Tools in video can be found here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/tools.html --------------------------------------------------------- Individual sponsored tool links: *Cutters* CableCut: amzn.to/2Xy4yn4 *Strippers* Klein Favorite: amzn.to/2Epd1j9 Automatic stripper for small wires: amzn.to/383JtlF Cable Stripper: amzn.to/2EQhnxF *Standard Crimpers* Ratchet: amzn.to/2fbqIXQ My favorite commercial electric: amzn.to/2TyAPXl Kleins are best alternative to my favorite crimper: amzn.to/39h2mTP Channel Lock: amzn.to/2I0dSqt *Big Wire Crimpers* Cheap but effective hammer crimper: amzn.to/2Rm6LyY Large blue ratchet crimper: amzn.to/3ch4gFw Hydraulic crimper: amzn.to/2T5O6aC 3 point crimper: amzn.to/2wO0mnq *Meters* Klein multimeter: amzn.to/2IFneJs AC/DC Clamp meter: amzn.to/2QL4hsG Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3cg5m4H Soldering iron stand: amzn.to/2wLFY6m Adjustable power supply: amzn.to/382rKLh Best Impact gun combo pack: amzn.to/2uAkFnE Best Jigsaw: amzn.to/38bjNDW Dremel Multi-tool: amzn.to/2HXJey2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Some of the lower end lipos4 like the 200ah ones i have from VoltX in Australia cannot be used in series or parra that sucks i wanted 400ah at 12 volts the built in BMS gets confused when in series, same battery with upgraded BMS is twice as much money, any way around this, or do i run 2 x solar setups feeding each, ,
Ya I was thinking he was having a stroke he also said Pittsburgh funny and he said carbit instead of carbide I guess but I assume he meant Cobalt I mean carbide drill bits are a thing but really only for machining or masonry
Wil, with the Jocari knife, after circling the wire you are stripping to cut the insulation and while the knife is still on the wire, just pull it towards the end of the wire to cut the piece to be removed along the length of the wire. It will then be easy to peel off.
fyi, you prob know this by now, but for any one watching, the Jokari cable stripper is used correctly by what you did, rotating the knife around, but then what you should have done is pull to cut along the insulation, better to not cut all the way through the plastic because you can easily break it when it cut shy off all the way through. This way you don't have to fight the insulation to get it off :)
I've never laughed so hard from a YT comment. Think I'm gonna start using "Milliwockey" myself. Brings to mind a line the late great Robin Williams delivered in Good Will Hunting: "People calls these things imperfections, but they're not. Aw, that's the good stuff."
For really small gauge wire I prefer Paladin Stripax 6 Pro. Pricey, but they last and the blades are replaceable. Used them extensively to strip 30 awg thermocouple wire.
No Offense but I usually watch your videos (most others too) on at least 1.25x usually 1.5x speed. This video I realized I was actually smiling while watching it :) Probably because everything you say or mention is relevant, based on real info, and your speaking clearly in the video. Thumbs up!
3:15 Spin it around (don't take it off) and pull it to the edge of the cable! Then you have no trouble 3:30 with pulling the insulation off. Thanks for sharing.
Hi will, great selection of tools. I have some of the ones you have. Glad you fixed one on the spot😁 I do have a tip for you, get yourself a Solder Fume Extractor for your work bench. Breathing in all that solder smoke can be harmful 😐
Really quick tip that I found out. You can take normal Automotive heat shrink or better yet marine-grade heat shrink and put it on your extensions and handles of your ratchets for better grip and lessen your chance of shorting something out. It's cheap and effective especially if you already have it on hand like I did. But if not better yet going with composite ratchets like you're saying
Excellent video, Will. "Having the right tool just makes everything easier", could not agree more. I have wasted so much time and energy using crap tools and subsequently fixing stuff made with crap tools (especially crimped cables). To your question, I can recommend Rigol as a desktop power supply manufacturer, I have their DP711 and it's pretty solid from my experience.
Thanks a lot Will... Thanks for spending $148.15 of my hard earned money... I ordered the blue ratcheting crimpers, the quad hands and the soldering iron... my 10+ YO harbor freight iron has had it :P.
Love the videos. Most educational I've seen in the mobile solar panel genre I've seen ! Could you please do a video on making a solar system that's does both 12v and 110?
