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Unread 07-02-2017, 12:02
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D_Price D_Price is offline
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AKA: Derek
FRC #1708 (Amp'd Robotics (formally Natural Selection))
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Join Date: Jan 2007
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Location: McKeesport, Pa
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Re: Recommended Electrical (Hand) Tools, Best Practices

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/ <---Oh nooo we used to have them. Once we bought new tools I immediately threw them away.


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.
Points of consideration:
Where did you buy your tool, or is there a specific brand you trust? We buy a ton of equipment from Automation Direct and Klein Tools. https://www.automationdirect.com/adc...Crimping_Tools
Would you recommend a preferred multi-tool (cut, strip, crimp all in one)? Yes the VDV226-011-SEN - Ratcheting Modular Crimper Klein makes. We have 2 and love them. http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/ca...rimperstripper
What about just wire stripping for wiring an entire robot drive train? Works for our typical wiring on our robot and does it well. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/k...er-cuts-nmd-90
Would you use a dedicated wire cutting tool? We would but why when we have a multi-tool
Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper or Wire Stripping Pliers? Wire stripping pliers, it is my preference; but to each their own
Is there a favorite crimping tool? Yep these guys. I absolutely love the ratcheting crimpers. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/r...heting-crimper
Recommended soldering iron? Went with a Hakko this year and works out great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...dtag 29833-20
Which of these do you bring to competition, what do you leave at home? I take everything to competition you never know when you are going to need something and forgot you left it at home.
Also as an extra tool, for a tester I would not go any other brand than Fluke. I use them for work testing wire day in and out and would not go any other. http://en-us.fluke.com/products/elec...al-tester.html

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? We have a specific electrical tools cabinet separate from the main tool cabinet. I try to stay away from replacing a tool for about 4-5 years if I can get away with it unless we receive a voucher.

Hope this helps.
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