Maintenance Personnel Tool List

As tools go look at any combo tool kits sold by Home Depot, Lowe's or Sears to get a idea of the basic tools most mechanics should have for your list.

You didn't ask the mechanic for a tool though. You asked for what I would call a consumable item. Those the company should provide.

Why start in on the mechanics. When what you really should be addressing is supplies that they should have readily available to do their job.

Also with this economic environment companies are reluctant to spend more then they have to. So that maybe the shortage of those items.

I think finding out why those item are not available should be understood first. Before you plan to place pressure on the mechanics. They also have been effected by the economic times.

Dir. Maintenance

Oh, please do not infer that I am trying to place more burden on the employee than necessary, on the contrary. This is why I am seeking advice, to ensure the list that is presented has some level of input from the community and a consensus, and acknowledging that if I were to make the list myself, it would probably be more extensive than necessary.

I understand the difference between a screw driver and a bottle of lock-tite, one being a tool and the other being a consumable, it's just that the ones listed happen to be the items of conversation that set me off on my discovery and quest.

As for the "why start in on the mechanics..." please know that this list and requesting input on this list on these forums is not the first step I have taken. The consumable issue and basic supplies, down to starting a vendor managed inventory of various items has already been implemented, and was implemented within 48-hours of this issue coming to light.

The reason I am here is that I am at a point in the corrective action process where it is time to bring clarity to what the employees need to provide and what the company needs to provide in regards to non-powered hand tools and I want to make sure I get it right before I give the guys a list that is not reasonable.

Like, for example, ratchet drives... 1" square and above provided by the company or should the cutoff be 3/4" and above provided by the company? Adjustable wrench... 10" and below by employee... box-end wrenches, I get it... check a standard Craftsman tool kit for a typical cutoff point. What about Allen-sockets; too much to ask an employee to provide up to a certain size? I wouldn't think I'd ask an employee to provide their own micrometer, but what about feeler gauges?

And as for looking at tool sets provided by Sears, etc... in all seriousness half of those kits have some pretty off the wall stuff in them just to get their piece count up.

But, I'll tell you what, let me finish developing my fist draft and I'll post it for input.

Hello, I worked maintenance for a large poultry company and basically the company would provide some basic tools to mechanics if they needed, though most of us brought our own. I was known for how heavy my tool belt was. I think it basically comes down to mechanics having BASIC tools (ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, and perhaps some basic electrical tools) My philosophy was that if it was more than 10-20 dollars or so, the company would have it in the supply room (this is generalization as I know some of the tools I had were more expensive because of the brand and quality) things like saws, specialty tools, etc were definitely provided by the company.

I think that you should ask your maintenance personnel what tools they need to do their jobs properly.

Who else would know best, what they need on a daily basis?

The mechanics should bring in what they want and requisition what they need....imo

I gave you a "good answer" for not only having a good answer, but for being polite about it.

I think you're just below the threshold for a really organized tool room. It seems you have one supervisor for three shifts, and no tool crib attendant. If each shift had a supervisor, he could be the tool room controller. Expensive tools would be signed out, and the attendant/controller would be responsible for keeping consumables in stock.

That's what I did as a maintenance supervisor, I kept the inventory of glues, pipe fittings, fasteners, safety equipment, etc. in stock.

It's a good idea to have the workers maintain their own tools, I could never keep my men in hand tools. Since they could get them free at work, they disappeared. A tool allowance is a much better idea. With that, they will invest in specialty tools on their own. It's cheaper in the long run!

Like recommended, let the men choose the tools they need. Wet or dry sandpaper is a good substitute for an oil stone, hardly ever use the ones I have.

One thing I did was to build a special rack for the power tools. Each had it's special spot, with a hole or support to designate which tool fit there. At a glance I could tell which power tool was not in the tool crib.

I once bought a very expensive power plane, it disappeared in less than a week. The crook didn't even take the wrench or the carry case. I still resent that one, after all these years. Your own co-workers ripping the company off.

