Tools of the Trade: What Should Be in a New HVAC Professional’s Tool Kit

Whether you will get into employment or start your HVAC repair and installation business, having the right tools and equipment will make it easy for you to get tasks done as required.

It’s advisable to have the right tools right from the start of a new HVAC career. If you are wondering what tools a new HVAC professional needs, this article is for you. Read on to get a glimpse of the tools you will need as an entry-level HVAC technician.

Tools You Need for Your New HVAC Career

Here is a list of the heating and ac professional tools you will need for your HVAC technician career:

1. Helmet & Gear Bag

Safety is an essential aspect of concern for any HVAC tech. Your toolkit shouldn’t miss a helmet and a gear bag. Your gear bag should have the safety gear you need to keep yourself protected when working.  

2. Headlamp/Flashlight

Every HVAC service technician needs a working headlamp or flashlight to aid in assessing the air conditioning and heating situation. A headlamp makes it easy for you to work hands-free, especially at night.

3. Work Gloves 

You will need a pair of handy and durable gloves when working. Thick gloves help protect your hands, but they should be flexible enough to make it easy to hold small tools and screws. 

4. Pliers

A pair of pliers gets you ready when handling all sizes of pipes, bolts, and wires. A needle-nose, large, medium, and small pliers will come in handy. Also, having an insulated pair of pliers set is necessary for longevity and durability. 

5. Hammer

Regardless of the level, you are in your career; you should have a standard-size hammer. The best option would be a lightweight hammer featuring fiberglass construction for durability and having an easy grip for convenience and ease of use. 

6. Wire Cutters 

As an HVAC tech, you will deal with wires occasionally, so wire cutters are a must-have. Suggestively, you can start with the quarter-inch cutters or the half-inch cutters. However, you will need to get various cutters as you grow in your career to help you handle advanced projects.

7. Multiple Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are a basic necessity for your HVAC career. It is advisable to have a multi-purpose screwdriver with a flathead bit and a head bit with sizes 1 and 2. Having a range of screwdrivers in your toolbox helps you be ready for HVAC jobs requiring any screw size. 

Other Tools for HVAC Techs

Besides the list above, you will need other tools of heating and air conditioning such as drills, gauges, wrenches, extension cords, staple gun, masks, goggles, safety shoes, ear muffs, crimpers, HVAC load calculator, channel locks, crescent wrench set, and clamp meter. 

Getting all the tools needed for your hands-on training in HVAC can be a big expense. Fortunately, the SCI HVAC Student Tool Kit is included in your SCI tuition and includes all the tools you need to start your program and get the job done right. The HVAC Student Took Kit even comes in a professionally engineered bag to keep them all in one convenient place. Easy to transport from school to home, you’ll always have the proper tools to get the job done!

Keep your student tool kit long after graduation. With the proper care, this tool kit will last years, taking you from the classroom to your first call as an entry-level HVAC technician.Interested in a career in HVAC? Learn more about the SCI HVAC training program.