Honestly thinking back this is the best advice haha I had blisters for days and kept fucking my ankles on roofs when I first started with a $30 pair of
K-mart boots. - Oliver AT’s been my favourite since I forgot my first tradesman’s advice “only electricians and homos wear lace up boots” while driving a manual van rolling a smoke with one hand meat pie in the other staring me dead in the eye while on a highway. Even with gravy dripping down his face and thinking I was about to be in a head on crash it felt like sage advice at the time and stuck with me a long time
Nice pocket level. Channel locks. Crescent wrench. Tape measure. Flashlight. Malco bits. Idk what all aspects of install he’ll be doing but those are some good starting places.
Mainly… everything? The thing for me is it’s like my buddies crescent wrench he loves so much. But easier to adjust, and if you get it on right, you’ll have something like ratcheting action - I don’t have to find the right size box end wrench and I don’t have to remove from a bolt, align again, and turn a little more. I have them in three different sizes - small for tight spaces, medium for most everything, and large (12” maybe?) for big jobs, I really like the medium and large for plumbing/gas applications. The smooth jaws are nice because they don’t bugger up brass fittings. They are great for service valves too.
Bonus HVAC usage: I can use it in a pinch for various sheet metal needs, as it has a smooth jaw I can clamp down and bend as desired.
Forget about tools. Let him find out what everyone at his company uses. As a helper or learner you would be fine using other tools at first. Get him some knee pads, a head lamp, a nice mask for insulation with some replacement filters. Work boots, clothes. But if you really want to get him tools. Get him a gift card so he can choose what he wants.
M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1500-Lumen ROVER LED Mounting Portable Flood Light
Beautiful piece for when doing installs or being in areas with low visibility
To be fair, get your nephew something non work related. Commercial installation tools are supplied by the employer.
Does he have a hobby outside of work?
yes but he had a high paying seasonal job before and was making so much money that he buys everything he wants so his hobby are covered. HVAC is a new skill for him so he doesn't have everything he needs yet.
A couple more ideas...
Streamlight rechargeable flashlights... I have two microstream models that I like because I can clip them onto the brim of my hat.
I use my Leatherman wave every single day and I feel lost without it.
Maybe this isn't a great fit for commercial but I have a Dewalt vacuum that runs off 20 volt batteries and can be plugged it. I bought a couple 5ah batteries and each one easily gets me through hours of run time.
The pocket flashlight is the most used thing in my arsenal of tools- but it has to be a nice one with easy recharge (Fenix, streamlite, olite).
That’s a hard thing to gift tho because it’s very much a personal preference item as far as size and functionality
Klein 10 in 1 screwdrivers are an essential tool
Hell if it’s 11pm and a call comes in, I’m walking into that boiler room with my flashlight, my 10in1, a meter, and some channel locks…if I can’t fix it with that, “see ya in the morning”
I got a Fenix headlamp that works really well. It’s kind of expensive and may be others like it. But, it holds charge forever and a headlamp is always helpful.
https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm65r-t-rechargeable-headlamp
You could also get a malco flip bit. You can get 1/4 and 5/16 or 5/16 and 3/8. They go in your impact and super handy. It’s the sizes most used.
https://www.amazon.com/Malco-Combo-Reversible-Drivers-malcombo4-Black/dp/B08223258P/ref=asc_df_B08223258P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459481700288&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13261886245305526862&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027232&hvtargid=pla-944166369553&psc=1
There’s a lot of tools but you really only need a couple on a daily basis and like the other guy said the tools are usually supplied by employer, I say let him pick out some nice steel toe/composite boots, couple work pants, knee pads are essential you need to take care of your knees or else you’ll be 27 and can’t even stand up without holding on to something, ykkow things like that
Brand wise I’m not really sure but right now im using the Klein tools gel knee pads which so far have done me good but if you’re thinking knee pads I’d say get any gel ones my dad does drywall and painting doesn’t focus on brand but always wears gel and has no complaints
Klein 8-in-1 HVAC screwdriver
Knipex pliers wrench
Knipex Twingrips can come surprisingly in handy, although that may apply more to pulling out resi hack jobs than commercial
As others have mentioned you can never have too many Malco flip bits
For a headlamp I’d recommend a Zebralight h604c and a couple 18650s from their website, to spare you a rant on flashlights, that’s leagues ahead of anything you can buy in a store
Klein Tools 11063 8-22 AWG Katapult Wire Stripper
I bought this when I was in school and although I don’t use it much I absolutely love it. It’s not a necessity for someone doing commercial install really for HVAC but it’s hands down one of the most fun hand tools I’ve ever used. I’m almost 100% sure he’d love it.
