Looking to start your career as an HVAC Technician, but curious about what tools are needed to perform the daily requirements of repairing and installing? We reached out to our HVAC Instructors, and they provided a long list of the main essential HVAC tools that a majority of our students use during their hands-on training in the HVAC technician lab.
Below are just a few of the many tools that are used and their functions:
Safety glasses: Safety is extremely important when working with electrical wires, ventilation, and repairing. We require all our students to wear their safety glasses when they are in the HVAC lab.
Electrical meter / Amp clamp: The following probe measures voltage. The hinged jaw allows the jaws to wrap around a wire or cable. This will measure the current in that circuit.
Screwdrivers & Hex-Head Nut Drivers: Whether it is a 6 in 1 screwdriver or different screwdrivers and nutdrivers, An HVAC technician needs multiple screwdrivers and nutdrivers to take apart and put together different equipment.
Wire strippers/crimpers: Used to remove the installation around electric wires. There are multiple notch sizes that allows for easy removal of the insulation. Some tools combine all the following: wire stripper, wire cutter, and crimper, in one tool that allows you to cut crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals.
Level: A common household tool, a level is used to indicate how parallel or perpendicular the item is relative to the ground.
Tin Snips: Also known as shears, tin snips are a hand tool that allows HVAC technicians to cut through sheet metal in a straight line. They are similar to scissors, but the positioning of the handles on tin snips allow for ease to the technician, while cutting through sheet metal, and the long blades make it easy to cut in a straight line.
Refrigeration Gauges: As an HVAC/R Technician, gauges are used to read pressure on liquids and gases in a cooling system. Depending on how many items are attached to the ports will gauge the pressure of each of the different refrigerants. Technician will need a R-134a R-410a, R-134a R-22 and R-404a manifolds to check most modern refrigerants.
The list above is a partial list of tools that may be required for a career in the HVAC industry. HVAC is a great career for those who enjoy problem solving and finding a solution. Whether it’s building HVAC equipment from scratch or the appreciation of a satisfied customer, our training program equips students with the skills to become a successful HVAC technician.
Throughout the program, out students master skills in installation, maintenance, diagnostics in heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration equipment. Master all of these skills and get trained to be an HVAC Technician in about 9 months! We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 1-866-749-SBBC. No wait lists or prior experience needed to enroll.
