Tools for quality work

Space

Space

Member
Location
Kansas
Occupation
Industrial Electrician
Hello all, I am new to the forum here. Currently working as an industrial electrician at a mine/milling facility. I am seeking anyone's input on tools, equipment, or other devices that produce higher quality work, more reliability, and/or less wear and tear on the body.

Some tools I have bought since starting my current job
  • Klein locknut wrench set (better than hitting locknuts with hammer/screwdriver in my opinion)
  • RIDGID pipe reamer (allows deburring/reaming inside and outside of conduit)
  • flush cutters (to flush cut zip ties)
Anyways, does anyone have any must have tools/equipment they use in their electrical work?
 
Space said:
Hello all, I am new to the forum here. Currently working as an industrial electrician at a mine/milling facility. I am seeking anyone's input on tools, equipment, or other devices that produce higher quality work, more reliability, and/or less wear and tear on the body.

Some tools I have bought since starting my current job
  • Klein locknut wrench set (better than hitting locknuts with hammer/screwdriver in my opinion)
  • RIDGID pipe reamer (allows deburring/reaming inside and outside of conduit)
  • flush cutters (to flush cut zip ties)
Anyways, does anyone have any must have tools/equipment they use in their electrical work?
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Milwaukee hack-zall. Throw any and every other regular sawzall in the garbage. Also get a cordless band saw. Fluke voltage detector (again throw any other brand in the garbage). As retirede said, a low impedance tester of some sort .
 
For romex rough in or multiple wafer lights Rackatiers Crocks wire strippers. Klien has terrible ones

A good rechargeable headlamp 500 lumins min

An old beater screwdriver

Drill taps

A good 3/8th socket set
 
-Small ratcheting right angle screw driver that takes 1/4” bits.
I carry a 6” metal ruler in my tool bag makes measuring or laying out stuff in small areas easier than messing with a tape measure.
 
electrofelon said:
.....and the "surge"/ hydraulic version, it's a lot quieter. 💜
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I used the surge for several months, it is very quite and while I bragged it up to co-workers it’s left me humbled and embarrassed as it wouldn’t loosen a bolt that an old OG fuel done without hesitation.

I almost only use an M12 fuel impact for everything now. If I can’t use it I go straight to my 1/2” stubby.
 
I also purchased a Thomas & Betts ERG4001 hand crimper for various Sta-Kon insulated terminal rings and splices to maintain compliance with 110.3(B). The crimps are perfect every time, and if I'm not mistaken the crimp barrel leaves a specific identifying mark to prove the correct crimping tool was used.

​

 
Space said:
Hello all, I am new to the forum here. Currently working as an industrial electrician at a mine/milling facility. I am seeking anyone's input on tools, equipment, or other devices that produce higher quality work, more reliability, and/or less wear and tear on the body.

Some tools I have bought since starting my current job
  • Klein locknut wrench set (better than hitting locknuts with hammer/screwdriver in my opinion)
  • RIDGID pipe reamer (allows deburring/reaming inside and outside of conduit)
  • flush cutters (to flush cut zip ties)
Anyways, does anyone have any must have tools/equipment they use in their electrical work?
Click to expand...
I only purchase & use tools ,safety & test equipment made mostly in the USA. I only own one cheating lack of quality control cheating communist china tool. A warranty replacement for an 45 year old Craftsman breaker bar. If I only have a few ty rabs to cut prefer to use one of my heavier side cutters and twist the ends until they snap and provide a fairly dull end. Then give the end a couple of hits with side cutters to provide a dull edge. Like my three different T & B hand crimpers ( ABB bought them out maybe 10 years ago ). Like the Klein combination screwdriver with 1/2, 3/4 & 1" EMT reamer . Prefer Channelock pump pliers& needle nose pliers, 6 point sockets, Fluke VOM & clamp on amp meters, almost any brand of brushless power tools, and Klein insulated screwdrivers. Quality tools make a difference but proper PPE is the most important thing. Should always have at least one new test lead for meters so its available when an old one fails. If you need to use a megger would suggest to.purchase a best in class Fluke combination digital VOM with a built in megger. Used one several times a week and dropped it off a 6' ladder halve a dozen tines and was still working ten years later.
 
garbo said:
cheating lack of quality control cheating communist china tool.
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Please quit it with that drivel, we've heard the song before. There are a lot of quality devices coming out of factories in China, like, say, some Fluke meters (and Apple iPhones, xBoxes, KitchenAid mixers, Lenovo computer, etc). Yes, a large amount of very-low-priced stuff also comes from there, but here in the Good Ol' USA we make cheap crap, too. Just don't get the cheap stuff and expect it to be as good.

