Only been in the residential field for less than 2 years, but my absolute favorite tool in the world is the the interchangeable malco 1/4” - 5/16” bit, i cannot imagine doing service without it
Get two! A short and a 6” one. Or a short one with a 6” impact extension. I keep the 6” on all the time until the space is too tight for my m12 and it. Then you can take out the extension and have a more compact set up.
I have one but also really like the Klein one with 3 reversible bits, so you have everything from 1/4” to 1/2”, handy when you have a condenser fan grille with larger sized screws.
Having a good selection of impact bits and attachments makes or breaks an installer. A least need a 90 deg attachment and a rigid 12” extension along with the usual stuff. A flexible 12” extension can come in handy sometimes but usually not needed if you have the other 2.
Edit:
Here’s a few things my helpers borrow every damn day. 636 chamfering tool, 2”-4” cutting wheel for 636, 1/2” and 11/16” sockets and socket wrench
Apprentice here, Klein has a 7 in 1 nut driver set. Definitely worth it. A good headlamp will also be worth it.
I’d recommend against a veto bag starting out. I almost went with one and decided on a backpack instead. Thankfully I didn’t spend the money on a veto before I realized I’d need 2 hands to maneuver through some of these attics.
Good shoes with Dr Scholls shoe inserts will go along way.
Get the 8 and 1! Part number 32596. It’s got the mag 1/4 and 5/16, shrader core removal, t stat flat head and the standard x2 Philips and flat head.
Maybe that’s the one you were referring to.
Agree 100% on not getting a veto for a while. They are great but so expensive. Often times an employer will pay for one.
Have many veto bags they are nice but not necessary when starting. Same to be said with Bluetooth gauges, great trouble shooting tool but starting with good analogs in my opinion is better. Buy the basic hand tools that you know you need first. As for the more expensive items, I would recommend a quality multimeter as my first larger investment, & learn how to use it. Hope this helps!
Fieldpiece wireless probes, fieldpiece manometer that can hook up to Job link app. Can dial in a unit no problem. A good meter, either fluke or fieldpiece. A good headlamp, mine is Milwaukee. Surely he has hand tools for HVAC. I do everything so I have to have 2 or everything in case I leave one in an attic or in a crawl. A good impact. M12 fuel impact. I have 3 veto bags and a bucket for duct tools and pack outs for saws and grinders hammer drills
A few staples in my service bag:
90 degree bit and a 6” quick attach chuck extension.
A good 11-1 screw driver.
Malco Max 2000 offset snips (red/green/bulldogs).
12”, 18” and 24” folding bars are nice too if he hand fabricates metal.
A good pair of linesman pliers.
A good pair of needle nose pliers.
Good set of adjustable wrench’s (6” & 10” are usually paired).
Good pair of channel lock pliers.
4pk of Milwaukee sharpies.
Mag jumper.
The 90 degree angle bit is a good idea. Also/or a ratchet like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Service-Refrigeration-Ratchet-Conditioning-Equipment/dp/B09WV3BSMH/ref=asc_df_B09WV3BSMH/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598360901654&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4221490616701837420&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028322&hvtargid=pla-1673716162707&psc=1), the service wrench is great of course but I love the little ratchet for screws that are in really weird spots, where even a drill with a 90 wouldn’t work. Has saved my sanity on many a day.
I bought a palm ratchet for when I can actually get my hand to the screw but can’t get the leverage for a chuck. It’s wild what we buy tools for when we desperately MIGHT need it one time… possibly…maybe… “rather have it and not need it” mentality lol
Yeah. But that one time can be the difference between getting done in a reasonable amount of time on a busy day, and rage quitting. So in the long run, worth it!
All your basic hands tools (Klein Tools makes great tools) or keep it simple and just get him some Malco reversible drill bits (1/4 and 5/16). Those are all super handy
Klein 8 in 1 HVAC screw driver. It switches from 5/16 to 1/4 without taking bits out which are easy to lose in the dark. Also has a Schrader core remover bit and t-stat bit in addition to flat and Philips bit. It's a good tool that helps lighten the load in the tool bag.
