Plumbers starter tool kit.

[Slime]

Hi all
My son is embarking on a career as a plumber in the next few months.
As a pressie he wants me to buy him a few tools from a list he has supplied and this got me wondering as to whether there's a good 'starter tool kit' available for a beginner/apprentice.
Ideally comprising of a decent bag and some of the more important tools which he can add to as he goes along.
Any recommendations will be really appreciated.
Thanks all,

Slime.

 

[muggles]

Hmmm...what's your budget?

 

[dilalio]

First thing he’ll need is a change of clothes as he will likely get wet a few times!

 

[Newboy]

Depends to some extent on what type of plumbing he's likely to be involved in.

Start with the basics - adjustables, grips, decent set of screwdrivers, Stanley knife, mole grips, pipeslice, hammer, torch (no need for MAPP!), tape measure
Buy good quality - avoid the no brand / cheap and cheerful.

Tool bag - consider a backpack type (just personal preference as I've only got two hands and I always seem to have three things to carry)

 

[dilalio]

Pump pliers/grips,
Large and small adjustable wrenches,
15 & 22mm pipe slices,
Long and short Philips and flat-head screwdrivers,
Tube/box spanners for mixer taps,
Junior hacksaw,
Needle nose pliers,
Stub nose pliers,
Hammer,
Bashing chisel (worn out wood chisel),
Flat prying bar,
Plumber’s grease,
Silicone grease,
Hep20 removal tools (15/22mm),
Radiator tail key,
Stanley knife,
Comb chisel,
Set of hex/Allen keys,
Pipe benders (rothenburger),
Files,
Rasp,
Combi-drill (makita) with various bit holders and bits,
Stanley fat-max open mouth tote bag,

Others things I’ve yet to remember.

That’s hand tools, then you need burning/soldering bag and tools.

Oh, and a decent pair of work trousers with knee pads, gloves, eye protection, ear defenders, and steel-toe trainers (pop into ScrewFix- they have decent gear).

 

[Slime]

Hmmm...what's your budget?

He's just starting out and probably just needs the basics, would £100 cover it or am I blowing in the wind?

 

[dilalio]

He's just starting out and probably just needs the basics, would £100 cover it or am I blowing in the wind?

£100 will get him the bag and a decent hammer

 

[Dan Robinson]

Blowing is not the verb I'd use.

 

[Iamchamps]

I get annoyed when someone in there best intentions buys me tools that I either have or don’t want. Maybe a screwfix gift card or similar would be a better option?

 

[Dan Robinson]

My basic installation bag holds £300 worth I think. The bag itself is £225.

My service / repair bag and kit is near to £700 worth. Not including the FGA.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Then my soldering box, probably another £200 for the box and contents.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Once we start talking power tools and calibration you'll wish you'd never asked

 

[EAST61]

Another vote for a £100 Screwfix gift card.

 

[dilalio]

Spare change of clothes it is then! For both parent and son

 

[mcmoby69]

starter kit?
rothenburger grips
bahco adjustable spanner
wera screwdrivers
knipex snips and pliers
rothenburger blow torch.

power tools can get expensive
he'll need an sds drill
an impact driver and cordless drill

I've always had Makita, but the quality seems to have dropped over the last few years.

aldi do work trousers, many plumbers merchants hand out free t shirts with manuf. brands on them. no point paying for stuff if you don't have to!
fleeces and jackets can also be blagged if you try hard enough.

get down to your local merchants and introduce yourself/him and explain whats happening. as a potential new customer with a lifetime career ahead, hopefully you'll get some freebies!
trade shows and exhibitions are good for samples etc

good luck.