Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Drops Size and Weight for Smaller Pipes

Milwaukee’s original cordless threader is a really big deal in a couple of ways. Not only does it give tradesmen a cordless option for threading pipe, but it is also a hefty tool. While convenient, it can be a bit much if your needs are primarily on smaller-diameter pipes. If that sounds like you, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is right up your alley.

Pros

• More compact
• Much lighter
• Excellent threading speed
• Kickback control
• Head extension (Side-Grip) eliminates contact with the dies during use
• One-Key onboard
• Easy die changes

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Performance

The trade-off for going with a more compact threader is that you have a smaller capacity than the full-size version. The compact threader is compatible with 1/8-inch to 1 1/4-inch dies whereas the 2874 can thread up to 2 inches.

Speaking of dies, there’s news on that front, too. Milwaukee is launching a line of die heads that claim to be the industry’s lightest—50% lighter than the competition. These compact forged aluminum die heads are compatible with the new threader but not the larger model. If you have the 2-inch threader already, Milwaukee has dies for it, too.

Between the dies and the tool’s brushless motor, you can thread rigid conduit, stainless steel, and even black iron pipe at speeds up to 35 RPM. That’s slightly lower than the larger version’s 41 RPM top speed. The compact model also sports one speed compared to 2874’s two speeds.

The Milwaukee 2870 shares the Autostop kickback protection of its big brother. If the tool senses kickback, it automatically shuts down the motor before it can cause an injury.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Design Notes

Size and Weight

Without a doubt, size and weight are the two biggest talking points on Milwaukee’s latest threader. The compact 2870 is 19.7 inches long as a bare tool. That’s more than 6 inches shorter than the original 2874.

The weight is significantly lower, too. Where the original weighed 22.3 pounds bare, the compact version is just 14.3 pounds… with a 1-inch die and 8.0Ah High Output battery. Bare, it’s 10.6 pounds. That’s a HUGE drop!

Die Changes

Another big advantage the Milwaukee 2870 has is that die changes are super-easy. Just turn the collar to the unlock position, slide the new die in, and turn the collar back to the lock position. It’s much easier and faster than we found with DeWalt’s cordless threader.

Additional Highlights

• Side-Grip eliminates hand contact with the die head before and during threading
• Dedicated support arm included
• One-Key integrated for tracking, inventory management, and security

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Pipe Threader Vs M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Price

Look for the compact threader as a kit for $2199.99. It includes the tool, two 8.0Ah High Output batteries, and an M12/M18 multi-voltage rapid charger along with the lightweight 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4-inch dies. There’s no bare tool option at the moment.

Milwaukee backs the threader with a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

Whether you deal exclusively with pipe and conduit 1 1/4-inch or less, or you want a compact supplement to your larger threader, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is incredibly convenient. It’s lighter, smaller, and still has excellent threading speed. Of course, it’s cordless, so you can take it anywhere without needing to worry about a separate power source.

Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2870-22HD
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery (High Output recommended)
• Die Range: 1/8 – 1 1/4 inches
• Length: 19.6 inches
• Weight: 10.6 pounds bare, 14.3 pounds with 1-inch die and 8.0Ah battery
• Warranty: 5 years

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader 2870 Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Causes Electricians To Rejoice!

Gone are the days of using a hand stapler thanks to Milwaukee. The Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler promises a way to lighten the workload of electricians working with wiring and cable. We got it in our hands to get to know it better.

Using the Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler

Size and Weight

Designed with electricians in mind, this stapler’s lightweight and compact design specifically allows access to tight areas where a larger stapler wouldn’t easily fit.

In general, the tools in the M12 lineup are pretty compact and this cable stapler is no exception. The Milwaukee 2448 is exceptionally compact, perfect for getting between 2×4 studs while doing rough-ins. It measures a mere 7 inches from front to back and weighs only 5 pounds with a CP2.0 Ah battery. The center of balance is right on the trigger, reducing the effort it takes when you have to turn the tool to work in awkward spaces.

The tool is somewhat tall for an M12 product, though, standing 11 3/4 inches high. A compact battery doesn’t change that thanks to the rear entry design. However, the foot of an extended capacity pack stick down and increases the overall length.

