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

ToolBrand/ModelSegmentImportance (1-5)Link
Refrigerant ManifoldFieldpiece SMANHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-SM380V-Digital-Manifold-with-Micron-Gauge
Evacuation Hose KitBluVac ProHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Accutools-A10757-3-TruBlu-Professional-Evacuation-Kit
Core DepressorBluVac core depressor toolHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Accutools-S10767-Shrader-Depressor-Tool-1-4x1-4
Primary Probes KitFieldpiece Wireless Probes KitHVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/JL3KH6
Refrigerant HosesImperial Ball ValveHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Imperial955MRS
Screwdriver SetKleinAll5http://amzn.to/2yKMVA6
Stubby 6-in-1KleinAll3http://amzn.to/2yKMVA6
Precision ScrewdriverKlein 4-in-1All4http://amzn.to/2AWOH74
Flexible Bit ExtensionDewalt Right AngleAll2http://amzn.to/2yKlB53
6-in-1 ScrewdriverKlein RachetingAll4http://amzn.to/2AYa4EW
Insulated Screwdriver SetWihaControls / Industrial3http://amzn.to/2AXRAVe
Pocket ThermometerPDT650HVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/PDT650
Tool BagVetoAll3https://www.trutechtools.com/vetopropac
Utility KnifeMilwaukee fastbackAll5http://amzn.to/2yJAOD6
Wire CuttersKlein Blue diagAll5http://amzn.to/2yKg7ak
Wire StripersKlein Yellow 11045All5http://amzn.to/2AYzqmt
Lineman PliersKlein D2000-9NEAll3http://amzn.to/2zh1TkS
Terminal CrimpersTitan 11477All4http://amzn.to/2AXTk0I
Adjustable Wrench SetCraftsman 3pcAll4http://amzn.to/2CIsU00
Allen Wrench SetTektonAll3http://amzn.to/2AVzenI
Pocket LevelIrwinAll3http://amzn.to/2zhLzQV
Digital MultimeterTesto 770-3All5https://www.trutechtools.com/05907703
Nut Driver SetKlein MagneticAll3http://amzn.to/2zhRO70
Small Tubing CutterRigid 32975HVAC / Ref3http://amzn.to/2yJjs9M
Medium Tubing CutterRigid 40617HVAC / Ref5http://amzn.to/2BwnuaL
Large Tubing CutterRigid 31632HVAC / Ref3http://amzn.to/2CJZ3Vc
XL Tubing CutterRigidRef / Industrial3http://amzn.to/2yJpB5x
Needle Nose PliersKlein D203-7All4http://amzn.to/2j6hqLh
Channel Locks2-pc VjawAll2http://amzn.to/2BA1EmI
Flat FileNicholsonAll3http://amzn.to/2CFLiqu
Wrench Set (Metric & SAE)Gear WrenchAll3http://amzn.to/2BkNAuU
Ratchet and Socket Set (Metric & SAE)StanleyAll4http://amzn.to/2CGKP7o
FlashlightMaglightAll2http://amzn.to/2CJDy6H
Head LampZukveeAll2http://amzn.to/2CGL6Hs
BroomOxoAll2http://amzn.to/2BvRaFc
Shop VacRigid 50318All3http://amzn.to/2AYd9Vy
Wire BrushGenericAll2http://amzn.to/2BllGiq
Soft BrushGenericAll1http://amzn.to/2yJYpnl
Tooth BrushGenericAll2http://amzn.to/2CCmqyT
Core removal tools (2 or 3)Appion MGAVCTHVAC / Refrig3https://www.trutechtools.com/mgavct
Drill / DriverMilwaukee M12All5http://amzn.to/2CAGBNI
Hammer DrillMilwaukee M12All3http://amzn.to/2CCykcd
Flaring ToolPro-Fit 87001HVAC / Refrig4https://www.trutechtools.com/RectorSeal-87001-PRO-Fit-Precision-Flaring-Kit
Swage ToolHilmor CompactHVAC / Refrig3https://www.trutechtools.com/1839015
Tubing BenderHilmor CompactHVAC / Refrig3https://www.trutechtools.com/1926598
Standard metal drill bit setVariousAll5http://amzn.to/2BnoRJP
Driver bit setMilwaukee ShockwaveAll5http://amzn.to/2BnB7d9
Large wood boring bit setMilwaukee Speed FeedInstallation3http://amzn.to/2BnB7d9
Masonry Bit SetIrwinAll4http://amzn.to/2COjOhs
Gloves for general materials HandlingGrease MonkeyAll4http://amzn.to/2BRekG7
Gloves for Brazing / WeldingVariousAll5http://amzn.to/2z4jcSK
Eye ProtectionVariousAll5http://amzn.to/2DfiWUo
HacksawVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2CM2auQ
HammerVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2BnvlZ1
Assorted Punches / chiselsGenericAll3http://amzn.to/2B7xYdr
Scratch AwlMalcoAll3http://amzn.to/2Bne02u
Electronic Leak Detector (option 1)Bacharach H10-ProHVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/Bacharach-H10-Pro-Univ