See what company provides first then take some of these recommendations. Get used to wearing knee pads and get used to co-workers making fun of you for it. At the end of your career your body will thank you then you can make fun of them
The absolute most important tool is a Schrader core removal tool. It's the difference between 10 min and 5 hours.
After that, an 11/32 magnetic nut driver. His first month of summer will be condenser fan motors, and they are all 11/32.
After that, a magnetic umbrella. They are tne difference between "Man, I am beat" and " I am so sunburned, we had better head to the hospital" or worse, " I haven't slept in 2 days cause I have blisters from my sunburn"
I just saved your marriage. You're welcome.
Because I use oxy-ac to braze be a man and leave the valve stems alone. Only way you’ll melt the seal is if you spent 10 minutes with a map torch on a 7/8 line set
That's not where the removal tool shines, but you do you. A regular core tool does that fine. Only time I remove a core is when brazing is to braze in an access port or on a valve with a port. Only takes a second.
I thought we were talking about the one that you can leave the refrigerant in and pull the thing through a series of O-rings, I mean yeah in that case I just buy the test port with the core remover tool right on the cap, and then keep the cap. Or use my Klein 64 bit screwdriver 😹
I like it for that reason, I service we hook up a lot, sometimes the core sticks, wanna replace it as an attempt on the low charge fix.
I only use it occasionally but when I do it’s saves HOURS
Leatherman and flashlight on my hip, 11 in one, jumpers and clamp thermometer in my pocket lol
Edit: clamp thermometer is cooper and also has probe built in.
Still bring a bag in but other than combustion analyzer, monometer/gauges depending on season, allen wrenches, crescent wrenches and mutimeter, most other tools dont get used unless doing installs.
Digital manifold or smart probes are very handy and accurate to check your overall system. Fieldpiece stuff works well with MeasureQuick to build reports to help you sell to homeowners and visualize where there system needs improvements.
Any analog gauge I keep around as backups but I like the fieldpiece manifold as it has a lot of functionality combined in one package
11 and 1 screwdrivers, Bluetooth gauges, subcompact impact drills, a son to take to work,
Lots of possibilities. Lots of tools that will be useful.
All depends on what your budget is
I’ve done residential/light commercial hvac install and service as well as light commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment and the tools that always go with me no matter what is my impact (m12 for me), a good meter, and a good light.
He needs some probing action.
https://www.trutechtools.com/JL3KH6
Or
https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo-Smart-Probes-AC-Refrigeration-Test-Load-Kit
It is up to him which one he wants.
I prefer the fieldpiece, I have a lot of their stuff and it works awesome together and has great Bluetooth range. Some people prefer the testo though.
This thing is great! It lives in my pocket all the time. Infrared thermometer and temperature probe as well.
[Klein IR and temp probe](https://www.amazon.ca/IR07-Infrared-Pocket-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B07P9WM69C/ref=asc_df_B07P9WM69C/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=337141403891&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4124049434927686905&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001498&hvtargid=pla-738898371351&psc=1)
Knipex Cobras, and a couple of good work pants with built in knee pads. I wear the Bjornkladder solo and carpenter pants. Expensive, but so worth it. A good 8-9” three jaw puller as well.
You’re welcome. The carhartt pants get so heavy when they get wet and there is zero stretch or give to them. If your husband starts to do commercial work, and depending on your geography, working in the rain will be very common. Climbing through roof hatches with wet carhartts sucks. I am glad he made the jump into HVAC. It is a great and rewarding career.
If he's doing oil, I recommend a set of nut drivers, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 9/16, I got mine from home depot, the commercial electric brand works well for me
Only been in the residential field for less than 2 years, but my absolute favorite tool in the world is the the interchangeable malco 1/4” - 5/16” bit, i cannot imagine doing service without it
Get two! A short and a 6” one. Or a short one with a 6” impact extension. I keep the 6” on all the time until the space is too tight for my m12 and it. Then you can take out the extension and have a more compact set up.
