Tools for Gas boiler servicing

[Paul Cockhill]

Hi

I am thinking of studying to get on the gas sage resister as I believe with gas safe I will find more work as a plumber/handyman.

However when I come to service boilers for letting agents etc, what specalist tools and gadgets would I need and how much approx will they cost.

I am concerned that after doing all the study and paying for my registration it will be difficult to compete to get jobs, if I do not have the right equipment, as I might not be competitive on price as jobs will take longer.

I was speaking to a British Gas Engineer and he was telling me that British Gas supply them will all the latest equipment which makes job quicker and more competitive

Any help greatly appreciated

thanks

Paul

 

[wards]

FGA,manometer,ldf,meggar,comptence in what you are doing.

 

[stevetheplumber]

damp cloth and a pen ?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

british gas competitive?

 

[Blackcatgas]

Your best tools are your hands.

 

[villa_tom]

All tools as listed above. But always buy the best you can afford. cheap tools are a waste of time. I've learnt the hard way. You'll need screwdrivers if all sizes etc plus a good set of grips. I find rothenberger the best they come in three different sizes and I have them all. The small ones are a life saver sometimes and the large ones are a must when changing pump valves.

 

[princegoose]

a long pozi 2

 

[stevetheplumber]

a long pozi 2

ill second that

 

[Bartdude]

Having the best tools and equipment won't make you more employable and competitive. Be reliable and good at your job first,then worry about what to spend your money on.

BG aren't competitive,they just have a huge slice of the market,and a lot of that is because they were a nationalised company and people still equate the name with the reputation that used to carry. The big advantage they have is a huge support network and all the spares on tap. That makes being a breakdown engineer a LOT easier.

 

[carpstu]

FGA,manometer,ldf,meggar,comptence in what you are doing.

whats a fga and a ldf

 

[princegoose]

flue gas analyser (£400-£800)

Leak detection fluid (gas leak spray) £2

 

[SafeGasInstall]

get the qualification done ,then get the tools !!!

 

[ignite]

whats a fga and a ldf

flue gas analyser and leak detection fluid.

 

[dontknowitall]

get the qualification done ,then get the tools !!!

I'd second (and third) that.

The costs of setting up are significant. Assuming you're going to do a "fast track" course, if the trainers are any good they'll tell you what you should buy, consider buying or avoid. It's so easy to be carried away by the advertising or the merchants.

 

[thomas donovan]

what is a meggar, is it like a duckdoo

 

[Gascat]

phillips screwdriver , ball point pen , henry the hoover lol

no seriously you will be needing an FGA "flue gas analyser" for condensing boilers and the ticket and know how to use it. i also find that a set of star bits preferably on a long ratchet , and a good set of allen keys are essential as well as the usual screwdrivers and a set of cleaning brushes.

good luck .

 

[Paul Cockhill]

Hi

Many thanks to Wards, Stevetheplumber, Steveb, Blackcatgas, Villa_tom, Princegoose and Bartdude. I guess what I am most worried about is doing all the studying and exams and finding I still have alot of money for fork out for equipment, before I can earn any money.

I am hoping I can use it to complement my plumbing training and enhance my skillset for installation and servicing of boilers etc.

Thanks

Paul

 

[REDSAW]

a hammer and a box of matches.

 

[gas57]

you need a good multimeter when testing boilers

 

[fuzzy]

a long pozi 2

your not wrong

 

[iainrobinson30]

whats a fga and a ldf

Flue Gas Analyser & Leek Detection Fluid : )

 

[Euripides]

You also require a stirrup pump for pressurising expansion vessles a task which is commonly neglected and often the cause of shortening the life of sealed system boilers

 

[Nostrum]

Flue Gas Analyser & Leek Detection Fluid : )

Agreed you can never be sure where the customer decides to store their vegetables.

 

[psk]

a decent van

 

[Hardy1]

Experience and a good pair of eyes.