Big Box AFCIs - Southwire Tools

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tom baker

tom baker

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Master Electrician
Noted at the big box today they have a Sq D Combo AFCI/GFCI (dual function) for $49.97.

Also most of the electrical tools are Southwire, a new player in the electrical tools area. A 50 ft Southwire fiberglass fishtape is $57.88. I just got a Greenlee 50ft fiberglass, it was $125.
Some of the southwire tools are copper color. The cutters and screwdrivers look a lot like Klien...
 
I have not had good luck with Southwire tools, but another electrician I know has. We both have the same square bit driver, identical except mine is rounded off, his is near perfect. He has used his hundreds of times, mine rounded off after about 6.

Obviously their quality is not consistent.
 
Also, if you are talking about Lowes, they have been replacing their connectors with 'Utilitech'.

I don't know about using Utilitech push in (Wago type) connectors. I will stay with Wago or Ideal which means I am going to the supply house anyway......
 
K8MHZ said:
Also, if you are talking about Lowes, they have been replacing their connectors with 'Utilitech'.

I don't know about using Utilitech push in (Wago type) connectors. I will stay with Wago or Ideal which means I am going to the supply house anyway......
Click to expand...


I look at 'Utilitech' as a brand to leave alone, in same manner as the skull & crossbones. Southwire tools are mostly ChiCom, for that reason alone going to pass on buying any.
 
I bought a southwire ratcheting cable cutter. It cuts up to 750 mcm and have really liked it it. I got it for $150 at lowes.


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Southwire tools are junk. Don't waste your money. I've broken most of the ones I purchased for just home use. Stick with Klein and Greenlee.


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I was under the impression that Southwire tools were rebranded Greenlee tools. Is this not the case? I have always used Klein myself though, just curious.
 
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