Tip: when stripping stranded wire, use the sheath to twist the wire before pulling it off. You'll get a clean, uniform twist. Better than using your fingers after pulling sheath off.
I've got that exact same set of knives, I would recommend getting two of the larger ones so they can both have extra blades. As a roofer I have to regularly switch between hooked and straight blades, and it makes it really convenient.
I work for Laval municipality (Canada) and all of the battery-powered tools here are from Milwaukee and they are incredible, I like them a lot (not sponsored by Milwaukee or any other supplier :). At home, I use DeWalt (absolutely satisfied).
I would suggest different list: 1) Knowledge. Electricity is dangerous. All the fancy tools in the world will not save your life is you do not know what you are doing. 2) Good multimeter. Do it the right way. Forget about non-contact testers. Learn to test at least ohms and volts. 3) Basic wire stripper. Only the professional needs advanced high-end models. 4) Basic outlet tester with GFCI test capability. 5) Wire connectors. Wire nuts are OK if you use them correctly. Otherwise get newer technology much easier to use and easier to fit into box.
@@james10739 The basic outlet tester (no gfci test) is also very useful to have. Plug it in and has three lights. You look at the pattern of lights. Yes, you can test an outlet with a multimeter, but outlet tester diagnoses much easier and better.
@@james10739 I hope you don't have any outlets in the bathroom or in the kitchen near water sources. If you do, swap out the first outlet in that room with a GFCI and run the rest in that room from the output side of the GFCI outlet.
The non contact tells you if the tool detects the presence of electrical current. It can tell you that the circuit is hot but it does not tell you that the circuit is cold. A voltmeter should be tested for function, then the circuit measured for 0V and the meter tested again to confirm function. I have tested 12/3SJO that the non contact only beeped when the hot was directly twisted to the tool's side of the jacket. Hope this helps. Enjoying the channel.
@@ricker76erbut to detect a voltage potential you need a reference plane. It actually detects current. Even if the line is cold, it detects some parasitic current.
Don't use a non contact voltage tester to check a circuit for safety. You should always check voltage to ground with a meter and use a live-dead-live test. Electricians call those NCV testers widow makers.
The universal wire stripper is a must. First time I saw them, I was like why don't I know about these! Bought them and is by far the most used electrical tool I have.
The outlet tester came in very handy for me. Something with my electricity was not right. I plugged in the tested and it was showing 106 volts. Went to neighbors and had same results. Called the electric company and they had to make adjustments at the sub station.
Awesome channel. Started with one from my feed and now a subscriber. Well made videos and very well presented. Also, ended up getting more power tools... Why do I do this to myself?!? 😭
Never rely on a non contact voltage tester, should always use a regular meter to determine if something is hot! Non contact voltage testers are not the proper tool for this. As a Master electrician, you should also practice "live-dead-live" testing to ensure the circuit you are working on is dead. Live. Before testing the circuit you have turned off, check the voltmeter on a known live source. If possible, do this on a circuit of the same voltage as the one you will test. This verifies your voltmeter does in fact work. Dead. Perform the verification test on the circuit you will work on to make sure it is de-energized. Live. Re-test the voltmeter on the known live source to ensure it still works. Meters are equipment that are subject to failure no matter what brand or how expensive.
Agree. I'm not an electrician, but I intuitively do just that. BTW, if you apply the same live-dead-live testing to non-contact voltage testers, I don't think there's anything wrong with using them for convenience without compromising safety.
@@yukuhana Having used non contact testers before, I can say that on many a use they will not detect anything unless they are in the exact right place. I much prefer to use a multi-meter, That way I can be sure and with out any doubt.
I can't tell how many times I shocked myself before I got smart and called an electrician friend to ask why my non-contact tester was totally failing me. He was so diplomatic in explaining why, and that he never uses one. I've come to learn NO pro that I know uses them. As for circuit finding, I plug in a vacuum cleaner or radio, and when the sound stops is when I've found my breaker. ...Has yet to fail me.
The most important tool that you are missing, and should be 1st on your list is a digital multimeter. Analog meters are ok, but there's some awesome digital meters out now that will meet any need you may have. One more tip. The non-contact "screamer stick" is a notorious electrician killer. They have a tendency to read voltage when it's not there, and not read voltage when it is there. Nothing replaces a good meter.
@@rll1954 I used to have the Fluke LVD1 inductive tester, that was simply an led flashlight with a multicolor led indicator for voltage. It didn't make any noise, but it lasted me a few years before someone stole it.
