Essential Tools for New Maintenance Technicians

Essential Tools for New Maintenance Technicians

So, you just got promoted to maintenance technician. Welcome aboard! Now, let’s get you outfitted with the right tools. You would think that this wouldn’t be an issue but, new techs showing up to their new handyman job with no tools is very common. I want to make sure this isn’t you. Don’t be the annoying tool moocher. Constantly borrowing tools doesn’t look good and you’re guaranteed to get on everyone’s nerves. You’re responsible for showing up with basic hand tools.

Below are the basic essential tools every maintenance technician needs. I think we all started with these tools and then watched our tool collection grow.

Must Have Tools For Maintenance Technicians

The Klein 11-in-1 multi tool is a fantastic go to tool that I’ve been using for almost 20 years. It’s a screwdriver and a nut driver that holds 8 popular tips and converts to 3 nut driver sizes. This baby is perfect for those hit and run work orders when you don’t need to bring your heavy tool bag along.

You can get by with just one pair of channel locks. However, I recommend having 3 different sizes. It’s all fun and games until you need to unscrew something that’s in a tight area like a washer box. Channel locks are a must have!

Did I seriously have to put a hammer in here? YES! You’d be surprised at how many new techs show up with not even a hammer. Get a hammer!

Whenever you get handed that water supply line work order, you’ll be good to go with these babies.

Measure twice and cut once is a great motto to live by. Be sure you’ve got something to measure with.

Okay, the reason I went with the Ryobi impact driver is because you’re new. Once you get some paychecks rolling in, you can step your game up to a Dewalt impact driver.

I know what you’re thinking. “Why do i need these when I got an 11-in-1 screwdriver?” Because you WILL lose the screwdriver bits that come with your 11-in-1. It’s just how it is. You get into some action on a work order and the next thing you know, the bit is gone. It’s okay don’t cry. 11-in-1’s are like the skanks you dated in high school. They’re fun for a while but you move on to another one. Get you some good magnetic screwdrivers that hold on tight to screws. There’s nothing worse than dropping a screw into a dark abyss of cobwebs.

Yes, I know. Your 11-in-1 is a nut driver too. But when you strip it out, you’ll need quality backup. I love my magnetic Klein nut drivers. Mine are 5 years old and still going strong.

If you’re not comfortable around electricity and don’t think you’re ready for a volt meter yet, that’s okay! I’ve been there before and know how it is. However, I do think you should get this Klein non-contact voltage detector. It will tell you if the power is live just by putting the tip beside a wire or electrical outlet. If you’ve seen my YouTube videos, then you’ve seen me use this tool a lot while on electrical work orders.

You’re going to need something to carry your sweet money makers in. This Klein backpack tool bag makes carrying tools around so much easier. Especially if you work at a place that has lots of stairs. I’ve had this exact backpack tool bag for 5 years now and it’s still going strong.

I’m going to wrap this up with this sweet pliers set from Vise-Grip. You get everything you need here from needle nose pliers to wire clippers. I hope those needle noses are ready to pull some hair out of some shower drains! 

Okay, I think that’ll do. That’s a nice baseline of tools to get you started. And as the years roll by, your tool collection will grow and grow until there’s tools spilling out of every nook and cranny. Below are more tool links for later as your knowledge grows. I also have tool reviews on my YouTube channel which I will also link to below. I hope this helps you breeze through your first day as a new technician! Hit me up on Facebook and let me know!

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