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#555274 07/25/13 10:44 PM
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93mdk93 Offline OP
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Getting ready to replace some old/broken/lost tools and was curious what some of the board members prefer... For instance, we've always bought Fluke TS30 butt sets but there are times when Caller ID or hands-free would be a nice option to have.

Anyone have tried-and-true suggestions for things like toners, butt sets, cable cutters/strippers, etc? I know personal preference is a big part of these things but I've also come across some real junky products over the years.

Going to have to outfit another truck before long so I'm compiling a shopping list. smile


"There is one thing and only one thing in which it is granted to you to be free in life, all else being beyond your power: that is to recognize and profess the truth." - Leo Tolstoy
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93mdk93 #555321 07/26/13 08:54 PM
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I'm surprised you haven't gotten a bunch of answers.

I just use a cheap butt set and my ear for a lot of testing, can't see investing a lot of bucks for a butt set.

Any name brand probe and toner, just stay away from the cheap stuff. I've got several different ones and they all work about the same, don't really prefer one over the other.

I like Klein for my hand tools.

I also carry a Yankee Drill, which I know most don't, can't see lugging in a cordless for a few holes.

Don't use wire strippers, just another needless extra tool in my opinion.

Decent Volt Ohm meter.

That's about it off the top of my head.



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93mdk93 #555325 07/26/13 10:03 PM
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Bill- you, me and maybe a few here know what a Yankee drill is...we are showing our age. I still carry mine. I never throw away "old" tools either. Still have my brace and bit from 1976.

Butt set

10 in 1 Klein

VOM

Sandman High Loop Detector (simple but brilliant)

Fluke or Weiss Snips

Milwaukee LI-ION hammer drill for installs- best I ever had..it'll go weeks between charges.

A simple consumer grade Caller ID box for CID issues to show the customer.

AMP mod maker...stay away from the cheap Chinese knockoffs.

Fluke punch tool with ALL PUNCH TOOLS KNOWN TO MAN!

250 Lumen LED flashlight

Gopher pole and Greenlee fish sticks.

I'm sure there's more but these are the minimum I feel good rolling to a service call with.


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93mdk93 #555331 07/26/13 11:48 PM
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I saw a hand mixer the other day that worked like a Yankee drill. No one knew what I was talking about!

93mdk93 #555334 07/27/13 02:34 AM
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I bought the Lil Buttie Ranger but set like it ok.

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6-7 years ago I stopped by a grage sale and picked up a ts-19 buttset for $5 Ive been using it ever since I like it . its small and light I like the mod plug on the cordset it make it easy to plug a line cord in without a banjo.

I still have the TS25 I was using previously if a need speakerphone , CID or Loop current but I rarely use it

I like the 200 fp Filter probe it cuts the noise out and makes it easier to to tone cables

I still carry my chrome yankee , don't have a carbide bit for it anymore though

I just bought some snips at amazon Jonard brand , good price and quality

I like the klein 10 in one and the needlenose with scotchlok crimp built in Kelin scratch Awl for starting screws





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93mdk93 #555337 07/27/13 09:07 AM
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I carry all the above on the van but rarely need them. I take a 10 in 1 driver, butt set, dikes and toner set in with me and seldom have to go back out for more.


Merritt

Business Telephones & Equipment + Commercial Audio/Video Products
Commercial Communications . . . Turner, Maine
If it was built after 1980 don't expect it to work right.
93mdk93 #555341 07/27/13 12:19 PM
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Fluke TS44 Pro buttset. So nice. I often times am in the CO or on a busy street and need to check DT on a pair. With all of the fans in the CO (and summertime means A/C system is on at max level), it's really loud in there that I couldn't hear anything with my old TS19 buttset. TS44 Pro has an amplified speakerphone, very loud and works nicely. I use it all of the time.

Sidekick T&N. Must have to testing pairs in my job. 50% of the time that the LEC says "NTF" I found trouble with my Sidekick. Also great for testing and finding IW issues.

93mdk93 #555344 07/27/13 03:14 PM
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Bill - I hear ya on the butt sets. I grabbed a few cheapies off fleabay and they're plenty good for most days. I also got bored and ordered a Platinum T62 because I'm a gadget nerd and wanted a new toy. smile (btw, my youngest sister is headed your way... she's going to school in LaGrange WY)

Dave - I'll have to check that High Loop Detector out! I love Sandman's site... seems like I always learn something or at least have a good laugh.

Jim - All the Comcast guys around here carry those. They look kinda cheap but seem have a lot of nice features.

Merritt - Agreed, although an old tech I used to work with hammered it into my head that we were better off carrying in tools we didn't need than running back out to the truck. Then again, all these beers ain't gonna exercise themselves off! smile

Joshua - I've looked (lusted?) at the Sidekick but simply couldn't justify the cost. Cool tool though!

I appreciate the input; it's always nice to know what seasoned techs have settled on, by hook or by crook.

Some things I've come to like in my belt:

Fluke Need L-Lock pliers
Platinum 15015 cat5 stripper
Channellock 338 dikes
Ideal 35-087 snips
ICC handheld keystone punchdown aid
LanRoamer TP500 cat5 tester


-matt


"There is one thing and only one thing in which it is granted to you to be free in life, all else being beyond your power: that is to recognize and profess the truth." - Leo Tolstoy
93mdk93 #555345 07/27/13 03:36 PM
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from my truck:
[Linked Image from s24.postimg.org]

Oh yeah, and those 10-in-1s are great but I have to buy them by the dozen. Between losing bits, leaving them on jobs, throwing them at NJ drivers....


"There is one thing and only one thing in which it is granted to you to be free in life, all else being beyond your power: that is to recognize and profess the truth." - Leo Tolstoy
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