Electrician insulated tools needed

[Elvenhome21]

I'm looking for some inexpensive insulated tools. Mainly just screwdrivers. The company doesn't have a tool replacement policy and its very common to lose tools in sand and grit piles, plus lately we've had a problem with someone stealing tools. We dont do live work other than manually jogging a contactor. 460v is the most I deal with. Can't justify spending $500 on a set of kleins that will disappear in a couple months.

I'm not looking for harbor freight cheap. Just something that isn't going to make you cry when you lose one

 

[kctyphoon]

** - repost in case you want to delete the other

3 piece milwaukee - $25 - insulated to 1000v.
http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee_48-2...FSgQ7Aod100AnQ

10 piece milwaukee - $88 on sale - http://www.tylertool.com/milwaukee-...ln48-22-2210&gclid=CKX4uJuik8MCFeLm7Aodp3cAuw

13 piece wiha - $85
http://www.all-spec.com/products/W32...FbBm7Aodz2YAGw

wera , cementrex - really just google insulated tools and there are pages..

and if you want really cheap Harbor Freight 7 piece insulated screwdriver set (1000v) for $9..

not sure how comfortable i would feel with them, lol.. but here they are probobay $7.50 with 20% off. 2 reviews are from professional electricians giving them good scores.

http://t.harborfreight.com/7-piece-e...ww.google.com/

 

[Moose364]

Yep just what I was going to say Milwaukee and most Home Depots have them in store. well the 3 piece set anyway.
I have a couple of the HF one's also they were not bad. they had good fit and I never broke one but I only work 230v at most

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[jim1987]

Seen a set of wiha or however its spelled either at sears or rural king for $35. The yellow and red handled ones.

 

[Cope]

Klein aren't cheap, but they're well made.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MKIRBC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Another vote for Wiha. Been using mine for the last couple of years. Great fit, and they'll keep you alive! Picked mine up from Sears.
Wiha 32092
http://www.zoro.com/i/G1780161/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CLL_rYfrk8MCFZSEfgod5o0AbQ

I also got a set of insulated nut drivers by Gearwrench, and they're well made (I can't recall by who, but the name is on the handle), although not hollow shaft.
http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-82901-8-pc-sae-insulated-nut-driver-set.html

I'd expect the screwdrivers would be just as nice, and currently on the "Hot Deals" page for $16
http://www.gearwrench.com/hot-deals/gearwrench-80063-7-pc-insulated-screwdriver-set.html

 

[cheechi]

I also got my Wiha from Sears. I love them. I have wanted to get more Wihas since using them. Never used them in a pro setting but they have seen 'heavy' use for a homeowner; I have set up several light fixtures, fans, appliances, etc since moving several months ago. I am really **** about using insulated tools when there's even a chance of a zap.

 

[hand]

Gearwrench currently has a 7pc insulated screwdriver set as a hot deal - $16 plus minor shipping

http://store.apextoolgroup.com/hot-deals/gearwrench-80063-7-pc-insulated-screwdriver-set.html

 

[Rock knocker]

Whatever you get, true insulated safety tools which meet ASTM are going to be expensive. I would question whether the HF tools actually meet ASTM

 

[Rock knocker]

Gearwrench currently has a 7pc insulated screwdriver set as a hot deal - $16 plus minor shipping

http://store.apextoolgroup.com/hot-deals/gearwrench-80063-7-pc-insulated-screwdriver-set.html

The ad claims that those meet the correct EU live tool standard, but I think it would be prudent to question that. I find it hard to believe that safety tools could me marketed for 10% of the cost of their competitors

 

[ecotec]

i have the Wiha set from sears that ihateminimum wage mentioned. I did not like them. The coating on the shafts is too thick. Sometimes I could not get the screwdrivers where they needed to go because of it.

If I buy another set of insulated screwdrivers, it will probably be the thinline version of the Wiha.

 

[Kfulton77]

Wera. And nothing else. Not to expensive for a 6 or 7p set.

 

[cheechi]

i have the Wiha set from sears that ihateminimum wage mentioned. I did not like them. The coating on the shafts is too thick. Sometimes I could not get the screwdrivers where they needed to go because of it.