YEAAAAAAAAS!!! This is the video I was waiting for. I mean. I am pretty much stoked about all your videos, but man. this just makes life so much easier. Don't have to read a million articles about what the best tools are. I know these are good! Thanks Will.
I'd like to recommend having a combo #1 and #2 tip screwdriver, also called ECX. It's the perfect screwdriver for many electrical parts, including circuit breakers. Using Phillips, flat blade or square bit tips just doesn't prevent slipping or stripping. The combo screwdrivers and bits are available from Klein and Millwaukee.
Will, you are a wonder! Thanks for all the great videos - so educational and informative. Just one comment: your "Mill-A-walk-ee" is pronounced: "Mill-walkie" in Wisconsin. (LOL)
Yep, I remember when my mind wasn't corrupted with perverted things. I used to say the weirdest things (unintentionally) but I was too naive/pure and couldn't understand why people were laughing so much. It's embarrassing when I think back at all those things, lol
Thanks so much for your fantastic sharing! I will always come back for more valuable information, keep it up and upload more of your great videos. God bless you/Ned
Thanks for presenting, Will! You asked for own experience with tools, but apart from some exceptions most brands seem country specific, so my favourits won't serve you, as most of yours don't serve me (or just aren't available in Germany). But some examples: I use a ratchet crimper from "Rothewald", mid-priced "traditional" German tool brand, advertises as "first choice for professional mechanics". Feature: 3 exchangable cheeks for 3-4 sizes of different international standards (e.g. we don't measure in gauge but in mm). My personal impression: Does its job well. Although I could imagine a reproducibly smoother handling (thinking of your hydraulic crimper). Example Nitecore torch / flashlight: Very impessive, although I didn't have use for it yet. *But* I use their 18650 cell charger-powerbank F4 for my dozens of rescued notbook cells. Which is, btw. a brilliant, sustainable and efficient way of repurposed after-EOL usage. I only had less than 10% of drop-out. Independent from brand, I'd confirm: The better quality the tools, the better the results, and the longer they'll last. Save (too much) on the price, and you'll pay (buy) twice.
Thanks, I needed some tool guidance and I was looking at the Klein meter same model you are using so now I'm convinced it will be right choice and the price is right.
I broke (chipped) both of my precision, small gauge wire cutters, cutting too large of wire, awhile back and came here to find out which ones you recommended. I bought the Hakko ones from Amazon because they were cheap enough and I have Prime shipping. I even bought the ones for the next size larger wires because they are the reason I broke mine in the first place. Thanks for the review.
I also use a Southwire ratcheting crimp tool for modular connectors (RJ-11, RJ-12, & RJ-45). If you want to save time and money you can make your own data patch cords (and crossover cables for programming routers), phone handset cords, telephone line cords with them and some modular ends (don't forget the strain relief boots go on before crimping)! You can find the Southwire modular connectors crimp tool at Home Depot for about $30. I have used the same tool from Paladin and Ideal and Southwire's are the best - hands down! What frequently happens with the other brands, is that the grips on the handles eventually work lose and slip off.
I worked in automotive R&D for 16 years. Agree with most everything but, if you want screwdrivers that just feel right on both ends, go with the expensive Snap-On ones. You'll have rarer instances of messing up soft screwheads and your hand gets less fatigued.
Look into Paladin tools for ratcheting crimpers. I typically only use my Kline basic red cutter crimpers daily, Paladin crimper that I use daily is for RG58 coaxial. I have been using the same set for over 5 years. They do hold up. The dies I have replaced only once in 5 years. When I get over 10 gauge, I have started using the hydraulic crimper for those connectors. That reminds me, I need to file my cutter on my crimpers soon. I usually dont bother with strippers. I switch to my Kline splicing scissors when I need to strip something large gauge otherwise, years of stripping wire and good control, those cutters on my crimpers are what I strip most stuff with. Pull one side, pull 90 degrees of that, off it goes. I've been doing wiring for over 30 years, so it does come with practice to not damage conductor.
thanks for the great video. i do electrical for work and my favorite handtools are: knipex cobra 3 piece set wiha insulated set makita 7.2v screwdriver m12 fuel screwdriver wera kraftform kompact screwdriver greenlee carbide hole cutter set fuel hackzall w. 24tpi blade tool batteries with 21700 cells wire labeller w. 3/4" nylon label cart also super tiger brand headlamp on amazon is exceptional
Milwaukee makes fantastic insulated electrician's screwdrivers. There are other brands you'd expect to find at a supply house but the durability and "fit" of the milwaukees was impressive. I used a HVAC Tech's new set because he was so impressed and I loved them.