Look for a respected brand, like Fluke or Lenovo, not the country of manufacture.
 
garbo said:
I only own one cheating lack of quality control cheating communist china tool.
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garbo said:
almost any brand of brushless power tools,
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garbo said:
Fluke VOM
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Well, your first statement is wrong, as evidenced by the other two statements!

Sure Fluke might still drop the circuit board into the plastic case in Everett Washington... of certain models. The others arrive there assembled. "Designed in Everett WA".

What cordless tool do you have that is made in the US? Again, Dewalt assembles some in Towson MD. Most internal parts are not made here.

Zbang is right! Go for quality names that are still quality driven, not have been bought by money grubbing capitalists who don't give a &^%#$ about quality (Craftsman I'm speaking to you!). :eek:

What? Locknut wrenches? I've not seen them. Now I have seen pictures. Do they work well? At lest they seem to be a one handed tool, unlike the screwdriver and Kleins method.(y)
 
I don't feel it is the tools as much as what you do with them. There are top notch journeymen out there who have used Kleins for decades to strip solid wire. And very professionally. So, "higher quality work" is not an appropriate phrase for you question in my opinion. It is more about what skills you have, and what work your job entails. For example I have a flex splitter. Just like and MC splitter but it does 1/2" and 3/4" flex. I love it. I have a ty wrap gun. Cuts them off flush. I wouldn't do without either. I also wouldn't require my peers to get one. Another deciding factor is frequency of task. If I only cut stock once a week, then a regular old hack saw is probably sufficient.
 
Strathead said:
I don't feel it is the tools as much as what you do with them. There are top notch journeymen out there who have used Kleins for decades to strip solid wire. And very professionally. So, "higher quality work" is not an appropriate phrase for you question in my opinion. It is more about what skills you have, and what work your job entails. For example I have a flex splitter. Just like and MC splitter but it does 1/2" and 3/4" flex. I love it. I have a ty wrap gun. Cuts them off flush. I wouldn't do without either. I also wouldn't require my peers to get one. Another deciding factor is frequency of task. If I only cut stock once a week, then a regular old hack saw is probably sufficient.
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Now good tools can make an amazing install. Yes my letherman had saved me in a pinch but I'm not doing any "high quality" work with it.

Everyone needs to tailor their own tools to their needs. Example I have 3 claw hammers and a staple shark and cats paw in my tools. An industrial guy wouldn't need those.
 
letgomywago said:
Now good tools can make an amazing install. Yes my letherman had saved me in a pinch but I'm not doing any "high quality" work with it.

Everyone needs to tailor their own tools to their needs. Example I have 3 claw hammers and a staple shark and cats paw in my tools. An industrial guy wouldn't need those.
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My leatherman has saved me many calories from walking back and forth to the truck for strippers, screw driver etc.
 
My work was different from yours, but......

a good 1/4 and a good 3/8 socket set, with hex bits for breakers

Buy the best-quality screwdrivers available..re-stock often cause they wander off on their own....

Meters: Either a Simpson 260 (won't lead you astray over phantom voltages caused by capacitive coupling); and a low-cost digital meter, buy several, they have a habit of getting left behind; in fact I would give one to any new helper and teach him / her to use it.

Last (please, no laughter) PLASTIC MILK CRATES
1) two stacked makes a passable rest for cutting strut etc
2) open end up, plastic trash bag, drinks and ice, cheap cooler
3) same deal, trash container
4) too much small stuff for two hands ? just the right size
5) and two stacked bottom up makes a good sit-down spot for a break, for making up assemblies, with the tailgate of the truck a make-do desk / workbench...if you don't mind 'checker-board butt' when you stand up..........
 
OldBroadcastTech said:
Meters: Either a Simpson 260 (won't lead you astray over phantom voltages caused by capacitive coupling); and a low-cost digital meter, buy several, they have a habit of getting left behind; in fact I would give one to any new helper and teach him / her to use it.
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I use my Knopp K60 solenoid tester for 99% of troubleshooting.

OldBroadcastTech said:
Last (please, no laughter) PLASTIC MILK CRATES
1) two stacked makes a passable rest for cutting strut etc
2) open end up, plastic trash bag, drinks and ice, cheap cooler
3) same deal, trash container
4) too much small stuff for two hands ? just the right size
5) and two stacked bottom up makes a good sit-down spot for a break, for making up assemblies, with the tailgate of the truck a make-do desk / workbench...if you don't mind 'checker-board butt' when you stand up..........
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That's some crate ideas! ;)
 
Frank DuVal said:
What? Locknut wrenches? I've not seen them. Now I have seen pictures. Do they work well? At lest they seem to be a one handed tool, unlike the screwdriver and Kleins method.(y)
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Haven't really used them too much yet. They are offset to work in boxes.
 
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