I am one of the few people at my employer with a mechanical background (most others are electronic/ electrical by training)
The latest task I have been given is to strip down and then devise a scheme to repair/ refurbish some machinery essential for production of electronic assemblies. As they have no specific tools for mechanical fitter I have been told to work out what I need and they will buy it for me. (Usual comments made about not being too extravagent, as this kit will be only used occasionally. On the other hand, this is a one-off offer, so I don't want to miss things that may be handy)

It has of course set me thinking about what will be needed. Like a a number of us, I have amassed tools over decades and so have all sorts in my shed and for a variety of purposes. Obviously duplicating all that is out of the question. Some basics are evident though. My question for others is with the list I have below, is there anything that I have not included that you think useful; alternately are there things I have listed that don't really give 'bang for buck'. Also, are there some sizes of some of these items that are better than others?

(Note - I will be attacking both metric and imperial machines, so where I have listed something like hex keys, assume both systems will be bought)

16oz ball pein hammer; centre punch and pin punches
Adjustable spanners - say 12", 8" and 6"
Spanners (ring and O/E) and sockets, ranging from 6mm up to say 25mm (may need 1/4" and 1/2" drives)
In-hex sockets
Circlip pliers
Vice grips (std, long nose and chain varieties)
Screwdrivers (phillips 1 to 3 and a few slotted)
Hex keys
Seal picks
Steel rules (6" & 12")
Pliers (normal, long nose and slipjaw)
Soft face hammer

I think I could get most of these things in a 100 to 200 piece tool kit (say Sidchrome or Kinchrome), but the complicating factor is that the company can get electrical tools at a good price from some of the big electrical suppliers, so if I submit a list it can not be guaranteed that there will not be substitutions from a purchasing person who thinks a hammer is a hammer...

Anyway, that is my current list - I'll be interested to compare with other's thoughts.

Michael


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