Wow!! I've been DIY'ing electrical work for about 40 years and this is a GREAT guide! The only "flab" I see are the Knipex automated strippers for 120/240v electrical wire. As much as I LOVE Knipex hand tools (the BEST adjustable/slip-joint pliers made, PERIOD!) , the uses you show are easily accomplished with the "linesman" pliers, aka "Kleins". Just place the wire in the "cutter" jaws, squeeze lightly-firm and rotate around the wire once, then grab the insulation with the serrated jaws near the end and pull the insulation off. After 4-5 reps, you'll be stripping wire, either solid or stranded, cleanly and easily. If the wire is solid, you can then bend it for termination on devices with a simple twist of the wrist. That said, I LOVE tools, so go right ahead anyway hahaha I think it's worth the toolbag space to have a dedicated #2 Roberston and #2 Phillips screwdriver, too. Make them both insulated so you aren't tempted to use them on your car where they WILL get screwed up or lost :-) Conduit reamer ++++!!!!!! For EVERYTHING else in this vid, I am 100% thumbs up, ESPECIALLY the dedicated tool belt! Even though I have renovated several living spaces and auto shops, I have subscribed to your channel for the renovation videos and they are fantastic.
The two tools I've absolutely fallen in love with for home electrical: -- quality NCV tester. As you noted, cheap ones are questionable, but I absolutely adore my Kline unit, which appears to be the same one in your video. -Kline ET310 circuit tracer/ outlet tester. This has been worth every penny spent, as it's kept me from a mental breakdown while tracing circuits in our haphazardly-arranged circuit panel. (Deck outlets wired to the GFCI outlet in the third-floor bathroom? Why not!) Your Fluke outlet tester's noisemaker is one way to do it, I suppose, but not necessarily if you're trying to trace outdoor outlets or something three floors up at a panel buried deep indoors. The add-on adapter kit with the alligator leads is also a must-have.
I always thought I had too many tools, at least that's what my wife told me. Watching your videos, I realize my shop is just too small. Thanks for the inspiration!
That tool belt is great because it distributes the weight across your body as opposed to just the hips. Makes wearing it for longer shifts much more manageable
As someone from Europe (Irish) , its cool to see the American side of electrical work, you should check out someone tool bag tours of some the British electricians as the tools vary ( Nick bundy, residual current, Bristol sparky, RDavis electrical) are some of the guys I follow on the socials
When you're working with a "pretty full" conduit (more for Ethernet cable pulling) is a lube meant for cable pulling. Safe to use, it won't eat your cable sheathing and makes it SO much easier to pull that last CAT5/6 cable.
Thanks for all the info ! I've been a handy-women for decades , yet always steered away from electrical . You're detailed description of tools helped tremendously!
My best advice as a licensed Master Electrician for the last 15 years is throw the non contact testers in the trash. I have personally seen quite a few coworkers over the years trust that it says something is off and then get the crap knocked out of them. They are ok for general purpose testing but not ok if you plan to put your hands on the wires after the fact. Always check with an actual meter.
Moving on from strippers.What a great line! Love the video! I'm doing lots of electrical work on my home and I am doing heating floors from Shlutter so I will be picking up a multi meter for sure!
The Milwaukee 6-in-1 wire strippers have served me well over the past decade, they're fantastic. But if you get the opportunity, try out the Knipex 8" (Model 13 72 8) forged wire strippers. It's a bit pricey, but it's well worth it in both utility and quality.
You forgot to mention a magnetic torpedo level which I saw you using. Great set of tools. I agree I would not trust those non-contact testers. Only trust them to prove power is ON not OFF! Use your multi-meter.🇨🇦
As an electrician this video was pretty good for somebody who isn’t an expert. One thing i would strongly disagree with is having all the pliers be spring loaded, it would be a nightmare trying to stick those tools into your pockets or a tool bag. My flush cuts are spring loaded and its always a hassle finding a place for them.
