As a tool addict, writing this truth hurts me deeply. And that truth is, maintenance technicians can do 75% of work orders with very little tools. So, as I look out into my garage at a bin overflowing with tools still in the package that I may need one day, my heart aches as another day goes by and that work order never came in so that I could open one of them.
Tools Maintenance Techs Can Do Most Work Orders With
I love this 4 pocket tool pouch. It clips onto your belt or you can just clip it onto a pocket and go. Having to take your belt off every time you want to remove your tool pouch gets old after a few days. The pocket clip is the way to go and perfect for those hit and run work orders.
This baby right here is a staple in the hotel and multi-family housing apartment maintenance trade. You will make a lot of memories on property with your 11 in 1 screwdriver multi-tool. Cherish them.
While I do recommend different sized channel locks, this 9.5 inch size can be used most of the time. It’s not too big nor is it too little. So, it’s perfect to keep in your 4 pocket hit and run pouch pictured above.
I love this adjustable wrench with the fat CODE BLUE comfort grip made by ChannelLock. You’ll keep this baby in your pouch for whenever you need to install or remove a plumbing water line.
BigFoot…. I mean Mrs. Johnson needs you to come clean the hair out of her drain, again. These 8 inch long nose pliers with wire cutter made by Irwin Tools will be perfect for the job.
While I do recommend keeping a Volt Meter in your vehicle for when things break loose and you get a head smashing work order, this voltage tester made by Klein Tools will be just fine for when you need to see if a circuit is live. Hold it close to a wire and if it beeps, the line is hot. If it doesn’t beep, the power is dead and safe to work on. Be sure to test it on a live circuit first to make sure it works. This is perfect to keep in your hit and run pouch.
This wire stripping tool made by Irwin Tools is the perfect size and the perfect price. When it’s time for a new pair, I love telling my wife that, “I’m going out and getting some strippers.”
This is the perfect stud finder to keep in your pouch. It’s small and doesn’t use batteries. It’s a magnetic stud finder made by CH Hanson. Just move it around against a wall and once it goes over a screw or nail that’s holding the drywall up, it’ll stop and hang there letting you know there’s a stud there.
And last but not least, the 20 volt impact driver made by DeWALT. If you’re not a DeWALT tools fan, Milwaukee and Ryobi impact drivers will get the job done for a little cheaper price. You will be making a ton of great memories with your impact driver. Just make sure it has the clip for easy toting. Oh, and also make sure you get the battery and charger as they are sold separate.
So, that’s it. With these tools you can do most of the daily work orders that come in. Now, before my fellow tool junkies feel like ripping my eyebrows off with Gorilla tape, I am in no way condoning just owning these tools only. In my opinion, I feel like having a lot of tools and the best tools makes you more valuable to a company. I love knowing that if I ever get mad and leave a company, that company’s property will feel the wrath when my tools and knowledge hit the road. However, the point of this blog post is that you don’t need $10,000 worth of tools to carry out day to day operations.
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