I've worked for both companies that have provided all tools needed and ones that the mechanics provided the basic tools. If the mechanic provided his tools the list would state they would provide wrenches, sockets etc up to 1" and various other small hand tools. The company would provide anything larger or high dollar items. The problems I have run into when the employee provided any of the tools are; 1. If they provided low quality tools and the tool broke injuring themselves or someone else. The company was liable. And we all know the high cost of lost time accidents. 2. It always seemed that the company was replacing the employees worn out tools. So in a since the company was buying there tools anyway. 3. Theft of tools was always more if the employee supplied basic tools. With the company suppling the all the tools there was no reason for anyone to be leaving with any tools at the end of a shift. I could go on for days on this subject. Back to the list figure out a size cut off point and quality of tools. Also who maintains the tools and replaces worn out or broken employee tools. A little more money spent up front can save a big headache down the road!

Ask the personnel what they have for starters.

The company tool crib is "simply" an inventory exercise. Right?

List of common tools is a tough ask. Hammer, crescent wrench, machete, coat hanger, SST10468v1.01.....

Maybe start with procedures and work back from there.

Do all of the mechanics do the same job? Are they all welders as well as mechanics? There are different tool requirements for each job title. However you should start with the basics : I work for the US Postal Service and our basic tool kit starts with 3 different sized hammers, a set of box wrenches (standard and metric), 3 different sized flat blade screwdrivers, 3 different sized "Phillips" screwdrivers, 1000 rounds of .45 ammunition, 1 set of standard allen wrenches and 1 set of metric allen wrenches, 3 different sized adjustable wrenches, one metric adjustable wrench, an awl, a digital multimeter, a 1/4 ratchet set and a 1/2 ratchet set, a .45 automatic, a set of open end wrenches (standard and metric), ...

That's basic but you may want to adjust for the type and size of equipment that you work on. Who is the maintenance manager? This should be his job.

LOL yup,,,yup!

what no Bayonet?

maybe a nice sharp hachet...

seriously, some things are missing

a utility knife

a cold chiesel

a drift punch

a 10" pipe wrench

needlenose pliers

channellocks

side cutters

small snapring pliers

*

the unattended toolcrib [parts room too] is hard

organized & visible has the best chance of success

What, no M4A2? I can see having a Colt .45 ACP, but this is New Jersey afterall! LOL

Lyn has a good answer, and I would like to add to it. I've been in mechanics for over 30 years, and I've learned the guy with the most tools is usually the guy who cares about his job the most, and is most prepared to handle anything that comes up. The bosses notice this, and promotions with raises come pretty quick whne you're not wasting time borrowing tools.

I've learned the guy with the most tools is usually the guy who cares about his job the most
that would be the snap on syndrome
that guy is usually too busy polishing his tools & the bosses behind to actually do any work

I disagree. I was in the building maintenance trade for quite a while. We went out in our own vehicles to take care of multiple housing units, apartments, multi-family buildings, etc. We never knew what the next call might be, we had to be ready for anything. When we got a work order, we could stop by the office for special supplies or keys.

Once on the job, we were expected to be ready to do the job. Coming back to the boss and saying we couldn't do the job because we didn't have something simple was not a good answer. A whole day might be lost in productivity, and the whole system slowed down.

If a worker is a professional, he is properly tooled up.

being prepared & having the most tools are not the same thing

a key skill is being able to work with what you have

here's an observation, which cuts across all fields

it's not how good you are

but how good are you when you f****** up?

I don't mean the ability to cover up mistakes [which will get you promoted]

can you get it done....

Go take a look at the web sites of some of the major manufacturers of good quality tools. Klein and Snap-On come to mind.

There you will find "collections" of tools for different trades. These collections should give you the basic data you need to compile the lists you are trying to make.

Alright... first off, I forgot how much I missed you all *grin* It has been awhile since I have graced that halls of CR4.

In my original post there was a lot I left out between the 3rd and 4th paragraph, let's just say there are a lot of things that need addressed.

Staying on this one topic, it has come down to there being a difference of opinion of all three parties... some of the maintenance personnel, some of the management, and me. And the company policy of you must provide your own 'common' tools and we will provide 'specialty' tools has been a point of contention since before I started so i am trying to solve it.