I'm in the trades myself,granted I'm still new, but have you checked out the LTT screwdriver? I bought a couple and they are amazing ratcheting multibit screwdrivers! Really strong magnet and the ratcheting has a super light engagement and they have internal bit storage. A couple downsides are the smooth handles,I haven't had any issues myself but I can see how it could be a problem. And also the price. $70 But I haven't regretted my purchase at all! Bonus: it's a great fidget toy Bonus bonus: they're working on a stubby version.
Looking good Johnny! Definitely enjoying every video.👍👍 Don’t forget to add the torpedo level as a must have in the electric bag. Otherwise solid recommendations Also I love those Rack-a-tier strippers. Great for the work I do with Fire Alarms. 👌😎✌️
Great video! Been watching your channel for quite some time. Lots of awesomenes info. In my humble opinion as a Master Electrician, I would suggest never using wagos for anything except low wattage fixtures (lights). If they get hot, in time, it causes pitting and heat to build up inside the connector. The extra 5 seconds it takes to twist the wires together and put a marrett on it is well worth the time. Nothing is worse than having to troubleshoot a circuit that had failed due to a loosened wago connection. Thanks again for all your videos!
It's very interesting how divided the internet seems to be on Wago connectors. Anytime I see people using them, someone always says they don't trust them and you should use wire nuts instead, but anytime I see someone use wire nuts I work see people say that they don't trust them and you should use Wago connectors instead. I wonder how much of that is regional, since wire nuts seem to be way more common in the US, and Wago more common in Europe.
Interesting to hear this opinion. There is so much debate on Wagos but, from what I've found, as long as they're genuine and not counterfeit (which seems to be a problem with buying them online), they seem to perform identically to wire nuts. We'll see!
Actually you low-voltage contact meter for Klein tools is also broken because I heard it beep when you tapped it on the wood surface on the very last tap when demonstrating it. 2:39
I have a lot of wires in my crawlspace that I don't know where they go or what breaker they come from. Can not use a circuit breaker finder because there is no receptacle or light. For example I have 3 cables in the crawlspace going up into the kitchen wall, one goes to a receptacle the other two go to a light switch and on to the light in the dinning room. Is there a tool that I can use to find what breaker a cable goes to without breaking the insulation of the cable?
Hmm, not that I know of. Best bet would be a non-contact voltage tester and flip breakers on and off, that way you can tell when power is cut to the lines.
I wish I had little alligator tails on my circuit breaker checker :( I am about to install a ring doorbell for a client and I have no way to check for the doorbell circuit other than flipping all the breakers until I hit the right one... lol
Just because the non contact tester blinks doesn't mean anything your fluke did it too. It need to stay on while near the wire for it to be indicating hot.
Yes but when it blinks every time you tap it to a wire, it makes you start to second guess everything. Moral of the story is not buy crappy electrical tools!
Wait, why were you using that conduit bender upside down? You're supposed to put the head on the ground and use your foot on the flat pedal to help with leverage. Also, when you bend it to the point the markings on the side are perpendicular to the ground, you've got the right amount of bend, although sometimes you have to go a touch further because the metal will try to bend back to straight a little bit.
I swear no one can remember how to pronounce Knipex. Even after looking it up you got it wrong! Ryboi is probably the only one worse. LOL. There is a Fastback Utility that includes a driver with a flip ph2/flat bit and room to store 1 more blade.
Hearing a non electrician talk about doing electrical work is painful. You should probably not ever suggest someone do work with live circuits around them as well.
And to prove a circuit dead you need to know the unit is functioning correctly. I of course use a multimeter too but for testing...a proving unit should be a must especially if they're not an electrician.
👕 Get your Crafted Workshop merch and plans! craftedworkshop.com/store
Wow!! I've been DIY'ing electrical work for about 40 years and this is a GREAT guide!
