Essential HVAC Hand Tools List
Being in the HVAC field whether you are a service technician or an installer, you have to have basic hand tools. There are many specialized tools for specific tasks, but there are a number of hand tools that every technician should have in their toolbox. These tools are essential for performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, making repairs, installations, and so much more. In this list we will explore the basic hand tools that every technician needs to have on hand.
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3 Blade Crimpers
3 Blade Crimpers
This produces factory-precision indentations on round pipe with just a squeeze, creating a male fitting end.
5 Blade Crimpers
5 Blade Crimpers
This is the same as the 3 blade crimpers, just slightly larger. It produces factory-precision indentations on round pipe with just a squeeze, creating a male fitting end.
11 in 1 Screwdriver /Nut Driver Set
11 in 1 Screwdriver /Nut Driver Set
Not only is this very handy to have but it also downsizes the number of tools you need. Some people like to have sets. Whichever you prefer, it is always recommended having them insulated and magnetic.
12″ Flat Pry Bar:
12″ Flat Pry Bar:
Ideal for prying, scraping, and pulling and useful for removing nails, plywood, etc.
adjustable wrench
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable pipe wrenches come in various sizes and are used to grip and turn pipes and fittings. Working with different sizes of pipes, it’s helpful to have multiple sizes on hand. It’s recommended to have a 6”, 10”, and 12” wrenches.
allen wrench
Allen Wrench
Also known as hex keys, are commonly used in HVAC. 3/16 to 5/16 are most used. Hex keys are used to tighten or loosen screws with hexagonal sockets.
awl
Awl
An awl is used to score sheet metal to cut it straight; to punch holes in sheet metal, wood, or sheet rock when necessary.
caulk gun
Caulk Gun
There are times that you will need to fill in holes. A Dripless Caulk Gun works great as long as your caulk doesn’t have air bubbles in it.
Cable Strap Tensioner
Cable Strap Tensioner
Tightens the nylon ties. Comes in handy when fastening wires to not only keep in place but makes it have a clean look without wires hanging all over the place.
channel locks
Channel Locks
These replace carrying a second set of pipe & adjustable wrenches. They can be bought in sets with 8”, 10” and 12” channel locks that can come in very handy.
chisel
Chisel
A Brick chisel is used to cut or trim bricks. A Cold Chisel is used to remove excess material, cut rivets, and split nuts or bolts that refuse to come loose.
cordless drill
Cordless Drill
Having a cordless drill is used quite often. Having an extra battery with a charger is always ideal. At least a 12 V or higher lithium ion batteries and having extra bits, drivers and chucks can come in handy too.
core removal tool
Core Removal Tool
This is essential for effectively removing and replacing HVAC/R system Schrader cores.
Dead Blow Hammer
Dead Blow Hammer
A dead blow hammer is the way to go. It absorbs tremors when the hammer strikes and minimizes damage to the struck surface. With minimal rebound, it helps to avoid accidental damage.
Deburrer Tool
Deburring Tool
This tool is used after cutting the copper tubing for a refrigerant line. The metallic burrs inside the pipe needs to be removed and cleaned prior to brazing. This is a vital step in the brazing process to keep debris out of the lines and a steady flow of refrigerant passing between joints.
diagonal pliers
Diagonal Pliers
Used for cutting wire and small pins in areas that cannot be reached by larger cutting tools. Because the cutting edges are diagonally offset about 15 degrees, these can cut objects flush with a surface.
drill & drill bits
Drill & Drill Bits
Swaging drill bit set is when you need to expand copper pipes in order to connect your refrigerant lines. Having various Philips and Flathead drill bits on hand is always a good idea.
file
File
A file is used to remove any rough edges from sheet metal or other material. They come in many sizes and shapes.
filter puller
Filter Puller
Sometimes filters can be hard to access. That where the filter puller comes in hand. With its telescopic handle to grab and pull the filter out, it can come in quite handy.
fin comb
Fin Comb
It straightens and clean the fins on evaporator coils and condenser coils inside an HVAC unit. This tool is essential for maintaining the efficiency of the system by removing dirt and debris that can impede airflow.
Flaring & Swage Tool
Flaring & Swage Tool
A flaring tool widens the end of the pipe, creating a tight, leak-proof connection between pipes and fittings. Swaging is similar to flaring. It opens the end of a tube, producing a deeper opening and a different shape than with a flare tool. There are drill bits available to create these openings.
folding bar
Folding Bar
This folding tool is used on sheet metal to make hems, pans, end caps, and drive edges.
hack saw
Hack Saw
If you are just starting out or need something to saw through PVC or other materials, a hack saw is perfect. It works in simple tasks.
hammers
Hammers
A standard 20 oz. light weight hammer has many uses. Some technicians also have a dead-blow hammer and ball-peen hammer in their tools. *Tinner hammer below
hand brakes
Hand Brakes
Also known as seamers are used to flattening and bending metal as well as safely gripping and moving sheet metal on the job site.
hex Key Adapter
hex Key Adapter
A hex adapter is used in combination with a service wrench is used for accessing liquid & suction based valves on residential & commercial units. Heat-treated hex works for 3/16″ and 5/16″ hex valves.
hole saw
Hole Saw
These are used to make precise holes in metal, wood, and other materials.
inspection mirror
Inspection Mirror
Being able to see and check for leaks in hard-to-reach places can truly make your job a lot easier. They come in many shapes and sizes.
Jumper Wire
Jumper Wire
There are ones with alligator clips and magnet ends. These come in handy when troubleshooting a system.
level
Level
Equipment needs to be leveled not only for looks but the equipment can malfunction or wear out prematurely if not leveled properly. Thermostats should be leveled as well. Having 3″ and 12″ magnetic levels would be ideal.
