Top 5 Tools for Cold Side Food Service Techs

Without the right tools on a service call, you could find yourself making trips to the hardware store. No matter if you’re a new service tech or a veteran tech looking for the best gadgets to keep on hand, this list of the top 5 tools for cold side food service techs will help get you started. Check out our guide on what gear you’ll need most as well as how they can help in the field.

Gauges

• What it does and why you need it – This tool is vital for checking pressure in a refrigeration system. It’s important that the refrigeration unit runs with the correct gas pressure to avoid any interior damage.
• Types of gauges – There are digital or analog gauges available.
• What to look for – Always be sure to check reviews to find the gauges that will work best for your application.
• Tips for using gauges – Make sure you have the right type of gauge for the refrigeration unit you’re testing, using the wrong type can cause the seals to break.

Vacuum Pumps

• What it does and why you need it – This tool creates a vacuum to pull out any contaminants from the refrigeration system such as moisture. It’s important to get all contaminants out to avoid contamination, especially when switching out refrigerants. Having this on hand makes it easy to ensure the system is cleaned out before proceeding.
• What to look for – Check for a lightweight and easy-to-carry vacuum pump that can fit into smaller spaces.
• Tips for using vacuum pumps – Make sure there’s oil in the system and that it’s changed out periodically to ensure you’re decontaminating the system properly.

Scales

• What it does and why you need it – Using this tool ensures you’re getting the proper amount of refrigerant into the system. Having this tool on hand makes it easy to measure the amount of refrigerant that’s in the tank and prevents the system from being overfilled.
• Types of scales – There are digital or analog scales available.
• What to look for – Check reviews and find one that’s easy to calibrate as well as one that’s known for being consistently accurate.
• Tips for using scales – Make sure it’s properly stored. If it’s getting banged around, it can cause issues with the calibration.

Torches

• What it does and why you need it – Torches are used for brazing pipes together to create a tight seal in the system. This is important to prevent refrigerant leaks.
• Types of torches – There are plenty of torches available, but the most common are acetylene or oxygen and acetylene torches.
• What to look for – Be on the lookout for light tanks. It’s also important that you find something easy to carry that will fit into small spaces so you can get the job done.
• Tips for using torches – Make sure the area around you is safe. Use cold rags to ensure anything that isn’t supposed to get hot stays cool. Also, be sure to have the proper safety gear on hand.

11-in-1 screwdriver

• What it does and why you need it – This is a multipurpose tool for cold-side equipment. Having a small tool to keep on hand that’s easily accessible is important to make sure you have everything you need for the job.
• Types of 11-in-1 screwdrivers – There are refrigeration-specific screwdrivers as well as electrician-specific screwdrivers, ratcheting models and more available.
• What to look for – Make sure when shopping for one that you shop for your specific application to ensure you get the correct bits you need.
• Tips for using 11-in-1 screwdrivers – Always have this tool on hand. If you have a tight space where a larger tool may not fit, this tool can help you reach the area you need to get into.