The only "flab" I see are the Knipex automated strippers for 120/240v electrical wire. As much as I LOVE Knipex hand tools (the BEST adjustable/slip-joint pliers made, PERIOD!) , the uses you show are easily accomplished with the "linesman" pliers, aka "Kleins". Just place the wire in the "cutter" jaws, squeeze lightly-firm and rotate around the wire once, then grab the insulation with the serrated jaws near the end and pull the insulation off. After 4-5 reps, you'll be stripping wire, either solid or stranded, cleanly and easily. If the wire is solid, you can then bend it for termination on devices with a simple twist of the wrist. That said, I LOVE tools, so go right ahead anyway hahaha
I think it's worth the toolbag space to have a dedicated #2 Roberston and #2 Phillips screwdriver, too. Make them both insulated so you aren't tempted to use them on your car where they WILL get screwed up or lost :-)
Conduit reamer ++++!!!!!!
For EVERYTHING else in this vid, I am 100% thumbs up, ESPECIALLY the dedicated tool belt!
Even though I have renovated several living spaces and auto shops, I have subscribed to your channel for the renovation videos and they are fantastic.
The two tools I've absolutely fallen in love with for home electrical:
-- quality NCV tester. As you noted, cheap ones are questionable, but I absolutely adore my Kline unit, which appears to be the same one in your video.
-Kline ET310 circuit tracer/ outlet tester. This has been worth every penny spent, as it's kept me from a mental breakdown while tracing circuits in our haphazardly-arranged circuit panel. (Deck outlets wired to the GFCI outlet in the third-floor bathroom? Why not!) Your Fluke outlet tester's noisemaker is one way to do it, I suppose, but not necessarily if you're trying to trace outdoor outlets or something three floors up at a panel buried deep indoors. The add-on adapter kit with the alligator leads is also a must-have.
For sure, both are indispensable!
I always thought I had too many tools, at least that's what my wife told me. Watching your videos, I realize my shop is just too small. Thanks for the inspiration!
You can never have too many tools, hah!
That tool belt is great because it distributes the weight across your body as opposed to just the hips. Makes wearing it for longer shifts much more manageable
Yup, absolutely love this belt!
As someone from Europe (Irish) , its cool to see the American side of electrical work, you should check out someone tool bag tours of some the British electricians as the tools vary ( Nick bundy, residual current, Bristol sparky, RDavis electrical) are some of the guys I follow on the socials
These are super helpful seeing a tool dump per project laid out like this
When you're working with a "pretty full" conduit (more for Ethernet cable pulling) is a lube meant for cable pulling. Safe to use, it won't eat your cable sheathing and makes it SO much easier to pull that last CAT5/6 cable.
Thanks for all the info ! I've been a handy-women for decades , yet always steered away from electrical . You're detailed description of tools helped tremendously!
Glad to help!
My best advice as a licensed Master Electrician for the last 15 years is throw the non contact testers in the trash. I have personally seen quite a few coworkers over the years trust that it says something is off and then get the crap knocked out of them. They are ok for general purpose testing but not ok if you plan to put your hands on the wires after the fact. Always check with an actual meter.
thats why you do both non contact and after use a contact tester on it
@@CoffeeConsumer643 Does that not then defeat the point?
@@NoxiousNoodles for me no bc i usually use it to see if i cut the right circuit
Yea I'm using mine less and less these days. Multimeter is definitely more confidence inspiring!
Moving on from strippers.What a great line! Love the video! I'm doing lots of electrical work on my home and I am doing heating floors from Shlutter so I will be picking up a multi meter for sure!
Sounds great, glad you enjoyed it!
That Fiskars utility knife is definitely worth getting. I've had one for a while. When I saw Project Farm say it was his favorite, I just smiled.
I love the Milwaukee stripper pliers. Absolutely the best I’ve used.
The Milwaukee 6-in-1 wire strippers have served me well over the past decade, they're fantastic. But if you get the opportunity, try out the Knipex 8" (Model 13 72 8) forged wire strippers. It's a bit pricey, but it's well worth it in both utility and quality.
Need to check them out!
You should try the knipex smartgrip pliers if you haven’t already! Not too handy for large stuff ,but great for everything else
You forgot to mention a magnetic torpedo level which I saw you using. Great set of tools. I agree I would not trust those non-contact testers. Only trust them to prove power is ON not OFF! Use your multi-meter.🇨🇦
I’ve never heard anyone make that suggestion. Why?