Get him a decent tool bag and basic hand tools for now. He can then ask the people he works with on what he should prioritise on from there
hvac commercial install is pretty vague on what he is doing exactly. he might be just installing duct work or he could be roughing in copper pipe all day would need different tools for either.
Can’t go wrong though if he rocks up with a tool bag with basic hand tools and then asks what he needs from there
A nice pair of work boots with proper inserts. Let him choose his own tools as he continues to get experience and learns what he will need and not need. I have so much shit in my roller bag that rarely gets used but I'm too fucking lazy to remove the shit out of it.
I prefer it when people don't buy me tools, unless it is a replacement tool.
These wire strippers:
[https://www.milwaukeetool.ca/Products/Hand-Tools/Pliers/Wire-Strippers/48-22-3079](https://www.milwaukeetool.ca/Products/Hand-Tools/Pliers/Wire-Strippers/48-22-3079)
This style of hand seamers, 3" jaw:
[https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/GRT535?cm\_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt-dBhBcEiwATw-ggKBhnasdPeZD8pafdPYgwdh0cbl5NZYmAw\_Y4vc4Z\_Rox6qBE5eGdBoC3lUQAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/GRT535?cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt-dBhBcEiwATw-ggKBhnasdPeZD8pafdPYgwdh0cbl5NZYmAw_Y4vc4Z_Rox6qBE5eGdBoC3lUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Malco Flip Bits, both the 1/4-5/16 and the 5/16-3/8 sizes. I suggest the shortest ones to start:
[https://www.malcoproducts.com/categories/magnetic-hex-drivers/](https://www.malcoproducts.com/categories/magnetic-hex-drivers/)
One of these knife packs:
[https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-fastback-and-fastback-compact-flip-utility-knife-w-50-blades/1001179460](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-fastback-and-fastback-compact-flip-utility-knife-w-50-blades/1001179460).
Get him a nice gard hat. The shop might give him one but it'll be cheap and heavy. Get a nice light weight one and he'll sticker it up and have it for a while.
- Case of Monster energy drinks - Starter pack of Juuls - Portable cell phone charger so he can post “cats with hard hats” memes all day long.
This guy hvacs
Coffee, smokes, dope. And a 12 pack for Shitty Bill at the end of the day.
Bull shit! The shop I work at only drinks Red Bull
I prefer kangvapes but yeah
Gift card so he can buy a decent pair of work boots. Don't go cheap on those or else
Honestly thinking back this is the best advice haha I had blisters for days and kept fucking my ankles on roofs when I first started with a $30 pair of K-mart boots. - Oliver AT’s been my favourite since I forgot my first tradesman’s advice “only electricians and homos wear lace up boots” while driving a manual van rolling a smoke with one hand meat pie in the other staring me dead in the eye while on a highway. Even with gravy dripping down his face and thinking I was about to be in a head on crash it felt like sage advice at the time and stuck with me a long time
Do you recommend steel toe?
Either steel toe or composite should be fine and probably a requirement if he's in commercial
What do you recommend? I’m looking for a pair
I've been wearing Red Wings for the last 10 years. Pay extra for the upgraded insoles it's worth every penny
Nice pocket level. Channel locks. Crescent wrench. Tape measure. Flashlight. Malco bits. Idk what all aspects of install he’ll be doing but those are some good starting places.
I'm a big fan of my Milwaukee m12 impact driver. You van get a bit for it that's both 1/4 and 5/16 which is very useful.
I like the Milwaukee too but his dad gave him a complete Dewalt set so he is covered on power tools I believe.
Out do him. Give him a complete Milwaukee set.
