I’ve got Greenlee fish sticks with the usual attachments, but Klein makes a little bullet flashlight that screws onto my sticks .. and that thing is great for finding your way in the dark. Like above drop ceilings or whatever.
Having a beater flathead is a must. Not just a old flat head you’re willing to sacrifice, but a proper one that’s rated to be beat on, one with a metal cap on the end. I like my Klein one, Milwaukee and Wera make a great one too
Always used Craftsmen screwdrivers as beaters. After awhile we would place tip in a vise and break it off to get a free warranty replacement. Wish Sears stores were still sround.
I used to use the Milwaukee until I thought that holding onto a solid steel shaft around electrical wiring or buried conduits probably wasn’t a bright idea…. Might never happen but I don’t feel like blasting myself when I lineman’s meet by demo driver. I’d rather watch my classic Klein driver meet it’s end.
The Klien torpedo is also useful for finding studs in walls... the magnet will stick on the sheetrock screws. As for other tools... I really like the Voltclaw 12 for folding wires into boxes, or pulling energizes wires out of boxes.
I will never forget the first birthday present I received from the master electrician I worked under. It was a Klein journeyman lineman pliers, and it was the best tool I’ve ever received in my life at that point. That began my infatuation with Klein and then later in Milwaukee tools! That you for these amazing video and being a person with a giving nature!🥰
The bore scopes with LED lights that wirelessly connect to your phone are a game changer. Nothing like being able to see inside walls when your using fish bits or drilling and fishing in tight spots.
I've owned 3 different ones and they're all crap including the Milwaukee M12 unit. You get one spec of dust on it and the whole picture is blown out. Also, once it's in the wall unless you wanna just see the other side of the wall, it's hard to move it around and see anything else.
Gotta have some channel locks. Or cobra pliers or alligator pliers whatever you want to call them they are all channel locks to me. Knipex preferably but almost every brand makes a version.
I picked one up a few weeks ago and I can’t stop using it. Even if it’s easier to use a different tool I’ll find a way to use my ratcheting driver lmao
All solid choices! Only difference is I have a pair of Southwire multi tool pliers that are amazing and they will strip 10 gauge as well. Also if you ever want a good dedicated tip screwdriver set, look at the Vessel ball grip screwdrivers. Love all the tool videos you do as I too am a tool nerd.
Great tool vidio. Can never have enough tools ! You mentioned not liking crimping #10 wire. Not a fan of installing sta kons on #10 wire. Have installed hundreds of 30 amp 3 pole 600 volt switches ( sometimes mis marked as Manuel starters ) using #10 stranded wire and T & B quality ring sta kons. Always use a lock washer on screws Never had a terminal burn out. Have to get me the Knipex cutting/crimping pilers. For me the combination Klein screwdriver / reamer is one of my top tens. Great when to running 1/2" to 1" EMT. Back in the 1980's a bunch of us had the great Ideal Voltron bulky tester to test for voltage or continuity . The Fluke tester with the 0 to 100 amp meter is the best tester to carry in your pouch or back pocket. Have 3 craftsmen 9" torpedo levels that have weak magnets.
The extended 6-1, just didn’t sell in Canada due to not having a square tip. However my local supply house gave them away and I’ve been quite happy with it.
When it comes to the attachments for the fish sticks the one that looks like a whisk I found is very useful for navigating across the top of ceiling tiles in a drop ceiling
As a UK spark; it'd be interesting to get your thoughts on our multi-function testers, I don't think I've seen them used at all over the pond. I get the fork meters are useful but how do you *properly* your installs? Insulation resistance? Earth Loop Impedances, GFCI trip times etc? I can only think NEC or local don't call for as much testing?
Here there, I am from Canada, and I am curious what meters you use. Most electricians over here, US included have either an electrical tester like Dustin showed, and also carry a better quality DMM, like a Fluke 87.
@@michaelpetrik334 sparks here also use the T5/T6 series of clamp/fork meters, only tend to find the guys doing CCTV/av/safety systems using DMMs (given all the circuit boards etc).
