Where should I buy my tools?

[ericsig92]

Hello Everyone,

I am starting at NLC in January, and their price for tools in 2400 dollars. I know I can do better than that, but being inexperienced, I don't know what brand I should get or where to purchase. To start, I found this site which has pre-made tool kits:

http://jlmatthews.com/store/linemankits.htm

which one should I get? I don't mind spending a bit more for quality/durability.

Here is the full list of supplies I need:


1. Gaff Guards – Mandatory, for sale at NLC
2. Climbers – Adjustable with replaceable gaff, recommended.
Climber Pads – Buckingham Velcro Standard or C-pad or Bashlin leather – Nylon strap sold seperately
3. Tool/Bolt Bag
4. Body Belt – Full floating with or without backsaver
6. Safety Glasses – ANSI standard Z-87.1,
7. Leather Gloves – tight-fitting, longgauntlet gloves for climbing
8. Tool Holster – Five-pocket
9. Super Squeeze & BuckSqueeze Adjuster
10. Lineman Boots – 16” height recommended
11. Gaff Sharpening Kit
12. Climber Shields
13. Lineman Tool Bag
14. Detachable Backsaver – Optional

15. Screwdriver – 8” or bigger, round shank
16. Folding Ruler – 6’ fiberglass, inside read
17. Pump Pliers – 10”
18. 9” Lineman Pliers – Klein 2000 series
19. Needle-Nosed Pliers
20. Hammer – 32 oz.
21. Lineman’s Skinning Knife
22. Adjustable Wrench – 12”
23. Lineman’s Wrench – Lowell Bolt-thru
24. Ratcheting Box Wrench – 9/16”-3/4”
25. Plumb Bob

I'm guessing I can buy a lot of these hand tools from home depot or something, but what about 18, 21, and 23? Any advice would be great.

Thanks in advance!
- Eric