Non contacts are great tools but don’t bet your life on them. Always test them on a circuit you know is live to see if they are functioning correctly. Make sure you use appropriate knowledge and common sense and know the limitations of your equipment when dealing with ANY situation that can cause injury or death. Electricity, Mechanics, Power Tools, Firearms, Scuba ,Climbing, The Elements( camping/hiking) etc. etc.
The cheap knife from Harbor Freight has a break off tool if you look at the end of it. Just take off the black "tail cap" and there is a slot on it to put the blade in to break off.
The circuit breaker tester/locator will be a great time saver and headache reliever. I appreciate your videos for the content and that you get right to it without the typical extensive intros and in some cases, needless music in the background. Thanks
@@sablefisher that is because he is showing a circuit tracer. A multimeter is a different breed of cat, and is actually the tool you should be using instead of the gadgets he's promoting
Can you post a link to the Milwaukee 9 in 1 Ratcheting Screw driver as mentioned in the video? not seeing it in the tools list for this video. Thank you so much!
Hi, an issue I just noticed now I don’t know if it’s just me or all over the site? Your Thumbnails have red borders which make it look like I have watched it when I may not have?! Bob England
I have another version of the Milwaukee knife that has a Phillips driver that folds out. But my knife part doesn’t flip open or shut nearly as fast. I’m pushing the button in all the way, but after 2 years it still only opens or shuts 1/2 way, and then I have to use my other hand to complete the action. I suppose I could loosen up the screws a little bit and see what happens.
I recommend the stubby Milwaukee brand ratcheting screwdriver. Also, I always carry small vice grips for those screws that have messed up slots. Lastly, I carry a mini pry bar for helped to lever out devices or panel covers.
Showing the digital circuit breaker tester made me think of a question. Is there a technique to identify the electric location (lighting, electric outlet) that a switch activates? I have a mystery switch that I don’t know it’s function. Great show.
Yes; you can use a track and tracing device, this puts a small identifiable frequency into a de-energized conductor and you use a toner to follow the wire tracing where it goes through walls and even the ground for locating underground wires.
What do you do in your house so that you have to "constantly do a lot of electrical work around the house"? Do you just keep installing new outlets for fun, or replace the wiring every year? I never need to do any electrical work in my house after I did initial repairs, unless I am renovating or something broke
I'd rather wreck a $10 voltage tester than a $500 DMM, though. Residential and commercial wiring doesn't (shouldn't) have any surprises. But sometimes you genuinely don't know what you're poking a probe into at industrial sites.
Man, great informative video! Nicely done, very helpful. Had no idea that breaker finder even existed. Just purchased some items using your links. Thank you!
The back jaws on the linemans' pliers are for gripping and pulling fishtape when you are fishing wires through walls. Also when it comes to linemans, look for diagonal double cut grooves on the main jaws for superior grip, which those Quins have, which is why I bought a pair few years ago for myself.
Serrated or knurled grooves are best on all pliers, aside from a few specialty/niche tasks. It's usually a good quality indicator on linemans and needlenose, the cheap tools always leave the jaws smooth.
His list is insane basically 2 wire stripers one does a little more but makes the other one almost obsolete and put a circuit tracer on but not a multimeter
Shouldn’t be using a non-contact tester to prove live or dead. This can only be done using a contact tester suitable for the working voltage. At least this is what British requirements state. Both the electricity at work regulations (HSR25) and the Health & Safety executives GS38 both state the use of contact test equipment. Non-contact testers can be used only as a first line of indication.. interesting to see difference between US and UK..
The issue with the multi tool at the end is that a tool that does many things does each one worse than many tools that do only one thing. As a professional, licensed electrician, I prefer to use single use tools because while they do only one job, they do them REALLY well. I end up wasting less time by having the tool I know will work instead of struggling to get the multi tool to do exactly what I need it to do. Multi tools are great for keeping weight down in your bags, but may not do the job as well as you hope it would, and may end up costing you time. Just food for thought.
Agreed, Especially the crimps, those pliers style crimps can often cut through and cause failure, The proper ratchet ones stamp the plastic to show the correct size has been used, At one power station the whole MCC room had to be rewired because the contractors used cheap copy crimp pliers, Cost the main contractor two days penalty, And several thousand crimp lugs.
Similar to the multi-tools like Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife, etc. Most of those are handy, but light duty & sometimes difficult to actually use, or the fit is not good.