I could not be able to call myself a a wireman if I didn’t laugh about “this is the number 1 only thing that I use to screw anything with”. 😂 thanks for your videos! This is the only trade that grows and changes daily and I love learning new ways. Keep it up brother!
One of my phillips screwdrivers has a magnetized tip, which is useful for starting screws in areas too small for both hands to fit. It would be nice to have a video that shows everything you pack in your electrician's bag, so the video would include supplies (like tape & wire) too.
A good driver or bit will fit snugly in the top of a fastener without magnets, but if you can switch out your philips fasteners for Robertson/Square Drive ones you will gain the ability to use more torque in tight spaces. Philips was designed when electric and pneumatic tools were just coming into service at factories, and the lack of a torque limiter on those tools was snapping off screw heads. Philips was literally made to cam out.
Based: (internet slang) Indicating emphatic approval of a statement or opinion. Tool-pilled is a pun, comes from the terms red-pilled or blue-pilled The terms red-pilled and blue-pilled is a political metaphor and matrix reference.
I never go anywhere without my 11-in-1 Klein magnetic screwdriver. I love that thing. It does robbies, flats, phillips, some common torx and common nut sizes
My lineup is very different! Petrol combi unit, which is many tools in one, that includes, strimmer, hedgecutter, polesaw, edger, mulcher, clearing saw, and brushcutter. Lawn mower, handheld hedgecutter, and blower! So that's 10,without counting multiple hand tools!
I have used many of the tools you have mentioned however, if we are talking about our "must have," tool I would go with the knipex slip joint twin grip pliers. I work in lighting maintenance (exterior and interior) and those pliers help out so much with those stubborn fasteners. It will change your approach to handling problems. I do have a question though. Can you do a video on pulling permits?
That black thing that comes with the fish sticks is for pulling cable above T-bar ceilings/ ceiling tile. You don’t have to worry about the sticks getting stuck on a bar. It’ll glide right over. 20:25 Works for basket tray also.
I use ratcheting drivers quite a bit ( top quality only ) . I always carry a stubby , as small as possible , I prefer ones the take 1/4” hex bits , so it can trade ammo with my impacts .
Klein also makes a multi-tool screwdriver that is impact rated. It comes with a 5/16, 3/8, 1/4, Phillips and small Phillips, straight and small straight, both Robertson bits, and 2 star bits. It’s around $20 and I highly recommend it. So much more convenient carrying that and having almost every kind of bit I ever use than carrying 10+ tools.
#1 Ideal long handled linesmen pliers w/crimper 2ea medium Channel Lock pliers one with no plastic on the handle (for deburring conduit), a sharp razor knife, and a fairly large beater screwdriver, this is my must have addition for my insulation “bag”, most reside in my pockets I am a recently retired industrial electrician
Ideal makes my favorite multi driver. It's called the 11 in 1 and it looks like a lot like the Klein versions, but it also has a wire nut twister on the back of the handle.
Mine would be a Kline linesman pliers and the cheap little wire strippers that you get at Harbor freight. I stripped a lot of 24 and 26 gauge wire, and it’s the only tool that worked swiftly an easily without stripping away a strand or two
You missed the most important feature of the T5, the ability to insert a probe into the back of the body, and position the tester to see the readings as you move the probe to various points in a cabinet. A real plus when trying to trouble shoot motor controls, etc. My favorite multi driver is made by ideal, and has 6-32, 8-32, and 10-32, and a reamer for EMT. Lives in the bag doesn’t take up much room. And Klein and Milwaukee make replacement tips for multidrivers. If you haven’t used one yet get some EC (Electrical Combo) tips. Most devices today have screws with the Electrical Combo head screws. And having a screw driver that just seats firmly into the head is really helpful. The EC screw head was developed by the Electrical manufacturers, because the NEC requires slotted heads to allow more torque to be applied, and the Canadians require a Roberts head, because they’re Canadians. The Combo head screws allo teh manufactures to serve North America without having to catalog devices for both sides of the border.