Even for an M12 tool, the grip on this stapler has a large girth. The grip is draped with a textured rubber overmold and has large grooves to help channel away sweat.

Performance

This cable stapler can drive up to 1,200 staples per charge using a CP 2.0Ah battery and effectively eliminating the need for larger packs. There are a few staple viewing windows on the magazine so you can keep track of the number of staples remaining. There’s also a dry-fire lockout just in case you accidentally get too low on staples.

The staple guide on the business end ensures proper alignment over cables, especially Romex. Two upper pieces straddle the cable while a lower middle one presses down the cable. They all push into the tool as you apply pressure and act as the trigger safety. Press the 2-finger trigger to fire the staple and whether it’s round cable or Romex, you get a perfectly set staple without having to make any depth adjustments.

Staple Compatibility and Loading

Similar to what we saw with Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Fencing Stapler, this model is only compatible with Milwaukee insulated staples. They’re purpose-built to secure cable and wire without damaging the insulation.

While you may expect the staples to load from the rear, they actually load in the front of the magazine, and it’s a little different than other nailers and staplers. First, press the button at the base of the magazine and pull it out until you hear the pusher click into position at the bottom. Load your staples and then push it all back together.

Don’t worry when you don’t see the staples initially moving. The pusher will automatically spring up and secure the staples once you push the base back in place.

LED Light

Most LED lights aren’t worth talking too much about, but the design on the Milwaukee M12 cable stapler is different than most. The light itself is just above the driver blade and the cable supporting members sticking out the front create a target that helps you line up your shot perfectly. Keep in mind that the staple is going to drive just below the lower member that’s holding the cable down.

Additional Features

• Reversible belt hook
• Battery fuel gauge

Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Price

The Milwaukee 2448 retails for $229 as a bare tool or $299 as a kit with a single CP 2.0Ah battery and charger. There are also some options that include staples along with the bare tool or kit. Milwaukee backs the tool with a 3-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty.

The Bottom Line

The Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler is an absolute God-send for Electricians who are doing rough-ins. Its compact frame and driving capabilities allow for fast and accurate operation, works great when space is limited, and dramatically speeds up your cable-securing jobs.

Click here to see what’s NEW from Milwaukee!

Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee M12 2448
• Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
• Staple Capacity: 45 staples
• Firing Capacity: 1,200 staples per charge (CP2.0 battery)
• Max Staple Length: 1 in.
• Compatible Staples: Milwaukee Insulated Cable Staples
• Weight: 4.7 lbs (bare), 5 lbs (with M12 CP 2.0Ah battery)
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 7 x 2.5 x 11.75 in.
• Warranty: 3-year (tool), 2-year (battery)
• Price: $229 (bare), $299 (kit)

The post Milwaukee M12 Cable Stapler 2448 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Trace Wires Confidently With Klein’s Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit

In the electrical field, there’s less room for error than in other trades. A key part of that is knowing exactly where wires and circuits are hidden behind walls and underground. The Klein Tools Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit aims to take the guesswork out of locating energized and non-energized breakers, fuses, and wires.

Klein Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit: The Big Deal

The Klein circuit tracer kit has a number of aspects that make it worth considering if you are in the market for a tool like this. For starters, you have the ability to locate breakers, fuses, and wires regardless of their energized status. It also has a variable sensitivity adjustment, so you can be sure to pick up wire readings through thick materials like cement or ground.

Audio and visual indicators on the circuit tracer receiver ensure that you get the correct signal strength.

The receiver has a flashlight to help you work in low-light conditions like basements and attics.

The device’s transmitter has AC/DC external voltage indicators of 12V, 48V, 120V, 240V, and 480V, with LED lights to show the power level. It is operated by a single power button and features a kickstand for easy viewing.

Additional Features

• 8 sensitivity levels
• Identifies a single wire in a bundle
• Receiver functions independently as an NCV detector
• CAT III 600V safety rating
• 6-foot drop protection rating
• CE and UKCA certified

Klein Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit Price

The kit includes a transmitter, receiver, blade and ground prongs, alligator clips, 3-Foot and 20-Foot lead adapters, AC plug leads, and a hard carrying case. It is listed at $199.99, which Klein backs with a two-year warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Klein ET480
• Batteries required: 10 1.5V AA Alkaline (included)
• Drop protection: 6 feet
• Display: LCD with backlight
• Control type: Transmitter and receiver
• Lead length: 3 feet and 20 feet
• Length: Receiver: 7.05 in; Transmitter: 8.72 in
• Width: Receiver: 3.90 in; Transmitter: 2.07 in
• Height: Receiver: 1.84 in; Transmitter: 1.51

Discover more Klein test kits by clicking here.

