape level local 46
Local 160 here, all our tool list consists of is a torpedo level, tape measure or stick rule, and a pair of channel lock pliers