The Most Popular Tools Within The HVAC Field
Published by Maaz at Turtleback on Feb 22nd 2021
If you are in the HVAC field, you probably have seen hundreds of tools in your lifetime. But there are a few tools that you come across every day. From installing new air conditioning to repairing heating systems for residential clients, these tools are must-haves.
Read on to find out about the most popular HVAC tools, what they do, what price they go for, and the highest-rated models in the market:
Most Popular HVAC Tools
1. Hammer
Any list of classic toolbelt is incomplete without a hammer. HVAC experts use this tool for several things, such as framing, nail pulling, bending or shaping metal, and so on.
Here are a few recommendations when buying a hammer:
- Pick a model that offers a good grip.
- The material should be durable and reliable.
- Choose a lightweight hammer because it is more versatile than a heavy hammer.
You can find these qualities in the Estwing E3-16C1, a 16-ounce, curved claw, steel-handled tool that’s a favorite of many technicians. Apart from being lightweight and having a great grip, it’s least prone to vibration than its competitors.
The prices for most hammers range from $5 to $75+. But you can pick the E3-16C from Amazon for $27.44 which is a good deal, given its qualities.
2. Screwdrivers
Like the hammer, a set of quality screwdrivers is a must-have item on any HVAC toolkit. HVAC experts come across tasks related to screws of different sizes almost every day. Whether you are working on vents or thermostats, this handy tool will help you get the job done.
Look for these qualities in a screwdriver:
- The model should be durable and reliable. You don’t want to delay work just because the screwdriver broke with some extra force.
- Blade tips should be of the precision size and designed with maximum turning power in mind.
- The whole design should resist slipping.
The Craftsman 17-Piece Screwdriver Set2 will do almost every job related to screws. This set offers a wide range of tool sizes and lengths. So whether you are working on a pair of eyeglasses or a large piece of furniture, this set will save the day.
Depending on the no. of pieces and quality, the price range for screwdrivers set range from $7 to $100. You can get the Craftsman from eBay for $54.17.
3. Pliers
Pliers is a famous tool because cutting wires is common in the HVAC field. Apart from cutting wires, they are also useful for bending and compressing a wide range of materials.
But one set of pliers won’t be sufficient. For example, the needle-nose pliers are also used when working on a thermostat. They win over other pliers because they are narrow enough to go inside the wall and reach the wire.
And when it comes to stripping wires, nose pliers or lineman pliers are hard to use. You can use a knife for this purpose, but wire strippers make the job a whole lot easier.
That’s why you should go for a Pliers set because it will give you different pliers for different tasks. We recommend checking out the Klein 6-piece Apprentice Tool Set3. You can pick it from Amazon for $97.51.
4. Tape Measure
This is another item that you will find in an HVAC toolkit. A technician comes across tasks like measuring space for furnaces, vents, or air conditioner units every day. So they must keep a tap measure with them all the time.
Look for a tape measure that self-locks and retracts easily. You can check out Milwaukee Premium Magnetic Tape Measure4 that also features a finger guard to protect you from sharp edges. Pick it from eBay for $25.
5. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is one of the most popular HVAC tools. If your jobs requires you to remove or attach the pipes related to a furnace, you must carry a pipe wrench.
Tradespro 14-Inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench5 is a model you should check out. It has a jaw capacity of 1/2 in. to 2 in. and works well for most repair projects. You can get it from Amazon for $19.97.
6. Step Ladder
If you work on a construction site, keep a step ladder with you. It also comes in handy for small tasks at home like changing a bulb. This useful tool is often ignored by some people until they need to clean the vents and other servicing units.
You can check out the Louisville Ladder L-3016-04 Fiberglass Stepladder6 that gives extra four feet in height if need be. It’s on the expensive side ($263.87) but think of it as a long-term investment.
7. Multimeter
This is also a popular HVAC tool. Sometimes, you’ll need it every day and sometimes, after a few days. It depends on the job. But either way, it’s a good item to have in your toolkit.
A multimeter measures current and voltage and saves technicians from getting electrocuted. So if you work with switches, wires, and outlets, never ignore this device.
You can buy cheap multimeters for around $30, but high-quality multimeters tend to be expensive. Fluke 87-V7 is our recommendation because of its accuracy and ease-of-use for HVAC technicians. This model costs around $500.
8. Cordless Drill
Whether it’s drilling new holes for wires in the closet, attic, or crawlspaces, the cordless drill will get the job done. Most technicians use this tool regularly. And the good news is that it can go anywhere because it doesn’t need to be close to a power outlet. However, you should always keep two batteries with you so you can get through the day without interrupting the workflow.
Milwaukee M18 2606-22CT8 is one of the best 18-volt cordless drills. You can get it from eBay for $129.95.
9. Tin Snips
If you work with duct system, you’ll need tin snips for cutting sheet metal. They look like scissors but are sharper and have the ability to slice through metal. It’s better if you keep all three types of tin snips with you, namely: straight aviators, lefts (reds), and rights (greens). Each type is made for cutting in a different direction with high precision. Wiss METALMASTER M3R 9-3/4" Snips Set9 is a good model that’s available at Amazon for just $11.18.
10. Reciprocating Saw
The ability of this powerful tool to cut through almost everything makes it a valuable tool in any HVAC technician’s arsenal. Drywall, sheet metal, pipes, old condensers, wood, you name it! It will cut through it. It’s also known as the brand name Sawzall.
This tool is capable of gaining access to tight work areas that many power tools just cannot get into. From cutting plastic pipe to cutting holes in plasterboard for installing electrical fittings, a reciprocating saw is highly useful.
Keep extra blades in stock because a dull blade can cost you a lot of time and money at work. You’d also wanna to go with a high-quality model.
We are giving you two options for the reciprocation saw. You can pick whichever one suits your needs:
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw10: DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion
Best Corded Reciprocating Saw10: DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp
11. Flashlight
It’s a basic yet very popular HVAC tool. When working in dark spaces, it will help you save the day. It’s better if you choose a headlamp; it will free your hands while working. You should check out the Ledlenser H14R.211 which is one of the highest-rated models available.
12. Caulking Gun
Get a dripless caulking gun if you seal ducts and fill holes often at your job. It can create a mess, so keep it in proper working order.
The highest-rated is model is the Newborn 250 Super Smooth Rod Revolving Frame Caulking Gun12. It offers an 18:1 thrust ratio which is great for heavy-duty caulking. And because of its easy-to-clean design, you can use it in multiple areas.
Protect your phone no matter what blue-collar job you have!
These tools are used at tough jobs. Jobs that require workers to be in dangerous and rugged environments. So to ensure that your phone is always safe at work, hood it with a Turtleback holster.
Browse the perfect protective gear for your cellphone!
Bibliography:
1. Doug Mahoney; WireCutter; The New York Times, 2018
2. Alex Rennie and Steven John; Insider, 2020
3. Clint DeBoer; Pro Tool Reviews, 2020
4. Austin Fracchia; The Spruce, 2020
5. Dorian Smith-Garcia; Gadget Review, 2021
6. Erica Puisis; The Spruce; 2021
9. Bob Wells; HVAC Training 101, 2020
12. The Drive, 2019