Tool List
This is an ever-growing tool list for people who are just getting into the trade and want to know which tools to stock up on.
This list is in progress...
Please keep in mind the following rules of using this list.
Brands and links listed are just my (Bryan Orr’s) opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt.
They are based on my experience and the recommendations of people I trust.
I ALWAYS suggest buying locally or from TruTech tools rather than Amazon.
Links are provided so you can see the products and reviews and to use in a pinch.
I recommend Tru-Tech because they are great people who support the trade,
they are not a paid sponsor and I get affiliate money from them.
Use the coupon code “GETSCHOOLED” when buying from Trutech for a great price.
This list is incomplete and is tilted toward residential and light commercial service
although it does include some other categories.
If you have any suggested alterations or additions please email them to me at bryan@hvacrscool.com
Search In
| Tool | Brand/Model | Segment | Importance (1-5) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant Manifold | Fieldpiece SMAN | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-SM380V-Digital-Manifold-with-Micron-Gauge |
| Evacuation Hose Kit | BluVac Pro | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Accutools-A10757-3-TruBlu-Professional-Evacuation-Kit |
| Core Depressor | BluVac core depressor tool | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Accutools-S10767-Shrader-Depressor-Tool-1-4x1-4 |
| Primary Probes Kit | Fieldpiece Wireless Probes Kit | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/JL3KH6 |
| Refrigerant Hoses | Imperial Ball Valve | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Imperial955MRS |
| Screwdriver Set | Klein | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2yKMVA6 |
| Stubby 6-in-1 | Klein | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2yKMVA6 |
| Precision Screwdriver | Klein 4-in-1 | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AWOH74 |
| Flexible Bit Extension | Dewalt Right Angle | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2yKlB53 |
| 6-in-1 Screwdriver | Klein Racheting | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AYa4EW |
| Insulated Screwdriver Set | Wiha | Controls / Industrial | 3 | http://amzn.to/2AXRAVe |
| Pocket Thermometer | PDT650 | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/PDT650 |
| Tool Bag | Veto | All | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/vetopropac |
| Utility Knife | Milwaukee fastback | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2yJAOD6 |
| Wire Cutters | Klein Blue diag | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2yKg7ak |
| Wire Stripers | Klein Yellow 11045 | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2AYzqmt |
| Lineman Pliers | Klein D2000-9NE | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2zh1TkS |
| Terminal Crimpers | Titan 11477 | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AXTk0I |
| Adjustable Wrench Set | Craftsman 3pc | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2CIsU00 |
| Allen Wrench Set | Tekton | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2AVzenI |
| Pocket Level | Irwin | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2zhLzQV |
| Digital Multimeter | Testo 770-3 | All | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/05907703 |
| Nut Driver Set | Klein Magnetic | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2zhRO70 |
| Small Tubing Cutter | Rigid 32975 | HVAC / Ref | 3 | http://amzn.to/2yJjs9M |
| Medium Tubing Cutter | Rigid 40617 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BwnuaL |
| Large Tubing Cutter | Rigid 31632 | HVAC / Ref | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CJZ3Vc |
| XL Tubing Cutter | Rigid | Ref / Industrial | 3 | http://amzn.to/2yJpB5x |
| Needle Nose Pliers | Klein D203-7 | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2j6hqLh |
| Channel Locks | 2-pc Vjaw | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2BA1EmI |
| Flat File | Nicholson | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CFLiqu |
| Wrench Set (Metric & SAE) | Gear Wrench | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BkNAuU |
| Ratchet and Socket Set (Metric & SAE) | Stanley | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2CGKP7o |
| Flashlight | Maglight | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CJDy6H |
| Head Lamp | Zukvee | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CGL6Hs |
| Broom | Oxo | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2BvRaFc |
| Shop Vac | Rigid 50318 | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2AYd9Vy |
| Wire Brush | Generic | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2BllGiq |
| Soft Brush | Generic | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2yJYpnl |
| Tooth Brush | Generic | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CCmqyT |
| Core removal tools (2 or 3) | Appion MGAVCT | HVAC / Refrig | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/mgavct |
