Tool kit 1956

The last trainees or apprentices that I supervised, in about 2010, were initially expected to provide at their own expense, a VERY LIMITED selection of hand tools, probably less than £50 worth. Many people would already have most of the items, or could obtain them cheaply on line or from car boot sales.

As training progressed, the employee was expected to provide a better selection of better quality hand tools, up to perhaps £200 in retail price.


Test instruments and power tools were issued by the employer, sometimes for a particular job, and sometimes on permanent issue to that employee.


Initial list, required from first day of employment.

"voltstick" or similar non-contact voltage tester.

Insulated terminal screwdrivers in two sizes.

Ratchet screwdriver with good selection of bits.

Adjustable spanner.

Mole grips.

Linesman's pliers.

Junior hacksaw.

Plastic torch.

Safety boots or shoes (these will be issued, but bring your own for the first few week or so.)

Overalls or old clothes (overalls will be supplied, but this can take a few days.)


Enhanced list, required to be obtained gradually, with the employee having the full set by the end of the first year.

At least 10 different sized insulated screwdrivers.

Two sizes adjustable spanners.

Two mole grips

Full size hacksaw

Multi blade pocket knife. (swiss army preferably)

Conduit lock nut spanner.

Carpenters hammer, about 800gram.

Crimping tool. must be from RS components.

LED headlight. Must be one piece.

Sidecutters in addition to the linesman pliers.

Drummond test lamp.

M4 tap.

Any other small hand tools that are needed to work safely and effectively.


Test instruments, power tools, and workwear all provided.

The last trainees or apprentices that I supervised, in about 2010, were initially expected to provide at their own expense, a VERY LIMITED selection of hand tools, probably less than £50 worth. Many people would already have most of the items, or could obtain them cheaply on line or from car boot sales.

As training progressed, the employee was expected to provide a better selection of better quality hand tools, up to perhaps £200 in retail price.


Test instruments and power tools were issued by the employer, sometimes for a particular job, and sometimes on permanent issue to that employee.


Initial list, required from first day of employment.

"voltstick" or similar non-contact voltage tester.

Insulated terminal screwdrivers in two sizes.

Ratchet screwdriver with good selection of bits.

Adjustable spanner.

Mole grips.

Linesman's pliers.

Junior hacksaw.

Plastic torch.

Safety boots or shoes (these will be issued, but bring your own for the first few week or so.)

Overalls or old clothes (overalls will be supplied, but this can take a few days.)


Enhanced list, required to be obtained gradually, with the employee having the full set by the end of the first year.

At least 10 different sized insulated screwdrivers.

Two sizes adjustable spanners.

Two mole grips

Full size hacksaw

Multi blade pocket knife. (swiss army preferably)

Conduit lock nut spanner.

Carpenters hammer, about 800gram.

Crimping tool. must be from RS components.

LED headlight. Must be one piece.

Sidecutters in addition to the linesman pliers.

Drummond test lamp.

M4 tap.

Any other small hand tools that are needed to work safely and effectively.


Test instruments, power tools, and workwear all provided.