The post Klein Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Klein Launches Versatile Bucket Light Aimed At Utility Workers

The Klein Utility Bucket LED Light is designed to provide a versatile lighting solution specifically for utility tradesmen. While originally designed for work with a utility bucket, this light provides portable, general purpose light that will help keep any jobsite well-illuminated, according to the company.

What’s the Big Deal?

The Klein Utility Bucket LED Light provides up to 2,500 lumens of LED lighting over three modes: Flood, Spot, and Flood-Spot.

While the light does provide plenty of lumens, its design really helps it to stand out. The main light rotates 300º horizontally and 180º vertically, particularly helpful for overhead work. A clamp at the back of the tool locks over the straight wall or the corner of your bucket so that you can position it exactly where you need it. But what’s more, the back of the clamp features its own light that illuminates the inside of the bucket to help you find your tools quickly.

The Klein Cordless Utility Bucket Light runs off of the DeWalt 20V battery platform and can accommodate up to an 8.0Ah battery.

Other Features

• Ergonomic design with one handed operation
• Sturdy build to work standalone
• IP56 rated

Price

Klein has the Utility Bucket Light available in two configurations. You can purchase it as a bare tool for around $238, or you can pick it up as a kit, which includes two 4.0Ah DeWalt 20V Max batteries and a charger. The kit retails for $478. In either case, Klein backs the light with a 3-year warranty.

For more information, you can visit Klein tools by clicking here.

Klein Utility Bucket LED Light Specs

• Model: Klein BAT20UBL
• Batteries: DeWalt 20V Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Bulb Type: LED
• Lumens: Spot: 900; Flood 1600; Spot/Flood: 2500
• Runtime: Spot: 8.5 hr; Flood: 5 hr; Spot/Flood: 3.5 hr
• Dimensions (LxHxW): 22.7 x 4.8 x 10.5 inches
• Weight: 8.8 lbs
• Material: PA6-G30, TPE
• Weather Protection: IP56
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $238.80 (bare tool); $478 (kit)

The post Klein Utility Bucket LED Light appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Reels In Wires With The Push Of A Button

Electricians depend on manual fish tapes to pull new wires through walls and electrical conduits. However, longer runs increase the chances of the tape binding up and require more strength to actually complete the pull successfully. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler fish tape looks to shift this burden from your shoulders onto its strong brushless motor.

Pros

• Reduces fatigue during longer pulls
• Powered feed and retract that’s faster than manual operation
• Steel or polyester tape drums available
• Pulls up to 240 feet

Cons

• Heavier than a manual fish tape
• Not able to “feel” the run when you have two hands on the tool

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Performance

We teamed up with our friends Richard Hoar and Mandi Kikta at OAR Electric to get their first-hand impressions of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler. The team had to make a series of 100-plus foot wire pulls during a residential in-ground pool build. It was an excellent opportunity to put this powered fish tape to the test.

Push and Pull

As the team set in on the first 100-foot run, the weight of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler was clearly more than Richard and Mandi were used to from a 120-foot tape. The route included three 90° bends, making the task a little tougher.

Using the variable speed trigger, Mandi carefully fed the 120-foot steel cable through the conduit with ease. Both Mandi and Richard noted that you lose some of the “touch” since you’re not actually feeling the fish tape travel through. It’s something to keep in mind especially when you’re making a run in PVC where gaps in the fittings are more likely to cause a snag.

You can use a combination of electric feeding with one hand and feeling the run with the other, but when you need to elevate the drum, you need two hands to support the weight.

When you can’t have your second hand on the tape, just keep a close eye on it as it feeds to make sure you can react if there’s a bind.

Once Mandi got the green light to start the pull, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler only needed about 45 seconds to finish the run.

The rotating drum retracted smoothly and let us avoid the fatiguing repetitive arm motions of a manual tape. Combined with the drastically shorter feed and pull times, it requires just a fraction of the physical exertion.

