[rescue] Tool kits?

[David L Kindred (Dave)]

>>>>> "William" == William Enestvedt <William.Enestvedt at jwu.edu> writes:

    William> - Screwdrivers (phillips, hex, torx...?)

For basic screwdrivers, buy the red handled "specials" at Sears (usually
$0.99 to $1.99 each).  Buy lots, then you won't get mad when (not if,
WHEN) they disappear).  You may also want/need a few good ones, but keep
them hidden.  Make sure to get some of the ones with the small tip but
longer shaft to get at those annoying serial cable screws.  At the other
extreme, the ones with the big handle, wide tip, but short shaft are
great in tight spaces.  Even for good screwdrivers I prefer Craftsman
due to the warranty.  For phillips, make sure to get at least one each
of sizes 0, 1, and 2.  Using the right size makes the job easier.  When
you find any equipment that uses something "special", go and buy more of
those, they will also disappear.

    William> - Needle-nose pliers
    William> - Wire cutter/stripper

Make sure you buy ones you like (strippers in particular), too many
don't work well (at least for me).  Brand and price doesn't always
matter.  Be sure to get several sizes of cutters, and try and use the
smallest only for small wires to keep them in good shape.  If you do any
work with thicker cables consider a proper cable cutter.  Add an X-acto
knife or similar to help with smaller wires and insulation.  Get the
proper dedicated stripper(s) for any special cable you use (such as
coax).

    William> - Small sockets
    William> - Hex wrenches

In this day and age remember both metric and non.  Cheap sockets are
worse than nothing, go with the good ones.

    William> - Adjustable wrench [for rack feet]

A couple of adjustable wrenches and pliers are useful when all else
fails.  There are times when you need two of one size, so adjustables
are handy in place of two sets of sockets or wrenches.

    William> - Crimper for RJ45 & RJ11 (plus jacks!)

Again be careful.  Make sure you buy one you are comfortable with.

    William> 	-A whole mess o' Rip-Tite velcro cable ties

What, no waxed lacing cord :)

    William>    Thanks for any suggestions.

A toolbox with a lock if you expect the tools to be there when you need
them.  A keyhole saw and drywall knife if you run any cables through
walls.  A flashlight or three.  If you have to fix cables a soldering
station or iron and "third hand" are needed.  A basic multimeter (with
an audible continuity check).  A basic Ethernet cable tester.  An AC
outlet tester gizmo (if you have any GFCI circuits, get the one with the
tester built in).  Some tags-on-strings to make temporary
identifications of things you're working on.

If you also do phones, then a whole extra set of tools are needed.

And of course, a large hammer.  You always need a large hammer :)

Or just go to Think Geek and get that big-a** Swiss Army knife.

-- 
David L. Kindred
Unix Systems & Network Administrator
Telesciences, Inc.