Tool Brands

[Alwayslearningelec]

What is the mainstream brand that most electricians use for tool. I have to buy pliers(three types), screw driver, hammer etc.

 

[electricalperson]

klein tools

 

[SEO]

I've used Klein tools for over 40 years and wouldn't trade them for any other brand.

 

[George Stolz]

Here's (my) your shopping list.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Any good place to buy my Klien tools at a good price?

Thanks.

 

[electricalperson]

Any good place to buy my Klien tools at a good price?

Thanks.

the supply house sells them. home depot sells them too

 

[480sparky]

Any good place to buy my Klien tools at a good price?

Thanks.

Supply house, usually. ECs can get a 'discount' at times. Otherwise, Bir Orange has a lot.

 

[walkerj]

I can't tell you the last time I used a regular phillip's head screwdriver for anything.

They still make those?:-?

 

[electricalperson]

I can't tell you the last time I used a regular phillip's head screwdriver for anything.

They still make those?:-?

i use mine every day and hardly use the slotted screwdriver

 

[PetrosA]

I also would recommend the Lenox saw holder. It's great to have one holder that you can swap between wood and metal blades. Don't forget a tape measure and a pencil Showing up without them will put you high on the dummy list. These are a few of the tools in my pouch that I think fit the bare minimum:

Screwdriver set:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=278

Linemans: (if you don't like this style there are plenty others to choose from)

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=364

Dikes:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=616

And probably the best adjustable wrench I've used:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=348


Don't skimp on tools. They are the extension of your hands, and your safety relies on them. Buy the best you can afford.

If you do need a cordless drill, I'd recommend getting the hammer version of either a Milwaukee 18V (new generation Li-Ion that takes the larger 18V batteries, just coming out now) or the Metabo 18V Li-Ion. They both have massive torque for drilling through wood and short bodies which make it easier to get the drill in tight spaces. I've also heard good things about the Makita drills.

One other thought: When looking at hammers, I think "electrician's" hammers with the straight claw are nice. Try to find one that has approx. 14"-15" overall length as you can use it for setting wallcases during rough in.

 

[MF Dagger]

I'm going on record saying that lenox folding saw was a total piece of junk for as long as I had it. Cutting in wall boxes at time the blade would open up plus it was always loose. I got the Ideal straight handle jab saw and it is working much better for me. It was cheaper too.

 

[George Stolz]

I've had the same one for years, never really had a problem with it. I dropped it and broke it once, and bolted it back together, still works. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

 

[ibew441dc]

Lenox Tri-Fold Saw

Lenox Tri-Fold Saw

I'm going on record saying that lenox folding saw was a total piece of junk for as long as I had it. Cutting in wall boxes at time the blade would open up plus it was always loose. I got the Ideal straight handle jab saw and it is working much better for me. It was cheaper too.

I've had the same one for years, never really had a problem with it. I dropped it and broke it once, and bolted it back together, still works. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

I've had the same folding lenox for at least 8 years and have no complaints:smile:.In fact in the event that it is broken beyond repair, I'll definitely get a new one. It has many advantages over a traditional keyhole saw.

1) it accepts all types of sawzall blades (metal, wood, plaster, ect.)
2) it folds up so there is no sharp edges
3) it can be locked in different angles for hard to reach areas
4) its made by Lenox (top notch)
5) very durable

 

[PCN]

Klein is great, I've also had good luck with Ideal.

 

[ItsHot]

Klien

Klien

Klien is a great line of tools. The only brand of lineman's to buy!! Noticed that Lowes is no longer carrying Klien:-? Home Depot still stocks them.You will end up liking other brands for slip-joint pliers( channel locks! )

 

[masterinbama]

I also would recommend the Lenox saw holder. It's great to have one holder that you can swap between wood and metal blades. Don't forget a tape measure and a pencil Showing up without them will put you high on the dummy list. These are a few of the tools in my pouch that I think fit the bare minimum:

Screwdriver set:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=278

Linemans: (if you don't like this style there are plenty others to choose from)

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=364

Dikes:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=616

And probably the best adjustable wrench I've used:

http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=348


Don't skimp on tools. They are the extension of your hands, and your safety relies on them. Buy the best you can afford.

If you do need a cordless drill, I'd recommend getting the hammer version of either a Milwaukee 18V (new generation Li-Ion that takes the larger 18V batteries, just coming out now) or the Metabo 18V Li-Ion. They both have massive torque for drilling through wood and short bodies which make it easier to get the drill in tight spaces. I've also heard good things about the Makita drills.

One other thought: When looking at hammers, I think "electrician's" hammers with the straight claw are nice. Try to find one that has approx. 14"-15" overall length as you can use it for setting wallcases during rough in.

When it comes to using hammers to set outlet boxes make sure all of your guys have the same length hammer. We hired a carpenter friend of ours once to help him through a temporary lay off. He followed our lead on setting boxes with his hammer as a guide for height. Only problem was he had the massive Estwing framing hammer. Other than that he turned out to be a pretty good helper for the 6 weeks we had him.

 

[480sparky]

I have a very mixed bag of tools.

Klien linesmans and diagonals, 10-in-1, conduit fitting/reming screwdriver, various other screwdrivers and speedies.

Craftsman Robo-grips and needle nose.

Ideal T-stippers.

Channellock pliers.

Johnson torpedo level.

Lenox utility knife.

Stanley 25' fat max tape measure.


The problem I have noticed with having all the tools from the same manufacturer is they all look alike. With 6 screwdrivers in your pouch, you pull out 5 just to find the one you need.

 

[George Stolz]

The problem I have noticed with having all the tools from the same manufacturer is they all look alike. With 6 screwdrivers in your pouch, you pull out 5 just to find the one you need.

I was instructed from my start in the trade to memorize where my tools are in my pouch, so I don't have to look down to use them.

Right now, from left to right on the outer ring of my right hip it goes needlenose, diagonal, std screwdriver, utility knife, strippers, conduit reaming screwdriver, phillips, 5/16, 1/4. Inner ring is Big Mama, twisty flat, twisty phillips, nines.

It comes in handy when you're using your head to hold something up, and desperately need to get it tethered to the ceiling without looking down.

 

[PCN]

I also prefer a Klein fiberglass or graphite shank hammer. I switched to a steel shank Estwing about ten years ago and within a few years had elbow pain.

Dr. said switch back to fiberglass for better shock dampening. It did make a difference.

 

[PetrosA]

The problem I have noticed with having all the tools from the same manufacturer is they all look alike. With 6 screwdrivers in your pouch, you pull out 5 just to find the one you need.

That's what I really like about the Wiha screwdrivers. Each one has a different sized handle, length and markings on top for straight or Phillips. Once you get used to them you can tell by feel which one you've grabbed.