Will, you have got to try cobalt drill bits. You will wonder why you ever used titanium nitrite. They will drill stainless steel. Harbor freight sells a box set online, strangely they don't sell them in the retail store.
My thoughts on a soldiering iron, and I’d love to hear yours especially since they are going to be one of your biggest draws on your battery wall.. I have an automotive trigger style WELLER that has literary been in the family for 3gens! my papa bought it new from western auto late 60’s early 70’s... 2 stage trigger, (750/1500) that almost instantly goes to temp! (It buzzes!!’lol) It works better than new. And I suppose why is because it’s hardly EVER ON!. Never more than 20-30 secs... it ways about 31/2 lbs but I bet it uses less current per soldier joint than anything you could but today... I can’t think of any other reason a heating would last so long...
I'm going to get a Uni-t clamp because I won't be using it every day, and I love my $25 an8008. Hard to beat them for the price if you are more of an occasional hobbyist. Still accurate enough and will last under under use unlike the really cheap crap.
For stripping thin wires, I have Knipex, the best tool I have (I have 5 different types of such tools). I also bought a Chinese counterpart, it costs much less and is almost not inferior in quality, it only has a problem with very thin wires. But the German Knipex is just a bomb!
Can you do a followup video for recommended tools for a one-time build for RV (and home) Solar System? For example, when we come back to the US I plan on full time RV. Will need to build a Solar System for the rig but won't have room for 'extra' tools.
I have a set of Stripax strippers from a kit that I bought years ago. I just recently started using the Stripax. OMG! They are so good! Every strip is perfect, as long as I set them up right. I figured out how to cut the jacket but not completely remove it from the wire. That works out well to protect the wires until I'm ready to connect them. Anyhow, thumbs up for the recommendation.
I'm surprised you don't have a pair of Klein/Fiskar electrician's scissors. I work in IT/low voltage and use them every day. You can find them at Home Depot for $21. They're self-sharpening, have a serrated outside edge (for sawing groves in ceiling tiles), and two sharp notches for stripping communications wires (24AWG & 23AWG). You can cut a US penny in half with them without much effort! I have a two-pocket leather sheaf for them that I wear on my belt (the other pocket holds a small screwdriver). They are razor sharp and you'll only only know you've cut yourself when everything is suddenly slippery with your blood - they're that sharp - you won't feel any pain! (Who needs a license to carry - lethal scissors)! I also use them quite frequently for opening taped boxes. I whip them out of the holster, flick the wrist and lock them open in my grip and slash with flair and precision. I use them to strip the outer cable jacketing from category 5 or category 6 cables and cutting. After years of practice you get into a zone when using them. I haven't nicked a wire's insulation while scoring the outer cable jacket in several years now. I score the outer jacket, give the cable a little flex with both hands and pull the outer jacket straight off every time. Southwire makes a pair of loppers for cutting large communications cables (soft copper) that can cleanly cut up to a 50-pair cable.
The electrician scissors are in the background of this video actually. On the magnet strip. They are ok, but I prefer other cutters. They are great for ac electrical stuff. Ohhh stripping the jacket. That's smart. I need to try that for sure. Smart idea
I did pcb repair in the Navy. The ONLY wire strippers we were allowed to use were thermal strippers because they never nicked a single wire or strand. I think the brand was Teledyne.
Oh one more thing/ you impressed the shit out of me with this video... I’m 44 and have been building/making all but a few, this video proved to me that you really, really, like for really know what your talking about\. You can’t really know what you’re talking about until you were out of truck load of tools
I needed to connect two 20 gauge wires and wanted to know your thoughts. I stripped and twisted them together before adding electrical tape. I used a nail clipper to strip them. I saw a butt connector that requires both wires to be stripped before crimping. What do you think about the connector that allows two wires not stripped attached to a box. You crimp the middle. Is that method OK? Both the butt connection and this box connection carry the same amount of current. I guess another option is to solder the wires, but my car is not close to the electric plug to operate my soldering gun. The box connectors costs $1.60 to do the job and the butt connectors are about $4.00 and have many more than required for this one time purchase. Thanks!
