27 Essential Tools For HVAC : A Simple (but complete) Guide

Introduction:

All who are working with any kind of machine or are into service of equipment are aware of the term “Tools”

A tool is a piece of equipment used by the person doing any job which makes his job easy and efficient by helping him while doing the job.

We can more widely describe a tool as any physical item used to perform a particular job but is not consumed during the process. Humans from ancient times have started using different objects to perform their job and with the passing of time has developed different types of tools to make their job easy & efficient. The tools have an important role in the evolution of mankind and anthropologists view the usage of tools by mankind as one of the major contributors to this evolution.

Tools perform a variety of functions such as chopping, cutting, shaping, tightening, guiding, opening, bending, information & data manipulation, and many more. There are specific tools designated or uses for specific purposes and there are many tools used in combination with the specific tools to carry out a job.

Here we are going to discuss some essential and important tools required for an HVAC Technician or Engineer to perform his job effectively and efficiently and provide safety to the person as well as the equipment during the work.

General Tools

These are some common tools used in multiple fields by any worker while working with equipment. These tools must be included in your tool kit.

01. LEVEL

This tool is mostly used during the installation of an HVAC unit. A piece of unleveled equipment will have complications later during regular operation. The simplest level instrument used during installation is a Water Level or widely known as Spirit Level. In case of installation of pipeline & ducts, Pie Levels are used.  Automatic Level Instruments are also now available for more accuracy and specific requirements.

02. MEASUREMENT TAPE

This is used to measure the distance and comes in handy during the installation of an HVAC system. A Steel Measuring Tape comes with 03 mtr or 05 mtr length is useful except to measure a longer distance while working in the duct or longer pipeline.

03. HAMMER

This is a well-known and widely used tool required both during the installation and repairing & maintenance service of an HVAC System. There are various types of hammers such as Ball-Peen Hammer, Sledge-Hammer, Brick Hammer, Claw Hammer, etc. available in the market to perform a specific job. A Claw Hammer of medium size is the most useful tool for an HVAC Technician to put something in place or remove nails etc.

04. SCREWDRIVERIVER

This is one of the most essential tools that must be kept in the tool kit. Screws with different types of heads are coming with the equipment, you need to keep a set of screwdrivers to remove and tighten the screw.

05. HEX-HEAD NUT DRIVERS

Hex-Head Nut Drivers is like a Screwdriver except for the head which is a hexagonal shape and used to tighten or loosen nuts where the space is limited to use a regular Spanner or Adjustable Spanner. The most common size required for an HVAC system is 1/4, 3/8, and 5/16-inch.

06. RATCHET WRENCH

A reverser ratchet 4-in-1 box end wrench is used in forward or reverse motion specifically while opening or closing a service valve in the refrigeration system. This usually comes with 4 sizes of heads. It has a gear mechanism that enables it to rotate freely in one direction without removing the wrench head from the fastener.

07. AWL

This is a pointed tool that comes into use when you need to make a punch or mark on a metal surface. This is a small tool and is highly useful. Keep this tool in a safe place or otherwise, it may hurt you.

Cutting and Stripping Tools

08. COMBINATION PLIER

A Combination Plier is a multi-purpose plier with gripping jaws and a side wire cutter used for gripping, compressing, bending, twisting, extracting, and cutting various materials.

09. NOSE PLIER

A Nose Plier is used in reaching small and clumsy places where human fingers or any other tools are reachable. There are various types of nose pliers such as long nose pliers, flat nose pliers, needle nose pliers, and so on. Ideally, a Needle-nose plier is more useful in the case of HVAC work.

 10. WIRE STRIPPER

As an HVAC technician most of the time you need to make all electrical connections and need to strip wire terminals to fix required lugs. Stripping wire using other tools also cuts the strains of wire and makes it venerable to get heated during the operation of the system. So a wire stripper is the safest tool for the job.

11. CRIMPERS

Crimpers or Crimping Tools are used to join the strains of the wire to the metal lugs. The purpose of the crimping tool is to form a secure connection that is properly sealed from any gas or moisture, preventing shortages or faulty electrical connections.

12. TUBE CUTTERS

Tube Cutter is an essential tool used to cut copper tubes used in HVAC. The tube cutter consists of a blade made of stainless steel which enables cutting copper, brass, and plastic tubes. It is essential to add pressure slowly while using this tool to avoid de-shaping the tube.

13. FLARING TOOL

This tool is used to make a flare connection in the copper tube by spreading the end of the tube into a funnel shape with a 45° angle to match the flare fittings. Usually, a Hand-Held Flare tool is enough to carry out HVAC job. Nowadays Spin Faring tools and Cordless Flaring tools are also available which are easy to use.