Agreed, a cheap pair of strippers and any linesman is all a homeowner would need. Multitool is a good way to take longer to do a sub job then the right tools. Might even cost more :S
Circuit Breaker Tester/Locator Good tool for easy falt find in the circuit :)🙌 Same way :) Do we have any tool to findout running pipe line in side the wall for electric wires ? ...🤝 Thanks in advance 🙏
I most definitely could have use that Klein Circuit Breaker Finder yesterday. Took me over 20 mins to figure out what breaker controlled an outlet in my kitchen. I kept switching off all the breakers that were marked Kitchen, Lights, microwave, disposal etc but there was still power to this one outlet that I definitely needed to change. I finally plugged in a shop light with an extra long cord on it into that outlet and placed the light as close as I could to the door leading out to my garage where the breaker panel was. One by one I turned off each breaker until the light went out. Go figure it was one of the few unmarked breakers in my panel which I thought went to some of my outside outlets. Needless to say, it isn't unmarked anymore. What a pain. Wasted way too much time walking in and out of the garage and into the kitchen. I will be purchasing this tool so this doesn't happen again. Thanks for the video.
Yes, it is a very easy to use tool. Another way to check, if you have access to the wires is to cut the power and make a short-circuit in the outlet, then use the multimeter at the fuses panel to see which circuit is shorted.
6:45 - See that black clip at the end of the utility knife? It has a little slot in it. The clip comes off, and you use the slot in it to snap off the dull blade segment. No separate tool needed. (Info from SeeJaneDrill. I never noticed it, either.)
We use those blades on the heat sealers to cut the film into strips, when blunt it's easy to trim however don't loose the bit snapped off of you will have to deep clean the machine until its found.
Like your videos. One friendly English correction/suggestion... Do not say "These ones" Ot "Those ones". Say only "These" & "Those". Leave the word "Ones" off at the end.
Most people should do nothing with electricity and call the professionals. The CATIII isolation (dielectric with a breakdown voltage higher than 6000V) is mandatory by law and technical norms for electrical screwdrivers. So There is not need to get such expensive screwdrivers because every screwdriver in market must have this protection. To be electritian, no matter if as employee or as freelancer, according to law the people must have authorization from the local technical institute to be electrician. Without that you can get fine up to 50 000 USD. Welcome in Europe. :)
Nice Vid, I wish, I needed all that great gear. Not enuff home projects to justify the expense. (Circuit finder is the exception $$). What I can't find is the Tee ur wearing. - "Why Buy it when U can DIY it ! " When is that going on sale ?
Take all your jewelry of,especially your rings on your hands and might want to use electrial voltage approved gloves and flash protection equipment on real high voltage circuits
If going to HD, it’s better to get the Husky 9 in 1 since it’s less expensive, has more features than that Milwaukee, and has a better lifetime warranty.
I bet all the electricians are cringing at number 5. I’m a plumber and I know better than to rely on a non contact voltage tester. As far as RU-vid videos and comments go, they’re the electricians version of using shark bites
I don't trust my no contact detectors without first checking against a live circuit. Unless there is current flowing, they don't work so the circuit being tested needs a load before checking.
@@HappyDiscoDeath although sarcastic..... He's not wrong. My licensed guess based on him being smart enough to know that.... is that his videos won't be for DIYers. You see electricians understand how dangerous electricity actually is and our trades videos tend to stay more technical to avoid being blamed for a homeowner killing themselves.
The 12VAC range on the non-contact tester can be useful for checking standard doorbell wiring. But with those lines, don't just use the 12VAC setting. Check the higher setting to verify that line voltage is NOT on those wires, and then use the 12VAC setting to see if something (the expected 12-24VAC) is there.
I also recommend the Klein Tools (VDV500-820) Cable Tracer with Probe Tone Pro Kit, to figure out what outlet is powering other outlets and light switches .
Non-contact voltage detectors are nice and frankly a must but buy a good one as you can get false positive and negatives; you should least verify that the power is off via a wired voltage detector/meter. I like Fluke for my non-contact testers as theirs is the best I’ve found.
The non-contact voltage tool will not work in my old house. It will detect voltage everywhere. Walls, floors and even doors show voltage. It is crazy. I have never seen anything like it.
@@FlorinArjocu Fishy? I would not be surprised to have Rod Sterling step out from behind the door and say "Welcome to the Twilight Zone". I could write a book on the insane stuff that has happened in this house over the years. This house was built over 100 years ago.
What's with the clickbait thumbnail? how on earth do you measure 124v inline? It's supposed to say 0v, its only 124v between line and ground or neutral.
If you have any device in your tool box/bag that have alkaline batteries if it is going to be stored and unused for a long amount of time the batteries should be removed. I neglected removing the batteries in my circuit tester and the batteries burst and corroded the contacts in the tool.
the digital circuit braker detector is gold. the stamped wire strippers are terrible and they should stop making them, since people who use them tend to damage the conductor(s).