Solid tool advice as usual Will. Personally, I would not trade my klein's for anything. I've got a Fluke (AC) but I want one of those Klein DC clamp meters too. Milwaukee tools are top shelf too, so go ahead and be a fanboy. Thanks for the great videos!
You've reminded me, ( old guys forget stuff) that at one point several years back, (maybe 10 years?) Milwaukee began making a lower priced tool line that is regularly sold in big box stores. Personally I buy Ryobi cordless tools because I find them to be a good value for the cost. For me, putting brands aside, a good tool does the job I need it to do, when I need to do it.
Tools in video can be found here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/tools.html
---------------------------------------------------------
Individual sponsored tool links:
*Cutters*
CableCut: amzn.to/2Xy4yn4
*Strippers*
Klein Favorite: amzn.to/2Epd1j9
Automatic stripper for small wires: amzn.to/383JtlF
Cable Stripper: amzn.to/2EQhnxF
*Standard Crimpers*
Ratchet: amzn.to/2fbqIXQ
My favorite commercial electric: amzn.to/2TyAPXl
Kleins are best alternative to my favorite crimper: amzn.to/39h2mTP
Channel Lock: amzn.to/2I0dSqt
*Big Wire Crimpers*
Cheap but effective hammer crimper: amzn.to/2Rm6LyY
Large blue ratchet crimper: amzn.to/3ch4gFw
Hydraulic crimper: amzn.to/2T5O6aC
3 point crimper: amzn.to/2wO0mnq
*Meters*
Klein multimeter: amzn.to/2IFneJs
AC/DC Clamp meter: amzn.to/2QL4hsG
Soldering Iron: amzn.to/3cg5m4H
Soldering iron stand: amzn.to/2wLFY6m
Adjustable power supply: amzn.to/382rKLh
Best Impact gun combo pack: amzn.to/2uAkFnE
Best Jigsaw: amzn.to/38bjNDW
Dremel Multi-tool: amzn.to/2HXJey2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes:
-Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
-Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7
-AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around:
amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out:
shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p
-Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals
bit.ly/2mIxSqt
10% off code: diysolar
-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
watts247.com/?wpam_id=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:
Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :)
DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Am I overlooking the insulated sockets?
I know you didn't add the heat gun to the video. But can you add it in the list?
Will, please review LifeBlue batteries, especially ones with built in heating pads.
Some of the lower end lipos4 like the 200ah ones i have from VoltX in Australia cannot be used in series or parra that sucks i wanted 400ah at 12 volts the built in BMS gets confused when in series, same battery with upgraded BMS is twice as much money, any way around this, or do i run 2 x solar setups feeding each, ,
Love the way you say 'Milla walky'...
11:08 is worth watching for just the way he says Milwaukee. I've never heard anyone say it like that. I commend you.
I like milla-walkie! Don't forget to titan all of your bolts too!
Yes I at first though he was talking about a knockoff brand. Gonna give him some serious trash talk about that one.
The cordless ones work with many many millivolts!
LOL wonder if he's caught on to the joke yet.
Ya I was thinking he was having a stroke he also said Pittsburgh funny and he said carbit instead of carbide I guess but I assume he meant Cobalt I mean carbide drill bits are a thing but really only for machining or masonry
I chuckled at that to but I'm sure I pronounce things wrong to. Still the first time I heard that one.
Wil, with the Jocari knife, after circling the wire you are stripping to cut the insulation and while the knife is still on the wire, just pull it towards the end of the wire to cut the piece to be removed along the length of the wire. It will then be easy to peel off.
Oh that's smart!!! Thanks for that. Wow I had no clue
I like Knipex for pliers, Wera and Wiha for screwdrivers, JBC for soldering, Hazet for ratchets and nuts.
Great video, i'm hooked on watching your other videos, I find myself watching them at night very entertaining, my wife cant see the appeal :)
fyi, you prob know this by now, but for any one watching, the Jokari cable stripper is used correctly by what you did, rotating the knife around, but then what you should have done is pull to cut along the insulation, better to not cut all the way through the plastic because you can easily break it when it cut shy off all the way through. This way you don't have to fight the insulation to get it off :)
There is nothing wrong with being a fan-boy. :-) Your videos are informative and entertaining.