Gauges & Hoses

 14. MANIFOLD GAUGES

Manifold Gauges are the most essential tools for HVAC Technicians. It is required to measure the Suction & Discharge Pressure in the system, system evacuation, and refrigerant charging. It consists of gauges connected through hoses to measure the Low Pressure & High Pressure of the refrigerant simultaneously by opening & closing the knobs provided for each pressure separately. Also, the manifold has a provision to connect the third hose for refrigerant charging. In some manifolds, a sight glass is provided to inspect the flow of liquid during charging. This comes as a set with gauges & Manifold and Hoses of three different colors (Red, Blue & Yellow) for easy identification.

15. REFRIGERATION GAUGES

Refrigeration gauges are also available separately to measure the Low Pressure & High Pressure. Generally, a Low-Pressure gauge has a range to measure pressure from (-) 30 psi to 150 psi and that of a High-Pressure gauge has ranged from 0 to 500 psi. Nowadays digital gauges are also available.

16. REFRIGERATION HOSE PIPE

A good quality Refrigeration hose pipe is essential while working with a refrigeration system otherwise chances of the bursting of the pipe will be there which will cause harm to the person working with it. These pipes are made of Polyamide / Polyester elastomer reinforced with a Single braid of synthetic fiber to withstand high pressure. The universal size of the hose is ¼” Flare fittings at both ends. At one end the connection has a pin to press the pin in the Schneider valve when connected for use.

Power Tools

17. CORDLESS DRILL

A hand drill machine is essential for fixing indoor units, running cables on the wall, fixing frames in the wall, and many more incidences. The cordless drill has the advantages of flexibility and not limiting the movement. Drills are also used to lose or tighten the screw, and bolts with a suitable attachment that minimizes physical labor. Always keep an extra set of charged batteries while attending the site.

18. SAWZALL

Sawzall or Reciprocating Saw is a powered saw used for cutting metals, wood, and plastic by push & pull motion of the blade. Although it is costly but will save lots of time and energy at the workplace. This is also coming both in corded & cordless type.

Other Tools & Devices

 19. MULTI MEER & CLAMP METER

An HVAC technician must work with an electrical connection and needs to check the current of the compressor, Condenser Fan, check Capacitor, and continuity in the wirings & panel board. A digital clamp meter is a hand tool to carry out all the above jobs and hence becomes an essential tool for anyone working with a refrigeration system. It is essential o keep an additional battery for your camp meter all the time as you are not sure when your existing battery will be drained out fully.

20. THERMOMETER

Refrigeration is all about temperature, it is often essential to check the temperature at various points while working with a refrigeration system. Hence a good quality calibrated digital thermometer becomes an essential tool for all HVAC technicians.

21. BRAZING TORCH

Brazing Torch with a bottle of gas is an essential tool for all HVAC Technicians as often it is required to do minor blazing work during repairing job.

22. VACUUM PUMP

A vacuum Pump is required for evacuating the system when it is required to remove air, contamination, and non-condensable gas & moisture from the system. This is essential for the efficient working of the system. When selecting a vacuum pump factors like capacity of the oil reservoir, ability to handle high moisture, and size to match the requirement need to be considered for making the evacuation process faster and perfect.

23. EXTENSION CORD

A heavy-duty extension cord is essential while working with HVAC system as some of the tools required power and it is convenient if you have the control to power off the supply available near your working area.

24. HAND GLOVES

It is always better to use a pair of durable & flexible gloves while working with a refrigeration system that will protect your hand from any physical injury. It also protects from getting an electrical shock from loose wires.

25. CAULK GUN

A caulk gun is a device used to apply caulk/sealant, effectively. Caulk/ Sealant is used for closing a gap or crack found in the place where air leaks to the ambient thus reducing the efficiency of the system.

26. FLASHLIGHT/HEADLAMP

While working with HVAC, the technicians always need a flashlight to see into any point in the system where there is no adequate light. It is better to go for a headlamp since it gives hands-free light in dark spaces.

27. SAFETY GOGGLES & HELMET

Safety Goggles are always helpful to protect the eyes from metal and dust debris while working at the site. Now goggles come with an extra magnifying glass which helps in observing minor cracks & leaks. Similarly, a safety helmet protects the head from the injury that may happen during work.

Conclusion:

An HVAC technician performs lots of work both mechanical and electrical in nature and hence to make the job easier and more effective tools play an important role. Many times, I found technicians come with selected tools and struggle at the site performing their job which kills their time and energy. With this article, I tried to make you familiar with different tools which you must have in your toolkit and it does not mean that these are the only tools required for an HVAC Technician. Join my members-only private Facebook Group “BMC Mastermind Club” and being a community member with like minded people. Visit my About Me page to know more about me.