Manifold Gauges & Hoses
Manifold Gauges & Hoses
Refrigerant gauges are used to monitor the pressure of the refrigerant in an HVAC system, adding refrigerant, and determining if there is a leak. It is a necessary tool in order to diagnose if the system is correctly charged with refrigerant as well as to help service any issues. There aremany types: 2 valve or 4 valve, analog or digital, bluetooth, and more.
Mini Tube/Pipe cutters
Mini Tube/Pipe Cutters
These are used to cut smaller diameter PVC, copper, and other types of pipes (up to 1 1/8″).
MultiMeter
Multimeter
This tool measures voltage, current, and resistance, among other things. The measured data is then displayed on a digital screen.
Multi-Tool Wire Cutters/Strippers/Crimpers
Multi-Tool Wire Cutters/Strippers/Crimpers
This is an essential tool for any HVAC technician or installer and can be used for cutting wires, stripping insulation off wires, and crimping connectors onto wires.
Nut Driver
Nut Driver
A set of nut drivers is essential. 1/4 in., 5/16 in., 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. needs to be in your tool box. Insulated handles and a long neck set can come in handy with those spaces that are hard to reach. !/4″ and 5/16″ is the most used
pliers
Pliers
A technicians tool bag should contain linesman, channellock, long-nose, and needle-nose pliers. You can get both Linesman and Needle-nose pliers as a combo tool if you prefer.
Pipe Caliper
Pipe Caliper
This is a fractional measuring unit that measures pipe sizes up to 16″ in diameter. A conversion chart printed on the caliper translates measurements of the outside diameter to the nominal interior diameter dimension.
Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating Saw
On many jobs, this is used to cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC and nails.
Refrigerant Service Wrench
Refrigerant Service Wrench
This handy tool is used to open and close refrigeration valves and acetylene tanks for brazing/soldering. This tool is even better when you get the hex key adapter.
shears
Shears
These tin snips are used to cut sheet metal that standard tin snips cannot cut through. Typically, has a 3” blade and 12” long.
Small Width Flathead Screwdriver
Small Width Flathead Screwdriver
You’ll need a small screwdriver with a narrow head that is perfect for working on thermostats.
Snap Lock Punch
Snap Lock Punch
It raises a louvered shaped projection on metal edges for locking into a rolled edge of sheet or piece of ductwork to be joined.
Snips
Snips
Left cut (red marked), right cut (green marked) and straight cut (yellow marked) aviation snips are used to cut sheet metal and create notches in materials.
tape measure
Tape Measure
A 25 ft. magnetic tip tape measure makes a one person magnetic much easier especially measuring duct work, sheet metal, etc.
thermometer
Thermometer
A digital thermometer is needed to get accurate readings. Having a magnetic back comes in handy especially when needing to take readings in ductwork.
tinner hammer
Tinner Hammer
A tinner hammer comes in handy when forming and shaping sheet metal, striking punches, and making bends and seams. This hammer is used to install UV lights as well.
Tin Snips-Left
Tin Snips-Left
Left cutting snips (usually a have red colored grip) will cut straight and in a tight left curve
tin snips-Right
Tin Snips-Right
Left cutting snips (usually a have red colored grip) will cut straight and in a tight left curve
tin snips-Straight
Tin Snips-Straight
Straight cutting snips (usually have a yellow colored grip) will cut in a straight line and wide curves.
tube bender
Tube Bender
This tool is used to bend copper to the correct angle.
Tube/Pipe Cutters
Tube/Pipe Cutters
These cutters are used to cut copper and PVC pipes to specific lengths, and other types of pipes.
Utilities & Accessories
Black Sharpies
Black Sharpies
A pencil or pen doesn’t always cut it and you need a sharpie for writing on materials like sheet metal.
Electrical tape
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is used in multiple applications from connecting cables together, bundling wires, and to insulate electrical wires. This tape can only handle temperatures up to 200F.
HVAC Tape
HVAC Tape
This foil tape is used to seal, join, and insulate ducts, pipes, and other components. This tape can withstand temperatures up to 295F.
Flashlight
Flashlight
You just need something small and lightweight for when you need that extra light.
Ladder
Ladder
Most technicians use a few depending on the job they are on, will determine the ladder that they will need. Most have a small, medium, and large ladders. (Example: a 4′, 10′, and an extention ladder that is 24′ or 32”) When dealing with electricity, never use a metal ladder. Always choose a non-conductive ladder made of wood or fiberglass. Fiberglass is prefered and is lightweight.
Magnetic Tray
Magnetic Tray
This is very helpful and is a magnetic dish used to hold nuts and bolts. You definitely do not want to lose screws from someone’s unit.
Sprayer
Sprayer
There are a few options available. Manual pump, battery-powered, and ones that hook up to a hose, which are great but unfortunately, you don’t always have the option of using a hose.
Shop Vac
Shop Vac
Having a wet/dry vacuum is extremely helpful to quickly clean up messes that were either already there or for one that you make.
Tool Bag
Tool Bag(s)
There are many types of bags and which type you get depends on what you would prefer personally. You need atleast 1 or 2 durable tool bags to organize and hold your tools.
Utility Knife
Utility Knife
From opening boxes to cutting insulation, this will come in handy just about every single day on the job.
Sprayer
Sprayer
There are a few options available. Manual pump, battery-powered, and ones that hook up to a hose, which are great but unfortunately, you don’t always have the option of using a hose.
Conclusion
The basic hand tool list for HVAC technicians includes a range of tools that every technician should have in their toolbox. These tools can be used for various tasks such as cutting, crimping, measuring, tightening, loosening, etc. It’s important to have a well-stocked toolbox to ensure that you can handle any task that comes your way, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. By having these hand tools, HVAC technicians can work efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the HVAC systems they work on run smoothly and efficiently.
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