Tools for IT - networking, pc building

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[LYL]Homer

Supreme [H]ardness
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Jun 7, 2004
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I've taken over our company's IT for the last year and am tired of the crappy tools that I inherited. I do this as 1/3 of my job, the other 2/3 is as a project manager at an architectural firm. We have 2 servers and around 20 client pc's, just to give an idea of the scale. I build client pc's and have to troubleshoot some network issues here and there.

I've gotten storage down, I got some platic crates and plastic organizer boxes for screws, etc. But what I'd like input on are the tools any IT professional would have. It is a small business and I don't want to blow my budget on tools, but I do need to cover at least the basics. I'm just really tired of el-cheapo tools - scredrivers that warp/wear-out, pliers that don't close fully, hex-drivers that seem like they're made out of pot metal, and tweezers that bend first time you use them.

What brands/model do you use and like and links to where to buy them?

high quality basic tool set - screwdrivers, wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, etc. (no junky stuff please, I already have one of those sets!)
PSU tester
network cabling tester
network cable crimper

Please suggest anything I've missed.

Currently I have something akin to this toolset supplement by a handy '4-in-1' type screwdriver:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888001
 
Klein tools have always worked great for me and Fluke makes great cable testers. Neither is cheap but rememberr you get what you pay for
 
Jasonx82 said:
staple gun! ... makes running wires so clean! :D
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Bad idea. Can damage the cable

Personaly I would go to sears or something and pick up a good little screwdriver kit that has torx and normal screw drivers in it. Then pick up 2 normal screwdrivers.

PSU tester would be any of them. You really want it good get a multimeter. Also haveing a spare PSU is a good idea. As far as crimper goes ideal makes some pretty good ones. Be fair a 20 dollar one would prob work fine for you though and save some cash.
 
If it comes to just hand tools (screwdrivers, etc), check out HarborFreight (www.harborfreight.com)... they're cheap and hold up pretty well.. And if you save the reciept, and they break, they'll give ya new ones on the spot. :)
 
Those are the Fluke Analyzers. You want the cable testers. I think they make some low-end ones around the 400$ mark. Still not cheap though huh..
 
hurmmm we have some cheap cable testers at work. they where like 30$ i have my own pair that where like 45$ that even detect kinked cable and other small anomalies. some for 35$
 
swatbat said:
Bad idea. Can damage the cable
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I disagree

If you use a little common sense when u staple, a gun is great.

Now if you stand on the stapler and use the strength of 4 gorillas to attach the wire, then yes you are gonna damage it....
 
If you want to keep somewhat of a budget in mind I'd recommend a fishing tacklebox for all your screws and such. Depending on the size you could even store your tools in it. They usually have adjustable shelves and everything gets locked in so nothing falls out when you might have to go from computer to computer per say ;) . Antec makes a decent power supply tester here is a review . Other than that just a micro screwdriver kit, a normal phillips screwdriver, possibly a black & decker battery powered screwdriver, needle nose pliers, zip ties, multimeter. As mentioned a spare PS helps and maybe a good stick of memory.
 
swatbat said:
Bad idea. Can damage the cable.
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There are cable staplers that shoot "round" staples, designed specifically for cable anchoring applications. Arrow fasteners makes the ones I use.

For tools, Jensen is a long time standard in tech hand tools. Sears / Craftsman also has good kits, if you check their tools catalog.

Fluke meters and cable diagnostic tools are among the best there are. Period.

None of this stuff is cheap, but my set of Jensen tools is now almost 25 years old, and still hanging in there. Got a Fluke 77 that's been a real workhorse, too.

Regards - B.B.S.
 
BlindedByScience said:
There are cable staplers that shoot "round" staples, designed specifically for cable anchoring applications. Arrow fasteners makes the ones I use.
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I've seen cables damaged by them as well. Not as often but it does happen. If the OP wants to do it yea he needs round staples but I'd still recomend not using them if you can help it.
 
gesicht said:
hurmmm we have some cheap cable testers at work. they where like 30$ i have my own pair that where like 45$ that even detect kinked cable and other small anomalies. some for 35$
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Get the fluke tester like others have suggested. You wont be sorry. Mine was about $450. There's nothing worse than trying to diagnose a problem with your tester at the same time as diagnosing a cabling problem. The fluke never fails.
Get the expensive crimper that weights 5 pounds and is spring loaded. I can't remember the brand name but I have had mine for ever and it works great. Cheap crimpers suck bad.
Ribs
 
Take a look at the WIha tools; they are top-notch. A must is the Wiha Security Bits Collection. www.wihatools.com I also would recommend a damaged screw removal kit (I have a Sears Craftsman set).
 
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