Pulling Power

The Milwaukee Angler’s brushless motor has a top-end speed of 37 RPM with 250 pounds of pulling force. With this level of power, Milwaukee tells us you’ll be able to pull wire through a 200 foot run with 360° of bends. We’re only using the 120-foot tape, but everything we experienced leads us to believe Milwaukee’s not pulling our leg with those claims.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Design

Modular Design

One of the nicest things about Milwaukee’s design is the modular design. You can use one Angler powerhead and pair it with any of the drums you want. It’s a great way to outfit a service van with all the tapes the crew needs without spending the full kit price on each one.

Size and Weight

The Angler’s profile is pretty similar to that of traditional fish tapes with the obvious difference of the handle and trigger.

As we mentioned, there is a significant difference in weight on account of the motor and battery. Milwaukee’s 120-foot steel fish tape weighs about 5.7 pounds whereas the Milwaukee Angler version weighs 16.25 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery installed.

One addition we’d like to see is a shoulder strap or even a collapsable to help to manage the weight of the Angler when you can’t set it on the ground.

Warning Strip

In order to help prevent over-extending the fish tape, Milwaukee put a yellow-painted section about four feet from the end. Once you see this marking, you should immediately release the trigger to avoid over-rotating the drum.

Grip and Trigger

Milwaukee utilizes a two-handed rubber over-mold grip in order to help maintain control of the Angler. Both grips are larger diameters than you find on the Milwaukee 2853 Impact Driver and other pistol group tools.

The variable speed trigger offers excellent control while feeding and retracting the tape and a thumb switch makes it easy to switch directions.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Pricing

Two kits are available. One comes with a 120-foot steel tape drum, two M18 2.0Ah batteries, and a charger, while the other comes with a 240-foot steel tape drum, batteries, and a charger. The Angler is also available as a bare tool without a tape.

You can purchase the drums separately with prices ranging from around $115 to $185. Here’s a list of the current lineup:

• 2873A-22 (120′): $529.99
• 2873B-22 (240′): $549.99
• 2873-20 (bare tool): $369.99
• 48-44-5176 Steel Pulling Fish Tape Drum 120′ x 1/8″: $85.97
• 48-44-5178 Steel Pulling Fish Tape Drum  240′ x 1/8″: $115.99
• 48-44-5195 Non-Conductive Polyester Pulling Fish Tape Drum 100′: $115.99
• 48-44-5197 Non-Conductive Polyester Pulling Fish Tape Drum 200′: $185.99

The Bottom Line

As the job came to a close, our electrical crew agreed that the Angler can help drastically reduce the time you spend making pulls through any type of conduit, ultimately increasing productivity. The only hangup is how the weight of the tool makes you adjust to the way you’re used to working. Once you get used to it, the time and fatigue savings are well worth the price.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Fish Tape Puller Specs

• Model: Milwaukee 2873
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
• Variable Speed Trigger
• Interchangeable Drums
• Max Speed: 37 RPM
• Pulling Power: 250 lbs.
• Height: 17.7 in.
• Length: 13.2 in.
• Width: 6 in.
• Weight: 15.31 lbs. (bare), 16.25 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery
• Warranty: 5-year (tool), 2-year (battery)
• Price: $369.97 (bare tool); $529.99 (2873A-22); $549.97 (2873B-22)

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angler Battery-Powered Fish Tape Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

We often get contacted about new products by inventors—but rarely do we have a relationship with the inventor. In this case, I was recently contacted by a friend working closely with the owner and inventor of the Vulcan Line Tools Wave Timer. From what I’ve been able to learn, this tool might save linemen a lot of time and hassle out in the field. As it turns out, knowing the sag, tension, and temperature of a power line is crucial to correctly install the line. That’s where the Wave Timer comes in.

Vulcan Line Tools is based out of Auburn, Alabama. The company was founded in 2019 by Zac Young and specializes in the production of devices for use in the electric utility industry. Put simply, the Vulcan Wave Timer measures tag, tension, and temperature in overhead conductors.