If I buy another set of insulated screwdrivers, it will probably be the thinline version of the Wiha.

It's funny you mention this. Knipex sells a 5 pc insulated kit, I got one as Lowe's was getting rid of them. The included screwdrivers were Witte. I chose to keep the Wiha and although they were both very good, I noticed the shaft insulation looked less likely to break or spin off of the Wihas.

I haven't had any issues with access yet but I guess I could see how there would be some. Anything in particular?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

The ad claims that those meet the correct EU live tool standard, but I think it would be prudent to question that. I find it hard to believe that safety tools could me marketed for 10% of the cost of their competitors

They're made by Lancer in Taiwan, and wouldn't be putting the rating on the tools if they weren't.

 

[Doms]

I am an industrial electrician by trade and I have been looking for a set myself recently.

I really like the feel of the Wera screwdrivers. A co-worker has a set that I use from time to time, and they are really comfortable in hand. I also like the laser tips and the improved grip that they offer.

I myself use Klien, however they are non insulated. I have no complaints with them, but I personally like the Wera's better after using them.

Another good option to look into is the Wiha Slimline. They look really nice and the insulation is integrated into the shaft making them much slimmer than any comparable screwdrivers.

I believe Greenlee has a set too which I think would be pretty comparable to the Kliens.

Personally I am stuck between the Wiha and the Wera, but it is just between these two at this point.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Vim tools has an insulated 1/4 bit driver for $3.** that works fine. Not sure about ASTM but their site is a fun review anyway.

 

[southalabama]

I pick up insulated tools when I find a deal. The great Knipex closeout I got a few. Already had a few kliens.

You've been given good suggestions. Just pull the trigger on what u feel comfortable with and your budget.

When I was 16 working with dad holding tools I saw him blow the end off a craftsman screwdriver in the back of a radio station transmitter. It made an impression on me.
I try not to work anything live but occasionally need to make an adjustment to something and I use insulated tools if I might accidentally get into something hot.

 

[heytrid]

Wera. And nothing else. Not to expensive for a 6 or 7p set.

Another vote for Wera here as well

 

[sgs236]

Until you get the theft problem solved, I would go with the Harbor Freight 7 Piece Electrician's Screwdriver Set. I expected them to be cheap pieces of junk, but they have actually been a pretty decent set. Once the thief has been caught, you can always upgrade to nicer set.

 

[frankush]

I'm looking for some inexpensive insulated tools. Mainly just screwdrivers. The company doesn't have a tool replacement policy and its very common to lose tools in sand and grit piles, plus lately we've had a problem with someone stealing tools. We dont do live work other than manually jogging a contactor. 460v is the most I deal with. Can't justify spending $500 on a set of kleins that will disappear in a couple months.

I'm not looking for harbor freight cheap. Just something that isn't going to make you cry when you lose one

Any good contractor should be providing any and all tooling and protective gear when you have to work something hot. The arc flash standards are in place for a reason and the cost of meeting those standards should not fall on you. If you provide the tooling you are ACCEPTING liability. I would not work for any contractor that won't provide needed safety gear. An insulated screwdriver is a safety item!

 

[TejDarkmoon]

I personally use wiha insulated screwdrivers and knipex insulated pliers. Mostly used on electric fences around the farm.

 

[Elvenhome21]

Its not a contractor. I'm a foundry electromechanic. Its a Union shop but the head of skilled trades (administrative) decided they were spending to much money on replacig tools that they went to a no tool replacement policy. Which in a way i understand. Some bad apples were abusing the system and saying they lost a tool and just stocked their tool box at home. The theft problem is a tough one to fix. Production workers walk thru the shop all the time and there are so many people that walk past our tool boxes it would be impossible to figure out who even with cameras

 

[Elvenhome21]

The company does provide any and all safety equipment as far as arc flash and meters. But hand tools are on us

 

[Monte]

Wiha "Slim"

or Wera "slim"

 

[ecotec]

Thank you, Monte. I have actually been in the situation shown in your diagram.

If I ever decide to have a second go at insulated screwdrivers, it will be Wera or Wiha.