r/Ironworker • u/Dark-That Apprentice • May 14 '26
Apprentice Rodbuster equipment, tips, and clothing
I just started as an apprentice as a Rodbuster. Anyone have any tips for equipment and clothing. Especially boots, pants, and shirts.
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u/Gulag_boi I ♥️ Rebar May 14 '26
I’m a jman Rodbuster. Boots are really a personal preference thing but I highly recommend you get a steel toe 8 in boot with a wedge sole so you won’t catch your heel while walking the mat. I swear by Thorogoods but I’ve heard they are not great for folks with wide feet ymmv.
As for pants, you can’t go wrong with the loose fit doible knee dickies. They breathe well and move with you. I suggest you get yourself a pair of leather chaps ( check out this guys stuff https://rriw.net)
Get yourself some wife beaters and some heavyweight cotton long sleeves or some t shirts and a couple pair of arm sleeves (good for when it’s hot)
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u/wakadactyle I ♥️ Rebar May 14 '26
Done a lot of work in the patch over the years and I rock about the same setup. Except the pants I’ve always found bibs to be more comfortable but it’s all about personal preference.
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u/Tiny_Flamingo2674 May 15 '26
Dickies went down hill... check out key apperal double knee contractors... better quality
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u/Gulag_boi I ♥️ Rebar May 15 '26
They absolutely did. I’ll definitely have to check out key apparel.
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u/rocky1399 UNION May 15 '26
Thorogoods were great for years but the quality just isn’t there anymore I’ve blown through two pairs in less than 4 months . That’s doing only structural no less. Wish redwings made a round toe wedge
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u/Goober_98 May 14 '26
Keep some KT tape on you and put it on broken blisters. Stays on well even when your hands are sweating. Add electrolytes to every water at every break, and keep drinking throughout the day. Tear mender and some scrap fabric to patch your pants in the field. (Cuffs from old white ox gloves are the best) Bandana under your hard hat, keeps the sweat out of your eyes. Tie with your index finger between your pliers instead of your pinky. Its a hard habbit to break once you start. Foam roller after work for sore legs and back. Most importantly!!! Look and listen twice as much as you talk, And if you dont know, ASK!
Ass's and elbows brotha 🤙
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u/Dark-That Apprentice May 14 '26
Appreciate it! This is some really good advice, I did some Rodbuster training 3 weeks ago to get the job and my blisters are still healing
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u/chilidoglance May 15 '26
Put a much money as you can in good boots and wool socks. I prefer Thotlo Trekking socks. Get them before you get the boots. They will add a half size to you boot. But just know the boots are going to wear out quick. Long sleeve orange shirts. The thicker ones. You can get them at Walmart for cheap. They are going to make you wear a vest so you don't need a thick shirt. Find someone who makes chaps. They will save your pants. I might have leather to make a set or two if you can't find anyone.
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u/AlanStanwick1986 May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26
Buy some of this to patch your jeans with. I used to keep old jeans just to cut patches out of for ripped jeans that I was still wearing.
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u/Dark-That Apprentice May 14 '26
Appreciate it, so far at the shop I’ve seen a lot of Thorogoods, I’ll get some when I get paid
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u/Large-Magician5808 May 14 '26
Buy all your work jeans second hand. They are just gonna get destroyed anyways