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Should welding students and welders provide their own tools?

Last month’s “Welding Wire” e-newsletter featured a post by blogger Josh Welton about the tools of the welding trade, specifically, what supplies welding students need. Josh listed 10 items he believes the well-prepared student should purchase and take to school. He thinks students are more respectful of their own tools and less likely to abuse them. School-provided tools often are damaged or stolen and have to be replaced.

This post caused some controversy on The Fabricator’s Facebook page, with some commenters saying that students shouldn’t have to provide anything, nor should welders on the job.

We asked newsletter readers: Do you have your own tools? Should students and workers provide theirs? Here are some of the responses we received:

Yes

A reader who signed his response ddj said, Guys should have their own tools for school. School environment is even different than work environment and, as was mentioned, most students don't take care of anything until they have to pay for it; anything that can will grow legs, etc.. Doesn't mean they start out with a Milwaukee grinder and top of the line tools, but I have been a student, entry level worker, and in management. These are the most basic tools of your chosen trade. Another reason for having your own basic tools is that we eventually develop habits and favorites. If the job is messy or has some risk to damage a piece of gear, I will use my import cheapie grinder (in most cases I prefer the better grinder), or my own beat up stinger, etc.

“Union welders make pretty decent money. Nonunion welders generally get paid in accordance with what we agree to. I do believe a place of employment (and now we are not talking about school, although the same idea might just as well apply) should provide the major tools, and perhaps have a tool room checkout program for ‘personal’ toolbox within the plant. I had that experience, and when I left, they inventoried and I had to pay for what I had lost. Cost me $6 for a wrench. Me, my fault, my mistake. When something was damaged during the course of work, we would turn the damaged tool in, and it was replaced from the tool room. That worked.”

Neil W. wrote, “Buying your own tools is the best policy. That is the only way they are cared for. A tool allowance is very helpful and a good alternative to supplying your own.”

Al Y. said, “Absolutely, students must buy their own tools. I still have the welding jacket I bought as a student (1978). It's well-worn and burned in places, but still good enough for stuff I do at home.

“Helmets have been replaced several times, mostly for technology improvements. Gloves, new pair every couple months, depending on how much I used them.

“All the power tools I bought in school I still have and have maintained them so they are still serviceable today. I have had to have my regulators rebuilt, but torches and hoses are original and working fine. Buy “good,” take care of it, and it will last forever.

“People take better care of stuff they pay for and are more careful with their own stuff. So, yes, students should buy their own stuff but the employers need to replace safety gear when needed. OSHA says so.”

No

A welding instructor at Lansing Community College wrote, “I would have to agree with the student on this one. As a welding instructor for 13 years, so far, I can feel the frustration of Josh about how the tools are used and stolen. The cost of tuition should allow for tool loss and maintenance. We require our students to provide a pair of gloves, leather work boots, a pair of pliers, and cotton clothing. Many do not buy the textbook because of the cost. We encourage them to buy equipment, if they are able, but do not require it.

”I am a graduate of the UAW/GM apprenticeship program and a journeyman welder, I was given a $800 tool allowance and a Kennedy tool box and did purchase some of my tools, but most were supplied by General Motors. Maybe Josh forgot how many tools he ‘acquired’ from Chrysler, from my experience buying your own tools doesn't ensure that someone will take care of them.”

Wayne A., a certified welder and quality assurance manager at an Illinois-based fabrication shop, said, “Welding students or trainees should not be required to bring their own tools for whatever reasons, except if they love to use their own personal belongings. Taking care or proper handling of tools should be part of a curriculum. It’s like safety in welding. The method or procedures in wearing personal protective equipment and the safe way to use and maintain tools shall be taught to the students or trainees.”

Ron F. said, “A student should not have to supply their own tools. A simple solution is a tool box or work station assigned to each student for which they are responsible. Another option would be to offer a discounted price for use of tools if all are returned in working order, or a discounted price if the student supplies all of the necessary tools. (I attended a PLC programming class several years ago and was offered a discount for using my own laptop. That saved me money that I was able to put to better use.)

“If the tool is damaged or lost (stolen) by the student, then they are responsible and agree to such terms in the contract signed for training.

“We supply our guys with everything needed on the job but the basics. They are required to have a tape measure, sharpie, safety glasses, steel toe shoes, etc. Basic hand tools and big-dollar items, like metal shears, grinders, drills, and ladders are supplied. The only rule is that if you lose it, you buy it, no matter how much it cost. If the tool is broken during normal use then it will be replaced.”

And there you have it. Different opinions abound, which makes for good discussion. If you would like to be part of this dialogue, please comment below.