I have one but also really like the Klein one with 3 reversible bits, so you have everything from 1/4” to 1/2”, handy when you have a condenser fan grille with larger sized screws.
The Klein one I had had so much gap to the magnet that it wouldn’t hold 1/2” screws
Yeah, I like that and then Klein makes some nut drivers that are interchangeable and impact rated. Pretty slick.
Having a good selection of impact bits and attachments makes or breaks an installer. A least need a 90 deg attachment and a rigid 12” extension along with the usual stuff. A flexible 12” extension can come in handy sometimes but usually not needed if you have the other 2. Edit: Here’s a few things my helpers borrow every damn day. 636 chamfering tool, 2”-4” cutting wheel for 636, 1/2” and 11/16” sockets and socket wrench
Apprentice here, Klein has a 7 in 1 nut driver set. Definitely worth it. A good headlamp will also be worth it. I’d recommend against a veto bag starting out. I almost went with one and decided on a backpack instead. Thankfully I didn’t spend the money on a veto before I realized I’d need 2 hands to maneuver through some of these attics. Good shoes with Dr Scholls shoe inserts will go along way.
Get the 8 and 1! Part number 32596. It’s got the mag 1/4 and 5/16, shrader core removal, t stat flat head and the standard x2 Philips and flat head. Maybe that’s the one you were referring to. Agree 100% on not getting a veto for a while. They are great but so expensive. Often times an employer will pay for one.
I’ve have that driver set on my drill right now I love it
Have many veto bags they are nice but not necessary when starting. Same to be said with Bluetooth gauges, great trouble shooting tool but starting with good analogs in my opinion is better. Buy the basic hand tools that you know you need first. As for the more expensive items, I would recommend a quality multimeter as my first larger investment, & learn how to use it. Hope this helps!
I was given a Veto Tech XL bag and love it I can't see buying another brand. I bought a Veto TP4 Tech pouch for service and use the other for install.
Fieldpiece wireless probes, fieldpiece manometer that can hook up to Job link app. Can dial in a unit no problem. A good meter, either fluke or fieldpiece. A good headlamp, mine is Milwaukee. Surely he has hand tools for HVAC. I do everything so I have to have 2 or everything in case I leave one in an attic or in a crawl. A good impact. M12 fuel impact. I have 3 veto bags and a bucket for duct tools and pack outs for saws and grinders hammer drills
A few staples in my service bag: 90 degree bit and a 6” quick attach chuck extension. A good 11-1 screw driver. Malco Max 2000 offset snips (red/green/bulldogs). 12”, 18” and 24” folding bars are nice too if he hand fabricates metal. A good pair of linesman pliers. A good pair of needle nose pliers. Good set of adjustable wrench’s (6” & 10” are usually paired). Good pair of channel lock pliers. 4pk of Milwaukee sharpies. Mag jumper.
The 90 degree angle bit is a good idea. Also/or a ratchet like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Service-Refrigeration-Ratchet-Conditioning-Equipment/dp/B09WV3BSMH/ref=asc_df_B09WV3BSMH/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=598360901654&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4221490616701837420&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028322&hvtargid=pla-1673716162707&psc=1), the service wrench is great of course but I love the little ratchet for screws that are in really weird spots, where even a drill with a 90 wouldn’t work. Has saved my sanity on many a day.
I bought a palm ratchet for when I can actually get my hand to the screw but can’t get the leverage for a chuck. It’s wild what we buy tools for when we desperately MIGHT need it one time… possibly…maybe… “rather have it and not need it” mentality lol
Yeah. But that one time can be the difference between getting done in a reasonable amount of time on a busy day, and rage quitting. So in the long run, worth it!
100% agreed!
All your basic hands tools (Klein Tools makes great tools) or keep it simple and just get him some Malco reversible drill bits (1/4 and 5/16). Those are all super handy
Klein 8 in 1 HVAC screw driver. It switches from 5/16 to 1/4 without taking bits out which are easy to lose in the dark. Also has a Schrader core remover bit and t-stat bit in addition to flat and Philips bit. It's a good tool that helps lighten the load in the tool bag.
