When you embark on your new career as an HVAC technician, there will be a variety of tools that you will want to have in your toolbox to help make your job easier. From an inventory of basic hand tools to several specialty tools and miscellaneous items, having the right tools you need to do your job is essential for working both efficiently and even more importantly, safely.

In this post, you will learn which tools you will need to have at your disposal if you want to start off your career in HVAC on the right foot. We will separate the tools into the following categories:

• Basic Hand Tools
• Specialty HVAC Tools
• Miscellaneous Items

 

Basic Hand Tools

 

 

Because these are basic hand tools, you may find that you already have many of these tools in your garage or on your basement workbench. If you need to purchase any, you can easily find these tools at your local home improvement store or in the hardware section of the nearest major retail store.

 

Hammer

 Any type of hammer will usually do, as long as it isn’t a rubber mallet. You won’t need a hammer on every job, but keeping a lightweight one in your truck will ensure that you’ll have one if you need it.

 

Level 

You will need a level when installing thermostats and some other pieces of equipment which rely on accuracy. A magnetic level is recommended, but a magnet is not required.

 

Channel Locks

Keeping a set of 8”, 10”, and 12” channel locks will ensure that you can work with just about any size and type of pipe that you will encounter in the field.

 

Multi-Head Screwdriver 

A screwdriver with magnetic replaceable heads eliminates the need for carrying a huge assortment of screwdrivers. This single tool can accommodate a variety of different sized flat-heads, Phillips-heads, star-heads, and other specialty heads.

 

Thermostat Screwdriver

Thermostat screwdrivers are specially made to be thin and narrow, so they can easily remove thermostat covers without damaging them.

 

Allen Wrench Sets

You should have an Allen wrench set for both imperial and metric measurements because HVAC manufacturers don’t follow a strict standard.

 

Adjustable Wrenches

Having a 6” and an 8” adjustable wrench in your toolbox is usually all you’ll need to get you through most installations.

 

Pipe Wrenches

The most common sizes of pipe wrenches that you will use are 14” and 8” pipe wrenches. While you can use the traditional red handled pipe wrenches if you already have them, these can add a lot of weight to your tool bag. If you need to purchase them, choose ones with aluminum handles as they will do the job while weighing substantially less.

 

Fuse Puller

A fuse puller makes it easier and safer to remove and install fuses from their holders.

 

Pipe Caliper

After a few years in HVAC, you will probably be able to tell a pipe’s size just by looking at it. But until that happens, using a pipe caliper will help ensure that you know what size pipe you’re working with.

 

Nut Driver Set

The most common nuts that you will work with are 1/4 in., 5/16 in., 3/8 in., and 1/2 in., so having a complete nut driver set is essential for the job. When purchasing, make sure you purchase a long-necked nut driver set because you will need to work in some tight spaces where your hand may not be able to fit through.

 

Linesman Pliers 

Linesman pliers can do multiple jobs, including cutting, crimping, and stripping wire, so they can be an extremely versatile tool. Stripping wire properly with these pliers can take some time to learn, however, so you may want to have wire strippers in your bag until you master the art.

 

Pipe Cutting Tools

You will need two pipe cutters for cutting copper pipe (a small one for pipe diameters below 1 ¼ inches, and a larger one for pipes up to 1 ¾”) and a small hacksaw for cutting PVC pipe.

 

Cordless Drill Set

In many cases, an HVAC employer will supply you with a cordless drill set, but it may not be as good of a drill as you might like. To make your job easier, choose an impact/hammer drill combo with a 12V or higher lithium-ion battery with a 1-hour charger.

 

Utility Knife 

This will be an indispensable tool that you will find yourself using much more than you ever imagined. From cutting insulation and stripping wire to opening boxes, a utility knife is all about the word “utility.”

 

Service Wrench

A service wrench is the tool that you will need to open and close refrigeration valves on compressors as well as settling tanks for torching.

 

Sheet Metal Shears 

Since HVAC ductwork is made from sheet metal, you will need a set of sheet metal shears (red, green, and yellow handles) to cut holes in ductwork and/or fabricate custom pieces.

 

Tape Measure 

You will be taking a lot of measurements when you’re installing an HVAC system, so this tool will be a must. Since you will usually be working solo, having a tape measure with a magnetic tip will serve as your “second pair of hands” when taking long measurements.

 

Inspection Mirror 

Occasionally, you may need to inspect a part of an HVAC system that is very hard to reach and this is where having an inspection mirror will come in very handy. This type of mirror usually has a telescoping neck and a tiltable mirror, so you can use it in even the most hard-to-reach spaces.

 

Specialty HVAC Tools

 

 

While the HVAC trade shares a lot with the plumbing and electrical trades, it is its own special field, so there are some tools that you will need for just about every standard HVAC installation that you may not already have in your toolbox. These can include:

 

Multimeter 

Don’t pick up just any multimeter, make sure the one you purchase is designed for HVAC technicians. Unlike a standard multimeter, one that is designed for HVAC will come with a thermocouple for measuring air temperature and amp probes for reading amps on a motor.

 

Thermometer 

A thermometer is required, so you can read the temperature of the air flowing through the ductwork. It’s recommended to purchase a handheld thermometer that is designed to puncture flexible ductwork.

 

Filter Puller

While this tool isn’t required, it can make your life easier when you’re trying to remove the air filter on a system with a filter that is difficult to access.

 

Digital Refrigerant Gauges 

Digital gauges might be more expensive than analog ones but they are worth it because they do the calculations for you and this simple benefit can save you a lot of time. But it can also help you prevent errors in your manual calculations. Some models will even provide you with helpful troubleshooting tips based on their readings.

 

Miscellaneous Items

 

 

The following items are not tools per se, but these items will play active roles in your day-to-day work as a professional HVAC technician, so you will definitely want to have them at your disposal:

 

HVAC Tool Bag

HVAC tool bags are specially designed with several pockets for carrying all the tools you need to have with you while you’re on the job. These bags come in a wide variety of styles, including backpacks, so finding the one that best suits your needs is easy.

 

Safety Glasses

Even if you wear eyeglasses, you should be wearing safety glasses to prevent chemicals, debris, or flying objects from getting in your eyes.

 

Gloves

Refrigerant chemicals can be dangerous to bare skin, so wearing the right type of gloves will be essential for ensuring your safety.

 

Flashlight

Most HVAC systems are located in poorly lit spaces, so a flashlight will be a must. It is recommended to choose a rechargeable flashlight as they are small, lightweight, and easy to carry and you won’t have to worry about having a supply of batteries to deal with.

 

Black Markers

A permanent black marker is ideal for making marks on metal piping, but you may also need this if you are working on a commercial HVAC system that requires you to record your service in a maintenance log.

 

Start Your Career By Enrolling in a BTrained HVAC Training Course Today

Now that you know what tools you’ll need for an HVAC career, all you need is the education and hands-on skills to enter the field with confidence. Enrolling in BTrained’s HVAC Training Course can provide you with the perfect starting point. With the education and experience gained from this intensive course of study, you will qualify to sit for the Alabama HVAC Contractors Exam.

Once you pass the Alabama HVAC Contractors Exam, you can start earning an income in this fun, lucrative, and highly rewarding field.

A brand new career is yours if you want it, but don’t put off your decision to start for too long. Each of BTrained’s training courses has a limited number of seats available, and they tend to fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to claim your spot early. Enroll today and secure your spot. You can be on your way to a rewarding career in HVAC in as little as two weeks!