I LOVE my forged wire stripper from Knipex (and their linesman too) my go to with my extended multi I can do 90% of shit resi or com. The forged wire stripper has the broader head, can’t twist more than 2/3 #12’s - but it also works as a thin profile grabber. has the curved cutting edge and cuts 10/3 MC like butter. Has an internal spring so it’ll never come out and the machine screw cutting holes for 6/8-32’s don’t need to be threaded, and come our clean af every time. It’s costly but worth every damn penny! It also has more stripping sizes opposed to the one Dusty’s shows in this video!
I am a DIY guy, and have been watching your channel for a while now and, have bought several tools/test equipment you have recommended, haven't been disappointed yet! Thanks!
Same here. I find myself taking notes on Dustin's "Apprentice Tools" videos, then going to buy new tools. Love this channel and Dustin's recommendations.
As for the Knipex Installation Pliers (that's what they're called over here), they're solid and the ones with the squared off jaw tips help to ream pipe, do wish they had a cutting surface at the tips though, for when you just want to nick something.
Dustin: The Knipex Electrician's multitool you were showing off has a beefier brother that sacrifices crimping for more wire stripping holes (10-16 AWG solid, 12-20 AWG stranded). Definitely worth checking out. Also, the reason the wire cutter's shape is round has NOTHING to do with making the wire easier to cut or preventing the wire from being flattened. The curve helps you keep the conductor centered in the cutter so it doesn't pop out and go flying across the room. The reason you need less force is it's a bypass cutter. The jaws of a regular cutter compress the wire until the two blades are resting against each other; in other words, the wire is getting flattened and pushed out the front and back faces of the cutter. It's a terrible design. Knipex' bypass cutter acts like a pair of scissors cutting through paper: the blades pass by each other, shearing the wire in half. Less force for a cleaner cut. The only reason bypass cutters are not used more often is because they require tighter tolerances and better blade durability. Why do that when there is a cheaper alternative that has a bigger profit margin? The new tool's info is: 8" Forged Wire Stripper 10-20 AWG, part #13 72 8 . NOTE: Knipex does not have a 1000V rated version yet.
The Milwaukee 12 in one screw/nutdriver, because two of the blades are #1 and #2 ECX blades, wonderful for conduit, box, switch, and receptacle screws!
I've been doing residential electrical for over 25 years. Closer to 30 at this point in my career. I really love the ferret that goes on the end of a glow Rob. I have used it dozens of times and it is a phenomenal tool I recently upgraded my t-handle allen wrench set to Wiha and I like it better than my old line set. I also recently purchased a Wiha Torque screwdriver for the Square D recalls. Really good grip and great all-around tools to own
That torque driver is nice. You might want to check out the Knipex hybrid linesman's/wire stripper pliers. You can pull MC cable with it, easily cut thru it, strip it, and twist it with the same tool. NOT CAT rated but great for de-energized work, and it's so well thought out and built that you will wear out before it does. :)
The whisk looking attachment for the fish stick is good for leading cables down cable trays. 👍 Personally I love my fixed blade screwdrivers, I keep a beater slotted, cabinet, and Philips #2, in my bags. I have the other knipex strippers you described, the head isn’t really made for making up joints. I will say that the shears and bolt cutters work great. IDEAL 45-220 are still my favorite wire strippers though
My glow sticks are at least 25yrs old, and they still glow. Sometimes a short driver is too long. 1 inch super stubby #1 drivers and ratchet angle screw drivers are tools I rarely needed, but for the few times I was stuck without a very short driver, I was glad I kept the tools on board. When I repaired signs and street lighting, a security bit set from Harbor Frieght is another must have, to access tamper proof municipal fixtures and signs.
This may sound crazy but out of all my pliers I have, Kline, Knepex, Channel Lock, Irwin, and many others. My favorite pair is actually a Stanley Fat Max Lineman's pliers. They are similar to the Knepex you were describing in this video. I do refrigeration also and I was brazing some copper and actually burnt my finger with the torch because I was using another set of pliers that I was not comfortable with and it threw me off my routine.
