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Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: matty78943 on March 16, 2017, 08:21:33 PM

Title: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: matty78943 on March 16, 2017, 08:21:33 PM
So hopefully i will be doing an apprenticeship in the fine art of being an electrician and as well as all the various screwdrivers, wrenches, wire strippers, etc i (of course) want to have a decent multitool at my side aswell. I do already have a couple of multitools (gerber mp600 bladeless, leatherman skeletool, victorinox swisschamp, huntsman, explorer, minichamp and escort) now i here is my main problem.

1. i live in the uk so i can have a locker due to having a good reason (for my work as an electrician) but i would try not too.
2. i would want to try to have a plier based so although i love swiss army knifes, its looking live a leatherman or gerber                 :multi:
3. ideally not too expensive but if its worth it, like a lm wave, then i would pay the full price
4. like i said, i live in the uk so i cant get hold of some multitools like the sog reactor (i want sooo bad...)

so if anyone does have some good suggestions for a multitool that would be great for a (apprentice) electrican then that would be great!!!
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: ReamerPunch on March 16, 2017, 08:34:31 PM
I suggest carrying your bladeless MP600, its one-handed pliers will come in handy. Maybe it'll prove to be good enough and you won't have to buy a new MT.

Maybe check this thread?

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=23544.0

This is a great post by Chako, if you want a wire-stripper plierhead.

I have used it once on various wires to test it out. Works like a charm. Think of a Leatherman E4 on steroids, that is the B&S Electrician.


EDIT:

Just took a few photos of the candidates. All would do a good job for an electrician.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Leather%20Projects/IMG_0186small-1.jpg)
Left to right: Paladin 540, B&S ToolZall Pro Electrician, B&S? Toolzall Electrician, Leatherman ES4 and E4.



(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Leather%20Projects/IMG_0185small-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Alan K. on March 16, 2017, 08:58:27 PM
 For dedicated electrician's multi tools check out

the Gerber Groundbreaker Electrician's tool
 
 the Leatherman Squirt ES4.

 the Sheffield 58953.

 the Bear and Sons Bear Jaws 155EL.

Or you can just get any multi tool you like and figure you'll have the dedicated tools on hand anyway. 
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: T14 on March 16, 2017, 09:00:52 PM
I would consider foregoing a folding multitool and investing in a set of Knipex installation pliers instead. Built like tanks with all the right features for serious work.

A review. (get the spring loaded version though)
https://youtu.be/Pvr7mDIU84E
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: redmond on March 16, 2017, 09:19:43 PM
Rather than investing blindly, I suggest you ask the apprentice program directly. Almost all programs I know have a list of required tools/books/resources needed. That way you get the tools you will be using and training with upfront. The electricians I know do not use multitools much, but purpose built tools as T14 suggests.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: cody6268 on March 16, 2017, 09:31:07 PM
This set is made for electrician's apprentices, made by Klein, which is usually the brand most American electricians swear by.

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-92914-ProPack14-Apprentice/dp/B004OHHU5I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489696167&sr=8-1&keywords=Klein+Tools+apprentice+set
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: ReamerPunch on March 16, 2017, 09:32:49 PM
Yeah, go with the Knipex. They are very well thought out. Great suggestion T14.  :salute:
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Mechanickal on March 16, 2017, 09:49:18 PM
A Wave will suit your needs.
I carried my Charge before grabbing my Rebar (which is nice but not quite the same)

Bit holder.
saw for cutting wooden and plaster panels for installing switches and outlets in them.
wire cutters in pliers.
Pliers for grabbing wires in holes, bending full core wire.
Serrated blade for cutting in electrical tube before breaking it.
Same blade for cutting flexible tubes.
Plain edge for cutting in electrical wire for stripping them.
File for cleaning oxidisation from contacts/wire.

And so on...
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Padre on March 16, 2017, 11:03:45 PM
Gerber MP1 is the best I know because the great off side cutters and bit driver. Also easy to use with one hand because the pliers are spring loaded.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Poncho65 on March 17, 2017, 02:09:11 AM
This set is made for electrician's apprentices, made by Klein, which is usually the brand most American electricians swear by.

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-92914-ProPack14-Apprentice/dp/B004OHHU5I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489696167&sr=8-1&keywords=Klein+Tools+apprentice+set

Another vote for Klein but I have heard great stuff of Knipex as well :tu:
Title: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: 4everYoung on March 17, 2017, 02:59:50 AM
I'm an electrician by trade( though for the foreseeable future I've hung up my tool belt.) and I would recommend carrying a multitool as a backup, not a main tool. You are going to have you main tools in your immediate area and should reach for them and become familiar with them as much as you can. The multitool should be used as  backup for saving a trip off the ladder. Say you left your driver at the last junction box and just need to finish up before moving on. Use the multitool to save an extra trip.  But don't rely in it as your primary means.
But I'd suggest a OHO tool or one with outside accessible tools. Sometimes a free hand is hard to come by.
Just my .02 worth.
And I'll through in another vote for Klein tools.  They are great quality.
For a good multitool look into a quality multivitamin driver.  Knipex pliers are some of my favorites.  Find a good comfortable pair of strippers. (Not the two legged type). Fluke makes excellent electrical testing equipment.

