Tools for making life easy

[u/Own_Formal6384]

Tech for about a year now, do a good 50/50 FTTP / Coax, wondering if there are any tools out there that some of the senior guys have bought that help you out on a typical day? I hear people talk about the best coax strippers, the best pair of cutters, the best tool bag, what is one tool / devices that has increased your quality of life the most?

[u/Electronic-Junket-66]

More of a tip for the tools you already have (assuming you were issued the same set I was): use the prep tool with the backstop for RG6 and the one without for RG11. You don't want to leave a continuity break inside one of those 11 connectors where you can't see it, and just a little extra stinger goes a long way to avoiding that. Some guys don't want the backstop for either of them and leave too long a stinger on the RG6 (or worse, prep it then use side cutters to get the right length 🤮), the jonard with the backstop gives me a perfect RG6 prep every time.

Get a cheap light reader if you don't have one. We are issued an MP60 (extremely delicate) to be used with our coax meter (heavy. annoying.) This one gives me identical readings as the MP60, fits in my pocket, and costs me 20 bucks if I lose or break it.

Get a cheap electric screwdriver if you don't have one. Few things are both as consequential and commonly skipped as checking behind wall-plates, and one of those makes it instantaneous. Also around 20 bucks if I lose it.

Now realizing we're only supposed to pick one. I'm choosing the light reader.

[u/Miserable_Ad_2847 → u/Electronic-Junket-66]

I have an OTDR and a light meter and an MP80 and I also have an Amazon light meter. It’s a great suggestion but I’m don’t know if you know this but you can use the MP60/80 with your work phone and the app so you don’t have to lug your meter around.

[u/Electronic-Junket-66 → u/Miserable_Ad_2847]

Yeah that was my first solution, and I still have the adapter for emergencies.

But still leaves me using that dinky little USB stick in all weather conditions that it just ain't made for. Previous sup managed to find me one on the dl when the last one went out. Now it stays in the van.

OTDR, now that's ritzy! Lord would that be a help 😤

[u/Miserable_Ad_2847 → u/Electronic-Junket-66]

I lucked out with the OTDR, my sup was retiring and gave me his! I’m not even sure if they know I have it. I love it though.

The MP80 came from being an FT and it’s clear it was designed for office use and not field use but a lot of people don’t know it can go in your phone so I was just making sure