HVAC Tool Bag Setup for Making Fixes, Putting Things Together, and Getting Started
Lots of you have commented on my HVAC Service tool bag loadout (if you haven’t seen it, you can check it out HERE), and many of you have requested me to share what’s in my second bag. Over the course of two years, this Veto Tech XL served as my primary service bag. While fantastic in other ways, this bag is too large to be practical as a service bag. I don’t know about you, but if my bag has more capacity, you can bet I’m going to stuff it full and make sure I’m utilizing every inch of it.
This means that a bag as spacious as the Tech XL may quickly become rather cumbersome. This tote is now being used as my “Install, repair, and restart” tote. When I know I’ll be working on repairs that may become a bit more complicated, such as unit starts, etc., I get out the larger Veto. To have all of my tools in one location in case I need them, I like to make use of the truck’s increased storage space.
When you ask, “What’s in my Tech XL?”
The Husky Micro Driver Set is an incredible tool. Compact 1/4″ ratcheting driver with a variety of socket adapters and driving bits for tight spaces. When nothing else will work, this tool may be a lifesaver. My kit came from Home Depot, however, GearWrench also has an equivalent set. To buy, just click the image to be sent to Amazon.
A unit bit or step bit kit is a useful tool to easily drill holes in various materials (metal, plastic, plexiglass, etc.). These pieces are ideal for any project requiring a bigger hole. I like to have a Milwaukee Driver Kit on hand, but I realize that other brands and styles may be more suitable for you. It’s convenient to have a compact set that includes a wide range of screwdriver bits in a single, well-organized package.
Crescent Wrench
If you are an HVAC technician and you don’t have a crescent wrench, you’re probably not a true HVAC technician. Why wouldn’t you have one of these in your tool bag, all kidding aside? I like the Milwaukee model since its jaws seem to open a hair wider than the standard crescent. A rigid TXV wrench is an absolute must when working in the HVAC industry. There is a great deal of adaptability in this tool, but the small profile of the jaws was the deciding factor in my decision to purchase it and include it in my backpack.
Relying on this functionality is crucial while attempting a TXV rebuild. If you try to remove a powerhead with a crescent wrench that opens wide enough to accommodate the powerhead, you’ll end up catching the valve body as well, making removal impossible. This wrench is the answer to your predicament.
Milwaukee’s demo screwdrivers are built to last with full tang metal and metal end caps.
Klein’s Industry
Standard Nut Driver Magnetized hex nut drivers for the Klein tools. If you haven’t already, check out my removal tips for these pests. If you’re interested, you can read it HERE.
Crimper from Klein
Is one of the best electrical tool brands available at a reasonable price.
Everybody should have a pair of Klein needle nose pliers.
Plus, a high-quality set of Allen keys, a Klein Allen Set. The ball-headed Allens are the worst since they wear out so quickly and shred the heads of the set screws you’re attempting to remove. When they do, it’s usually in a setscrew, and it’s happened to me, too. Try to avoid the guy with the ball head. When the tip of a conventional tool becomes rounded, it may be easily repaired by sawing off a tiny piece, filing it flat, and reattaching it to the tool.
As a commercial or industrial tech, I can’t speak to the prevalence of solenoid valves in the home HVAC sector, but I can say that they are a regular fixture in many businesses. Every so often one of them is a power closure and every so often one of them is a powerful open. Solenoid magnets enable you to test and bypass these valves during troubleshooting to guarantee full refrigerant recovery, vacuum draw, etc. Although I have never done it myself, I have also heard that technicians use them to test reverse valves. This is an absolute must for every professional in the field.
Comparison
In comparison to the conventional extension that only uses a magnet to keep your bits and chucks in place, I like the Milwaukee Quick-Lock Extension because it enables you to lock your bits into position.
A compact electrical fitting kit with some of the most often used fittings is something I like to put in the backpack as well, given that this is mainly an install and repair bag. Before they damaged the design by putting the storage box on the side of my Custom Leather-Craft 1523, I’d had this tiny box for quite some time.
The use of zip ties might help you to neatly wrap up your work.
Although I don’t often deal with sheet metal, I find that tin snips are an indispensable tool.
A scraper is an essential tool for removing dried-on gasket material, old paint, etc.
White Electrical Tape
Most electricians will bring a roll of colored electrical tape to mark the phases (red, blue, black, orange, yellow, and brown), but I simply like to have black and white on hand. In this method, I can easily keep track of things like phasing, particular terminals, and which DI or BO control wires go where by writing them down on the white tape. I love the white tape. I’m surprised that more men don’t carry a file. Filing down any burrs or irregularities in the shaft keyway is far easier than attempting to force the keyway into position while reassembling a fan, pump, or blower.
Instruments for precise screwdriver work; useful for installing low-voltage control wire, thermostat wiring, etc.
Use a service wrench instead of a crescent wrench. HVAC Tool Bag Setup
Torpedo Level
Have some respect for your work and make it flat. Alternatively, you may ensure that the condensate drain line is slanted and drains correctly.
An adapter for use with a drill at a 90-degree angle is a fantastic little gadget that makes it possible to use a drill in confined spaces.
Mechanic’s Leather Gloves: First, Safety
Yellow Jacket Low Loss Smart Probe for Testosterone – 90 Degree Angle Since their introduction, they have radically altered the competitive landscape. Very soon, I’ll be writing a detailed evaluation of them. In all my short gauge installations, I like using a pair of 90-degree low-loss fittings. The oil spray after disconnection is reduced, and the 90-degree tilt makes it easier to see gauges on service ports that are in an inconvenient location.
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