Insulated Tool brands

[Handtools seeker]

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for some high-quality insulated hand tools to start building my collection. I’m after brands that aren’t the usual suspects like Knipex, Fluke, or Wiha – something a bit under-the-radar here in Australia but still exceptional in terms of quality and reliability.

Also, what would you consider the essential insulated tools to start with? I’d love to hear your recommendations for both brands and must-have tools to get started. Appreciate your input!

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

What is the goal you want to achieve?

I’d stick with tools from brands that are tried and true. The very moment you actually !need! that insulation to save you, you most likely won‘t get a second chance if it failed. It’s the same with testers. You need to be able to 100% rely on them & how you interpret what they show you. Work on isolated circuits only, working on/near live circuits should be the rare exception (for any DIY’er anyway).

In terms of tools, generally, I’d say a two-pole tester (and knowing how to use it) is the most important tool of all. Combination pliers and long nose pliers. Maybe combination- needle nose pliers if you want to go with only one type of pliers first. Screwdrivers with profiles corresponding to what you find on Australian electrical devices/materials. Wire striper, side cutters.

Using Knipex, Klein, Wiha, Wera, Snap-on, Orbis-Will, Wuerth, Fluke, Benning, (…) never found me longing to go on the hunt for some “underdog“ type tool manufacturer of (VDE) insulated handtools.

That said, not all brands/manufacturers actually manufacture the insulated tools themselves, so there are OEM out there that might be available locally under a local brand at a “better” price point. (If that is what this is about.)

This is especially the case with insulated screwdrivers and pliers from a European perspective. There is a big Czech screwdriver manufacturer (not Wera), who‘s name escapes me right now, that manufactures the “euro-style” VDE insulated screwdrivers for Klein Tools. And also fairly certain manufactures for Hazet and a, I think mostly UK specific, brand sold through Snap-On due to the need of a wider range of insulated tools for EVs, and others.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Steve_P]

High quality and not from a common name on insulated tools? That you want to trust your life to? Do you want cheap ****?

Other than what's listed by Olli, NWS. But none of these are going to be cheap. I'm sure Amazon has some great bargains on unknown brands though.

 

[Hakeem]

Just pick your favorite brand, high chance they sell an insulated version.

High quality and not from a common name on insulated tools? That you want to trust your life to? Do you want cheap ****?

Other than what's listed by Olli, NWS. But none of these are going to be cheap. I'm sure Amazon has some great bargains on unknown brands though.

VDE isn’t rocket science, even the cheap HF screwdrivers are certified. More money gets you better tools, not better insulation.

 

[BrandonV]

Honestly I've found that VDE tools will eventually have the insulation degrade/damage and will require replacement so I wouldn't be super worried about buying the highest quality you can find.

At least here in the United States, the point of using insulated tools is to adhere to OSHA 1910.335(a)(2)(i) in a commercial or industrial setting where you're working on a dead circuit but your tools may inadvertently come in contact with an energized circuit. In general hot work is discouraged.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Just a couple of random thoughts, not directed at anyone in particular.

There are different types of insulation, or maybe better, different methods of execution by manufacturers.

Some are thick right up to the tip (those are the ones most likely to get “chewed up”/degrade), others are in line with the tip/ as slim as the tip for a larger portion of the blade to easily access screws/bolts in deep pockets of electrical components. There is multicolored & layered insulation to make damage highly visible to the user. Klein Tools does the latter, for example. This is not so much an issue of what is a “better” type of insulation as it is of simply choosing the right tool for the task/ environment you‘re in.

Knipex, for example, goes as far as to claim that there is no substantial difference in material when it comes to VDE insulated hand tools vs. comfort grip hand tools.

The very difference is this: Every single VDE insulated hand tool has to be tested at 10.000V against spark over and disruptive discharge (through the insulation) - piece by piece.

