With the increasing number of new homes and commercial buildings being wired for data networking, telephone, and video, today’s electricians require more tools then ever. The days of using just electrician’s pliers, screwdrivers, flashlight, and a multi-meter are numbered. Special tools to accommodate Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) data cable, Coaxial cable, Telephone cable, and Security Alarm cable are required. To support DVV and Security wiring, electricians have to invest in punch down tools, crimping tools, cable cutters, strippers, and specialty testers.

Additional tools result in greater cost to the electrician, and increased weight to the utility belt. To combat this problem, tool manufacturers are combining tool functions.

Punch down tools used to terminate telephone panels, network panels, and wall jacks once comprised of just a handle and interchangeable blade. This limited their ability to provide multi-functional purpose. Manufacturers added additional components such as wire hooks to pull wires, spudging tools to clean contacts, storage compartments for holding spare blades, sharpened hooks to separate bonded pairs or strip wires, and a detachable light system to replace a hand-held flashlight.

To combine wire cutting and stripping of security cable, telephone cable, coaxial cable, and 4-pair and 25-pair data cable, multi-purpose tools are created. By embedding multiple cutting and stripping features into one tool, manufacturers reduce the number of tools electricians have to carry. Electricians no longer require four tools to perform the work.

Telephone, Data, and Coaxial testers are an expensive investment. Typically three separate testers would be required to verify the connectivity of the cables. The costs of these testers run into hundreds of dollars. To eliminate this problem, low cost multi-function testers designed to work with all three media types are being offered. This provides a great savings to the electrician, and a reduction in the number of testers they have to carry.

Crimping tools used to terminate connectors onto the cables are becoming multi-functional as well. All-in-one modular plug tools used to terminate telephone and data network cables now offer cable cutting, stripping, and crimping functions. Crimp tools with interchangeable die sets which combine modular plug and coaxial connector termination all in one die greatly reduces the need for multiple crimpers.

The most popular tools appearing on electricians’ belts are multi-tools which combine screwdrivers, knives, and pliers in a convenient fold-up pack. However, the majority of these tools are not designed for electrical work, but more for general maintenance or sports.

With the release of the Paladin Tools PowerPlay series, the need for a multi-tool designed for electricians and cable installers has been met. The PowerPlay PT-525 and PT-540 are the only multi-tools designed with embedded punch down tools, wire and cable strippers, cable cutters, and all the associated components required to perform everyday cabling work.

Using multiple function tools is a logical, cost effective solution for every electrician. By reducing tool cost and weight, the electrician can work faster and more efficiently, without causing pain to his back or his wallet.

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Les Schutts is enginerring manager for Connectool Inc.

 * Romex â is a registered trademark of Southwire Company

* CrimpALL ä, SureStrip ä, SurePunch ä , and LAN ProNavigator äare registered trademarks of Connectool Inc. USA