Low Voltage Tech Tools

slowforthecones

I'm trying to put together a low voltage tool box for two new trainees starting in a week. Any suggestions or thoughts on what should be included for low volt.

GregS

What aspects do you cover?

TV, telephone, networking, alarm, automation, audio, video?

New construction rough-in? Retrofits? Service work?

I do all of the above and have a big list of tools that I could provide, but it may not be what you are looking for if your guys aren't going to be doing it all.

mickeyco

A Leatherman, some HoHo's, a big grab bag of Doritos, a 20 oz. Dr Pepper and a rebar bender.


Do a search, there was a really comprehensive thread about this for electricians a while back, take a look and remove what you don't need and add what might be missing.


.
.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

mickeyco

Yeah, there are a lot of specialized tools for the different categories. Probably a small fortune in all the different crimpers alone.


.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

GregS

Get with the times dude! It's all compression tools now!

mdshunk

A pair of pump pliers and a utility knife.

slowforthecones

It would be low voltage (alarms, cctv, intercoms, access control)

GregS

If they are trainees, who is training them? If it's you, you should know what they need right?

Many of us can provide lists, but it may not be what you need..

For example, this is what is in my toolbelt:

1 Craftsman #2 Phllips
1 Craftsman 1/4" Flathead
1 Craftsman #2 Robertson
1 Craftsman #1 Robertson
1 Craftsman #1 Philips
1 Craftsman 3/8" Flathead
1 Telescopic Magnet
1 Yellow Wire Strippers
1 Red Wire Stripper/Crimper
1 CTC Side Cutters 6"
1 CTC Linemans Pliers 6"
1 CTC Needle Nose Pliers 6"
1 CTC Long Needle Nose Bent Tip
1 7/16" Wrench
1 1/2" Wrench
1 6" Spanner
1 Black Sharpie Marker
2 PVC Tape, white
1 Fatmax 25' Wide Tape Measure
1 Torpedo Laser Level
x Zip Ties
1 Klein Toolbelt
1 Padded Toolbelt

I have a case that I carry around that is full of all the specialty tools like, compression tools, connectors, drills, drillbits, staplers, etc.. I just add them to the toolbelt when I need them.

Synacom

You will need a tester. On the low end I use a Test-Um Validator to cover network, coax, telco, etc. A TDR is nice to isolate faults when troubleshooting. Don't leave home without a label maker. A toner/ tracer is good to have, UR or Dolphin connectors. I better quit now before I fill a few pages.

Custom Prewire

Don't forget a D718 type impact tool e/w 66 and 110 blades as well

mickeyco

Nut drivers?







.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

GregS

I keep losing them. I just use pliers now


Compression tools and such I keep in a separate tool case if that's what I happen to be working on at that time.

mickeyco

Losing them, or having them stolen, I used to have Klein nut drivers, but they would always be stolen, I think they're the best but now it's Craftsman for me.




.

__________________
Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

GregS

Losing them. For some reason the Kleins fell out of the toolbelt the easiest and I wouldn't notice until the next job I needed it. They are expensive to buy individually and I don't need to use them often enough.