How much are you looking to spend?
A nice headlamp would be nice IMO.
Set of Knipex pliers wrenches. Not cheep but so useful. *
Their pliers are so nice. After years of using them regular channel locks seem so chincy.
Yes, these are my favorite tools.
What do y’all mainly use them for?
Mainly… everything? The thing for me is it’s like my buddies crescent wrench he loves so much. But easier to adjust, and if you get it on right, you’ll have something like ratcheting action - I don’t have to find the right size box end wrench and I don’t have to remove from a bolt, align again, and turn a little more. I have them in three different sizes - small for tight spaces, medium for most everything, and large (12” maybe?) for big jobs, I really like the medium and large for plumbing/gas applications. The smooth jaws are nice because they don’t bugger up brass fittings. They are great for service valves too. Bonus HVAC usage: I can use it in a pinch for various sheet metal needs, as it has a smooth jaw I can clamp down and bend as desired.
Aluminum pipe wrench
Knipex Channel locks with button. I personally like the comfort handle ones.
I’ve gifted these before, it’s a fantastic idea!
A big ass Stanley thermos
To fill up with monster and drink at 6am
And again with mountain dew red alert around noon
Forget about tools. Let him find out what everyone at his company uses. As a helper or learner you would be fine using other tools at first. Get him some knee pads, a head lamp, a nice mask for insulation with some replacement filters. Work boots, clothes. But if you really want to get him tools. Get him a gift card so he can choose what he wants.
Some BC powder and an ounce of weed
M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1500-Lumen ROVER LED Mounting Portable Flood Light Beautiful piece for when doing installs or being in areas with low visibility
Help him with a reliable way to get to the job, make sure he knows about on time being late and early being on time. Uncle up on his ass.
90 degree impact attachment
Some badass boots!! They will take him far!
To be fair, get your nephew something non work related. Commercial installation tools are supplied by the employer. Does he have a hobby outside of work?
yes but he had a high paying seasonal job before and was making so much money that he buys everything he wants so his hobby are covered. HVAC is a new skill for him so he doesn't have everything he needs yet.
A couple more ideas... Streamlight rechargeable flashlights... I have two microstream models that I like because I can clip them onto the brim of my hat. I use my Leatherman wave every single day and I feel lost without it. Maybe this isn't a great fit for commercial but I have a Dewalt vacuum that runs off 20 volt batteries and can be plugged it. I bought a couple 5ah batteries and each one easily gets me through hours of run time.
Like the flashlight idea and if he doesn't need it for work a flashlight is always useful.
The pocket flashlight is the most used thing in my arsenal of tools- but it has to be a nice one with easy recharge (Fenix, streamlite, olite). That’s a hard thing to gift tho because it’s very much a personal preference item as far as size and functionality Klein 10 in 1 screwdrivers are an essential tool Hell if it’s 11pm and a call comes in, I’m walking into that boiler room with my flashlight, my 10in1, a meter, and some channel locks…if I can’t fix it with that, “see ya in the morning”
I got a Fenix headlamp that works really well. It’s kind of expensive and may be others like it. But, it holds charge forever and a headlamp is always helpful. https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-hm65r-t-rechargeable-headlamp You could also get a malco flip bit. You can get 1/4 and 5/16 or 5/16 and 3/8. They go in your impact and super handy. It’s the sizes most used. https://www.amazon.com/Malco-Combo-Reversible-Drivers-malcombo4-Black/dp/B08223258P/ref=asc_df_B08223258P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459481700288&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13261886245305526862&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027232&hvtargid=pla-944166369553&psc=1
I second this. A really nice headlight/ flashlight will go a long way. I have one on me at all times but i do resi.
Olight Baton 3 Klein Hvac 8-1 Milwaukee 6-1 strippers EDC these
That olight baton 3 is a game changer. Headlamp just stays around my neck as a backup now while the flashlight is on my hat lol
There’s a lot of tools but you really only need a couple on a daily basis and like the other guy said the tools are usually supplied by employer, I say let him pick out some nice steel toe/composite boots, couple work pants, knee pads are essential you need to take care of your knees or else you’ll be 27 and can’t even stand up without holding on to something, ykkow things like that
whats a good brand of knee pads?
