I'm a 1st year inside wireman apprentice. i bought my basic tools (klines, wire stripper, 6-in-1 screwdriver, pocketknife) and carry them in my pocket.

i'm assigned to a commercial site, but i'm not doing any electrical stuff. i'm more manual labor. Fetch this, get that, help someone move whatever, etc.

I've used my pocketknife more than any of my other tools. (unpacking pallets of stuff.)

so i'm thinking of ditching my tools in my car and just carry a Leatherman.

The Leatherman Squirt E4 looks perfect for an Electrician. It has wire strippers built in (20GA, 18GA, 16GA, 14GA and 12GA). plus the blades are on the outside, so i dont need to open it to use the knife.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/E4/default.asp

but the needlenose pliers is just the tip. i dont think i can grip much. and it looks very difficult to use to turn a nut.

Then i see the Surge.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/Surge/default.asp

It has stranded wire cutters, electrical crimper, scissors, strong pliers, and knives galore.

Here's the user manual for the Surge:
http://www.leatherman.com/media/user-guides/SurgeT%20user%20guide.pdf

In Pic A, #4 is the stranded wire cutters. (What's stranded?) And #5 is the electrical crimper.


Which Leatherman should I get? Why do you recommend that one?

THX!

Last edited by TomEdison; 09/23/07 09:04 AM.