Why Measuring the Sag, Tension, and Temperature of Power Lines is Crucial

Electric utilities are required by law to install power lines to certain parameters. These lines must meet specific sag and tension requirements according to the temperature of the power line during installation. Why? Overhead power lines expand and contract with changes in temperature. That can present some serious problems. To correctly hang power lines, you have to know the temperature of the power line while installing it. Using that temperature, you need to also determine the proper sag and tension the line must be set to.

My friend gave me an example. If you install a power line during the warm summer months with too much tension, the cool winter months can (and likely will) cause the line to contract. That leaves the power line over-tensioned. In extreme circumstances, this can result in pole failure. Incidentally, pole and hardware failures expose utilities to enormous amounts of liability (PG&E paid out $14.5 billion in 2019).

Current Methods of Measuring Sag, Tension, and Temperature in Overhead Power Lines

Current methods of measuring sag, tension, and temperature in power lines involve slow, expensive processes. To be blunt—it slows down the workflow. Competing devices take between 15 and 30 minutes to take and deliver these measurements.

Unfortunately, this sometimes results in linemen simply “eyeballing” the sag in the power line. This can result in overhead conductors that may or may not meet specifications.

Measuring Sag, Tension, and Temperature in Power Lines with the Wave Timer

The Wave Timer was designed to be a simple-to-use device that also confirmed that the lineman hung a line correctly. In fact, it has the ability to provide a record to validate they did it correctly.

It’s also fast. The Wave Timer also gives linemen sag, tension, and temp data in just 5 seconds.

How to Use the Vulcan Wave Timer

Download the Vulcan Wave Timer iOS App

To begin using the wave timer first download the wave timer application available on the App Store for iOS. The application will run on any iPhone or iPad. Currently, they don’t have software for Android phones via the Google Play Store.

Power Up the Wave Timer

Next, click the power button on the Wave Timer. You’ll see a green status LED when the unit powers up.

Connect to Bluetooth

Press the Bluetooth connect button on the iOS application. This lets the app connect to the Vulcan Wave Timer. When it does, the status LED goes from green to blue. This indicates a successful Bluetooth connection. Users should be able to stand up to 100 feet away from the wave timer (line of sight) and still maintain the connection.

Attach the Wave Timer to the Overhead Conductor

Unstrap the velcro and firmly attach the Wave Timer to the conductor—around one to one and a half forearm lengths from the insulator. If you’re placing the Wave Timer next to a roller or pole top pin, you might need to extend your distance to two forearm lengths.

Read the Temperature

Once attached, press the Read Temp button on the iOS app. This measures the temperature of the conductor. You’ll see the status LED flash orange.

Measuring Line Sag

To measure the sag, press the start button on the app. The status LED flashes blue to indicate that it’s ready. Grab the wave timer firmly around the yellow case and pull down rapidly and release it quickly. Vulcan Line Tools gives the metaphor of playing “Rock, Paper Scissors”…that kind of tugging speed.

You want to send a sharp, clean wave down the conductor to eliminate unwanted vibrations and get a solid reading. To improve your results further, Vulcan recommends gently resting your hand on top of the conductor—right where the wave timer is attached—while it records.

Wait five seconds and the app displays the sag. To take another measurement, just wait until the conductor stops moving before initiating another recording. If necessary, use your gloved hand to hold down on the conductor to dampen it.

Calculating Tension with the Wave Timer App

After you’ve measured the sag, the app lets you easily calculate the tension. Just click on the tension button on the app, select your conductor, and input the span length. The app then displays the maximum horizontal tension in the conductor.

Save a Report

For documenting your work, the Wave Timer app lets save or email a documented report of the collected data. Just click on the PDF button to bring up the options.

Can You Use the Wave Timer with a Hoist?

You can also use the Wave Timer with a hoist, but you lose some accuracy and reliability at lower tensions. Vulcan Line Tools only recommends using the Wave Timer with a hoist when there is full tension on the span.

To use it in this manner, you want to attach the tool right next to the grips and pull down on the wave timer as you would normally.

Battery Life

If the Vulcan Wave Timer runs low on battery, the battery LED turns red. To charge it, just plug the provided micro-USB charging cable into the tool. The battery LED turns yellow when charging, and green indicates the device is fully charged.