| Drill / Driver | Milwaukee M12 | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CAGBNI |
| Hammer Drill | Milwaukee M12 | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CCykcd |
| Flaring Tool | Pro-Fit 87001 | HVAC / Refrig | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/RectorSeal-87001-PRO-Fit-Precision-Flaring-Kit |
| Swage Tool | Hilmor Compact | HVAC / Refrig | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/1839015 |
| Tubing Bender | Hilmor Compact | HVAC / Refrig | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/1926598 |
| Standard metal drill bit set | Various | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BnoRJP |
| Driver bit set | Milwaukee Shockwave | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BnB7d9 |
| Large wood boring bit set | Milwaukee Speed Feed | Installation | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BnB7d9 |
| Masonry Bit Set | Irwin | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2COjOhs |
| Gloves for general materials Handling | Grease Monkey | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2BRekG7 |
| Gloves for Brazing / Welding | Various | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2z4jcSK |
| Eye Protection | Various | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2DfiWUo |
| Hacksaw | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CM2auQ |
| Hammer | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BnvlZ1 |
| Assorted Punches / chisels | Generic | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2B7xYdr |
| Scratch Awl | Malco | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2Bne02u |
| Electronic Leak Detector (option 1) | Bacharach H10-Pro | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Bacharach-H10-Pro-Univ |
| 2' Level | Stanley | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2CLCdvr |
| Circular Saw | Various | Installation | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BQCSPo |
| Oscillating Tool | Milwaukee | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CMmmNo |
| Angle Grinder | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CNHYbV |
| Reciprocating Saw | Milwaukee 2420 Hackzall | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BFARDe |
| Temperature Clamp | Testo 115i | All | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo115i |
| Thermo-Hygrometer(s) x2 | Testo 605i | HVAC / BP | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo605i |
| Step Bit / Unibit | Generic | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2CMbLlF |
| Work Light | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2B8V1Er |
| 50' (minimum) water hose | Various | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CLPVyH |
| Hose Nozzle | Generic | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CLPBQi |
| Pump Sprayer | Generic | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CJD2oM |
| 50' of rope | Generic | Commercial / Industrial | 5 | http://amzn.to/2kQDbPJ |
| 5 Gallon Bucket | Generic | All | 4 | If you don't know what a 5 gallon bucket looks like ... |
| Shovel | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BQbb9o |
| Turbo Shears | Malco Heavy Duty | Sheet Metal | 2 | http://amzn.to/2BF5bhi |
| Oxy / Acet Torch Kit | Uniweld | HVAC / Ref | 4 | http://amzn.to/2BE6xbZ |
| Hearing Protection | 3M | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CHI4BR |
| Vise Grips | Irwin | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2BBre8K |
| Refrigeration Wrench | Various | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor-Service-14-X-316-Sq-38-X-516-Sq-SWS-1839042_p_4703.html |
| Refrigeration Wrench Bit | Various | HVAC / Ref | 4 | http://amzn.to/2yZ7N6H |
| Pipe Wrenches (x2 18") | Rigid | Hydronics / Gas | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CFX4QK |
| Fish Tape | Southwire | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2B0n20R |
| Fish Sticks | Gardner / Bender | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2CFq3V0 |
| Heat Gun | Porter Cable | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AZhUdr |
| Soldering Iron | Dremel Soldering | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CEbuRm |
| Manometer | Testo 510 | HVAC / Gas | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo510Kit |
| Evacuation Hoses & Kit | Appion / TruTech | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/RapidEvac |
| Evacuation Tree | Yellow Jacket | HVAC / Ref | 2 | http://amzn.to/2yZjNoB |
| Wire Tracer (tone generator) | Extech | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2CFSkuq |
| Micron gauge | Bluvac Pro Plus | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/BluvacProPlus |
| Static Pressure Probes / Hoses | TruTech | HVAC / Gas | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/SPTK |
| Megohmmeter | Fluke 1503 | Commercial / Industrial | 1 | http://amzn.to/2yZCxob |
| Refrigerant Scale | UEI WRS110 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/WRS110 |
| 1/4" tee for charging w/ Smart Probes | Appion | HVAC / Ref | 2 | https://www.trutechtools.com/CTEE14 |
| Vane Anemometer | Testo 410i | HVAC / BP | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo410i |
