Klein Tradesman Pro Organizer Backpack 55421BP Review
I know an apprenticing electrician who always seems to want the latest tools. A short time ago he brought me […]
Klein Tools VDV Distance Meter VDV501-089 Preview
The new Klein Tools VDV Distance Meter VDV501-089 can measure voice, data, video, doorbell, siamese, lamp-wire and NM cables up to […]
Klein Tools Illuminated LED Fish Rod Tips Preview
So check this out – Klein Tools just released an illuminated fish rod tip for its line of fish tapes (Cat. No. 56119). It features a bright white, omni-directional LED that can be used to illuminate the area when fishing above ceilings, in attics, through walls, in crawl spaces and under raised floors. What’s great is that this is an inline accessory, so it has a threaded base and tip that can allow for either a hook or bullet nose attachment to be connected. The ends are also both tapered so it shouldn’t create any issues or additional drag when pushing and pulling through conduit or other open spaces. And we thought glow rods were handy…
Leviton OBC Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI Receptacles
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires Arc fault circuit breakers or interrupters (AFCIs) in many areas of the home. This includes […]
Channellock Code Blue Tongue & Groove Pliers 430CB
Channellock’s brand new Code Blue Tongue & Groove Pliers (430CB) are rugged, durable, and possible most important of all – familiar. These aren’t new tools so much as old tools made even better. And that’s what you want in a good hand tool. People aren’t quite so interested in a whole new way to use a tool, disrupting the comfortable feel they’ve developed over decades of use – they just want something that feels right and lasts a long time. Channellock seems to have delivered just that with its Code Blue line of Pliers.
Channellock Code Blue Long Nose Pliers 318CB Review
Channellock pliers have been a staple of many tool bags for years. Their signature blue “dipped” handles are easily recognized and have served the trades well for decades. This year, Channellock released a new line of tools it’s calling “Code Blue” which, ironically is one of the hospital terms for someone in cardiopulmonary arrest. I don’t think anyone will have a heart attack over these tools, but the new heavy duty Long Nose Pliers (318CB) may be just the thing if you’re looking for a new pair of rugged pliers.
Milwaukee M12 600 MCM Cable Cutter Preview
My electrician friends frequently tell me of their exploits cutting large-diameter cable. It’s almost a right of passage with some of these guys and I have yet to find anyone who enjoys the process, particularly those who buy their own tools… and everyone I know owns their own tools. Apparently, Milwaukee must talk to the same people – of course they have rapid prototyping and a few factories, so they could actually, you know, do something about it. The new M12 600 MCM Cable Cutter is what happens when Milwaukee “does” something about a problem.
Fluke 320 Series True-RMS Clamp Meters
True-rms measurements and optimized ergonomics make the Fluke 320 Series True-RMS Clamp Meters compelling tools for troubleshooting commercial and residential power issues. […]
Leviton SmartlockPro Slim Self-Testing GFCI
One of the most commonly frustrating things is the amount of room a standard GFCI takes up in a receptacle […]
Milwaukee Diagonal Pliers 48-22-4106 Review
As an electrician, diagonal pliers are definitely a tool I use a lot in the field. This is especially true with commercial work where you have to cut a lot of cable and wire. Milwaukee’s Diagonal Pliers (48-22-4106) made a clean cut every single time I went to use them. This week we’re working on a remodel job on a commercial building built in the 1930’s. While some walls have been torn down and rebuilt, there are still some that are the original concrete block. On these I have had to put conduit and electrical boxes. Normally, this would be easy, but the wall was literally riddled with nails and screws. I found that these pliers were able to cut through the nails and screws with little to no difficulty. It sort of became my go-to tool for getting through the nitty gritty of clearing my area.