Dustin klein has the 32581 electronic 4 in 1 screwdriver unless you find yourself needing those 27 micro bits. They also have another model that's adjustable length and made for pockets as the bits retract into the handle this way they don't stab through your pocket.
The video is about Top 10 Hand Tools. Drills, impacts, etc, are Power Tools not hand tools. If it were a Top 10 Tools, I bet it would be on the list. My M12 Fuel set goes everywhere with me, and sees work everyday. Cheers 🍻
Instead of using the 90 drill attachment for the screws in recessed cans, I take the bit out of my Milwaukee impact and use it with out a bit to loosen or tighten the screws. Works perfectly.
I'm a big fan of Klein's new impact rated 11 in 1. The impact rated parts are great, but what sets this tool apart is that you can stick anything in it with a 1/4" hex shank on it. Any bit, nut driver, extension, or even that 90° impact drill adapter. I also like the flexible elongated impact adapter that dewalt has.
i rock one on my belt now too, changed my life. i love all the bits that act as extensions you can use in a pinch, you can also use the #1 square drive on it to pigtail out a bunch of receptacles if youre doing IR covers and stuff. only wish it was legitimately magnetic.
"Knipex 6 Inch Cobras" will save your ass in many cicumstances...especially in tight spaces.👍Definetely a genius invention,a Hybrid between Pliers and an adjustable Wrench...🌟
The use of 120 volts in America can be traced back to the development of the electrical power system in the late 19th century. The American inventor Thomas Edison, who developed the first practical incandescent light bulb, advocated for the use of a low-voltage DC power system. However, another inventor, Nikola Tesla, believed in the use of high-voltage AC power transmission. He developed the first AC generator and transformer, which enabled power to be transmitted over longer distances more efficiently. In the end, Tesla's AC system won out, and the first AC power system was built by George Westinghouse, who was a proponent of Tesla's system. This system used 120 volts as the standard voltage for residential power, and it has remained the standard in the United States ever since. The choice of 120 volts was based on a compromise between safety considerations and practicality. It was determined that 120 volts was a low enough voltage to be safe for home use, but high enough to provide sufficient power for lighting and other household appliances. Additionally, 120 volts was the voltage at which incandescent light bulbs could be most efficiently operated, which was a major consideration at the time.
multi bit screwdriver bits are awesome! i don't have the precision and stubby screwdriver yet. the standard one? i bought the 14 in 1 without the nut driver, the 7 in 1 nut driver without the handle, and put it together. i changed some bits from 14 in 1. i have ph 0-3, sq 1-3, ecx 2, flat blade bit 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, and 1/4 square adapter. i have hey key bits and torx on me just in case (dunno where to use it though). i also have the reamer bit from klein as well. it felt like a 20 in 1 screwdriver frankenstein. then i have the klein level. i'm thinking of maybe i needed to buy one more because drywallers have these floating studs and i wanted to put 4x4 and pipe. it helps with building racks too. i'll take a look at the knipex tool you're using. i'm on the lookout on some lineman pliers and side cutters that are multi functional. also, yeah. does milwaukee have imperial and metric? does the tip of the tape measure not leave any gaps like stanley does? if so, i'm gonna ditch my stanley since that 1/8 gap annoys me a lot. i don't have a multimeter, so no comment on that "someone stole my dewalt 90 degree bit"
there is no situation in domestic electrical where your pliers will come into contact with more than a single phase wire voltage that you have to be insulated from. so the pliers with the disclaimer are more than insulated to safely touch a live wire. for decades before VDE rated pliers come out no one ever received a shock through the insulation of pliers in good condition. 1000v rated VDE pliers is overkill and because it's rated to depending on the single phase voltage of the country it is 8 times higher than 110v to 3 times higher than 250v max in australia and europe, making the insulation far thicker than necessary. P.S. knipex in german has no vowel sounds between the K and N like kuh-nip-ex or ken-ipex. It's just kn-ip--ex. If it was based in english, then some people would have the Kuh-nack of getting their kuh-nickers in a kuh-not. Going so far as to take a kuh-nee and kuh-neel. As long as things don't turn violent and someone pulls a kuh-nife when I continue to pronounce it with a silent (k) - nipex
I like all the tools except for the tape measure. Milwaukee makes some of the worst tapes out of all companies. I quit buying them and went with HART brand. How Milwaukee let their sister company outdo them? Idk. But Hart makes significantly better tapes.