I always wondered what a thousandth of a waukee was.... LOL... Great video will as usual. Klein and Milliwockey make good toys for the boys.....
I've never laughed so hard from a YT comment. Think I'm gonna start using "Milliwockey" myself. Brings to mind a line the late great Robin Williams delivered in Good Will Hunting: "People calls these things imperfections, but they're not. Aw, that's the good stuff."
FYI Milwaukee is 3 syllables, not four.
Haha I always mess that word up
I’ll be calling them Milliwaukee from now on.
@@WillProwse cause sometimes you measure milli amps.
I grew up near Milwaukee. There are a lot of Wisconsin city/town names that get mispronounced.
For really small gauge wire I prefer Paladin Stripax 6 Pro. Pricey, but they last and the blades are replaceable. Used them extensively to strip 30 awg thermocouple wire.
Will, use some Locktite on the screw and it won't back loose. Use the mild stuff so you can get it apart if need be.
Jimmy Call explain
Jimmy Call I misread your comment. Thought you said it wasn’t for vibrating or moving bolts
No Offense but I usually watch your videos (most others too) on at least 1.25x usually 1.5x speed.
This video I realized I was actually smiling while watching it :)
Probably because everything you say or mention is relevant, based on real info, and your speaking clearly in the video.
Thumbs up!
Tools = Toys !!! 👍
On the red wire strippers there is a setscrew to adjust the tension for different size cables !
To insulate the screw drivers, I put a few layers of heat shrink on them.
*spoke too soon, you just mentioned it lol*
I like it when the stack of stuff on the left-hand side grows more and more.
kapegede I was laughing about that one too. From neatly organized on the right to a big pile on the left
Buying the Right Tool the First Time will Save People so much Money! Thank You Will!
Will you forgot your most favourite tool of them all... The heat gun
Will, I love your enthusiasm in your videos! Very contagious. I have learned so much from your videos; very grateful. Keep them coming
It's Mil-Wau-Kee :)
Doc It drove me nuts every time he said it!! Lol 😂
Laughed when Will said it as well
Somebody didn’t grow up in the age of Old Milwaukee beer commercials.
lol'd as I knew there's be comments
Or is it milliwattkee?
Thanks Will! I've learned so much from you.
You know your quality tools Will. Kleins are favored my most electricians for many tools.
Where ever you go will follow you, another informative video. Thanks man
I love to see the genuine passion you have for your subject. Great video 👍
Love your enthusiasm!! Totally agree that you need the right tools to do the job right.
Great video Will, love my 12v Milwaukee tools also. Get yourself the M12 multitool and you will never go back to the Dremel.
3:15 Spin it around (don't take it off) and pull it to the edge of the cable! Then you have no trouble 3:30 with pulling the insulation off. Thanks for sharing.
I’m hooked on watching your videos and learning more on solar and the different tools to make the job easier and done right
Hey Will, take a look at some of the THOMAS & BETTS Crimping Tools and Dies. They can get a little expensive but you will have them forever.
Hi will, great selection of tools. I have some of the ones you have. Glad you fixed one on the spot😁
I do have a tip for you, get yourself a Solder Fume Extractor for your work bench. Breathing in all that solder smoke can be harmful 😐
Really quick tip that I found out. You can take normal Automotive heat shrink or better yet marine-grade heat shrink and put it on your extensions and handles of your ratchets for better grip and lessen your chance of shorting something out. It's cheap and effective especially if you already have it on hand like I did. But if not better yet going with composite ratchets like you're saying
Thanks sit for giving me good information love you sir👌👌👍💐
Love them katapults. Truly an essential tool if you are doing a lot of wire stripping.
Thanks Will. Awesome video. Always learn a lot from you.
Great info, thx for this video. Good to know "behind the scene" stuff!
Nice, just discovered your channel so I'll need to catch up, thanks for the content Will Prowse.
Excellent video, Will. "Having the right tool just makes everything easier", could not agree more. I have wasted so much time and energy using crap tools and subsequently fixing stuff made with crap tools (especially crimped cables). To your question, I can recommend Rigol as a desktop power supply manufacturer, I have their DP711 and it's pretty solid from my experience.
Thank you for this tool walkthrough!!!
Hi Will! This is a Great vid! Thank you!
Dip screw threads in Loctite drop to keep that screw in place long term.
Thanks again, Will!
