Suggestions for useful tools...

[Dartlec]

The Knipex is great for flex, does a very nice job without nicking any of the cores...

Don't find the other bits that useful though - For stripping end of cores where limited space I find the Jokari all rounder pretty useful though and nice and cheap too.

I struggle to use it to strip Twin and Earth though, I think you need to get the technique just right...

 

[nicebutdim]

Never seen light test adaptors from Martindale or Di-Log and can't find htem in current ranges. Beha-Amprobe make top notch gear, but a little spendy for these adaptors. TIS looks like the best option (for me), but that'll be for another day.

Figured it'll be something my miserly mindset considers to be extravagant. Ergostrip always looked interesting, but have a Weicon stripper that does the same job, albeit less quickly. Knipex stepcut looks interesting, but have a couple of pairs of croppers that'll do for some time and, besides, Amazon seem to have trust issues about supplying them to people in NI!

Don't need them but, what the heck, I'll go with the installation pliers suggested by @Pete999 - Amazon price is as good as any for the non-sprung version (don't like the idea of spring and lock) and that £10 off helps me justify this indefensible expenditure ?


Appreciate all the suggestions and, if anyone happens to have more ideas, feel free to contribute as I'm always receptive to ideas for future tool purchases.

 

[telectrix]

knipex crimper for insulated crimps . the jaws are narrower than other makes so you can safely crimp 1 end without partly crimping the other end, and the pressure is adjustable,

 

[Lister1987]

Socket n See also do them, might have been them I meant to mention instead of Martindale ?

 

[SJD]

Do you have the Kewtech Lightmate kit? (I've got the cheaper TIS one but Amazon don't seem to do that!)

I've had a couple of the Kewtech Lightmate kits over the years, but (a) found them a bit large to fit in some light fittings with small shades, and (b) prone to damage or going intermittent esp. if dropped now and again. Then I found this Amprobe kit, where the adapters are so much slimmer and fit where the Kewtech ones don't. A bit pricy, but I wouldn't go back to Kewtech ones now:

Fluke Beha-Amprobe Lightmate Lamp/Light/Luminaire Testing Kit - 5 Adapters for Safe and Easy Light Testing - Testermans

4 mm safety socket - compatible with any test equipment that uses 4 mm safety connectors Maintenance-free - no need for batteries or calibration Finger guard safety barrier - prevents accidental contact with live parts Single-handed operation - allows you to test light points with one hand Low...

testermans.co.uk

I paid just under £67 inc. VAT online about a year ago, but you can easily pay over £100 if you don't shop carefully. They seem quite rugged but I've not tried dropping any of them, the price makes me a bit more careful!

 

[pc1966]

Just added that Fluke Beha-Amprobe Lightmate kit to my tool wish-list!

 

[Lister1987]

Striped screw extractor set, for when screw heads are stripped by Joe public using the wrong driver or Cowboy spark using an impact on EVERYTHING

 

[nicebutdim]

Striped screw extractor set, for when screw heads are stripped by Joe public using the wrong driver or Cowboy spark using an impact on EVERYTHING

Had a few sets over the years, but was never impressed by any of them. I suspect paying a little more might go a long way with screw extractors.

 

[pc1966]

I have also had limited success with screw/stud extractors. Occasionally just perfect, worst case they snap any you now have really hard steel to attempt to drill out.

 

[Lister1987]

10mm & 12mm plug cutters, for chipboard flooring.

Get around the nails and resecure with screws

 

[nicebutdim]

There are a couple of other interesting tools for cutting access holes in chipboard flooring.

4" or 5" hole with rebate for plug or plate.

 

[Lister1987]

There are a couple of other interesting tools for cutting access holes in chipboard flooring.

4" or 5" hole with rebate for plug or plate.

Superrod Cavity Master?

 

[nicebutdim]

Superrod Cavity Master?

Not sure of names but, of the two that come to mind, one provides a steel plate (presumably requires a little sealant or adhesive) and the other a plastic plug.

I like the idea of cutting around screws, but you still have tongue to cut. I guess access holes are handy when you know where to cut and lifting sections the better option when you don't.

 

[telectrix]

that weetabix flooring is the spawn of the devil, with water pipes tight up against the underside. if i need some cutting out, i get the customer to do it.

 

[Dustydazzler]

that weetabix flooring is the spawn of the devil, with water pipes tight up against the underside. if i need some cutting out, i get the customer to do it.

you get a little camera that if you drill a 16mm hole you can poke the camera down to check for pipes before ripping through the floors with a circular saw

yes you might hit a pipe when drilling the small hole but it’s less risky than going at it with a circular saw

 

[pc1966]

you get a little camera that if you drill a 16mm hole you can poke the camera down to check for pipes before ripping through the floors with a circular saw

yes you might hit a pipe when drilling the small hole but it’s less risky than going at it with a circular saw

One of those "ferret" cameras is also on my wish list!

 

[pirate]

Trend do a circular cut-out jig for chipboard...I've seen it in action, but this video will make you wince

 

[Dustydazzler]

Quite a good way if you need a big access hole , the black plastic spinning thing gives you the correct depth

 

[telectrix]

like it. a nice tool.

 

[nicebutdim]

Was half minded to add to the tool collection tonight, with suggestions in mind from this and other threads. Glad I did as Amazon had Super Rod's Cavity Master kit in a warehouse deal for just over £24. Added a spare Wera #2 Robertson blade & Armeg roofing bolt driver and Amazon gave another £5 off if I used click & collect. £35 & change for the lot seemed like a bargain and I take back (some of) the stuff I've said about them.