What is your Favorite speciality electrical tool/gadget

[chris kennedy]

They will realize his value when he's gone. From what I gather I agree 100%

For new Forum members, this is Al. Indispensable IMO. Guys got mad skills.

 

[Minuteman]

For tools, I'd say the B&D 6v rechargeable electric screwdriver combined with the DeWalt 6-way screwdriver set:

I have the same DeWalt 6-way, wish it was magnetic.


I like my Conduit Pliers.

 

[wirenut3]

For new Forum members, this is Al. Indispensable IMO. Guys got mad skills.

Anyone that can put a light bulb in with a shovel has got my vote!

 

[sd4524]

My Bosch 10.8 volt drill for doing trim out.
Dewalt 18v impact drill for driving self- tapping screws. I can't see how I used to do self tappers with hammerdrill before. These aren't really gadgets i guess.

 

[wirenut3]

For tools, I'd say the B&D 6v rechargeable electric screwdriver combined with the DeWalt 6-way screwdriver set:

I like that dewalt 6-way screwdriver set, I want to order one but can't seem to find it on Amazon.

 

[knoppdude]

I would have to say that I use my Fluke t5-1000 more than any other tool. With a little thought, it can be used to gather alot of information for trouble shooting. I use this thing many times every day at work, and it is my most used specialty tool, if it can be classified as such. There are others that are close seconds, such as my Knopp solenoid tester that will not pick up induced voltages, but it lacks the versatility and extra functions of the t5.

 

[jeremysterling]

circuit breaker finder

circuit breaker finder

I can't believe I worked in the trade this long before I ponied up ~$35 for the Ideal brand (live) circuit finder. No, it does not do 277V, but it has created great emotion in me to find a circuit in a big store like WalMart and turn the circuit off versus working it hot. I've been doing it hot for way too long.

In the last couple of years, I have been fortunate to pick up a nice assortment of cordless tools, (2) 1/2 to 2 ratchet KO sets, ratchet cutter, rotatable die up to 4/0 crimper, Harbor Freight hammerdrill, (2) ampclamps, and (most recently) the economy Extech megger.

But the little circuit breaker finder wins my heart. The customers are usually impressed too.

 

[quinn77]

fluke 1587

 

[Minuteman]

For new Forum members, this is Al. Indispensable IMO. Guys got mad skills.

Is there green tape on some of those "A" phase conductors to the right of Al's hand? (Under the fuse lugs.)

 

[hurk27]

Well I have a few favorites, but my Greenlee Wire finder is my up most favorite, I would be lost without it, allows me to practically walk up to a bad receptacle on the first try.:grin:

heres the one I have:
2011 greenlee wire tracer

It doesn't say in this page but it does hot circuits up to 600 volts AC/DC
Not saying it is the best one, but it is the one I'm used to using, but a little pricey

 

[Karl H]

For me it would be, Fluke T-5, 10-n-1, AutoCAD 2010, and the GPS on my Blackberry.

 

[nhfire77]

I do agree, I love my ten-in-one. Ever since lowes started to sell them for only $8, it's been easier on me when I lose one of the bits.

 

[jmellc]

My DeWalt ground rod driver. I'll never use a sledge hammer again. The only way this thing doesn't work is to be on solid rock. It drives through the hardest clay soils you can imagine. Most of the region here is red clay and rock. Even big beefy guys have a hard time with sledge hammers.

I have chain pliers that are great for chandelier chains, specially heavier ones. Use tips to open the chain, throat notches to close.

A co. I use to work for has a laser plumb bob. Nothing but nice. I'll get 1 of them 1 day. Quick work of marking beams for hangers.

I've seen laser levels, haven't used them yet. Look good for conduit spans across large areas. I use to do lots of work in a plant nearby. Lots of rooms full of eqpmt, odd walls, hard to measure anything. To shoot a beam would have been great. Someone could drill walls ahead of conduit crew.

 

[jmellc]

For new Forum members, this is Al. Indispensable IMO. Guys got mad skills.

A good man in the field is worth his weight in gold. He keeps the work moving. Good people in the office/warehouse, etc. keep the materials and help flowing to him.

 

[mivey]

A good man in the field is worth his weight in gold.

I'm estimating that would put Al around the $4M mark.

 

[LarryFine]

Is there green tape on some of those "A" phase conductors to the right of Al's hand? (Under the fuse lugs.)

Those should be the EGC's landing on the neutral block, acting as the MBJ.

 

[220/221]

For the work I do, this is the best tool to come around in years.

 

[charlietuna]

Best for the money-----30 foot of 1/4 inch fish tape for fishing walls and ceilings.

 

[Minuteman]

Those should be the EGC's landing on the neutral block, acting as the MBJ.

No, Larry. I see the EGC's on the neutral. I also see green on at least 2 of the "A" phase ungrounded conductors.

 

[hurk27]

Those should be the EGC's landing on the neutral block, acting as the MBJ.

He right I think, I downloaded the photo from photo bucket and zoomed in on the bottom conductors making up phase "A" and the right one seems clear that it has green tape on it, the one next to it is kind of blury so hard to tell?