Other requirements: https://www.wihatools.com/blogs/articles/what-are-vde-certified-tools

With quality manufacturers, if a single tool fails the whole lot is quarantined. And this is where trust comes into play - and obviously the old saying that the biggest driver behind cost is rigorous quality control/ assurance.

I know that the manufacturers I listed will do exactly that, no tool that failed - or others from that lot will ever hit the market without the cause of that failure being thoroughly investigated and rectified. Only 100% safe tools get distributed/sold.

There are most certainly more manufacturers out there that deserve being considered reliable in that regard, no questions about that.

Indeed, none of this is actual rocket science. But the fact that we are flooded with cheap tools through Amazon, Temu, eBay, (…) that may or may not be sold as insulated hand tools, or at least follow the widely adopted color scheme for (VDE) insulated hand tools, makes me want to particularly stress this at least once.

Again, I have absolutely zero interest in arguing over this on the internet. This is my personal take on this issue and will be a one time post only.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Snakevz]

This is especially the case with insulated screwdrivers and pliers from a European perspective. There is a big Czech screwdriver manufacturer (not Wera), who‘s name escapes me right now, that manufactures the “euro-style” VDE insulated screwdrivers for Klein Tools. And also fairly certain manufactures for Hazet and a, I think mostly UK specific, brand sold through Snap-On due to the need of a wider range of insulated tools for EVs, and others.

It is from Slovenia - Oplast, they also have their own brand - Kraftgrip

Oplast d.o.o. | Moulding, toolmaking, metal parts

Oplast company - moulding, toolmaking, metal parts

www.oplast.si

I also recommend sticking to known brands or OEM-s.

 

[SwissMetric]

I can only agree, sometimes I've to work on live circuits (also using special gloves), low voltage up to the medium voltage limit with high short circuit currents so you really need to trust your tools and you'll also carefully check them. I'd recommend to keep a separate set dedicated to safety-critical work. In most cases work is mostly limited to taking measurements though.
Many aren't even aware of how powerful arc flashes can be (see the famous arc flash incident in a South American refinery).

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

It is from Slovenia - Oplast, they also have their own brand - Kraftgrip

Oplast d.o.o. | Moulding, toolmaking, metal parts

Oplast company - moulding, toolmaking, metal parts

www.oplast.si

I also recommend sticking to known brands or OEM-s.

Thank you very much for correcting me! That’s why for so many years now I couldn’t remember/ find that manufacturer. Republic of Slovenia, not Czech Republic.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[ETJ]

https://galemp.de/produkte

Go check Lemp's catalog. Their website gives a pretty good idea what kind of VDE tools are available.

 

[KnurledNut]

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for some high-quality insulated hand tools to start building my collection. I’m after brands that aren’t the usual suspects like Knipex, Fluke, or Wiha – something a bit under-the-radar here in Australia but still exceptional in terms of quality and reliability.

Mektronics AU has all these options available:

Draper Expert


Channellock


NWS


Elora


Matador


UNIOR


Hazet


Vigor


Stanley France


Bernstein

 

[KnurledNut]

TOPTUL


Crescent


C.K.


BAHCO


PB Swiss


Gedore

 

[KnurledNut]

Also, what would you consider the essential insulated tools to start with? I’d love to hear your recommendations for both brands and must-have tools to get started. Appreciate your input!

This is my personal setup. I put a considerable amount of time into researching options and deciding what to include.
But everyone's needs are different depending on intended use. Feel free to ask any questions. Hope this helps:

 

[Dave455]

In the U.K. if you’re actually working “live line” rather than just using insulated tools as a precaution, then the favoured seem to be ITL. Insulated Tools Ltd.

They make a wide range, including things like big sockets and special tools for the power distribution industry.

 

[F-22]

Lesser known quality ones might be Japanese tools. Vessel and KTC make screwdrivers, and I think Tsunoda might offer some pliers.

 

[Jlanciani]

Cementex; https://www.cementexusa.com

 

[Steve_P]

Just pick your favorite brand, high chance they sell an insulated version.


