Install Tools

[Mike Brown]

Putting together a new Pelican 1514 install toolkit for myself.

Anyone have any preferences for quality tools that I should put in there in addition to my soldering kit?

Even as simple as quality screwdrivers that you prefer etc.

Thanks!

 

[Bennett Prescott]

Re: Install Tools

Putting together a new Pelican 1514 install toolkit for myself.

Anyone have any preferences for quality tools that I should put in there in addition to my soldering kit?

Even as simple as quality screwdrivers that you prefer etc.

Ahh, one of my favorite topics. I don't carry a lot of tools, but I have a nice little toolkit for my Pelican that contains enough to cover me in case of quad box building, pedal fixing, XLR replacement, or even generator adjustments. The torx wrenches may be overkill but I run into it often enough. All the tools are pretty good, and most importantly compact!

1. Channellock E346 Combination Pliers
2. Klein 11055 Strippers
3. Craftsman 45663 Dykes
4. Husky 628-375 Screwdriver / Nut Driver
5. Husky HD-74501 Precision Screwdriver
6. Eklind 21171 Hex Wrench Set
7. Eklind 20911 SAE Wrench Set
8. Eklind 22571 Torx Wrench Set

 

[Mike Brown]

Re: Install Tools

Ahh, one of my favorite topics. I don't carry a lot of tools, but I have a nice little toolkit for my Pelican that contains enough to cover me in case of quad box building, pedal fixing, XLR replacement, or even generator adjustments. The torx wrenches may be overkill but I run into it often enough. All the tools are pretty good, and most importantly compact!

View attachment 12933

1. Channellock E346 Combination Pliers
2. Klein 11055 Strippers
3. Craftsman 45663 Dykes
4. Husky 628-375 Screwdriver / Nut Driver
5. Husky HD-74501 Precision Screwdriver
6. Eklind 21171 Hex Wrench Set
7. Eklind 20911 SAE Wrench Set
8. Eklind 22571 Torx Wrench Set

Thank you Bennett. This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Thank you.

 

[Ivan Beaver]

Re: Install Tools

When you say "install" what does that mean?

Are you hanging loudspeakers? or wiring inside racks?

The tool set is very different for those.

Are you looking for just "install" or also troubleshooting when something doesn't work? Or post install troubleshooting?

Does your "install" involve system alignment or testing?

Do you need "tools" to help trace/track down existing systems that you are adding to?

Just a few things to think about.

 

[Ivan Beaver]

Re: Install Tools

Ahh, one of my favorite topics. I don't carry a lot of tools, but I have a nice little toolkit for my Pelican that contains enough to cover me in case of quad box building, pedal fixing, XLR replacement, or even generator adjustments. The torx wrenches may be overkill but I run into it often enough. All the tools are pretty good, and most importantly compact!

View attachment 12933

1. Channellock E346 Combination Pliers
2. Klein 11055 Strippers
3. Craftsman 45663 Dykes
4. Husky 628-375 Screwdriver / Nut Driver
5. Husky HD-74501 Precision Screwdriver
6. Eklind 21171 Hex Wrench Set
7. Eklind 20911 SAE Wrench Set
8. Eklind 22571 Torx Wrench Set

I have never used the first two items on your list (when I was in the install business)-and the third only to cut large cable.

I prefer much smaller dykes (like used to trim leads off of components on a circuit board-they cut tyraps much closer than large dykes) and the simple wire strippers that are two pieces that close. They have size "stops" but I never use them. It is all about "feel" to me. OF course I have done it probably hundreds of thousands of times.

I would add a custom box or block of wood with connectors mounted on it to act as a holder when soldering.

 

[Mike Brown]

Re: Install Tools

I mean wiring racks, soldering, etc.... and mainly I'm looking for smaller hand tools that are the quality but replaceable type.

I have my gig bag with adaptors, barrels, system alignment, RF analysis etc. This pelican is more for wiring/hand tools/soldering.

 

[Ivan Beaver]

Re: Install Tools

I mean wiring racks, soldering, etc.... and mainly I'm looking for smaller hand tools that are the quality but replaceable type.

I have my gig bag with adaptors, barrels, system alignment, RF analysis etc. This pelican is more for wiring/hand tools/soldering.

Back when I was doing installs, I broke down and bought something I had wondered about for many years.

I bought a pair of small $80 dykes. Yes it was a lot (especially 15 yrs ago)

All I can say is that they were well worth it. Not only did they last much longer-but they were much easier on the hands and more of a joy to use than the cheap types.

I have never been sorry for buying a quality tool.

Does it make sense for everybody? no.

It is like good tires for your car. You spend a little bit more up front, but they last longer and you get a better ride the whole time you have them.

I have been sorry the couple of times I bought cheap tires for my or my wifes car.

 

[Mark DeArman]

Re: Install Tools

Totally agree, there is nothing better than a real quality pair of flush cutters. Don't go for the home depot 12$ special. I too much prefer the small sized ones for most things, and the large cable cutters for large jobs. Again, man, those 20$ cable cutters home depot sells are such a joke compared to the 40$+ versions.

I really like the older Xcelite screw drivers compared to the new Wiha style copies. They can be had for cheap on eBay.

edit: added images of some of our production tools I really like (exact model shown)

 

[Rob Timmerman]

Re: Install Tools

If you find yourself doing any power wiring, there's a reason that the 8" long-nose pliers are a standard with the electricians. I like the ones with the stripping notch, myself.

A big +1 on the small flush-cutters, and I've found that the mid-priced ones with the long pointy nose work better for rack building than the ones with the wider body. The long nose makes it easier to remove zip-ties from a bundle if needed.

You *really* want a small electric screwdriver in that kit. The 12V lithium ones are probably your best bet, and make sure you have an adjustable clutch on it.

If you've got a soldering kit, you want a vise as well. That might be a tougher item to fit into the case, though.

Don't forget a good punchdown tool with a sharp blade, and a proper modular crimper won't be out of place as well.

In addition to the small screwdrivers you'll need, I've found a pair of small (4") longnose pliers to be very useful; other useful but easily forgotten tools include a worklight, good label maker, and tape measure.

 

[Ben Lawrence]

Re: Install Tools

The 12v lithium drills are great. Super compact and good enough for almost everything you need it for aside from using hole saw bits.