Good Tools

[Mainah]

I had a few requests as of late for how to accomplish certain wiring tasks. I know I oresent as both skilled and knowledgeable but that is only half true. My secret is experience by success, experience by error, significant research, planning, patience, and good tools.

Below are some of my favorite electrical tools. They could all fit in one tool box if needed and don’t take up a ton of space. I did have to downsize very drastically when I moved which meant some of my large bench miltary surplus stuff had to go. Some of this stuff is still overkill for once and a while use but I do get a lot of use out of them all with my hobby.

For those just needing to do once and a while tasks the dremel propane torch with multiple tips is very portable, useful, and the best in its class. Not super fine temp control compared to the digital smd station but will get the job done. The high quality pet nail clippers are better than any wire cutters I have had for 8 awg and smaller. The wire stipper/crimp tool makes things a breeze. The DMM is a mid range model that is very accurate and portable. A good utility knife has a place in all of my tool boxes along with extra blades. The rest comes in handy for more in depth projects. Not too many folks really need a digital motorized accelerometer torque/speed controlled plaentary gear miniture screwdriver or 4 channel mini digital oscilloscope that requires custom programming and calibration. Of course good materials make a difference too but that would be an even longer thread.

 

[the MfM]

I’ll add a ratcheting crimping tool set. Non insulated seamless or brazed seam terminals/connectors. And adhesive lined heat shrink.

And of course the no nick wire strippers.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Good stuff.. I will add Klien 1005 crimpers are great for most smaller jobs. (12 gauge and higher) and Klien 6320 work light years better than that 0 gauge cutters you have above (have those as well).

 

[Mainah]

I’ll add a ratcheting crimping tool set. Non insulated seamless or brazed seam terminals/connectors. And adhesive lined heat shrink.

And of course the no nick wire strippers.
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Ratcheting crimpers are great. I have a few dedicated ones but not a set. Now I am thinking I NEED a whole set like that. These would be particularly great for anyone who does not like to solder

 

[Jgorm]

How do you guys like those wire strippers? I have the other kind with holes for each wire Like these


I've had my eye on the ratcheting crimpers for a while, but solder works too.
I'll add that anything over 4g requires hydraulic crimpers. Ive torch soldered, hammer bashed, hammer crimped, but these are 10x better.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

I have never used those wire strips, I have a pair of each posted above. A small set to get into small spaces, and a large set for heavier gauge wire.

 

[Mainah]

For the large gauge crimping I use a bottle jack in a frame with dies I built. That kit from amazon looks like a better solution.

 

[spatty99]

I was just using the Klein automatic-ish wire strippers yesterday. Love them, so much easier and faster!

What are thoughts on a really good multimeter? Looking at the Fluke 117, don't mind the price, but is that total overkill for DIYer?

 

[Mainah]

I was just using the Klein automatic-ish wire strippers yesterday. Love them, so much easier and faster!

What are thoughts on a really good multimeter? Looking at the Fluke 117, don't mind the price, but is that total overkill for DIYer?

Fluke makes great stuff. That said a klein mm400 will do most everything a diyer needs for far less money. Just don’t forget to use the orange sel button to swap between ac and dc. There is a icon on the screen to tell you what mode it is in. Always defaults to ac when you first turn it on.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

I have used this for 12 years now both professionally and at home with no issues and I think only replacing the battery once. Mine even came with a magnet strap to hang it from places, which actually comes in handy.

https://www.amazon.com/Amprobe-Multimeter-Non-Contact-Calibration-Certificate/dp/B01MYCP65Q

 

[Jgorm]

I could never justify a fluke. I have about 6 if the free harbor freight meters. I keep one in every vehicle. The batteries last many years. I typically don't care how accurate they are, but 99% of what i do is verifying voltage or continuity. They compare fine to my more expensive meters. One of my more expensive meters was 2ohm off when measuring my injectors. My hf, and my meter with the dc current clamp verified actual resistance. Dc amp clamp is cool for things like tracking phantom current. I've always wanted the power probe.

 

[John McLaughlin]

To be honest with you my now favorite tool is to hire a qualified electrician to do my install work other then that the collection of tools look great

 

[Mainah]

To be honest with you my now favorite tool is to hire a qualified electrician to do my install work other then that the collection of tools look great

There are many good ones out there. That said my brand new house only HAD a single 15 amp circuit for 3 bay garage including the openers. Needless to say I made sure that was rectified myself. I also found some loose connections on the outlets, switches, breakers, and lights. The low voltage connections were so poor cut off the ends and did my own. It is stuff like this and the fact I like doing it that drives me to DIY.

 

[John McLaughlin]

@Mainah I understand however at my age I just prefer to find someone to do the work because at my age I prefer to no longer want to crawl around or get up from tight spaces

 

[spatty99]

I just fixed a three way switch that for some reason the original installing electrician only half wired.

 

[spatty99]

@Mainah can you recommend a quality amp meter to measure surge power for a starting air conditioner (I'm trying to size a backup generator)? I thought I've read they need to be true RMS or something like that in order to capture the power spike and not just running load. Bonus points if I can use it to locate a fault in my low voltage landscape lighting.

 

[the MfM]

@Mainah can you recommend a quality amp meter to measure surge power for a starting air conditioner (I'm trying to size a backup generator)? I thought I've read they need to be true RMS or something like that in order to capture the power spike and not just running load. Bonus points if I can use it to locate a fault in my low voltage landscape lighting.

The nameplate doesn’t list the LRA?

 

[spatty99]

I have 2 units, the 4 ton is 96 LRA, the 3 ton is 82 LRA. I am getting a 12kW generator (9.5kw running). From what I understand there are a lot of factors (hard start capacitors, unit efficiency, etc.) in the load calculations, so I'd like to confirm if I can power the larger air conditioner with actual measurements (to plan out circuits in advance of electrician installing transfer switch). Google is telling me the 3 ton should be no problem, and the 4 ton (preferred unit) will be on the fence.

 

[Mainah]

Klein makes some good stuff in the medium price range. Any amp clamp with a 100 amp or greater rating will do the trick though. Just set it to max to get the max value.

 

[the MfM]

I have 2 units, the 4 ton is 96 LRA, the 3 ton is 82 LRA. I am getting a 12kW generator (9.5kw running). From what I understand there are a lot of factors (hard start capacitors, unit efficiency, etc.) in the load calculations, so I'd like to confirm if I can power the larger air conditioner with actual measurements (to plan out circuits in advance of electrician installing transfer switch). Google is telling me the 3 ton should be no problem, and the 4 ton (preferred unit) will be on the fence.

It *should* start the 4 ton if nothing else is running.

Could always look into a soft start kit for the four ton.