Gift Help: Screwdrivers or Electrician's Tools

[Bull]

A friend of mine has helped me out a lot when I needed him to. House project stuff. I'd like to get him some tools as a gesture of thanks.

He does a fair amount of electrical work, so I figured I'd get him some nice electrician's tools. Insulated screwdrivers or pliers, maybe. The tools he uses currently are not insulated. His favorite screwdriver is a Kobalt rubber handled-deal, and he likes it because he can grip it easily. He was in an accident a number of years ago, so he needs a grip that is large and not slippery. Can anyone here recommend a really nice insulated screwdriver that has a comfortable, non-slip grip?

I can't break the bank on this gift, but I'd like to get an assortment of quality tools that I hope he will use. He's not a tool snob, and buys a lot of his stuff from HF and Home Depot, probably because he is not a wealthy man by any means.

Thanks for any leads.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

Bull the orange and yellow wiha screwdrivers are what your looking for buddy

 

[american lockpicker]

Try Wiha. I picked up a 4 pack of German made electricians screwdrivers for $12.50 last year. The handles vary in size but the #2 and #3 is quite big.

 

[mrholeshot]

Nice big grips, won't break the bank

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[american lockpicker]

Nice big grips, won't break the bank

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Nice price. 1 of those is like $79 at fastenal.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

I know these are not cheap... but some of the best i've ever used. I'm an electrician as well, and although insulated tools aren't used all the time, these are some of the best i've seen.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00973628000P?mv=rr

 

[Bull]

Thanks for the quick leads!

I forgot to mention: he seems to prefer a multi-bit screwdriver over separate, dedicated screwdrivers. Do they make insulated multi bit drivers?

 

[american lockpicker]

Thanks for the quick leads!

I forgot to mention: he seems to prefer a multi-bit screwdriver over separate, dedicated screwdrivers. Do they make insulated multi bit drivers?

Wiha does.

http://www.all-spec.com/products/38017.html

 

[Bull]

Wiha does.

http://www.all-spec.com/products/38017.html

Thanks for the info: I found it on Amazon and it isn't even expensive!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009S9SZ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT: I see that the one you link to and the one on Amazon are entirely different. Which one do you think is a better design?

 

[Grogan14]

You're a nice friend to have.

Other than maybe in the industrial sector, I don't often see many electricians carrying insulated screwdrivers, nor do I myself. If it were me, I'd rather receive a tool or two that I don't already have.

 

[Roots]

Thanks for the quick leads!

I forgot to mention: he seems to prefer a multi-bit screwdriver over separate, dedicated screwdrivers. Do they make insulated multi bit drivers?

Wiha does, as just mentioned above.

More importantly though, what sort of work are you two doing, that requires working on energized equipment so often?

 

[american lockpicker]

Thanks for the info: I found it on Amazon and it isn't even expensive!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009S9SZ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT: I see that the one you link to and the one on Amazon are entirely different. Which one do you think is a better design?

Its hard to say which design is better but I think the one I posted has a better grip(nonslip.)

 

[spongerich]

My best friend is an electrician.. for years he'd been using some Klein linesman pliers that he'd arc'd a big chunk out of. When he did some work for me, I got him a set of THESE Greenlee linesman pliers and he absolutely loves them.

 

[Bull]

I'm a good friend to very few people. Most times, I'd rather be by myself. There are a very few folks who I would help any day, any time, though.

It's odd that most electricians do not use insulated tools. None of the guys I saw doing wiring for my dad over the years ever used any, nor did the guys who used to work on my house for me.

I guess with the insulated multi-bit screwdriver, he could use it anytime, whether doing electrical work or regular work, right?

You're a nice friend to have.

Other than maybe in the industrial sector, I don't often see many electricians carrying insulated screwdrivers, nor do I myself. If it were me, I'd rather receive a tool or two that I don't already have.

 

[Bull]

Wiha does, as just mentioned above.

More importantly though, what sort of work are you two doing, that requires working on energized equipment so often?

He's helped me fix an old tractor, and do some wiring in my house and barn.

Its hard to say which design is better but I think the one I posted has a better grip(nonslip.)

That seals the deal. The nonslip grip is exactly what he needs, and I see Amazon carries the one you linked, too. I'm getting excited!

My best friend is an electrician.. for years he'd been using some Klein linesman pliers that he'd arc'd a big chunk out of. When he did some work for me, I got him a set of THESE Greenlee linesman pliers and he absolutely loves them.