Thanks a lot Will... Thanks for spending $148.15 of my hard earned money... I ordered the blue ratcheting crimpers, the quad hands and the soldering iron... my 10+ YO harbor freight iron has had it :P.
Oh man you will love that soldering iron. World of difference. And the blue ratchets. Let me know how much you like them :D
I love the electrical arcing marks on the crimper.
Haha that was a crazy night. 48V LiFePO4 is unforgiving 😁
Love the videos. Most educational I've seen in the mobile solar panel genre I've seen ! Could you please do a video on making a solar system that's does both 12v and 110?
YEAAAAAAAAS!!! This is the video I was waiting for. I mean. I am pretty much stoked about all your videos, but man. this just makes life so much easier. Don't have to read a million articles about what the best tools are. I know these are good! Thanks Will.
Thanks man!! You will LOVE them!! Glad I can help
I'd like to recommend having a combo #1 and #2 tip screwdriver, also called ECX. It's the perfect screwdriver for many electrical parts, including circuit breakers. Using Phillips, flat blade or square bit tips just doesn't prevent slipping or stripping. The combo screwdrivers and bits are available from Klein and Millwaukee.
Will, you are a wonder! Thanks for all the great videos - so educational and informative. Just one comment: your "Mill-A-walk-ee" is pronounced: "Mill-walkie" in Wisconsin. (LOL)
Great tools. I need to organize mine.
16:32 "Sometimes you have to fix your tools too, and you have to lube them and take care of them."
Yep, I remember when my mind wasn't corrupted with perverted things. I used to say the weirdest things (unintentionally) but I was too naive/pure and couldn't understand why people were laughing so much. It's embarrassing when I think back at all those things, lol
Thanks so much for your fantastic sharing! I will always come back for more valuable information, keep it up and upload more of your great videos. God bless you/Ned
Try the Knipex automatic style strippers
Project Farm said they were fantastic
"the right tool for the job".
definitely make it faster and easier.
Thanks for presenting, Will!
You asked for own experience with tools, but apart from some exceptions most brands seem country specific, so my favourits won't serve you, as most of yours don't serve me (or just aren't available in Germany).
But some examples: I use a ratchet crimper from "Rothewald", mid-priced "traditional" German tool brand, advertises as "first choice for professional mechanics". Feature: 3 exchangable cheeks for 3-4 sizes of different international standards (e.g. we don't measure in gauge but in mm).
My personal impression: Does its job well. Although I could imagine a reproducibly smoother handling (thinking of your hydraulic crimper).
Example Nitecore torch / flashlight: Very impessive, although I didn't have use for it yet. *But* I use their 18650 cell charger-powerbank F4 for my dozens of rescued notbook cells. Which is, btw. a brilliant, sustainable and efficient way of repurposed after-EOL usage. I only had less than 10% of drop-out.
Independent from brand, I'd confirm: The better quality the tools, the better the results, and the longer they'll last. Save (too much) on the price, and you'll pay (buy) twice.
You can add blue or purple loctite to prevent that screw from loosening on the crimper
Thanks, I needed some tool guidance and I was looking at the Klein meter same model you are using so now I'm convinced it will be right choice and the price is right.
So many tools on one table 😍😍😍😍
Thanks Man,
I Hope Your Doing Well , I've learned a Ridiculous Amount From You , I Appreciate Your Time Sir. Thank You
Love my small electrical scissors.
I broke (chipped) both of my precision, small gauge wire cutters, cutting too large of wire, awhile back and came here to find out which ones you recommended. I bought the Hakko ones from Amazon because they were cheap enough and I have Prime shipping. I even bought the ones for the next size larger wires because they are the reason I broke mine in the first place. Thanks for the review.
I also use a Southwire ratcheting crimp tool for modular connectors (RJ-11, RJ-12, & RJ-45). If you want to save time and money you can make your own data patch cords (and crossover cables for programming routers), phone handset cords, telephone line cords with them and some modular ends (don't forget the strain relief boots go on before crimping)!
You can find the Southwire modular connectors crimp tool at Home Depot for about $30. I have used the same tool from Paladin and Ideal and Southwire's are the best - hands down! What frequently happens with the other brands, is that the grips on the handles eventually work lose and slip off.
Great video!
Thanks Will! Like #1.3K+
PLEASE, Please, create a video for Fuse Tap Adapters aka Add-a-Circuit.