For sure, I figured most folks have a torpedo level and other stuff like hammers, tape measures, etc., that I didn't mention.
I can agree with the button on the Klein barker finder. I 3D printed a case for it
Do you have the file? I'd love to do that!
I do, I’ll send the link in a bit. I’ll need to adjust a few things, just to get it to print better.
I think the link keeps getting taken down, if you go on prusa printables and search for braker finder case it should come up
As an electrician this video was pretty good for somebody who isn’t an expert. One thing i would strongly disagree with is having all the pliers be spring loaded, it would be a nightmare trying to stick those tools into your pockets or a tool bag. My flush cuts are spring loaded and its always a hassle finding a place for them.
Yea I guess I could see that! I'd still love to try a set of spring loaded lineman's pliers, seems like it might making twisting wires a lot easier.
A high five for giving the correct pronunciation of "Knipex"! 👏
Hah, thanks!
I'm in the trades myself,granted I'm still new, but have you checked out the LTT screwdriver? I bought a couple and they are amazing ratcheting multibit screwdrivers! Really strong magnet and the ratcheting has a super light engagement and they have internal bit storage. A couple downsides are the smooth handles,I haven't had any issues myself but I can see how it could be a problem. And also the price. $70
But I haven't regretted my purchase at all!
Bonus: it's a great fidget toy
Bonus bonus: they're working on a stubby version.
I just checked it out, looks awesome! $70 is a hard sell though but we'll see, maybe I'll treat myself 😁
@@craftedworkshop yeah, totally understandable
Looking good Johnny! Definitely enjoying every video.👍👍
Don’t forget to add the torpedo level as a must have in the electric bag. Otherwise solid recommendations
Also I love those Rack-a-tier strippers. Great for the work I do with Fire Alarms.
👌😎✌️
Thanks man! Torpedo level is a definite must!
Well done on the vid, Sir !
Thx this is useful for someone whose interested or keen on learning about the profession of a electrician
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video!
Been watching your channel for quite some time. Lots of awesomenes info. In my humble opinion as a Master Electrician, I would suggest never using wagos for anything except low wattage fixtures (lights). If they get hot, in time, it causes pitting and heat to build up inside the connector. The extra 5 seconds it takes to twist the wires together and put a marrett on it is well worth the time. Nothing is worse than having to troubleshoot a circuit that had failed due to a loosened wago connection.
Thanks again for all your videos!
It's very interesting how divided the internet seems to be on Wago connectors. Anytime I see people using them, someone always says they don't trust them and you should use wire nuts instead, but anytime I see someone use wire nuts I work see people say that they don't trust them and you should use Wago connectors instead. I wonder how much of that is regional, since wire nuts seem to be way more common in the US, and Wago more common in Europe.
Interesting to hear this opinion. There is so much debate on Wagos but, from what I've found, as long as they're genuine and not counterfeit (which seems to be a problem with buying them online), they seem to perform identically to wire nuts. We'll see!
Another excellent video Johnny! Unless it's very basic electrical work, I try to stay away from more complicated electrical jobs.
Thanks Steve! I tend to agree, most of the work I'm doing at the shop is fairly basic stuff.
Try the Klein RT250 receptacle tester instead of that Fluke one. Way more features, and only $20!
Liked the video the mc cable cutter is some I’ve need and bought Kleins ad for the one you showed said there was a spare cutter in the handle
Glad you enjoyed it!
I haven't seen a video by you since last YEAR ;)
Hah, been forever! 😁
Excellent info. Happy 2023
Thanks, you too!
Nice items
Nice Project Farm mention. Good stuff!
He's got a great channel, I'd love to do some similar testing in the future!
Highly recommend you grab yourself some Knipex cobra's! They are great having the lock function. Love the videos man keep up the great work
Definitely planning on adding more Knipex gear to my arsenal!
Really excellent tips, Johnny! 😃
I have some of those and I absolutely recommend them!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
7:34 #9 Adjustable Pliers in my part of Australia we call those Multi-grips
Nice, funny how we all call it something different!
