Do wire twisting tools work??

[John in OH]

Does anyone have experience using wire twisting tools for electrical connections such as the ones shown here?





There appear to be several types available ... a "one piece" tool or a "multiple piece" tool, but I don't understand the difference. I've tried to understand how they differ, but the ads provide little clarity.

Are different tools required for different size wires? Is one better than the other?? Any recommendations??

 

[kd3pc]

not sure what the tool is designed to do..mil spec, air frame?

For decades, klein sidecutter would twist as many wires as you have fingers to sort and separate them. Or you could twist two to get things started and then add wires to that twist and so on.

I do see the drill, but unless it is throttled to a set point, it may over tighten and break the wires. Still need a wire nut and a hand to install it?

 

[John in OH]

not sure what the tool is designed to do..mil spec, air frame?

For decades, klein sidecutter would twist as many wires as you have fingers to sort and separate them. Or you could twist two to get things started and then add wires to that twist and so on.

I do see the drill, but unless it is throttled to a set point, it may over tighten and break the wires. Still need a wire nut and a hand to install it?

It appears the tool is typically applied to general residential/commercial work. The ads "claim" the tool strips the wires and simultaneously produces a consistent twist. Use of the tool is "supposed" to be faster, simple, and relieve hand strain when doing multiple twists.

That's what the ads claim!!

 

[nadogail]

Will you be Soldering the connections after you have twisted the wires?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Strip, linesman pliers. Good electricians can strip with their pliers so they don't even switch tools.

 

[unslow1]

Strip, linesman pliers. Good electricians can strip with their pliers so they don't even switch tools.

That's the way every electrician I ever worked with did it.

 

[grounded-b]

The "tool" twists 2, 3 or 4 "solid" wires, around a central "core" wire. The central wire doesn't get twisted at all. Could just pull straight out

Steve

 

[Kaizen]

It appears the tool is typically applied to general residential/commercial work. The ads "claim" the tool strips the wires and simultaneously produces a consistent twist. Use of the tool is "supposed" to be faster, simple, and relieve hand strain when doing multiple twists.

That's what the ads claim!!

A thousand tools out there. Not needed. They have “kickers” that bend conduit with a foot stomp instead of learning and practice. Just solutions looking for problems. You can wire a whole house with two screwdrivers, wire stripper, lineman plier,and a hammer.

Now if you are looking to make a rope to escape prison this might be good


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[Bert_]

Surprising responses for this forum. I've never seen one before but if it works good and saves time why not? If it does what they claim it would pay for itself right away. Only thing I don't like is the center wire doesn't get twisted.

 

[Bert_]

A thousand tools out there. Not needed. They have “kickers” that bend conduit with a foot stomp instead of learning and practice. Just solutions looking for problems.

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I've got a scissor lift and scaffolding. If I have the option guess what I'm using? Or maybe I should do it all off a ladder.

I've got a couple offset benders. Not going to take it to every job but it has a place. I'll give it to a guy and have him do all the straight runs of conduit. A guy with no experience can use it and it looks good.

 

[Kaizen]

I've got a scissor lift and scaffolding. If I have the option guess what I'm using? Or maybe I should do it all off a ladder.

I've got a couple offset benders. Not going to take it to every job but it has a place. I'll give it to a guy and have him do all the straight runs of conduit. A guy with no experience can use it and it looks good.

Every tool has its place. You gonna set up scaffolding or truck a lift in to change a few lights? Course not.
If I’ve used the right tools and it works there is no reason any two handed person can’t. So I advise op what to get instead of spending money on unneeded tools. I’d rather him get quality Kline tools then this thing and cheap tools.
You run your business as you see fit. Nothing to do with this tool. It does not list any gauge wires so how do you think it cuts insulation on all sizes without nicking wires? Funny how Amazon lists correct tools under them as other items to buy


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[Bert_]

Every tool has its place. You gonna set up scaffolding or truck a lift in to change a few lights? Course not.
If I’ve used the right tools and it works there is no reason any two handed person can’t. So I advise op what to get instead of spending money on unneeded tools. I’d rather him get quality Kline tools then this thing and cheap tools.
You run your business as you see fit. Nothing to do with this tool. It does not list any gauge wires so how do you think it cuts insulation on all sizes without nicking wires? Funny how Amazon lists correct tools under them as other items to buy


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You using them gimmicky wire nuts? I mean a real electrician would get out his solder pot. Solder and tape all your connections.

If it saves labor why wouldn't you try it? Some stuff works some doesn't.

 

[John in OH]

You using them gimmicky wire nuts? I mean a real electrician would get out his solder pot. Solder and tape all your connections.

If it saves labor why wouldn't you try it? Some stuff works some doesn't.

Yeah, there are sure a lot of Downer Debbies out there posting on this simple subject!!