VDE isn’t rocket science, even the cheap HF screwdrivers are certified. More money gets you better tools, not better insulation.

Sorry, I don't trust any off brand for something like this. But you can. Feel free to stock up on those HF automotive fuses; fuses aren't rocket science either.

I have no problem buying Tekton sockets or generic packing tape though.

I'm sure you can buy all sorts of generic branded stuff on Ebay and Amazon that are supposedly UL approved. But I don't trust the certification.

Automotive accessory belts aren't rocket science either, and the last Dayco (china) belt I installed on a friend's car lasted 50K miles, max, until it had a million cracks in it. The OE Japanese made belt that I removed looked like new after 130K miles.

 

[Hannahranga]

Phoenix Contact does rebranded wera screwdrivers but in the normal green/black not the yellow/red the normal wera insulated tools come in. Tho you're not saving any money I just hate how the insulated wera's look.

 

[Hakeem]

Sorry, I don't trust any off brand for something like this. But you can. Feel free to stock up on those HF automotive fuses; fuses aren't rocket science either.

I have no problem buying Tekton sockets or generic packing tape though.

I'm sure you can buy all sorts of generic branded stuff on Ebay and Amazon that are supposedly UL approved. But I don't trust the certification.

Automotive accessory belts aren't rocket science either, and the last Dayco (china) belt I installed on a friend's car lasted 50K miles, max, until it had a million cracks in it. The OE Japanese made belt that I removed looked like new after 130K miles.

So your position isn’t based on anything more than fear-based emotions and gut feelings? Good to know.

I trust the VDE certification process and I trust that VDE certified tools will protect the user. If you don’t, that’s your choice, but it’s hardly an evidence-based position to hold.

 

[KnurledNut]

Phoenix Contact does rebranded wera screwdrivers but in the normal green/black not the yellow/red the normal wera insulated tools come in. Tho you're not saving any money I just hate how the insulated wera's look.

They are more blue than green.

I really like the Bahco Ergo slim drivers. This particular one is a Pozi/slotted combo:

I’m not super crazy about the new Klein options, but the older stuff was superb.

Stanley makes some nice interchangeable insulated kits. This one has a standard handle and a precision style handle, with an optimal selection of blades. Great for portable grab and go use. This is made in Taiwan.

 

[AEAdam]

I think insulated tools are for pro sparkies who work on live circuits. The only time I’m ever near live electric is when I’m in a panel. For us in the US, alot of our breaker hardware is #2robertson (square). So I have one of those.

This is roughly what we worry about.

There is also a square with a slot thru it in receptacle lugs so I have one of those, tho, when you are hand.ing something like that, chances are good you are gonna get shocked if you are messing about with the lugs.

pliers etc, in my opinion, are a waste if you are just a DIYer. Instead, invest in a good ticker and a good meter and don’t trust the ticker.

I also bought this on a whim. It’s been useful, but I haven’t used it enough to recommend it.

My screwdrivers are Klein. This is an old pictur, but gives you an idea of what I think constitutes a basic set of electrical tools.

 

[Hannahranga]

They are more blue than green.

Huh, guess I'd never looked at them all that closely then. The Klein stuff does look good, nearly ended up with one of their 1/2". insulated nut drivers but with postage would have been cheaper to buy the entire wera kit. Bonus points for anyone that can figure out what I do based on these.

Re needing them or not, just seems to be the industry standard here in Australia for electricians even if you're not planning on working live

 

[dnschmidt]

If you're in Australia try TOPTUL which does have good presence Down Under. Good stuff and cheap. Their normal screwdrivers (not insulated) are some of the best I've ever used. I can't imagine their insulated stuff would be any different.

 

[SwissMetric]

Huh, guess I'd never looked at them all that closely then.

The manufacturing year is coded with two digits, looks like a 19 (2019), and 22 (2022) for the other one.