Warm Regards from nearby Reno, Nevada
I worked in automotive R&D for 16 years. Agree with most everything but, if you want screwdrivers that just feel right on both ends, go with the expensive Snap-On ones. You'll have rarer instances of messing up soft screwheads and your hand gets less fatigued.
Look into Paladin tools for ratcheting crimpers. I typically only use my Kline basic red cutter crimpers daily, Paladin crimper that I use daily is for RG58 coaxial. I have been using the same set for over 5 years. They do hold up. The dies I have replaced only once in 5 years. When I get over 10 gauge, I have started using the hydraulic crimper for those connectors. That reminds me, I need to file my cutter on my crimpers soon. I usually dont bother with strippers. I switch to my Kline splicing scissors when I need to strip something large gauge otherwise, years of stripping wire and good control, those cutters on my crimpers are what I strip most stuff with. Pull one side, pull 90 degrees of that, off it goes. I've been doing wiring for over 30 years, so it does come with practice to not damage conductor.
Holy cow! Good advice.
It's a crimpmas miracle!
The big lesson I’ve learned from watching you work is your obsessiveness with cable making. You know your craft and you sweat the details. Love it.
thanks for the great video. i do electrical for work and my favorite handtools are:
knipex cobra 3 piece set
wiha insulated set
makita 7.2v screwdriver
m12 fuel screwdriver
wera kraftform kompact screwdriver
greenlee carbide hole cutter set
fuel hackzall w. 24tpi blade
tool batteries with 21700 cells
wire labeller w. 3/4" nylon label cart
also super tiger brand headlamp on amazon is exceptional
Milwaukee makes fantastic insulated electrician's screwdrivers. There are other brands you'd expect to find at a supply house but the durability and "fit" of the milwaukees was impressive. I used a HVAC Tech's new set because he was so impressed and I loved them.
My only warning about Milwaukee is that the Home Improvement stores don't really carry the good stuff, and not all Milwaukee tools are good
Will, you have got to try cobalt drill bits. You will wonder why you ever used titanium nitrite. They will drill stainless steel. Harbor freight sells a box set online, strangely they don't sell them in the retail store.
Holy cow. Will do. You're right.
My thoughts on a soldiering iron, and I’d love to hear yours especially since they are going to be one of your biggest draws on your battery wall..
I have an automotive trigger style WELLER that has literary been in the family for 3gens! my papa bought it new from western auto late 60’s early 70’s... 2 stage trigger, (750/1500) that almost instantly goes to temp! (It buzzes!!’lol) It works better than new. And I suppose why is because it’s hardly EVER ON!. Never more than 20-30 secs... it ways about 31/2 lbs but I bet it uses less current per soldier joint than anything you could but today... I can’t think of any other reason a heating would last so long...
Haha I have that same Milwaukee impact and agree it's awesome. 👍 Only cost $99 for the kit with the drill also, so Def not bad for a named brand.
Yes Will, I highly recommend NOT using the stripper, since there ARE better options ;-) I caught that! hahahaha
I'm going to get a Uni-t clamp because I won't be using it every day, and I love my $25 an8008. Hard to beat them for the price if you are more of an occasional hobbyist. Still accurate enough and will last under under use unlike the really cheap crap.
Will- during COVID, please do a soldering tutorial!!!
klein tools are very good quality. 42 years as a mechanic, i got a phd on which tools are best...
I like the way you say Mil-waukee
For stripping thin wires, I have Knipex, the best tool I have (I have 5 different types of such tools). I also bought a Chinese counterpart, it costs much less and is almost not inferior in quality, it only has a problem with very thin wires. But the German Knipex is just a bomb!
Check out the RD 6006 power supply with the case and Bluetooth module. It's cheap, and very versatile. Should be great for charging batteries
Thanks for the tips! Love your channel. Learning a lot 😊 Have you reviewed any inline power meters i've seen you use? Any suggestions?
Can you do a followup video for recommended tools for a one-time build for RV (and home) Solar System? For example, when we come back to the US I plan on full time RV. Will need to build a Solar System for the rig but won't have room for 'extra' tools.
You could insulate any tool with some heat shrink
Nice vid searching. For a great crimper me too
Paladin Stripax 6 Pro. Excellent strippers. Used them on a job stripping 10 thousand, yes 10k 30 awg thermocouple wire.