When I went through my apprenticeship I was given the tools I had to use. While they worked they were not my favorites. And after I was let loose I developed my own tool bag tailored to my tastes.
Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Chako on March 17, 2017, 04:03:51 AM
The Gerber Groundbreaker is an outstanding tool for electricians. All the other suggestion are good as well.  :salute:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,43865.msg707529.html#msg707529

Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Sparky415 on March 17, 2017, 08:08:01 AM
There are some great suggestions here, love the look of those pliers T14  :tu:

Matt, I would sugest getting dedecated tools for work
Maybe carry a multitool just in case but I think you will be carrying enough stuff about with you that you won't want the multitool (depending on what work you are doing)
I also think that you should start work before you start buying any tools, (unless the boss has said different)
see what the Guys you work with use everyday, have a chat with them about the tools they use,
If you can try to talk to more than one person as we all have different ideas/favourites  :tu:

Good luck Mate  :salute:
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: kaput on March 17, 2017, 06:04:22 PM
The Gerber Groundbreaker is an outstanding tool for electricians. All the other suggestion are good as well.  :salute:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,43865.msg707529.html#msg707529
Welp. There you go OP. Looks to be a well dedicated and geared towards your specifics.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: matty78943 on March 17, 2017, 10:09:35 PM
Thanks for the suggestions from you all and im now debatong on a Leatherman Super Tool 300 or a Wave!
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: zoidberg on March 17, 2017, 10:38:34 PM
Thanks for the suggestions from you all and im now debatong on a Leatherman Super Tool 300 or a Wave!

Yeah ST300 all the way. Heavier duty and much easier to clean. Have had one with my dedicated work tools for years now.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Blackbeard on March 18, 2017, 04:48:00 AM
you definently need a set of dedicated tools that are insulated, use the MT as backup or when you are 100% sure the wires are not live, so you dont get zapped or short circuit low voltage controls with bare metal of the MT. The klein stippers and pliers are really good. would recommend a MT with scissors, crimper, strong knife.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: kaput on March 18, 2017, 05:05:05 AM
I will add that neither the SAK or Leatherman are great options for stripping wires, cutting, Leathermans are fine. In a bind it'd work, but so would any knife and your teeth..
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Alan K. on March 18, 2017, 06:10:53 AM
you definently need a set of dedicated tools that are insulated, use the MT as backup or when you are 100% sure the wires are not live, so you dont get zapped or short circuit low voltage controls with bare metal of the MT. The klein stippers and pliers are really good. would recommend a MT with scissors, crimper, strong knife.

Blackbeard has made a very good point and to meet those requirements in a multitool I would suggest the SOG Powerlock tools as they are similar to the Supertool 300 but they have compound leverage pliers with hard wire cutter, an excellent crimper, and scissors.  Here they run about $70 but I don't know what you would have to pay in England.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Mike 56 on March 18, 2017, 06:44:00 AM
 I like these Strippers. http://www.ebay.com/itm/KLEIN-K90-10-2-KLEIN-KURVE-BENT-NOSE-NM-ROMEX-STRIPPER/182062610081?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150604093004%26meid%3Dd93e93144e694682a169dadd2ce1e6e3%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D181560739406&rt=nc

Mike
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Mechanickal on March 20, 2017, 08:55:03 PM
One last add though:
I NEVER strip wires using a knife or stripping pliers...

Always use cutting pliers to cut in the cable from 4-5 sides and pull hard.
Wire: pinch down a little and pull.

Takes some practice, but haven't hit copper the last 3 years...
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Don Pablo on March 20, 2017, 10:55:43 PM
One last add though:
I NEVER strip wires using a knife or stripping pliers...

Always use cutting pliers to cut in the cable from 4-5 sides and pull hard.
Wire: pinch down a little and pull.

Takes some practice, but haven't hit copper the last 3 years...
Only works when the cutting pliers are sharp.  :P

Sounds like a good technique!
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: MusicMen on March 20, 2017, 11:02:00 PM
One last add though:
I NEVER strip wires using a knife or stripping pliers...

Always use cutting pliers to cut in the cable from 4-5 sides and pull hard.
Wire: pinch down a little and pull.

Takes some practice, but haven't hit copper the last 3 years...

Tis how I have always preped my larger wires. The smaller wires, 20 gauge & smaller, I use a wire stripper.
Title: Re: Electricians Multitool?
Post by: Pacu on March 21, 2017, 03:28:26 AM
I used a nice pair of Klein linesman pliers, knipex everything else and my wave for years as a backup as to not come down off a lift for a random number 2 screwdriver,

Multis are handy but are no substitute for a good bag of electrician tools. Try doing 30 plus quad boxes with a Leatherman. The pain!