UncleJoe
Well-known member
Since my entire workshop (Hobby) consists of ideas I stole form here I thought I would seek some ideas regard the work I do for a living.
I am a Network Engineer. For the past 15 years 95 % of what I did was at a keyboard or in meetings designing networks and security. Prior to that I was split between that type of work and cabling and hardware work. Most of my work tools consist of software and a few hand tools. Most of my clients have IT staff that can handle most tasks and I end up doing the design or configuring complicated servers, routers, switches and firewalls.
A while ago I picked up a very good client that is very dependent on IT but has zero staff. I now have days where I might run cable or mount a monitor to a wall or do any number of things that require the used of hand tools. I am really enjoying getting back to some of that work. I know I would not like a steady diet of 40 hours a week of doing this but it is a nice break in routine.
My issue is carrying tools. What to take and how to take it. I am now using hand tools maybe only 3-5 days a month but when I need to have them no other tool will do. You simply can't do a very good job crimping cat 6 without the right tool and if you need to mount a server rack to the floor or drill through a concrete wall to run a cable you better have a hammer drill in your tool box.
I currently classify the tools needed for jobs in 3 categories; (the list is not complete but just enough to get the idea of the scope of work for each category.
Category 1 jobs. This can involve software configuration, checking cables are plugged into the proper ports, opening devices to examine inside, Installing and configuring routers, firewalls and switches. Tools required for this; Laptop, Small tool pouch, Penlight, Gerber utility knife, USb Key loaded with software tools. This covers 90% of where I make my money.
For Cat 1 jobs I grab this and I can do everything I need.
Cat 2 jobs: This can involve testing cable runs, making new cables. installing new hardware. Tools required for this are all the tools from Category 1 and Cabling tools. Tester, Crimper and assorted hand tools. All fit in a laptop bag with tool pouches. This configuration allows me to fix most cable problems mount new equipment etc.
For this level I use a laptop /tool bag found here http://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Featherweight-Series-Pro2Go-Tool-Case-P5989C540.aspx and it holds both categories of tools. I removed one panel as it was not needed.
and yes that is a USB powered fan. I have found that some wiring closets need better ventilation and get very hot.
Cat 3 Jobs Infrastructure: This involves complicated cable runs, installing racks of hardware, mounting satellite receiver’s, mounting large cellular and wireless antennas. Tools required include those from category 1 and 2 plus Fish tape, Sawsall, hammer drill, cordless drill, cordless impact driver, extension cords, Hammers etc.
I also carry in the back of my Trailblazer, a converted tackle box, the type that holds the plano type containers. This holds parts, screws, wire ties, a few nic cards, and a spare video card and some test equipment.
I have Categoy 1 and 2 covered but I need a better way to handle Category 3. These tools do not get used much, but when they are needed it is a big job. I need a good way to store and transport these so I am looking for ideas. Right now I am looking at a large plastic bin and a hand truck.
I need good ideas and you guys usually have more than anywhere else so let me hear what you got.
Sorry for the long post.
I am a Network Engineer. For the past 15 years 95 % of what I did was at a keyboard or in meetings designing networks and security. Prior to that I was split between that type of work and cabling and hardware work. Most of my work tools consist of software and a few hand tools. Most of my clients have IT staff that can handle most tasks and I end up doing the design or configuring complicated servers, routers, switches and firewalls.
A while ago I picked up a very good client that is very dependent on IT but has zero staff. I now have days where I might run cable or mount a monitor to a wall or do any number of things that require the used of hand tools. I am really enjoying getting back to some of that work. I know I would not like a steady diet of 40 hours a week of doing this but it is a nice break in routine.
My issue is carrying tools. What to take and how to take it. I am now using hand tools maybe only 3-5 days a month but when I need to have them no other tool will do. You simply can't do a very good job crimping cat 6 without the right tool and if you need to mount a server rack to the floor or drill through a concrete wall to run a cable you better have a hammer drill in your tool box.
I currently classify the tools needed for jobs in 3 categories; (the list is not complete but just enough to get the idea of the scope of work for each category.
Category 1 jobs. This can involve software configuration, checking cables are plugged into the proper ports, opening devices to examine inside, Installing and configuring routers, firewalls and switches. Tools required for this; Laptop, Small tool pouch, Penlight, Gerber utility knife, USb Key loaded with software tools. This covers 90% of where I make my money.
For Cat 1 jobs I grab this and I can do everything I need.
Cat 2 jobs: This can involve testing cable runs, making new cables. installing new hardware. Tools required for this are all the tools from Category 1 and Cabling tools. Tester, Crimper and assorted hand tools. All fit in a laptop bag with tool pouches. This configuration allows me to fix most cable problems mount new equipment etc.
For this level I use a laptop /tool bag found here http://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Featherweight-Series-Pro2Go-Tool-Case-P5989C540.aspx and it holds both categories of tools. I removed one panel as it was not needed.
and yes that is a USB powered fan. I have found that some wiring closets need better ventilation and get very hot.
Cat 3 Jobs Infrastructure: This involves complicated cable runs, installing racks of hardware, mounting satellite receiver’s, mounting large cellular and wireless antennas. Tools required include those from category 1 and 2 plus Fish tape, Sawsall, hammer drill, cordless drill, cordless impact driver, extension cords, Hammers etc.
I also carry in the back of my Trailblazer, a converted tackle box, the type that holds the plano type containers. This holds parts, screws, wire ties, a few nic cards, and a spare video card and some test equipment.
I have Categoy 1 and 2 covered but I need a better way to handle Category 3. These tools do not get used much, but when they are needed it is a big job. I need a good way to store and transport these so I am looking for ideas. Right now I am looking at a large plastic bin and a hand truck.
I need good ideas and you guys usually have more than anywhere else so let me hear what you got.
Sorry for the long post.
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