Holy cow! Will check those out
Wow looks like a potential new favorite tool. Thanks
I have a set of Stripax strippers from a kit that I bought years ago. I just recently started using the Stripax. OMG! They are so good! Every strip is perfect, as long as I set them up right. I figured out how to cut the jacket but not completely remove it from the wire. That works out well to protect the wires until I'm ready to connect them. Anyhow, thumbs up for the recommendation.
Every screwdriver, and stripper I'm thinking giggity after each one :)
Locktite is your friend, the blue one for your krimper 😊
I've used some great wire strippers. Mine are crap from Harbor Freight and will definitely invest in Kleins.
I’ve used some really good strippers too. Good strippers can be very entertaining.
Hey will, having a great head and lubing the tool???/LOL Thanks for the tips on the better tools.
For small wires I really like iwiss's 2820 crimper. They have larger tools too, no idea about those...
I'm surprised you don't have a pair of Klein/Fiskar electrician's scissors. I work in IT/low voltage and use them every day. You can find them at Home Depot for $21. They're self-sharpening, have a serrated outside edge (for sawing groves in ceiling tiles), and two sharp notches for stripping communications wires (24AWG & 23AWG). You can cut a US penny in half with them without much effort! I have a two-pocket leather sheaf for them that I wear on my belt (the other pocket holds a small screwdriver). They are razor sharp and you'll only only know you've cut yourself when everything is suddenly slippery with your blood - they're that sharp - you won't feel any pain! (Who needs a license to carry - lethal scissors)! I also use them quite frequently for opening taped boxes. I whip them out of the holster, flick the wrist and lock them open in my grip and slash with flair and precision.
I use them to strip the outer cable jacketing from category 5 or category 6 cables and cutting.
After years of practice you get into a zone when using them. I haven't nicked a wire's insulation while scoring the outer cable jacket in several years now. I score the outer jacket, give the cable a little flex with both hands and pull the outer jacket straight off every time.
Southwire makes a pair of loppers for cutting large communications cables (soft copper) that can cleanly cut up to a 50-pair cable.
The electrician scissors are in the background of this video actually. On the magnet strip. They are ok, but I prefer other cutters. They are great for ac electrical stuff.
Ohhh stripping the jacket. That's smart. I need to try that for sure. Smart idea
The Hakko 601 is a good iron but by the time you add a stand you can just buy the 888 for a few bucks more.
Hey you have to check out the SolarGeni 9000 Watt Portable Solar Generator
You're about to get me in trouble with the Mrs...
Stanley fatmax b8-85b wire cutters ae pretty impressive!
Best tools
I did pcb repair in the Navy. The ONLY wire strippers we were allowed to use were thermal strippers because they never nicked a single wire or strand. I think the brand was Teledyne.
Wow that's cool. I will look those up. Thanks
Oh one more thing/ you impressed the shit out of me with this video... I’m 44 and have been building/making all but a few, this video proved to me that you really, really, like for really know what your talking about\. You can’t really know what you’re talking about until you were out of truck load of tools
I needed to connect two 20 gauge wires and wanted to know your thoughts.
I stripped and twisted them together before adding electrical tape. I used a nail clipper to strip them. I saw a butt connector that requires both wires to be stripped before crimping. What do you think about the connector that allows two wires not stripped attached to a box. You crimp the middle. Is that method OK? Both the butt connection and this box connection carry the same amount of current. I guess another option is to solder the wires, but my car is not close to the electric plug to operate my soldering gun.
The box connectors costs $1.60 to do the job and the butt connectors are about $4.00 and have many more than required for this one time purchase.
Thanks!
Solid tool advice as usual Will. Personally, I would not trade my klein's for anything. I've got a Fluke (AC) but I want one of those Klein DC clamp meters too. Milwaukee tools are top shelf too, so go ahead and be a fanboy. Thanks for the great videos!
My only warning about Milwaukee is that the Home Improvement stores don't really carry the good stuff, and not all Milwaukee tools are good
You've reminded me, ( old guys forget stuff) that at one point several years back, (maybe 10 years?) Milwaukee began making a lower priced tool line that is regularly sold in big box stores. Personally I buy Ryobi cordless tools because I find them to be a good value for the cost. For me, putting brands aside, a good tool does the job I need it to do, when I need to do it.