I'm from Canada but I wish i was trained but you. You are energized, amazing to teaching and give so much good advice. :) thanks for this Channel. No one on youtube do the way you do.
Don't buy harbor freight fish sticks. They snapped the first job they were used on. Klein fish sticks can be connected 4 or 5 at a time. These harbor freight ones snapped with 2 or 3 connected.
That cap that spins on your tweaker (precision screwdriver) is actually made to press against your palm while you spin the screwdriver with your fingers. Use them in controls everyday
You xan try to use Fluke T-150. I Use this model in Germany everyday. Its best tester for electrician for working in the field every day Check it Bro.😊
you know they make that stubby in ratcheting too right? not a fan of ratcheting screwdrivers normally , but it makes sense on a stubby when grip is usually limited
Hey I’m a first year apprentice and my mentor told me to watch yur videos his name is Jason got a weird last name but I just wanna say I love your video u got u a sup and a like every video 💪🏾🔛🔝
I've heard goog things about the Milwaukee tapes. I've tried 2 and both split the tape. Love the level tho. Used for years ans has held up really well.
For the electrical installation pliers, they do have the one with a wider tip that also strips 10-20AWG, BUT they don't (cureently) have VDE as an option, only cknes woth comfort grips. Its 13 72 8 product code.
LOVE THIS one. I work in IT electrics, Aircraft and automotive DC. So AC is not my thing. I am learning lots to fix my 1998 home. I actually have a few of your tools. I just ordered a new Knipex multi cutter/stripper. Love it. "I never ever work on a live CI." If I lied in the previous statement, I would have insulated shoes, insulated tool, and insulated gloves. SOOOO I love the comment about this tool is int insulated from shock OMG so funny!!!! I can remember as a 20 something snipping a wire with insulated side cutters and getting that tingle... Lesson learned that day. Tapes come with numbers on the bottom!!!!! I that was only on rulers (machine rulers mostly right). That was a tip I am going to use from now on. That's a handy feature I have wanted before. Never noticed it as an option. Like the magnet tape. I might get a flat magnet and a rubber band to hold me over until I get a new tape.
DUSTIN, When measure AC outlets in older houses that have 3 prong outlets but are wired bootleg grounding because the older houses only used 2 prong outlets most DVM meters will test the AC 120vac voltage but it doesn't tell you if the outlets are wired bootleg grounding scheme. What can you use to measure 3 prong outlets that are wired bootleg grounding?
Also wanted to add the small Klein mini ratcheting screwdriver - replaced stubbys for me. And the knipex pliers wrench. F*ck the adjustable wrench. The pliers wrench is a channelock with smooth jaws. Klein even made a rip off version as well.
The husky mini multi screw driver is great in that it's like 5-7 bucks. Great for new guys or crews when you're buying. Can buy it at the home despot in a pinch too. Fat max magnet will save your bits and screws when you drop them somewhere too =)
The Knipex multitool is my absolute favourite tool. I use the hell out of it. My Firm builds Burgerkings here in Germany and my favourite colleague and I became somewhat masters at Fishtape Spearthrowing into a ceiling.
@1:30 that little guy helped me change the power supply board on a Beckwith Generator Protection Relay. Without removing the whole damn thing! Saved hours of work. 👍🏻👍🏻💯
That black whisk looking tip for the fish stick set is for running smoothly in basket raceway for low voltage data and video lines mostly in commercial overhead. I used the klein version on their mid-flex sticks to push the sticks as far as 20 foot sections before relocating ladder to continue the run. If you don't have one on the tip after about 10ft the stick's tip will start to dip through the basket and come out the bottom. Very, very helpful tool in the right situation. Thanks for all the great content you put out brother.
