There is a small difference of opinion currently raging at the company where I work - the matter of tools for engineers. Management are adamant that engineers should provide all of their own tools, with the exception of specialist test equipment (meters, battery testers etc). The list of tools required includes items such as hand tools, battery drill etc.

I agree that it is perfectly acceptable to ask an engineer to provide his own hand tools, I do, however, think that it is a different matter to ask en engineer to buy his own power tools. My argument is that the company gains from the engineer's posession of the tools, but the engineers gains nothing (with the exception of a £200 bill).

Any comments?

i agree, hand tools yes ok, as we all have our favourites etc, but power tools should be provided by firm

thats always been the case where i have worked/work

They should supply power toold because:

1 They require PAT testing and the company must keep records of this.

2 The insurance aspect for theft should be carried by the employers.

3 Service and repairs should also be carried out by the employer.

My EX employer supplied everyting, and I mean everything, I just had to price up and get authorisation then buy the stuff and hand over the receipt.

My current Employer provides absolutely everything, if i need it and they agree i need it, then they source a descent brand and supply it.

Paying for your own tools...? Never.

Hand tools - depends, nice if you can get them supplied.

Power tools - should always be supplied by the company.

All tools should be supplied on your first day by the company you are working for with no exception.

If you lose your hand tools then fair enough expect to replace them yourself, if they are worn then your company should replace them. But then for me the companies always supply/replaced any tools I needed.

The last 2 companies I worked for both supplied me with full tool kits (handtools) that I got to keep when I left with exception to expensive specialist tools ie over £50.

Power tools should be supplied, maintained and replaced by the company.

The only exception to this is if the engineer is working for the company as a permanent contractor.

P.S Sellp chcek dosen't seem to wrok for me.

Tools have always been an issue in all of the Security Co's I have worked for, but I'm in agreement on all power tools being supplied & maintained by the firm.

Put me down in the 'handtools = No, Power tools= yes' camp. Power tools supplied by workers is a bit of a non starter these days due to PAT testing, insurance and competant person, etc.

Suppose a workers' power tool damaged a customers' property, who do they go after for the compensation?

Surely the company insurance could deny responsibilty! What then, public liability for each worker? Supplied by themselves obviously.

What the company provides will bepend on your employment contract

I've never know any to give hand tools.

Power tools (corded 110v) drills ect... provided

Battery drills I've mostly had to buy.

Cutting tools eg drills, holesaws ect... (expect long drill eg 600mm or 1000m) have always been mine

What the company provides will bepend on your employment contract

I've never know any to give hand tools.

Power tools (corded 110v) drills ect... provided

Battery drills I've mostly had to buy.

Cutting tools eg drills, holesaws ect... (expect long drill eg 600mm or 1000m) have always been mine

33640[/snapback]

1000m - bloomin heck mate - must be some thick walls your drilling there