You know, I've never seen him use linesman's pliers, oddly enough. I've seen him use needle nose, dikes, and a badass pair of old Ideal automatic wire strippers.

 

[Roots]

It's odd that most electricians do not use insulated tools. None of the guys I saw doing wiring for my dad over the years ever used any, nor did the guys who used to work on my house for me.

I guess with the insulated multi-bit screwdriver, he could use it anytime, whether doing electrical work or regular work, right?

Professionally speaking, it should be almost unheard of for an electrician to work on something that's energized or in the vicinity thereof. Legal, professional, and safe compliance becomes incredibly convoluted with NFPA 70E, Arc Flash Calculations, PPE, OSHA, etc.

No, insulated tools should only be used when they're required.

 

[Bull]

Roger that.

What is the drawback to using an insulated tool in an environment where voltage is not present?

Professionally speaking, it should be almost unheard of for an electrician to work on something that's energized or in the vicinity thereof. Legal, professional, and safe compliance becomes incredibly convoluted with NFPA 70E, Arc Flash Calculations, PPE, OSHA, etc.

No, insulated tools should only be used when they're required.

 

[mrb]

Dont waste your money on insulated tools. There are few situations where they are necessary considering you would ONLY use them when doing energized work which 99.8% of the time is unacceptable.

Get him something he doesnt have that will make it easier for him when working. A pair of plate vices, a good pair of linesmans and wire strippers if he doesnt have them, I was at the supply house yesterday and saw this nifty thing (i forget who makes it -theyre a jbox mfgr that starts with M) its a plate that will screw to any box, has a rectangular opening with a metal roller at each edge of the opening so you can pull wire without needing a second person to feed it

 

[american lockpicker]

Roger that.

What is the drawback to using an insulated tool in an environment where voltage is not present?

Well sometimes it doesn't fit like if the screw is down a hole.

 

[mrb]

Roger that.

What is the drawback to using an insulated tool in an environment where voltage is not present?

it will get damaged. insulated tools are fragile, if the outer coating gets a ding in it that exposes the color underneath you have to toss it.

 

[Bull]

it will get damaged. insulated tools are fragile, if the outer coating gets a ding in it that exposes the color underneath you have to toss it.

I see!

Well then. My question now might have to be modified to what is a good NON-insulated multi-bit comfort grip screwdriver for me to get him?

 

[american lockpicker]

I don't think its that fragile but if you want non insulated the best would probably be PB Swiss insider(which IIRC is now hard to find ) or Wera.

 

[Roots]

Roger that.

What is the drawback to using an insulated tool in an environment where voltage is not present?

It's not just that the insulated coating or material is easily damaged. If it even becomes dirty, it can be conducive to tracking. They should be kept clean, stored in a cool/dry location, separate from your other tools, and only used when needed for energized work.

Dont waste your money on insulated tools. There are few situations where they are necessary considering you would ONLY use them when doing energized work which 99.8% of the time is unacceptable.

Get him something he doesnt have that will make it easier for him when working. A pair of plate vices, a good pair of linesmans and wire strippers if he doesnt have them...

 

[4000xt]

I am with Mr Holeshot go with Klein.

 

[nevets]

im definatly for Klein when it comes to any electrical tools. If i liked the multi-bit screwdrivers i wouldnt mind this one

http://www.homedepot.com/Klein-Tool...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

also any set of klein linesman pliers are great im my opinion. I dont do very many jobs with out breaking them out.

 

[american lockpicker]

im definatly for Klein when it comes to any electrical tools. If i liked the multi-bit screwdrivers i wouldnt mind this one

http://www.homedepot.com/Klein-Tool...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

also any set of klein linesman pliers are great im my opinion. I dont do very many jobs with out breaking them out.

Had one of those the bit is really good but fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired...

 

[Bull]

What about Felo?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62P5S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MadMark]

Do insulated tools degrade with time?
Ive noticed that they are dated and I have seen some on ebay dated 2004.
are these too old to use?

 

[Monte]

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[american lockpicker]

What about Felo?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62P5S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Should be good but check out Schroder.

 

[american lockpicker]

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Was going to recommend those at first but couldn't find them online.

