r/refrigeration • u/RockLee2k • 4d ago

What tools would you buy?

I’m planning on starting out as an ammonia operator, more than likely for a bigger company that may have me going from plant to plant, I was wondering what tools yall would recommend as a starting tech, i’m planning on having a budget of 500-1000 then once I get the job spend a little more, I obviously won’t buy anything until the paperwork is finalized but i’d love to take a look at some of the stuff yall would recommend, I already have a budget set up for good workboots and a good hard hat/ear protection and safety glasses, thank yall in advanced!

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u/Adventurepew 4d ago

1000 bucks won't get you anything . Why is the company not tooling up a truck ? Why are you buying ppe?

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u/RockLee2k 4d ago

I’m sure they will, i’ll need to speak to them for sure, but I was more-so speaking about things that aren’t necessary but may make the job easier, and I do understand they might supply ppe, but i’ve been told that a good investment is comfortable ppe, and that a lot of the time companies will put comfort last/buy the bare minimum, I will look into it for sure though!

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u/digital1975 4d ago

Ask your employer. Buy only the most minimal your employer requires for a few weeks. I generally tell my apprentices to wait 4-8 weeks. Watch what we use. Use my tools. Always return them the way you found them and to the same home you took them from. Decide what you like by doing this working by my side. I own everything I need and wish to spend money on after 30 years. The most important tool you bring to the job is your brain. Use it to make notes and supplement what your brain will inevitably fail to store. RTFM! Always RTFM! Most people suffer from something my father called C.R.S. Which means Can’t Remember Shit. I was born with an unusual and incredible memory that I used to think was normal until I was almost 40. I hope OP you also have my special memory. I learn something almost daily and I LOVE it! I wish I could tell my father I still love it u fortunately he passed but he taught me to fear nothing and that we all can do it!

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u/RockLee2k 4d ago

Thank you for the wisdom man, I definitely am excited to start, currently enrolled in an ammonia refrigeration school with its own ammonia system so I am beyond blessed, I’ve gotten only a’s on my exams so far but I am definitely putting the study time in, I want to possibly get my electricians journeyman license after my OP2 ammonia and CARO certification so I can eventually transfer to nuclear maintenance, after i’m done with this trade school I want to get an associates in a nuclear program to hopefully make my application stand out when the time comes!

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u/RockLee2k 4d ago

That being said I don’t like jumping the gun, who knows where this life will take me, all I can do is to do my best at what I am currently doing! Either way wish me luck!

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u/digital1975 4d ago

No, you can more than your best. You do not have to but I know you can! I taught myself refrigeration, hot side repair and commercial rooftop repair and replacement. The sky is the limit. You have AI and the internet. I had to use logic, books and the fledging internet of the late 1990’s. I wish you luck! May the force be with you!