sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Tools for the trade for the new guy

I've been installing computer network cabling and hardware for years, but now I'm working at a Lucent/Avaya rep and I'm just getting started.

As an I.T. guy, all I ever used was a small bag with crimpers, screw drivers, a couple of strippers, and some punchdown tools.

But now... I'm installing systems into new construction, troubleshooting, etc.

I'm trying to get the most complete list of tools that are MUST HAVES for a new technician.

Also, I'm trying to get a good idea for some tips and tricks, as well as what one would need for doing more specialty work -- like installing systems into existing construction (ie glowrod, fishtape, etc)

So my first question:

Tool belt, or tool bag?

A belt seems smart to me because I think I'll be all over the place all the time... not to mention standing on ladders and what not. But maybe a bag is better?

I've got:

Diagonal cutters
Channel locks
Standard two position pliers
Punchdown tool with 66 and 110
Needle nose/crimper/cutter pliers
Cutters for coax/etc. (pretty beefy)
Electrician's Scissors or Snips
Typical multi guage wire stripper
Cat 5 "cigar cutter" style stripper
Small pull away stripper
Progressive toner/probe
Harris TS22L buttset
Small and large Klein screw drivers
Hammer
Measuring tape
Torpedo level

That's about it for now.

I'm assuming I'll need a drill later -- is milwaukee really the best brand?

What else will I need? I've got my laptop as well for getting into the systems...

I know I'm missing things, so everyone fill me in on what you think everyone should have.

Nick

You'll find that a belt works better than a bag for most installs. I also have several small clip-on pouches that hold just a specific selection of tools for things like standing at a backboard terminating cables, or putting on jacks, or prewiring, etc.

Here's a couple of suggestions for additional hand tools:

-A pair of flush-cutting dykes - these will cut off the tail on a tyrap without leaving a sharp edge to cut someone
-Spudger probe/pic
-Can wrench for opening MPOE terminals. There is also an insert available has a security hex for getting into the telco side of things
-Splicer's knife
-An awl or centerpunch for marking screw holes
-A 8" wire leader for threading an I/W through a wall
-Banjo adapter for plugging into jacks for testing and tracing
-A "big-hook" to hang your cordless drill or stapler from your belt when climbing ladders
- T-18, T-25, and T-75 staplers
-A pocket pouch to keep screws, B-connectors, bridging clips, etc. with you on your belt
-A Gopher pole
-A smaller telescoping pole
-3/8 AND 1/2" electric drills
-Good cordless drill
-The list goes on and on.....

I'm sure others will add their must haves. You can find some good pouches and tools at places like Jensen Tools, Time-Motion Tools, Specialized Products, Mike Sandman, and others. Do a google search for those an others.

Good luck...

So here I am trying to find some OUTSIDE source for quality information, figuring that the Internet is a reliable form of anonymously posting a question... and my first reply comes from someone that I'm fairly sure I know. Tommy, Tommy, Tommy.

I'm sure I'll hear from Rudy about this.

Fish tool (soft)
5wire punchdown tool (slammer)
a tester (helps trouble shoot, will save you allot of time)
Stud finder

I'm sure you'll get more suggestions

When you say tester, do you mean an RJ45 tester, or a multi-meter?

Is it even worth it to have a tester for RJ11 jacks, considering that your my toner has indicator lights for connectivity for both pairs?

I use a network tester that will test 2,3,4 pair for connectivity, reversals, and length. They come in very handy when you run into a job that already has cable ran. You could get by with out it but it can really save you time. Toners are great for finding cables but they aren't intended for testing. You will run into cables that look good on the tester but still don't work, that's where your tester comes in handy.

What model do you reccomend? I've used fluke testers before, but I remember them costing some serious cash... I do recall the fluke models having the cable length capability and cable length to fault capability.

Hey, did someone call my name? A good, simple tester is the siemon STM 8 ,test or tone RJ45, 568A or B . Dont forget the wand (inductive Amp ).Welcome to telworld.

I was referring to another rudy who's in sales for a lucent/avaya dealer.

I've got a progressive toner/inductive amplifier.

As far as testers, if I remember correctly, the 4 pair modular RJ45 jacks can accept 3 pair and 2 pair jacks as well, correct? So, in theory, you could use one of those for testing all three?

All I can add is BAG not Belt.
Take it from someone that has lower back problems you dont need that extra weight on you hips. Your back, legs and feet will thank me in later years.