I just do a quick continuity check with a fluke meter.
Lately I have been using the ILSCO IPC KUP-L-TAP it is a self piercing tap that does not require any stripping of the wire. I was a little hesitant at first because it does not seem like it would make an adequate connection vs stripping the wire and a split bolt. But I have not had any short term problems with them little pricey though about 15 each

I use the Kup-L-Taps as well. The higher price is worth it to me for not having to play around with stripping the live drop and taping an energized split bolt while working off a ladder. The things are reusable, so I do try to get them back from the utility when they come out to make their permanent connections. I use a standard split bolt on the neutral to save a few $.

Have experienced no reliability problems with them at all, even on a couple installations where the PoCo never replaced them.

I ALWAYS check the wiring for shorts/grounds with a meter before making up the service drop splices.

As far as a know in central NJ PSE&G does not come back to redo the splice so what we do is perminate. I usally will also tape the taps friction and plastic since they do not get removed. Maybe the tape is overkill, I dont know but I do it anyway.

Here in central Maine the power comany is the ONLY one that connects to their lines. You can't even pull the meter unless there is a IMEDIATE danger. If a electrician tapped or retapped the SE cable to the power company lines I'm pretty sure the penality would death by hanging!

I wish Frank I would love it I hate tyeing in live it is so nice when you get a new construction job and the poco does the tie in when they bring there drop in from the pole

We do it all the time here in Chicagoland and ComEd very rarely comes to re-connect it. I personaly like Hi-pressing the wires myself and then rubber taping them just to be safe. Never with the meter in though.

I use a megohmmeter on any type of feeder, before I energize it. It only takes a couple of minutes.

I've used bugs (split bolts), the "butt connector" splices that you tighten with an allen wrench and the insulation piercing version.

Tap Test?