ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Favorite Tools

Do you have any tools that you would consider your favorite or are unique in any way? For instance, I have really enjoyed the use of my ten-in-one screwdriver. It gives me two sizes of flat and phillips bit in one package. It also can be used as a 5/16 nut driver or a 1/4 nut driver. If I need an extension on my bit, I can chuck it up into my screwgun. Some one else mentioned on another thread the wire nut twister that comes in some bags of wire nuts. I have really enjoyed using it and it also chucks right up into my ten-in-one. Another of my favorites is my Fluke voltage sensor, the one that has the nose that lights up. It has the sensitivity to differentiate between wires in a j-box and helps greatly to determine if one of them is hot. Anyone else have any neat tools that I need to know about?

A volt tick would be my favorite.
It has saved me from shock, "Krispy Kleins", etc, many times.

[This message has been edited by sparked (edited 10-28-2003).]

A red T-Stripper for stripping stranded conductors sure beats the razor blades and mom's non-serrated tomato knives I used to use as a kid (even though I got pretty good at stripping zip cord with a Gillette without messing up the conductor).

I dig the Fluke voltage probe. I saw one of the building electricians use it to test the sockets below a cooler unit in the company cafeteria.

I'll probably get me one for X-mas. I saw a knock-off at one of the DIY sheds. I think it was either Ideal or Gardner Bender. It looked chintzy and was "Made in China". Didn't buy it.

Is the Fluke probe made in USA or overseas?

Sven I like the Fluke too, do not have it in the house to see where it is made.

When you buy one watch the voltage range that it is rated for.

I bought one before that would sense voltages as low as I think 6 volts thinking it would be handy.

Well it was not, near line voltage every thing mad it glow, too sensitive.

The one I have now starts at I think 90 volts.

I always check that it works by rubbing it on my clothes it will light if the battery is good.

Bob

I've started welding all those sledgehammer heads i've busted off onto 3/4" GRC for a G-rod sliding hammer...works great...

I have a neat one I picked up at a pawn shop.
A 10" crescent wrench, with a 3/8" ratchet on the end of the handle.
Made in China, but everyone that sees it does a double take, especially when I have the 'Gator Grip' on it.

I've got so many tools it's hard to choose.

My hot stick (volt tick) is great. Mine is a greenlee and it works great. Several of my guys have a new model by Ideal that works just as good.

We've got Milwaukee Hole Shooters with a 30" extension on them that make drilling much faster than a standard Hole Hawg. The Hawg has more torque, but the long drill saves time by either not needing a ladder or not have to move it as often.

I would never want to be without a Dewalt 18 volt 1/2" drill/hammer-drill. Actually all the cordless tools are wonderful and would be hard to be without.

I can't imagine being in the trade without a Hydraulic K.O.cutter or Greenlee tugger.

That 18 volt Dewalt was the best drill driver I've had. My favorite tool thou is the pen I use to endorse a pay check.

Ideal ratcheting cable cutters that cut up to 1000KCMIL. Too bad I spent $200 bucks for them and now they sit in my garage collecting dust, just like my K.O. set and my 1/2"-4" hole saw set.