| Combustion Analyzer | Testo 310 | Gas | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/testo310 |
| Nitrogen Regulator | WE VN500 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BAQfAO |
| Flow Regulator | Diversitech DP-1 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/DP-1 |
| Ductless Cleaning Kit | Speedclean Bit Kit | HVAC | 2 | https://amzn.to/2Dhgj69 |
| Vacuum Pump | NAVAC NRP6Di | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/TEZ8 |
| Recovery Machine | Fieldpiece MR45 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-MR45-Digital-Recovery-Machine |
| Flow Hood - Pro | Testo 420 | HVAC / BP | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/testo420 |
| Flo Hood - Basic | CPS Easy Hood | HVAC / BP | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/EasyHood200 |
| Micro-Manometer | TSI AP800 | HVAC / BP | 1 | https://www.trutechtools.com/AirPro-Micromanometer-AP800 |
| Blower Door | Retrotec US5102 | BP | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/RetrotecUS5102DM32 |
| Duct Tester | Retrotec DM32 | BP | 1 | https://www.trutechtools.com/DU342 |
| Aviation Snips L & R | Malco | Sheet Metal | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BfZSIl |
| Right Angle Snips L&R | Malco | Sheet Metal | 4 | http://amzn.to/2ByY6i7 |
| V Notcher | Malco N2R | Sheet Metal | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BBSrYL |
| Hand Seamers | Malco | Sheet Metal | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BAaVsz |
| Crimper | Malco C5R | Sheet Metal | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CHvum7 |
| Dividers | Malco | Sheet Metal | 4 | http://amzn.to/2CI2878 |
| Folding Bar | Malco 24" | Sheet Metal | 4 | http://amzn.to/2kMvI48 |
| Tape Measure | Various 25' - 30' | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2AZ6RRv |
| Thermal Imaging Camera - Basic | Flir one Pro | HVAC / Ref / BP | 2 | https://www.trutechtools.com/FLIR-One-Pro-for-iOS_p_5472.html |
| Refractometer | Various | Hydronics | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BfppkD |
| Marker(s) | Sharpie | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2BzKu6A |
| Bulldog Snips | Malco | Sheet Metal | 3 | http://amzn.to/2yYONVQ |
| Pry Bars | Generic / Assorted | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2D3DNtE |
| Hole Saw Kit | Milwaukee | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2B1SZ98 |
| Panduit Gun (Tensioning tool) | Malco TY4G | Duct Installation | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CHrstZ |
| Duct Knife | Malco | Duct Board Installation | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AZnIUv |
| 1/2" Duct Board Kit | Malco | Duct Board Installation | 5 | http://amzn.to/2CFeFZ3 |
| Schrader Pressure Gauge | Generic | Hydronics / Boilers | 3 | http://amzn.to/2Bz91sc |
| Bicycle Pump | Generic | Hydronics / Boilers | 4 | http://amzn.to/2yZuaJf |
| Pete's Plug Fittings | Petersons | Hydronics / Boilers | 3 | https://www.petersenproducts.com/310-Series-P-T-Plugs-and-Accessories-s/1954.html |
| Belt Tensioning Tool | Browning 1302546 | Commercial HVAC | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BeqGsh |
| Magnetic Rotation Indicator | Grundfos | Hydronics | 3 | http://amzn.to/2D4AnXw |
| Gasket Scraper | Craftsman | Hydronics / Boiler | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CFzN1s |
| Butane Lighter | Generic | Gas | 4 | http://amzn.to/2AYQfJI |
| Inspection Mirror | Generic | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2BzSrsl |
| Borescope | Wohler VE200 | Gas | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Wohler-VE-200-Video-Endoscope_p_5607.html |
| Caulk Gun | Generic | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2CEiXjq |
| Refrigerant Hoses | Imperial Ball Valve | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Imperial955MRS |
| Pick Up Tool (Grabber) | Generic | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2CFGh0v |
| Parts Tray | Generic | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2D5a1ol |
| Pickup Tool (Magnetic) | Generic | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2B1KDhM |
| Temp / Humidity Data Logger | HOBO | HVAC / BP | 1 | https://www.trutechtools.com/MX1101 |
| Hydronic Pressure Gauge | Dwyer | Hydronic / Boiler | 4 | http://amzn.to/2B15fXv |
| MAP Gas Torch | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2BnZNm1 |
| Hose Bib Key | Generic | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2BnQ4vE |
| Locking cap Key | No Vent Key | HVAC | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/RectorSeal-86690-Novent-Starter-Pack-Universal-Caps |
| Ductless Adapter | Various | HVAC | 3 | http://amzn.to/2Bo8oVP |
| Temp Clamp / Probe Combo | Cooper 4005I | All | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/cooper4005I |
| K-type temp clamp for DMM (LARGE) | Testo | Commercial / Industrial | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/06024592 |
| Electronic Leak Detector (Option 2) | Testo 316-3 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo316-3 |