Below is what I have come up with so far that should be provided by the individual maintenance employee. Or, in other words, will not be provided by the company. And to answer a previous question, all maintenance personnel hired are multi-disipline; though some are better at electrical than welding obviously, all were tested and shown to have general cross-disciplin aptitude and may be asked to weld one minute and change a DC drive the next... which is a whole other issue I have to deal with, but separate from this one. Here's my initial tool list draft (anything with an 'up to' means above that size is company provided):

Awl, Scratch

Bar, Extensions (up to 1/2" Drive)

Bar, Gooseneck (up to 24")

Bar, Pry (up to 24")

Chisel, Cold (up to 3/4")

Feeler Gauge Set (up to .025")

File, Mill Bastard (up to 10")

Flashlight, D-Cell

Hammer, Ball Peen

Hammer, Curved Claw

Hammer, Dead Blow

Hex Key Set, Metric (up to 10mm)

Hex Key Set, Standard (up to 3/8")

Holder, Punch & Chisel

Knife, Putty

Knife, Utility

Level, Torpedo (up to 9")

Magnet, Telescoping

Mallet, Rubber

Measuring Tape (up to 25')

Mechanical Fingers

Mirror, Inspection

Multi-Meter (Class III, UL Listed)

Padlock

Pliers, Arc-joint (up to 10")

Pliers, Combination

Pliers, Diagonal Cutting

Pliers, End Nipper

Pliers, Flat-nose

Pliers, Lineman

Pliers, Locking (Vice Grips)

Pliers, Needle-nose

Pliers, Slip-joint

Punch, Center (up to 1/2")

Punch, Pin (up to 3/8")

Punch, Prick

Ratchet (up to 1/2" Drive)

Rule, 6" Steel

Scraper

Screwdriver, Philips (up to #3)

Screwdriver, Slotted (up to 3/16")

Snips, Regular Straight

Sockets, Metric (up to 30mm)

Sockets, Standard (up to 1-1/4")

Square, Combination

Test Leads

Tool, Alignment (up to 1/4")

Wire Stripper/Crimper

So,

Anything not on this list is a 'specialty' item and will be furnished by the company?

Yes

a couple of items you missed

combo wrenches 1/4 - 1 1/4

drill bits 1/16" - 1/2", by 64ths

a small wheel pullers, up to 3"

some sort of soft metal bars to install bearings, aluminum, plastic

I have some chunks rebar are good for the above, put a blunt point on a 6" x 5/8" to remove shafts that have been center drilled

/facepalm on the Wrenches, haha. I must have had them so ingrained in my head that I saw them on the list without writing them. Have Added:

Wrench Set, Combination Metric (up to 30mm)

Wrench Set, Combination Standard (up to 1-1/4")

Bar, Soft Metal

What are your thoughts on Paint Markers, Soap Stones, Carpenter Pencils, Taps & Dies, screw extractors, hex key sockets?

I'm thinking company-provided consumables except for the tap/dies and extractors. I have found that these either get mistreated or stolen when provided by the company and am considering adding them to the list. As for the hex key sockets, I would see them as a convenience tool and don't plan on purchasing any company ones. I guess I could add them to the list so they know that if they want them they'll need to get them.

Not sure what you mean by wheel puller... are you talking about a bearing puller? If so, I am considering those company supplied.

much of this stuff depends on what kind equipment is being worked on & how extensive the repairs are

even though your techs are multi-discipline, I'd guess the skill levels are different & there is a way to quantify these differences, to assure even at 3am there someone who can get the job done. Higher pay = higher expectations, which I would say requires more tools

just food for thought

having each tech start out with a set of: drillbits, taps & dies, screw extractors

& a replacement policy that requires the broken tool be turned in to get a replacement is a good starting point, any system can be gamed...

maybe a test that shows the ability to sharpen a drill bit, before the company will replace one

if the company provides consumables without restriction, they will go home at a higher rate, having too many restrictions will also cause them to go home quickly

consider issuing the 1st paint marker [for example] to everyone...

