Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Appliance repair runs on diagnostics. A good meter, the right drivers and a parts account matter more than big tools.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Multimeter | Elements, motors, switches and sensors | $305 (Fluke 117 multimeter, Fluke) |
| Clamp meter | Amp draw on compressors and motors | $208 (Fluke 323 clamp meter, Fluke) |
| Nut drivers and Torx and security bits | Every brand's fasteners | Varies by brand |
| Appliance dolly and floor protection | Moving washers and fridges | Varies by brand |
| Flashlight and inspection mirror | Back of the unit | Varies by brand |
| Non-contact voltage tester | Checking power safely | $45 (Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, Fluke) |
| Shop vacuum | Lint, water and dust | Varies by brand |
| Tablet or phone for wiring diagrams | Brand service info | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most appliance repair techs buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant gauges, recovery and EPA 608 card | Sealed system repairs | Varies by brand |
| Brazing kit | Refrigerator sealed system work | Varies by brand |
| Manometer | Gas range and dryer checks | Varies by brand |
| Infrared thermometer | Fridge and oven temperature checks | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Washer and dryer belts, idlers and fuses. Common laundry repairs.
- Igniters and elements. Ovens and dryers.
- Fridge fan motors, defrost parts and water valves. No-cool calls.
- Door switches and lid switches. Common failures.
- Fuses, terminals and wire. Electrical fixes.
What a appliance repair kit costs
The 3 starter kit items we could price add up to $558 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 4 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
Sealed system tools and parts stock swing the total most. Many techs order parts per job until they know what fails most locally.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most appliance repair techs buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our appliance repair suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the appliance repair services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Fluke: Fluke 117 multimeter, checked October 9, 2026
- Fluke: Fluke 323 clamp meter, checked October 9, 2026
- Fluke: Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
- EPA: Section 608 technician certification, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.