| Combustible Gas Detector | Testo | Gas | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/06320316 |
| CO Monitor | Testo 317-3 | Gas | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/testo317-3 |
| Non-Contact Voltage Tester | Testo 745 | All | 3 | https://www.trutechtools.com/05907450 |
| Sharp Material / Cutting Gloves | Youngstown Glove | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2DfkkX6 |
| Two Sided 5/16 - 1/4 Driver Bit | Malco | All | 4 | http://amzn.to/2BMFGxb |
| PVC Cutter | Rigid | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2DfQemh |
| Tap and Die Kit | Generic | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2DgsezA |
| ECM Motor Tester | Genteq | HVAC | 3 | http://amzn.to/2z9D5rM |
| Torque Screwdriver | Various | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2DpuEfl |
| Torque Wrench | Various | All | 3 | http://amzn.to/2zbaAcY |
| Crowfoot Wrenches (for Torque) | Gearwrench | All | 2 | http://amzn.to/2Bt5Q8O |
| Adjustable Torque Wrench | Hilmor 1963826 | All | 2 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor1963826DigitalAdjustableTorqueWrench |
| Alligator Clip Test Leads | Generic | All | 5 | http://amzn.to/2DmKwPB |
| Meter Test Lead Kit (alligator, piercing) | Fieldpiece | All | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/ADK7 |
| Basic Analog Manifold (For Training) | Hilmor | HVAC / Ref | 4 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor-2-Valve-Basic-Manifold-R410A-60-Hoses-2VB410H-1839114_p_4714.html |
| Solenoid Magnet | CPS | All | 1 | http://amzn.to/2Bg5kH9 |
| Vacuum Pump | Fieldpiece VP85 | HVAC / Ref | 5 | https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-VP85-RunQuick-Vacuum-Pump-8-CFM |
| Coil-Jet | Speedclean | HVAC | 2 | https://amzn.to/2VPZCpp |
| Thermal Imaging | FLIR | All | 2 | https://amzn.to/352m8li |
Tool
Refrigerant Manifold
Brand/Model
Fieldpiece SMAN
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Core Depressor
Brand/Model
BluVac core depressor tool
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Primary Probes Kit
Brand/Model
Fieldpiece Wireless Probes Kit
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
5
Link
Link
Tool
Refrigerant Hoses
Brand/Model
Imperial Ball Valve
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Insulated Screwdriver Set
Brand/Model
Wiha
Segment
Controls / Industrial
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Ratchet and Socket Set (Metric & SAE)
Brand/Model
Stanley
Segment
All
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Core removal tools (2 or 3)
Brand/Model
Appion MGAVCT
Segment
HVAC / Refrig
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Large wood boring bit set
Brand/Model
Milwaukee Speed Feed
Segment
Installation
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Gloves for general materials Handling
Brand/Model
Grease Monkey
Segment
All
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Electronic Leak Detector (option 1)
Brand/Model
Bacharach H10-Pro
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
5
Link
Link
Tool
Evacuation Hoses & Kit
Brand/Model
Appion / TruTech
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Static Pressure Probes / Hoses
Brand/Model
TruTech
Segment
HVAC / Gas
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Megohmmeter
Brand/Model
Fluke 1503
Segment
Commercial / Industrial
Importance (1-5)
1
Link
Link
Tool
1/4" tee for charging w/ Smart Probes
Brand/Model
Appion
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
2
Link
Link
Tool
Thermal Imaging Camera - Basic
Brand/Model
Flir one Pro
Segment
HVAC / Ref / BP
Importance (1-5)
2
Link
Link
Tool
Panduit Gun (Tensioning tool)
Brand/Model
Malco TY4G
Segment
Duct Installation
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
1/2" Duct Board Kit
Brand/Model
Malco
Segment
Duct Board Installation
Importance (1-5)
5
Link
Link
Tool
Schrader Pressure Gauge
Brand/Model
Generic
Segment
Hydronics / Boilers
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Pete's Plug Fittings
Brand/Model
Petersons
Segment
Hydronics / Boilers
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Belt Tensioning Tool
Brand/Model
Browning 1302546
Segment
Commercial HVAC
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Magnetic Rotation Indicator
Brand/Model
Grundfos
Segment
Hydronics
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Refrigerant Hoses
Brand/Model
Imperial Ball Valve
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Hydronic Pressure Gauge
Brand/Model
Dwyer
Segment
Hydronic / Boiler
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
K-type temp clamp for DMM (LARGE)
Brand/Model
Testo
Segment
Commercial / Industrial
Importance (1-5)
3
Link
Link
Tool
Electronic Leak Detector (Option 2)
Brand/Model
Testo 316-3
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
5
Link
Link
Tool
Sharp Material / Cutting Gloves
Brand/Model
Youngstown Glove
Segment
All
Importance (1-5)
5
Link
Link
Tool
Meter Test Lead Kit (alligator, piercing)
Brand/Model
Fieldpiece
Segment
All
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
Tool
Basic Analog Manifold (For Training)
Brand/Model
Hilmor
Segment
HVAC / Ref
Importance (1-5)
4
Link
Link