2' LevelStanleyAll4http://amzn.to/2CLCdvr
Circular SawVariousInstallation3http://amzn.to/2BQCSPo
Oscillating ToolMilwaukeeAll2http://amzn.to/2CMmmNo
Angle GrinderVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2CNHYbV
Reciprocating SawMilwaukee 2420 HackzallAll3http://amzn.to/2BFARDe
Temperature ClampTesto 115iAll5https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo115i
Thermo-Hygrometer(s) x2Testo 605iHVAC / BP4https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo605i
Step Bit / UnibitGenericAll4http://amzn.to/2CMbLlF
Work LightVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2B8V1Er
50' (minimum) water hoseVariousAll5http://amzn.to/2CLPVyH
Hose NozzleGenericAll5http://amzn.to/2CLPBQi
Pump SprayerGenericAll5http://amzn.to/2CJD2oM
50' of ropeGenericCommercial / Industrial5http://amzn.to/2kQDbPJ
5 Gallon BucketGenericAll4If you don't know what a 5 gallon bucket looks like ...
ShovelVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2BQbb9o
Turbo ShearsMalco Heavy DutySheet Metal2http://amzn.to/2BF5bhi
Oxy / Acet Torch KitUniweldHVAC / Ref4http://amzn.to/2BE6xbZ
Hearing Protection3MAll5http://amzn.to/2CHI4BR
Vise GripsIrwinAll4http://amzn.to/2BBre8K
Refrigeration WrenchVariousHVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor-Service-14-X-316-Sq-38-X-516-Sq-SWS-1839042_p_4703.html
Refrigeration Wrench BitVariousHVAC / Ref4http://amzn.to/2yZ7N6H
Pipe Wrenches (x2 18")RigidHydronics / Gas5http://amzn.to/2CFX4QK
Fish TapeSouthwireAll2http://amzn.to/2B0n20R
Fish SticksGardner / BenderAll1http://amzn.to/2CFq3V0
Heat GunPorter CableAll4http://amzn.to/2AZhUdr
Soldering IronDremel SolderingAll2http://amzn.to/2CEbuRm
ManometerTesto 510HVAC / Gas5https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo510Kit
Evacuation Hoses & KitAppion / TruTechHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/RapidEvac
Evacuation TreeYellow JacketHVAC / Ref2http://amzn.to/2yZjNoB
Wire Tracer (tone generator)ExtechAll2http://amzn.to/2CFSkuq
Micron gaugeBluvac Pro PlusHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/BluvacProPlus
Static Pressure Probes / HosesTruTechHVAC / Gas4https://www.trutechtools.com/SPTK
MegohmmeterFluke 1503Commercial / Industrial1http://amzn.to/2yZCxob
Refrigerant ScaleUEI WRS110HVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/WRS110
1/4" tee for charging w/ Smart ProbesAppionHVAC / Ref2https://www.trutechtools.com/CTEE14
Vane AnemometerTesto 410iHVAC / BP3https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo410i
Combustion AnalyzerTesto 310Gas4https://www.trutechtools.com/testo310
Nitrogen RegulatorWE VN500HVAC / Ref5http://amzn.to/2BAQfAO
Flow RegulatorDiversitech DP-1HVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/DP-1
Ductless Cleaning KitSpeedclean Bit KitHVAC2https://amzn.to/2Dhgj69
Vacuum PumpNAVAC NRP6DiHVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/TEZ8
Recovery MachineFieldpiece MR45HVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-MR45-Digital-Recovery-Machine
Flow Hood - ProTesto 420HVAC / BP3https://www.trutechtools.com/testo420
Flo Hood - BasicCPS Easy HoodHVAC / BP3https://www.trutechtools.com/EasyHood200
Micro-ManometerTSI AP800HVAC / BP1https://www.trutechtools.com/AirPro-Micromanometer-AP800
Blower DoorRetrotec US5102BP3https://www.trutechtools.com/RetrotecUS5102DM32
Duct TesterRetrotec DM32BP1https://www.trutechtools.com/DU342
Aviation Snips L & RMalcoSheet Metal5http://amzn.to/2BfZSIl
Right Angle Snips L&RMalcoSheet Metal4http://amzn.to/2ByY6i7
V NotcherMalco N2RSheet Metal3http://amzn.to/2BBSrYL
Hand SeamersMalcoSheet Metal5http://amzn.to/2BAaVsz
CrimperMalco C5RSheet Metal5http://amzn.to/2CHvum7
DividersMalcoSheet Metal4http://amzn.to/2CI2878
Folding BarMalco 24"Sheet Metal4http://amzn.to/2kMvI48
Tape MeasureVarious 25' - 30'All5http://amzn.to/2AZ6RRv
