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Unread 07-02-2017, 10:32
efoote868 efoote868 is offline
foote stepped in
AKA: E. Foote
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Recommended Electrical (Hand) Tools, Best Practices

Last night I worked with 3 students to troubleshoot a problem with our practice robot. Part of the problem was either rushed or novice electrical work on the practice robot, which is understandable if they never learned properly.
Since I wanted them to learn, I made them redo it. Another problem became apparent almost immediately, our electrical tools are in a bad state and our students need training.

When I asked them to cut and strip a wire, they grabbed this type of tool (for some reason we have 4-5 pairs of these ):
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-1161...dp/B0007W6JYC/
I was able to find our 1 multi-tool to show them how that tool will nick or cut the strands of copper, and why that's undesirable.

Searching through old threads, I've found quite a few generic "what tools should we have for a new team", but I'd like to focus on nicer to have electrical tools.
Specifically, if you had the Cadillac of an electrical tool kit, what would be in it?

Points of consideration:
Where did you buy your tool, or is there a specific brand you trust?
Would you recommend a preferred multi-tool (cut, strip, crimp all in one)?
What about just wire stripping for wiring an entire robot drive train?
Would you use a dedicated wire cutting tool?
Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper or Wire Stripping Pliers?
Is there a favorite crimping tool?
Recommended soldering iron?
Which of these do you bring to competition, what do you leave at home?

2nd part of the discussion, do you have any type of system in place for protecting your electrical tools from novice abuse? How often do you have to replace a tool?

Related threads:
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...d.php?t=124116
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...hreadid=123332
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...d.php?t=130701
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...d.php?t=152992
https://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/s...d.php?t=142654
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