 

[MrMark]

There's nothing wrong with using insulated for electrical work on non-energized circuits. I try to work in a clean environment (and electrical generally allows this) and never abuse or damage tools. I prefer to use the insulated just for the extra piece of mind they provide. They will save you from a moment of carelessness. The reason electrician's don't use them is because the Klein's are expensive, for some reason. I have the Klien's linked above and they are not as good as any of the Germans. The tips are too soft and easily damaged. Klein still makes good pliers but no longer good screwdrivers.

The German insulated are cheap and any of the major brands are really good. Felo, Wera, Witte, Wiha, can't go wrong with any of them.

The one thing any electrician needs, but none have is this

http://chadstoolbox.com/wiha30701softfinishinsulatedterminalblockdriverwithcombotip.aspx

The bit is available too:

One time using that and you will never go back. The other necessity is the R2 driver. In addition to the Klein, I have a mix of the Witte (linked above as Knipex) the Wiha and the Wera. The new Wiha Monte linked would be my purchase if starting over.

That terminal block driver is basically used for every electrical screw (other than R2 and a few slotted) and it doesn't cam out, it doesn't strip screws, it doesn't stab you in the hand and it allows a high level of torque to be achieved. Plus, no one has it so it has the cool factor going for it too.

 

[MrMark]

I know these are not cheap... but some of the best i've ever used. I'm an electrician as well, and although insulated tools aren't used all the time, these are some of the best i've seen.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00973628000P?mv=rr

I have some of those. They are the Witte and they are top notch. I like the Witte MaxPro handles a little better, though.

 

[MrMark]

Professionally speaking, it should be almost unheard of for an electrician to work on something that's energized or in the vicinity thereof. Legal, professional, and safe compliance becomes incredibly convoluted with NFPA 70E, Arc Flash Calculations, PPE, OSHA, etc.

No, insulated tools should only be used when they're required.

Many of the houses in my neighborhood recently had hot switchovers as a result of an undergrounding project and concomitant new electrical panels and my understanding is that all of them were done by electricians of some form. Edison was not involved until the final cut over. I personally observed a couple near me and they took no precautions whatsoever other than cutting one line at a time (the phase wires first) and wearing some old leather gloves. Keeping one hand behind the back is alleged to help. Is it right? No. But it is done all the time.

 

[Stuey]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002INBUD8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YNQVPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Felo Ergonic!

 

[dwm]

I have to second the Wera suggestion for non-insulated. I got a 25PH/Z for Christmas and it's a great bitholding driver for carry use since the bayonet rapidaptor retracts. Small, versatile, perfect fit and finish. I've always liked the Kraftform handles.

An inexpensive option for insulated bitholding is the VIM SDE1000V since it's on sale this month for $7.79. At that price you could buy several of them. http://www.vimtools.com/store/page7.html

 

[Hlidskjalf]

I little trick most electricians know about:

Regular screwdriver + electrical tape = insulated screwdriver

 

[TN_GARAGE]

Maybe its me, but I prefer lil do-dads and gizmos. Because if I need a tool, I'll buy the tool. But some of these other lil things aren't "needed" but are pretty cool to have.

Get him one of those LED clip on cap lights. Those things are super handy.

Or perhaps the best gift I've received in recent years (heated coffee mug that plugs in to your 12v cigarette socket). Target and Dollar General had these for <$10. I use that thing every single day.

Another nice gift: styrofoam cooler with a couple steaks tucked inside

 

[Grogan14]

Most tradesmen don't collect tools, they use them. They don't clean them, polish them or display them.

Instead of spending the money on some exotic tool that only folks here really can appreciate, maybe just give him a little extra cash, and he can pay a bill, or buy himself whatever he cares to.

 

[Bull]

He came here to help me after work yesterday. Drove about twenty minutes to my house, then had a thirty-five minute drive back home. He stayed for two hours, helping me. I asked him how much he owed me, and he said "$20." I told him that wouldn't even make it worth his time to come by after work, so I handed him $40. He insisted on giving me $10 of that back. So, that's when I thought getting him a tool would be nice.

He might not collect tools, but I doubt that if I put a high quality tool in his hand, he wont use it. I mean, why wouldn't he? He mentioned that his Kobalt multi-bit driver is getting worn out.

Most tradesmen don't collect tools, they use them. They don't clean them, polish them or display them.

Instead of spending the money on some exotic tool that only folks here really can appreciate, maybe just give him a little extra cash, and he can pay a bill, or buy himself whatever he cares to.