Thermal Imaging Camera - BasicFlir one ProHVAC / Ref / BP2https://www.trutechtools.com/FLIR-One-Pro-for-iOS_p_5472.html
RefractometerVariousHydronics3http://amzn.to/2BfppkD
Marker(s)SharpieAll4http://amzn.to/2BzKu6A
Bulldog SnipsMalcoSheet Metal3http://amzn.to/2yYONVQ
Pry BarsGeneric / AssortedAll3http://amzn.to/2D3DNtE
Hole Saw KitMilwaukeeAll3http://amzn.to/2B1SZ98
Panduit Gun (Tensioning tool)Malco TY4GDuct Installation3http://amzn.to/2CHrstZ
Duct KnifeMalcoDuct Board Installation4http://amzn.to/2AZnIUv
1/2" Duct Board KitMalcoDuct Board Installation5http://amzn.to/2CFeFZ3
Schrader Pressure GaugeGenericHydronics / Boilers3http://amzn.to/2Bz91sc
Bicycle PumpGenericHydronics / Boilers4http://amzn.to/2yZuaJf
Pete's Plug FittingsPetersonsHydronics / Boilers3https://www.petersenproducts.com/310-Series-P-T-Plugs-and-Accessories-s/1954.html
Belt Tensioning ToolBrowning 1302546Commercial HVAC3http://amzn.to/2BeqGsh
Magnetic Rotation IndicatorGrundfosHydronics3http://amzn.to/2D4AnXw
Gasket ScraperCraftsmanHydronics / Boiler3http://amzn.to/2CFzN1s
Butane LighterGenericGas4http://amzn.to/2AYQfJI
Inspection MirrorGenericAll5http://amzn.to/2BzSrsl
BorescopeWohler VE200Gas3https://www.trutechtools.com/Wohler-VE-200-Video-Endoscope_p_5607.html
Caulk GunGenericAll3http://amzn.to/2CEiXjq
Refrigerant HosesImperial Ball ValveHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Imperial955MRS
Pick Up Tool (Grabber)GenericAll1http://amzn.to/2CFGh0v
Parts TrayGenericAll1http://amzn.to/2D5a1ol
Pickup Tool (Magnetic)GenericAll1http://amzn.to/2B1KDhM
Temp / Humidity Data LoggerHOBOHVAC / BP1https://www.trutechtools.com/MX1101
Hydronic Pressure GaugeDwyerHydronic / Boiler4http://amzn.to/2B15fXv
MAP Gas TorchVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2BnZNm1
Hose Bib KeyGenericAll2http://amzn.to/2BnQ4vE
Locking cap KeyNo Vent KeyHVAC3https://www.trutechtools.com/RectorSeal-86690-Novent-Starter-Pack-Universal-Caps
Ductless AdapterVariousHVAC3http://amzn.to/2Bo8oVP
Temp Clamp / Probe ComboCooper 4005IAll4https://www.trutechtools.com/cooper4005I
K-type temp clamp for DMM (LARGE)TestoCommercial / Industrial3https://www.trutechtools.com/06024592
Electronic Leak Detector (Option 2)Testo 316-3HVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/Testo316-3
Combustible Gas DetectorTestoGas4https://www.trutechtools.com/06320316
CO MonitorTesto 317-3Gas5https://www.trutechtools.com/testo317-3
Non-Contact Voltage TesterTesto 745All3https://www.trutechtools.com/05907450
Sharp Material / Cutting GlovesYoungstown GloveAll5http://amzn.to/2DfkkX6
Two Sided 5/16 - 1/4 Driver BitMalcoAll4http://amzn.to/2BMFGxb
PVC CutterRigidAll5http://amzn.to/2DfQemh
Tap and Die KitGenericAll2http://amzn.to/2DgsezA
ECM Motor TesterGenteqHVAC3http://amzn.to/2z9D5rM
Torque ScrewdriverVariousAll2http://amzn.to/2DpuEfl
Torque WrenchVariousAll3http://amzn.to/2zbaAcY
Crowfoot Wrenches (for Torque)GearwrenchAll2http://amzn.to/2Bt5Q8O
Adjustable Torque WrenchHilmor 1963826All2https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor1963826DigitalAdjustableTorqueWrench
Alligator Clip Test LeadsGenericAll5http://amzn.to/2DmKwPB
Meter Test Lead Kit (alligator, piercing)FieldpieceAll4https://www.trutechtools.com/ADK7
Basic Analog Manifold (For Training)HilmorHVAC / Ref4https://www.trutechtools.com/Hilmor-2-Valve-Basic-Manifold-R410A-60-Hoses-2VB410H-1839114_p_4714.html
Solenoid MagnetCPSAll1http://amzn.to/2Bg5kH9
Vacuum PumpFieldpiece VP85HVAC / Ref5https://www.trutechtools.com/Fieldpiece-VP85-RunQuick-Vacuum-Pump-8-CFM
Coil-JetSpeedcleanHVAC2https://amzn.to/2VPZCpp
Thermal ImagingFLIRAll2https://amzn.to/352m8li
loading

To continue you need to agree to our terms.

Terms and Conditions
Yes No

The HVAC School site, podcast and tech tips
made possible by generous support from

logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo