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10 ‘Go To’ Tools Every Technician Needs (and Why)

Whether it's a multifunction tool or one for an individual special need, there are certain often-overlooked 'A-level’ tools for measurement and termination that every datacomm technician must have.

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By Jason Knott, January 22, 2013

Most guys (and some gals) have an ongoing love affair with their tools. Having the right tool for the right job can evoke a Tim Allen-like grunt of pleasure.

But for integrators and their technicians, tools are even more special. They represent their livelihood. So for a low-voltage/datacomm contractor by any name—voice/data/video (VDV) installer, A/V specialist, security dealer, etc.—there is a short list of tools for both measuring signal strength and terminating twisted-pair and solid-core cable that they cannot live without.

According to Dave Mueller, VDV senior product manager at Klein Tools, the biggest question facing integrators is whether to carry individual tools for each task or look for multi-function tools that can do several things. He has pinpointed the:

Most valuable low-voltage stripping/cutting/terminating/crimping tools
Most valuable low voltage measurement tools
Most valuable tools for retrofits/existing homes
Most valuable tools for new construction
Most unique tool
Most overlooked tool

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10 ‘Go To’ Tools Every Technician Needs (and Why)

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Article Topics

News · Slideshow · Wire and Cable · Electrical · Datacomm · Tools · Cable · Klein Tools · Wire · All topics

About the Author

Jason Knott, Editor, CE Pro

Jason has covered low-voltage electronics as an editor since 1990. He joined EH Publishing in 2000, and before that served as publisher and editor of Security Sales, a leading magazine for the security industry. He served as chairman of the Security Industry Association’s Education Committee from 2000-2004 and sat on the board of that association from 1998-2002. He is also a former board member of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation. He is currently a member of the CEDIA Education Action Team for Electronic Systems Business. Jason graduated from the University of Southern California.

3 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)

Posted by avdude on 01/22 at 05:44 PM

Modular Plug Crimper is not the same as KLEIN TOOLS 1005 Crimping/Cutting Tool.

Posted by Jason Knott on 01/23 at 06:49 AM

AVdude - Thanks. I mistakenly used the wrong image. It has been corrected.

Posted by Peter Kneissl on 02/05 at 09:09 AM

The locaters are nice tools but one can do the work of others. you overlooked a nice pair of non shorting (oxide tip) needle nose pliers.

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10 ‘Go To’ Tools Every Technician Needs (and Why)

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