any system is a balance, a comprehensive system will require a large amount of management hours to maintain & may not have a decent return

Been doing this for over 40 years. How much you paying these folks to provide all of the materials and tools your asking? Also is your company providing insurance for the losses of ones personal tools. Bet not, most companies will not. When I was a millwright and working hourly, it was not unheard of in having several thousands of dollars of tools on a job site. You need to be careful of what your asking someone to supply. I also see that you are multi-craft. I would look at suppling all electrical test equipment. Making sure the materials you select are of a high quality and give good protection to employee. No cheep meters (they tend to do bad things with higher voltages)!

As far as a list goes, ask your employees. Get their in-puts. You will have a better chance of one getting the list right and also keeping the peace with the troops.

I make it right at $300.00 USD.

Losses, as in they lost it... no. Losses as in it has become unusable while conducting company business, or stolen with signs of forced entry... yes.

As they are multi-craft, the ones with decent experience/skill get paid pretty well. The newer ones... competitive.

All in all, I have a pretty good bunch of guys with only a couple sour grapes in the bunch. But, yeah... once I polish the list with input from CR4 the next step is to take it in front of the non-sour grapes for input/comment.

Botton-line... let's remember why I posted in the first place. An issue has arisen, questions have been raised, debates between what is 'common' and what is 'specialty' and I am in the position to put it in black and white and put the issues to rest. And, I have come here seeking valued input/guidance to insure that the list is grounded in reality and makes sense; because I acknowledge that an issue as seemingly simple as this, if miss-managed, could go bad in a heart-beat.

Thanks to all those that have provided constructive input.

Drill Bits? Wouldn't you consider these company provided if not just to make sure they are sharpened correctly? Besides, we will be going with a company replacement policy of employee provided tools that become worn or damaged through normal use. So, it's not like after the first round of bits they aren't going to be bought by the company anyway.

Also trying to figure out how to work in some type of 'quality of workmanship' disclaimer into the list. Meaning, you can't by the el cheapo wrench then break it and ask the company to replace it with a high-end ubber-tastic wrench. Not to mention what was stated in an earlier replay about injury resultant from use of inferior tools.

One of my major gripes is drill bits. If you have your own set you look after them, all the companies I worked for would replace them. If they were a communal set then they didn't get replaced even though they were stores items, someone else will get a new one out. OK larger sizes, above ½" would be communal items in all cases.

Electrical test equipment even though I have my own I would expect a company to supply certified / calibrated sets.

There's one thing as an electrician I will not do is let a fitter borrow a screwdriver, they're screwdrivers not plastic handled chisels!

a few other items for fabrication

hacksaw

torpedo level

square

calipers

drill bits are a problem area

my favorite is #7 [for 1/4"-20 tap] small enough to be easy to use, but big enough to sharpen & put a split point on

if there is a lathe & or mill

cutters & large drillbits can be a problem

limiting access, through a system of qualification can help

I'd add: a LED flashlight instead of the D cell, they just last longer and they can be much smaller and lighter; lockout tag out gear. enough for a few circuit breakers and for a few valves. Plus a device to add multiple locks to the lockout tag out tools.

Did I see emory cloth and a few shaped stones on that list? At least one stone big enough to completely cover smoothing your 6 inch flanges. - a flat chunk of something and the emory cloth?

Some string, a cigarette lighter and a broken hacksaw blade should be in that list....

here's the short list [general use tool pouch] in pictures

I can get started on a very wide range of repairs with this set

about 3 pounds

the channel locks work as a hammer, if you need a bigger hammer it's time real tools

what can't you do with a big screwdriver? same as the "hammer" when you start putting real force on it, time to drag the roll-around over

depending on how much electrical, a

this particular one has the offset clamp & the presence of power feature, which once you get the hang of using, greatly speeds up troubleshooting

All rubbish answers every tom, dick and harry knows when he starts work we all understand what is the trade and what are the tools to be bought,have this guy has a mouth to ask his superior for a tool list.