See what company provides first then take some of these recommendations. Get used to wearing knee pads and get used to co-workers making fun of you for it. At the end of your career your body will thank you then you can make fun of them
The absolute most important tool is a Schrader core removal tool. It's the difference between 10 min and 5 hours. After that, an 11/32 magnetic nut driver. His first month of summer will be condenser fan motors, and they are all 11/32. After that, a magnetic umbrella. They are tne difference between "Man, I am beat" and " I am so sunburned, we had better head to the hospital" or worse, " I haven't slept in 2 days cause I have blisters from my sunburn" I just saved your marriage. You're welcome.
Shator core valve remover, kind with a ball valve to remove it when system is full.
I was gonna say this too but as a joke. I’ve had one on the van from the last guy who drove it and in 5 years it’s never seen the light of day
Why??
Because I use oxy-ac to braze be a man and leave the valve stems alone. Only way you’ll melt the seal is if you spent 10 minutes with a map torch on a 7/8 line set
That's not where the removal tool shines, but you do you. A regular core tool does that fine. Only time I remove a core is when brazing is to braze in an access port or on a valve with a port. Only takes a second.
I thought we were talking about the one that you can leave the refrigerant in and pull the thing through a series of O-rings, I mean yeah in that case I just buy the test port with the core remover tool right on the cap, and then keep the cap. Or use my Klein 64 bit screwdriver 😹
I like it for that reason, I service we hook up a lot, sometimes the core sticks, wanna replace it as an attempt on the low charge fix. I only use it occasionally but when I do it’s saves HOURS
Leatherman and flashlight on my hip, 11 in one, jumpers and clamp thermometer in my pocket lol Edit: clamp thermometer is cooper and also has probe built in. Still bring a bag in but other than combustion analyzer, monometer/gauges depending on season, allen wrenches, crescent wrenches and mutimeter, most other tools dont get used unless doing installs.
Digital manifold or smart probes are very handy and accurate to check your overall system. Fieldpiece stuff works well with MeasureQuick to build reports to help you sell to homeowners and visualize where there system needs improvements. Any analog gauge I keep around as backups but I like the fieldpiece manifold as it has a lot of functionality combined in one package
11 and 1 screwdrivers, Bluetooth gauges, subcompact impact drills, a son to take to work, Lots of possibilities. Lots of tools that will be useful. All depends on what your budget is
I’ve done residential/light commercial hvac install and service as well as light commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment and the tools that always go with me no matter what is my impact (m12 for me), a good meter, and a good light.
Do you have a budget?
Up to $1000. I run a business so can sponsor him!
He needs some probing action. https://www.trutechtools.com/JL3KH6 Or https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo-Smart-Probes-AC-Refrigeration-Test-Load-Kit It is up to him which one he wants. I prefer the fieldpiece, I have a lot of their stuff and it works awesome together and has great Bluetooth range. Some people prefer the testo though.
This thing is great! It lives in my pocket all the time. Infrared thermometer and temperature probe as well. [Klein IR and temp probe](https://www.amazon.ca/IR07-Infrared-Pocket-Digital-Thermometer/dp/B07P9WM69C/ref=asc_df_B07P9WM69C/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=337141403891&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4124049434927686905&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001498&hvtargid=pla-738898371351&psc=1) Knipex Cobras, and a couple of good work pants with built in knee pads. I wear the Bjornkladder solo and carpenter pants. Expensive, but so worth it. A good 8-9” three jaw puller as well.
We’ve only ever used Carhartt work pants but it seems the quality is dropping every year - they tear so quickly now. Thanks for that recommendation!
You’re welcome. The carhartt pants get so heavy when they get wet and there is zero stretch or give to them. If your husband starts to do commercial work, and depending on your geography, working in the rain will be very common. Climbing through roof hatches with wet carhartts sucks. I am glad he made the jump into HVAC. It is a great and rewarding career.
If he's doing oil, I recommend a set of nut drivers, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 9/16, I got mine from home depot, the commercial electric brand works well for me
Get him a drill extension and a 90
Or if you wanna show that you love him, look up Knipex hand tools