@@craftedworkshop exactly mate, just like a pipe wrench, we tend to call em Stilsons
Actually you low-voltage contact meter for Klein tools is also broken because I heard it beep when you tapped it on the wood surface on the very last tap when demonstrating it. 2:39
I actually broke it during the video, hah! Was hitting it way too hard to try and illustrate my point.
@@craftedworkshop Ah yeah, that makes sense.
Great video Johnny. Looking forward to the workshop videos . Very good content.
Awesome, thank you!
I like the idea of a rundown video for electrical tools but I'm just seeing a table full of hammers with a headlamp and a pair of gloves.
😂
Electricians have a ton of cool tools. But then use channel locks for everything.
I have a lot of wires in my crawlspace that I don't know where they go or what breaker they come from. Can not use a circuit breaker finder because there is no receptacle or light.
For example I have 3 cables in the crawlspace going up into the kitchen wall, one goes to a receptacle the other two go to a light switch and on to the light in the dinning room.
Is there a tool that I can use to find what breaker a cable goes to without breaking the insulation of the cable?
Hmm, not that I know of. Best bet would be a non-contact voltage tester and flip breakers on and off, that way you can tell when power is cut to the lines.
It really bugs me that your "crafted" license plate is leaning forward. What if you attached a small hook on the back so that it could hang straight?
Hah, I just need to add some screws. Wasn’t sure on the placement but I think that spot’s the winner!
I wish I had little alligator tails on my circuit breaker checker :(
I am about to install a ring doorbell for a client and I have no way to check for the doorbell circuit other than flipping all the breakers until I hit the right one... lol
Yup, those clips are SUPER handy.
Doorbells are low voltage you won’t get shocked
I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.
thanks!
Just because the non contact tester blinks doesn't mean anything your fluke did it too. It need to stay on while near the wire for it to be indicating hot.
Yes but when it blinks every time you tap it to a wire, it makes you start to second guess everything. Moral of the story is not buy crappy electrical tools!
Wait, why were you using that conduit bender upside down? You're supposed to put the head on the ground and use your foot on the flat pedal to help with leverage. Also, when you bend it to the point the markings on the side are perpendicular to the ground, you've got the right amount of bend, although sometimes you have to go a touch further because the metal will try to bend back to straight a little bit.
You typically bend box offsets in the air.
Being a diyer is my dream lol, excellent man
You may have looked up how to pronounce Knipex, but you missed the other German brand - Wago. It’s “vah-go”, not “way-go”. 😜
Interesting, hadn't heard it pronounced that way but makes sense!
you forgot a conduit bending app for your cell phone, very handy.
Definitely, I have a few electrical apps that are great!
I have such a crush on him... lol 😆 but seriously awesome video
What, no Perkins Brother's Belt?
They haven't hooked me up with one yet 😂
I was about to ask Perkins brother that hear anything about you cause you haven't upload 4 weeks already...🤣🤣
Yea, took a bit of a holiday break since my wife and I were home with the kids for a few weeks.
I swear no one can remember how to pronounce Knipex. Even after looking it up you got it wrong! Ryboi is probably the only one worse. LOL. There is a Fastback Utility that includes a driver with a flip ph2/flat bit and room to store 1 more blade.
Yea I realized I still said it slightly wrong, hah! Pronouncing that kn- sound is so weird for English speakers.
@@craftedworkshop English is so silly, you could pronounce that Knipex soooooo many different ways, including a silent K!
1100 USD for a powerbank LOL.
Makes a point of pronouncing knipex the correct way and then promptly pronounces wago incorrectly 😂
Hearing a non electrician talk about doing electrical work is painful. You should probably not ever suggest someone do work with live circuits around them as well.
I mostly meant the power coming to the main panel. Kind of hard to turn that off!
Super constructive & helpful comment man 😂
And to prove a circuit dead you need to know the unit is functioning correctly. I of course use a multimeter too but for testing...a proving unit should be a must especially if they're not an electrician.
All the same...Good video
Why are you watching a video if its “painful”?