I know perfectly well how to use linesman pliers to make an electrical connection as I've been doing so for decades. That's not my question. The wire stripping/twisting tool I asked about is fairly inexpensive. And, as I've gotten older, it gets more difficult to make repetitive connections without getting hand cramps.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience ... not to mention I love tools and always look forward to the opportunity to make up an excuse to buy something!!

Some comments here remind me of the old cartoon about General Custer. As the story goes, Custer thought he was too busy fighting Indians to talk to the Gatling gun salesman!!

 

[Bert_]

Lots of old electricians with arthritis. Too much twisting screwdrivers and wire nuts. I do want I can to lessen the risk.

 

[Paulski]

if your using wire nuts, I like this tool, it twists all the wire together instead of twisting around a single wire like the one OP linked too. its gentler on ye ol' wrists than using lineman pliers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091D6XM4Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr_fixit]

if your using wire nuts, I like this tool, it twists all the wire together instead of twisting around a single wire like the one OP linked too. its gentler on ye ol' wrists than using lineman pliers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091D6XM4Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The above tool or similar is a good tool to use if you're doing house wiring using wire nuts. Put the wires together,at the same length, use the tool in small drill or drill driver and let the tool do the work.

 

[oldpliers1]

Hi interesting comments ,
we only have 1 size of solid core cable here in Aus 1 mm ( 10 amp on 240 volts single phase )square. USA #16 we used to have larger sizes but outlawed 30 years ago .
I regard twisting you cross and twist so all twist this removes hot joints . I use my linesman pliers to strip and twist .
I have been doing it since the 70s and a master of the trade .

 

[alfredeneuman]

I started the trade in 1970. I don't pretwist and never did.
I can count my reported/known failures on one hand.

 

[oldpliers1]

Hi Alfred ,different countries different codes , it is considered a defect not to twist here , our electrical industry is heavily regulated ,and subject to inspection on every new installation. Each defect comes with a fine . Single cable has basically been phased out as we use 7 strand multi core ,as standard . One of our strange rules is no more than 4 wires at any connection. Our standards and practices are very high and progressive, very much aligned with Germany with products and switchgear . I Understand USA never went metric due to Cost of conversion which makes sense . And the consumer laws ,keep older products in use and very standard.
I can see the logic not to change in such a highly populated nation . A good friend of mine runs a electrical company in NJ , he found hard changing codes , I have 3 USA electricians working for me at the moment and we are converting them and getting them ready for Australian licensing examinations . regards

 

[alfredeneuman]

Oldpliers> I wasn't responding to you.....just to the practice of twisting wires prior to installing wire nuts

 

[oldpliers1]

I liked your thoughts from another tradesmen’s perspective ,
Lost in translation, we don’t use wire nuts , never have , we use Single and double screw wire connectors, you twist your wires then slide connector over the top and tighten the screw then tape . A lot bigger and and cumbersome than your wire nuts . Best wishes

 

[oldpliers1]

Hi this is what we use they are rated to 40 amps

 

[eejack]

I have actually used some of these style wire twisting tools. While they appear quicker and I suspect with practice they might be quicker, I have not found them to be so. Additionally, they are 'one shot' tools. You still need linesman pliers if you add a wire or if you need to take the splice apart.

...and all you all talking about stripping with your 9s - buy a pair of proper strippers and save all of that extra effort. Faster, cleaner and easier overcomes carrying one extra tool in the pouch.

 

[oldpliers1]

I see if your using single strand cable ,why the American style cable stripper works with your cables , I have found a better product for cutting and stripping cable , recently we did some Motor control centres with 10000 connections in some of the control centres serious cabling termination, and every wire had to be numbered and bootlace terminal fitted .
they are German Weidmullller brand cable tool I have attached a photo , Greenlee does a copy in USA ,
first class tool in the way it performs single action stripping perfect clean cuts a must for any professional electrician.
cost $ 60 Australian around $45 USA .

 

[oldpliers1]

Perfect in this type of work Industrial installation

 

[fireguy976]

Lots of old electricians with arthritis. Too much twisting screwdrivers and wire nuts. I do want I can to lessen the risk.

This is Exactly right.

What amazes me on so many forums, someone asks a simple question, “Does this tool work?”

And then you get the “you don’t need those” or Why are you using that, and I do it different”
Answer the Dam question the OP posted, if they want additional advise they can ask.

More people need to understand this.

I always have to put some sort of qualifier in my questions like…. “Please limit your response to the question asked”

Ive seen these and also wanted to know if they produce a safe and secure twisted connection.
I have some arthritis and nerve issues leaving my hands “asleep” after 4 hours of hard twisting.

I have All the professional tools from my Dad who was a lineman, plus all the others I have bought, but if a new tool can produce a quality result with less pain and strain, I’m ALL in.

Thank you to the OP for question.
Regards.
KJ