Telecommunications (also known as telecom) is an industry comprising wired and wireless phone operators, internet providers, satellite companies, and cable companies. The mission of all these companies is to contribute to global communication and make it more available and affordable. Telecom is one of the fast-growing industries today.
As a telecom technician, you are supposed to have a kit with the most essential and basic tools that you use for performing your telecom jobs and tasks. The kit should include the most commonly used tools and devices for installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining new and already existing telecom systems. Here is a list of tools that need to be in the telecom technician’s toolbag.
Lineman’s Handset
A lineman’s handset is often used for testing the functionality of phone lines. This tool is usually durable and compact, and they effectively assist service technicians in identifying whether communications service to a single phone line is active or not. There is one significant difference between a Lineman’s handset and a regular phone – the lack of a traditional phone connection.
Multimeter
A multimeter is a standard telecommunication tool that helps measure the electrical current within the line. With the help of multimeter, a technician can determine whether the particular line is transmitting, and whether a cable is operating at its reduced capacity.
There are two types of multimeters to choose from – analog multimeter and regular (or digital) multimeter. Digital multimeters are more common today. Analog multimeters are older than digital multimeters and are not used as often anymore. Analog multimeters are characterized by high sensitivity and not very accurate reading.
Cable Crimpers
A cable crimper is a very useful tool that should be in every toolbag. It is used to deal with copper power cables, overhead distribution cables, underground cables, and others. Crimpers are durable, strong and therefore are often used in heavy-duty processes and operations. Cable crimpers can be of different sizes and varieties.
The most common types of cable crimpers are the following:
- Handheld
- Electrical
- Benchtop
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
Crimping Pliers
Most technicians have pliers in their tool kits that they use for compressing 2×2 or 2×3 crimps. Often, technicians use them in electrical work for crimping terminals and connectors. There are two types of pliers – electronic and manual. It is important to know the main features of both of them:
Manual crimping pliers:
- Adjustable
- Chemical resistance of the surface coating.
Electronic crimping pliers are:
- Quick and easy for removing caps
- Convenient ergonomic design
- Tight and secure crimping
Cable Strippers
A cable stripper is also known as a wire stripper, and it is used for stripping the outside coating and preparing the cable for termination. In most cases, technicians use cable strippers when they want to apply a connector to the end of a coated cable.
There are different types of cable strippers that you can choose from:
- Adjustable stripper. It has a simple design and a single notch in each blade.
- Gauged stripper. The blades of this stripper have holes that match wires of different gauges.
- Self-adjusting stripper. It automatically adjusts to wires of different thickness levels.
- Gauged automatic wire stripper. It has the characteristics of both gauged stripper and self-adjusting stripper.
- Cable stripper and cutter.
Circuit And Voltage Testers
Telecom techs usually use these testers in order to identify whether power is reaching the circuit. Circuit and voltage testers are considered very affordable and can be easily found in one of the hardware stores. There are several types of circuit tester:
- Electronic voltage tester. It measures both direct and alternating current and provides a numeric reading.
- Continuity testers. In most cases, this type of tester is used to identify whether there is a malfunctioning of a light switch. This tester allows you to check whether an electrical circuit is open or closed.
- Voltage testers. These testers are used for identifying whether there is electrical voltage in circuit breakers, wires, outlets and switches.
- Circuit breaker finders. It is a small electronic device with two parts – a receiver and transmitter. The purpose of this device is to help figure out the location of the circuit breakers.
- Non-contact voltage testers. These testers allow you to test wires and devices without contacting them directly.
Snips
They are heavy-duty wire stripping tools that also should be in your toolbag. They are used for cutting and stripping cables faster than any other wire stripping tool in the telecom industry. They also cut metal, plastic, vinyl, and rubber applications.
There are two types of snips:
- Tin snips. It is a basic type of snip with two blades joined at a pivot point.
- Aviation snips. They are more complex in design, but they work just like tin snips.
Destiny Solutions – Online Tool Supplier You Can Trust
Are you a telecom technician, and are you going to update your toolbag? Then, Destiny Solutions is the company you need to contact. We have been working for over 30 years, and we know how to help our customers to find high-quality, cost-effective, and durable tools for their telecom business and projects.
We work with different brands, and we have a great variety of products from a wide selection of brands. You can find any tool you need for your telecom operations and projects on our website. Our mission is to improve your and your company’s efficiency and productivity.
If you have any questions about any particular tool, our company, or telecommunication industry, feel free to contact us – we are always ready to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need.