Pricing and Availability

The Vulcan WT-002 Wave-Timer line measurement instrument with strap (Part Number 970817947) carries an MSRP of $1,500. You can find it, currently, at Altec.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, this tool came about as a solution to a common problem. That’s tool innovation 101. It also made us want to support a company looking to help make the job of a lineman both safer and more accurate. We’ve seen power lines in our own neighborhood making contact during a hurricane—it’s not fun. If a tool like this helps linemen more easily (and properly) tension lines so they stand up better during fierce winds—all the better.

For more information, check out the Vulcan Line Tools website.

The post Vulcan Line Tools Wave Timer Measures Power Line Sag, Tension, and Temperature appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Take Milwaukee’s Chain Vise Anywhere

Chain vices see a lot of use in the field for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors. But, according to Milwaukee, most of the vices we see on the market are difficult to transport, inefficient to deploy, and become unstable as the joints wear down from use. The Milwaukee Portable 6-Inch Tripod Chain Vise, due out in February 2022, offers some solutions for all of these common problems.

Milwaukee Portable Chain Vise: The Big Deal

For this evolution of the chain vise, Milwaukee has come up with a fold-flat design and a centered carry handle that allows for easy, briefcase-style transportation and storage. It requires only two steps to deploy, eliminating the usual cumbersome set-up process.

The Milwaukee Chain Vise features Stable Lok, a system they’ve devised to let you adjust the tension of the deck to maintain steadiness for accurate cut. Milwaukee claims their Stable Lok will last throughout the life of the stand.

The Milwaukee Portable Tripod Chain Vise also features an adjustable leg, which lets you adjust the pitch of the deck by +/- 3º for level alignments on the jobsite.

Additional Features

• Folds flat for van/job box storage
• Multi-material vise secures up to 6″ pipe
• Grounding tab for welding applications
• Removable foot grips for anchoring
• Lower shelf available for additional storage (sold separately)
• SS & PVC coated pipe jaws available (sold separately)

Milwaukee Portable Tripod Chain Vice & Accessories Price

You can expect this Milwaukee Chain Vise to hit retailers in February of next year. It will retail for $459.99.

In addition to the Milwaukee 48-22-8690, the brand plans on releasing a variety of accessories to complement this tool:

• Lower Shelf (48-22-8695) – $99.99
• PVC Coated Pipe Jaw (48-22-8696) – $144.99
• Stainless Steel Pipe Jaw (48-22-8697) – $124.99
• Standard Jaw (48-22-8698) -$64.99

Milwaukee Portable Chain Vise Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 48-22-8690
• Pipe Capacity: 1/8 in. – 6 in.
• Stability Adjustment Stable Lok
• Leveling Adjustment: +/- 3º
• Transport Profile: Flat, Briefcase-style
• Storage Height: 49.5 in.
• Storage Depth: 5.25 in.
• Price: $459.99

The post Milwaukee Portable 6-Inch Tripod Chain Vise | 48-22-8690 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Klein Cable Identification Boots Help You Keep Everything Sorted and Functional

We’ve all likely experienced the joy of trying to sift through a bunch of identical-looking cables. Those of you in the VDV and computer networking fields likely get to deal with that particular joy multiple times a day. Klein Tools has come up with what seems like a no-brainer of a solution to the cable mess. The Klein Cable Identification Strain Relief Boots not only protect your CAT5e and CAT6 (RJ45) connectors from damage but also color-code your cables. This helps you more easily differentiate one network cable from another.

What is Klein Saying About the Strain Relief Boots?

Klein Tools new Strain Relief Cable Boots are designed to help keep connecters on CAT5e and CAT6 cables and protect against broken tabs that can cause connector failure. The 5 included colors ensure that identifying different cables is quick and simple.

Sean O’Flaherty, Vice President of Product Management at Klein Tools

What’s the Big Deal?

The big deal with the Klein Cable Identification Strain Relief Boots is surprisingly simple. Klein has used multiple colors in the design, meaning that you can visually identify quickly which cable goes where. When dealing with what can often look like a pile of electrical spaghetti noodles, the Klein RJ45 connector protection boots can help you differentiate one “noodle” from another very easily.

They also add an anti-snag boot over the top of the release clip. That helps when you need to pull the cable back through EMT or any other type of narrow passageway.

They come in black, white, blue, red, and yellow, and they work with all CAT5e and CAT6 cables.