 

[KnurledNut]

I guess the O.P. was either a one hit wonder or the replies haven’t made it to Australia yet.
Even though this thread didn’t get much love I enjoy this topic.

 

[SwissMetric]

A flexible you can use for the full torque only in one direction? Just wondering, can't see the business end. Or customized?

Google only found this SSDMR4B:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[AEAdam]

I guess the O.P. was either a one hit wonder or the replies haven’t made it to Australia yet.
Even though this thread didn’t get much love I enjoy this topic.

How about something a little different:View attachment 2265892

Is that just heat shrink on there?

 

[KnurledNut]

A flexible you can use for the full torque only in one direction? Just wondering, can't see the business end. Or customized?

Google only found this SSDMR4B:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Is that just heat shrink on there?

It's a Snap-on SGDMRC4-C6 Magnetic Non-Conductive Composite Shank Bit Holder Extension in a modified SSDMR4B Ratcheting Screwdriver.
I can use this shaft in a few different Snap-on ratcheting handles.
Made in USA and individually tested to protect up to 1,000 V AC, 1,500 V DC.
This one has both magnetic and mechanical ring retention.
(Note: I would advise caution in using bits around energized components.)

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

In the spirit of the prior postings by @KnurledNut , here are some that might (or might not) be interesting to readers of this thread.



Top to bottom:

- Snap-On C59AHLP insulated Lineman’s pliers 10”
- Knipex 986202 non-conductive needle-nose pliers
- Cimco 10 0796 non-conductive flat-nose pliers



Wiha SpeedE (Gen.2) insulated electric screwdriver for the Wiha VDE SlimBit & torque adapter series.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Bubba Fett]

I guess the O.P. was either a one hit wonder or the replies haven’t made it to Australia yet.
Even though this thread didn’t get much love I enjoy this topic.

Makes me wonder if he went ahead with a non-insulated tool.

 

[SwissMetric]

It's a Snap-on SGDMRC4-C6 Magnetic Non-Conductive Composite Shank Bit Holder Extension in a modified SSDMR4B Ratcheting Screwdriver.

Thanks for the explanation.
Interesting composite as it cannot be based on carbon fiber which is conductive. Never saw such a tool.

While I'm used to work on energized circuits it's still something which requires to work very carefully and very stricly abide to some safety rules.
Though most important is to be able to assess risks for each work rather than applying blindly some rules. There are anyway too many safety rules made by some white collars without any real-life work experience.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

And here’s the Snap-On CNSGDX60 Non-Conductive Composite Slim Tip screwdriver set.



Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Snapped-off]

I built up a basic set of Wiha and Wera for working on 570V battery strings.

Insulated drivers, pliers, and a metric socket set/ratchet

 

[KnurledNut]

Nice tools! @Nobody-named-Olli

The german-made Felo bit driver is worth a mention here because of its incredible retention, better than any I’ve ever used, insulated or not. I don’t know what their secret sauce is, but its a superior hold. APEX USA used to use a large long cylindrical alnico magnet in some of theirs that was very retentive, but this Felo even tops that.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Does it by chance have a retention ring in addition to a magnet? One of the best non-locking bit-holders I use has such a ring and it’s retention is world-class for a non-locking holder.

Great bit driver!

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[KnurledNut]

Does it by chance have a retention ring in addition to a magnet? One of the best non-locking bit-holders I use has such a ring and it’s retention is world-class for a non-locking holder.

Great bit driver!

Kind regards,
Oliver

Just magnet. Super strong one.

