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HVAC SCHOOL TOOLS: TIPS FOR ACQUISITION, CARE, AND USE

websitebuilder • Jul 06, 2020

Before you can take classes in an HVAC school, you’ll need to acquire the right tools for learning. Your school should tell you up front what tools you need for your classes. But you should also learn the proper way to care for your tools so they last a long time.

Knowing how to care for your tools and how to get the best deals is important for your success in class and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about the care, acquisition, and use of your tools.

Tool Box — Chicago, IL — HVAC Technical Institute

BUDGET FOR TOOL PURCHASES WHEN PLANNING TO ENROLL

You may need to spend several hundred dollars on your tools for HVAC school, so budget for tool purchases when planning to enroll. If you’ve identified the specific school you’d like to enroll in, check their student handbook or other literature to identify which tools they require.

Once you have a tool list, you can easily look up their costs and factor these costs into your budget. Common tools that your HVAC school may require include:

  • AC line splitter
  • Left and right snips
  • Scriber
  • Seamers
  • Flaring tool
  • Freon gauges
  • Lineman’s pliers
  • Long nose pliers
  • Ductulator

Many schools will require you to have these tools on the first day, so plan to purchase them before school begins. Unless your HVAC school tells you otherwise, this is not a cost that you can defer until after you’ve started school. If you’re not prepared to purchase tools at this time, talk to your chosen school about financial aid options that can help.

BUY HIGH-QUALITY TOOLS

The tools you buy for yourself at school may become the same tools you use on the job. This means you could be using these tools regularly for many years.

While you may be tempted to save money with low-end tools, purchasing cheap tools now will only require you to purchase higher-quality ones later, which will result in more money spent overall. What’s worse, some cheap tools perform poorly and could cost you time and money. Purchase high-quality tools that will last a long time.

Not sure which brands are best? Contact your chosen HVAC school for recommendations. An instructor or even administrator with the school can tell you which brands walk the line between affordability and quality.

SHOP AROUND

Save money on tool purchases by shopping around and at the right time of year. Tools tend to go on sale at Father’s day and around Black Friday, with occasional tool sales happening intermittently in between those times. Another way to save money is to buy tools of one brand and take advantage of loyalty programs. Shop online, at local stores, and at specialty stores for HVAC contractors before settling on the right tools for you.

GET A GOOD TOOL BOX

Your HVAC school may not require you to get a tool box, but you will want one. Without a centralized location to keep your tools, you’re likely to lose one or more tools throughout your time in school. You’ll also find it difficult to get your tools to and from class.

Buy the tools first and the tool box second to ensure that the box you choose is large enough for your tools. Purchase a box that is slightly larger than what you need to give yourself room for tools that you purchase in the future. You should watch the weight of the box when you make your purchase, as it will be much heavier and harder to lift when it’s full of tools.

When you buy a tool box, focus on models with a sturdy, easy-to-use handle. Boxes with these features are easier to lift and transport from one location to another.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOOLS

Keep your tools clean and use them only for their intended purposes. Most tools can be cleaned with water. Dry all tools when you’re done washing them.

Some tools, like electrical tools, have special cleaning instructions. Follow all manufacturer’s recommendations before you clean anything that requires batteries or that plugs into the wall.

LEARN TO USE YOUR TOOLS PROPERLY

You may be excited to get started with your tools. But you should wait until you’ve been taught the proper way to handle your tools before beginning to use them. You’ll learn to use your tools properly in HVAC school. You’ll find using them more rewarding if you know the proper way.

Do you have more questions about the tools that you’ll need in HVAC trade school? Find out more by contacting schools in your area. At HVAC Technical Institute, we’re happy to answer all your questions about tools, books, and other supplies you’ll need for your time in school. We have trained hundreds of HVAC technicians, so you can trust our experience to ensure you have a successful career. Call today to find out more.

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