Additionally, the Klein Cable Identification Strain Relief Boots also protect your connectors from damage caused by undue stress on your connection latches. Klein has designed these boots from a flexible ABS plastic material that won’t damage your cables.

Pricing

Klein sells the Cable Identification RJ45 Boots in packs of 100. This pack includes 20 pieces in each color, and they retail for $9.99 each. You can find them anywhere Klein tools are sold.

The post Klein Tools Cable Identification and Connector Protection Boots appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Delivers Rust Resistance with Stainless Steel

Milwaukee stainless steel fish tapes expand their line of steel and polyester options. Stainless steel tapes extend tool life, particularly in high-humidity working conditions. Its anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties give it an edge—if you want to pay for it.

What’s the Big Deal?

Material selection looks like the biggest deal surrounding the Stainless Steel Fish Tapes. However, to call it quits there would sell short this addition to Milwaukee’s expanding line of electrician’s tools.

Milwaukee Tool also designed these fish tapes with a low friction case. It lets you extend the tape easily without having to fight the reel as you extend the wire. The design also lets it rewind just as easily. Additionally, Milwaukee added high-visibility laser-etched markings on the stainless steel itself to help you accurately gauge your depth and position.

A square inner grip gives you nice grips when winding and unwinding the tape. The multi-position handle looks familiar and shouldn’t give any surprises to those familiar with these tools.

Finally, the Milwaukee Stainless Steel Fish Tapes feature a reinforced, welded Anti-Catch Tip. It looks practical, however, we’ll have to see if it has any added durability over a traditional steel tip. Our guess is you’ll be creating your own loop regardless in short order.

Other Features

• 1/8″ Tape Width

Pricing

Milwaukee tells us that the Stainless Steel Fish Tapes should hit shelves October 2021. For now, you can get them in either 120-foot or 240-foot tape lengths. The shorter size retails for $89.99, while the longer version costs $119.99. That makes them a bit pricier than standard Milwaukee steel tapes but less than their polyester models. Both come with Milwaukee’s limited lifetime warranty.

Milwaukee Stainless Steel Fish Tape Specs

• Model: Milwaukee 48-22-4186 (120′); 48-22-4188 (240′)
• Fish Tape Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Type: Straight
• Weight: 5.1 lbs.
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Available: October
• Price: $89.99 (120′); $119.99 (240′)

The post Milwaukee Stainless Steel Fish Tapes appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

With measuring 1500V DC solar panel installations, electricians have come across a new question: Most current AC/DC clamp meters carry a safety rating of CATIII 1000V. Can you use these tools to measure a 1500 V DC solar panel installation? The answer has some caveats. Fortunately, Fluke plans to bypass the problem with the Fluke 393 FC CAT III 1500V True-RMS Clamp Meter.

The Fluke 393 FC CAT III 1500 V True-RMS clamp meter does something very new and necessary. It’s the world’s first test tool with a CAT III 1500 V rating. That means it can safely test solar installations operating at 1500 volts DC under a variety of conditions. It goes way beyond something like the Fluke T6-1000 clamp meter.

Other Great Fluke 393 FC CAT 3 1500V Clamp Meter Features

The Fluke 393 offers a thin jaw for easy access to cables in crowded combiner boxes. You get the expected Fluke build quality and an IP54 rating to protect against the elements. The tool provides DC power measurement (kVA), audio polarity, and visual continuity features. It also records test results to your smartphone (and uploads them to the cloud) using Fluke Connect software.

Why It Matters

Admittedly, we don’t do a ton of solar panel installations personally, but we see them going up all around us. You may wonder why a product like the Fluke 393 FC makes any difference. These larger “solar farms” use higher voltage lines. Many electricians use AC/DC clamp meters that carry a safety category of CATIII 1000V. Since the solar panel installation isn’t categorized into any particular category due to its floating voltage, you can use these CAT III 1000V clamp meters to measure 1500V DC between the terminals without any issues.

The problem arises if and when the power conditioner is connected and grounded. Then, the solar panel installation falls under the CATIII and CATIV category. At that point, you need to take care to use the proper products (like the Fluke 393 FC) when taking measurements during the installation process.

Unfortunately, we’re still waiting on pricing and availability for the Fluke 393 FC clamp meter, but we’ll update this page when that info becomes available.

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