 

[mikey03]

Here’s a spinoff question I got

which TYPES of tools should a handyman or residential electrician have in insulated?

i seen videos of electricians reviewing tools and I got the impression they don’t actually want insulation on all there tools like the knipex pliers wrench but due to regulations like OSHA and the European one is worse they have to get it on tools even when it’s stupid

so if you didn’t have any regulations and were doing 220 Volts and less around residential which types of tools would you actually want and need insulated?

and I assume it’s only in case someone accidentally turns the breaker back on since you triple checked it was off

damn maybe I need a lockout lock for when I flip off a breaker so a random neighbor doesn’t mess with it not that they would but it only takes a second and breaker boxes usually outside facing the street

 

[Dave455]

Here’s a spinoff question I got

which TYPES of tools should a handyman or residential electrician have in insulated?

i seen videos of electricians reviewing tools and I got the impression they don’t actually want insulation on all there tools like the knipex pliers wrench but due to regulations like OSHA and the European one is worse they have to get it on tools even when it’s stupid

so if you didn’t have any regulations and were doing 220 Volts and less around residential which types of tools would you actually want and need insulated?

and I assume it’s only in case someone accidentally turns the breaker back on since you triple checked it was off

damn maybe I need a lockout lock for when I flip off a breaker so a random neighbor doesn’t mess with it not that they would but it only takes a second and breaker boxes usually outside facing the street

I can’t speak for other countries, but in the U.K. working on live apparatus is pretty much out of the question for a regular electrician.

Some specialists get involved with it, and also the power distribution sector, but not regular electricians.

The reasons that insulated tools are recommended (which they are) are twofold.

Firstly, you have additional protection should a circuit you think is isolated is actually live. This is a rare occurrence, but it has happened.

The main reason is that with the U.K. being 240 volt, there is a lot more protection than in countries with lower voltages. If you were working on an incorrectly isolated circuit, and if you were say touching a neutral terminal with an uninsulated screwdriver, but brushed against an earthed component, you would trip the Earth Leakage Breaker, together with any Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

As a non pro there is no way I would even think of working on a live circuit. The main switch would be off, the breaker for that circuit would be pulled, and if there is anybody else in the building probably removed as well.

And I’ll still use a voltage detector before working on any cable or fitting. One of these should be your first purchase!


For what it’s worth, my favourite insulated screwdrivers are these Wiha. The insulation is flush with the tip, so you don’t keep catching it when working on terminals. No penalty for using these.

 

[Dave455]

Here’s a spinoff question I got

which TYPES of tools should a handyman or residential electrician have in insulated?

i seen videos of electricians reviewing tools and I got the impression they don’t actually want insulation on all there tools like the knipex pliers wrench but due to regulations like OSHA and the European one is worse they have to get it on tools even when it’s stupid

so if you didn’t have any regulations and were doing 220 Volts and less around residential which types of tools would you actually want and need insulated?

and I assume it’s only in case someone accidentally turns the breaker back on since you triple checked it was off

damn maybe I need a lockout lock for when I flip off a breaker so a random neighbor doesn’t mess with it not that they would but it only takes a second and breaker boxes usually outside facing the street

To answer the original question, you might want to consider insulated screwdrivers for terminal work, and perhaps some insulated wire cutters, just in case.

I use normal drivers far more, since I’m screwing in light fittings, junction boxes etc, and a lot of things that used to be wired with terminals are now done with lever connectors.

 

[Dave455]

I think insulated tools are for pro sparkies who work on live circuits. The only time I’m ever near live electric is when I’m in a panel. For us in the US, alot of our breaker hardware is #2robertson (square). So I have one of those.

This is roughly what we worry about.

There is also a square with a slot thru it in receptacle lugs so I have one of those, tho, when you are hand.ing something like that, chances are good you are gonna get shocked if you are messing about with the lugs.

pliers etc, in my opinion, are a waste if you are just a DIYer. Instead, invest in a good ticker and a good meter and don’t trust the ticker.

I also bought this on a whim. It’s been useful, but I haven’t used it enough to recommend it.

My screwdrivers are Klein. This is an old pictur, but gives you an idea of what I think constitutes a basic set of electrical tools.

That Fluke T5-600 is exactly the same meter I have!

Does everything I want, little that I don’t, and is a model of simplicity to use!