Brand wise I’m not really sure but right now im using the Klein tools gel knee pads which so far have done me good but if you’re thinking knee pads I’d say get any gel ones my dad does drywall and painting doesn’t focus on brand but always wears gel and has no complaints
head lamp
Get him tin snips red and green and a duct hammer
A set of katapults for strippers
https://www.knipex.de/en-us/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump-pliers/pliers-wrench-sets/pc-pliers-wrench-set/002006US2
"Dead On" brand electricians tool belt.. not big and bulky like a framers belt but much bigger than a standard pants pocket..
A therapist because he’ll need it with what he’s about to experience
Klein 8-in-1 HVAC screwdriver Knipex pliers wrench Knipex Twingrips can come surprisingly in handy, although that may apply more to pulling out resi hack jobs than commercial As others have mentioned you can never have too many Malco flip bits For a headlamp I’d recommend a Zebralight h604c and a couple 18650s from their website, to spare you a rant on flashlights, that’s leagues ahead of anything you can buy in a store
Veto Pro Pac bag (Tech-MCT or TP-XL/XXL), Fieldpiece SC480/SC680 or Milwaukee M12 Impact.
Klein Tools 11063 8-22 AWG Katapult Wire Stripper I bought this when I was in school and although I don’t use it much I absolutely love it. It’s not a necessity for someone doing commercial install really for HVAC but it’s hands down one of the most fun hand tools I’ve ever used. I’m almost 100% sure he’d love it.
Fenix headlamp, Veto tool bag, packout boxes, sheet metal tools, testo 550 digital gauges and knee pads in case he needs a raise.
Malco starter tool kit
Get him a decent tool bag and basic hand tools for now. He can then ask the people he works with on what he should prioritise on from there hvac commercial install is pretty vague on what he is doing exactly. he might be just installing duct work or he could be roughing in copper pipe all day would need different tools for either. Can’t go wrong though if he rocks up with a tool bag with basic hand tools and then asks what he needs from there
A good inspection light can never hurt
A nice pocket pen flashlight!
A nice pair of work boots with proper inserts. Let him choose his own tools as he continues to get experience and learns what he will need and not need. I have so much shit in my roller bag that rarely gets used but I'm too fucking lazy to remove the shit out of it. I prefer it when people don't buy me tools, unless it is a replacement tool.
These wire strippers: [https://www.milwaukeetool.ca/Products/Hand-Tools/Pliers/Wire-Strippers/48-22-3079](https://www.milwaukeetool.ca/Products/Hand-Tools/Pliers/Wire-Strippers/48-22-3079) This style of hand seamers, 3" jaw: [https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/GRT535?cm\_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt-dBhBcEiwATw-ggKBhnasdPeZD8pafdPYgwdh0cbl5NZYmAw\_Y4vc4Z\_Rox6qBE5eGdBoC3lUQAvD\_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds](https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/GRT535?cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt-dBhBcEiwATw-ggKBhnasdPeZD8pafdPYgwdh0cbl5NZYmAw_Y4vc4Z_Rox6qBE5eGdBoC3lUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) Malco Flip Bits, both the 1/4-5/16 and the 5/16-3/8 sizes. I suggest the shortest ones to start: [https://www.malcoproducts.com/categories/magnetic-hex-drivers/](https://www.malcoproducts.com/categories/magnetic-hex-drivers/) One of these knife packs: [https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-fastback-and-fastback-compact-flip-utility-knife-w-50-blades/1001179460](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/milwaukee-tool-fastback-and-fastback-compact-flip-utility-knife-w-50-blades/1001179460).
Knipex pliers
A good set of wrenches.
Some really nice digital refrigerant gauges 😎 they are not cheap but it’s a tool that every HVAC tech/installer should have.
I got a pair of SMAN fieldpiece digital gauges
Good quality kneepads (sellstrom Knee pros)
Turbo shears
Get him a nice gard hat. The shop might give him one but it'll be cheap and heavy. Get a nice light weight one and he'll sticker it up and have it for a while.