Network professionals have jobs that depend on ensuring smooth sailing on the network, but when things go wrong, the right tools are needed to minimize downtime. This guide provides you with the knowledge needed to compile the ultimate set of networking tools. With the tools and equipment in this guide, you have all the tools necessary to keep the network up and running with excellent performance and efficiency. After reading this guide, you will never be without the tools you need to handle both routine and complex networking maintenance tasks.
Choosing the Hand Tools for Networking Professionals
Hand tools are the essential allies of the networking professionals. If you have a wide range of insulated tools, you will be able to rest easy in the knowledge that no jobs will be too difficult on the basis of having low-quality hand tools. Here are a few of the essential insulated hand tools you need in the ultimate networking toolkit:
- A wire stripper/wire cutter
- A high-leverage cable cutter
- Pump pliers
- Diagonal cutting pliers
- High-leverage side-cutting pliers
- Standard long-nose pliers (both side-cutting and skinning)
- A skinning knife
- Crimping/cutting tools
These tools can be complemented with trusty Phillips head screwdrivers that assist with a wide range of networking tasks. Ensure you have a full complement of screwdrivers so you are prepared to tackle any screwdriver task. You can also save a lot of time and energy by picking up a top-flight punchdown tool. This tool helps you efficiently connect wiring in patch panels and/or keystones. Once you add this item to your toolkit, you will be amazed that you were ever able to go without it. While all of these tools make life easier for a networking professional, it can be difficult to amass a collection of quality hand tools one by one. For high-end networking work, one of the best choices for professionals is to outfit themselves with a state of the art
network installation tool kit and/or a high-quality
general-purpose toolkit. These kits make it easy to ensure you are ready for the job whenever a hand tool is needed. That said, with all these hand tools, you will need a quality bag or tool case to transport your hand tools.
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The Right Tools Need the Right Tool Bags and Cases
The right tool bag to carry your tools is largely a matter of personal preference. Whether you prefer a tool tote, a tradesman bag, a trade pro backpack or the convenience of a rolling tool bag, don't skimp on quality. A tool tote should provide heavy duty protection while refusing to compromise on durability and versatility. A tool
tote with extensive pockets like this one can be a great addition to your toolkit. Alternatively, spacious backpacks that are built to last are a convenient way to pack your tools safely and securely. This organized backpack offers 39 tool storage pockets and a
built-to-last, rugged design that any tradesman should love. No matter which choice you opt to go with, don't compromise on durable tool storage that provides safe and reliable transportation for tools and testing equipment. Don't think all you need is a case for your tools, either. Just because you are focused intently on the job doesn't mean you should neglect the safety of your phone. Protect it with
a case for your smartphone. Similarly, it is also a wise choice to protect your sensitive testing equipment. Without properly working testing equipment, performing critical network tests is not doable. Opt for a large hard case that is specifically built to
protect sensitive testing equipment and devices.
Testing Equipment
In addition to hand tools and carrying equipment, you will need the critical testing equipment that ensures network reliability. To start, add a quality network cable tester to your suite of networking tools.
An effective network cable tester like this one helps you differentiate between straight-through, crossover and reverse cables with a helpful LED light configuration. More broadly, the network cable tester helps you test for:
- Continuity
- Short Circuits
- Crosstalk and Crossed Pairs
Detecting mis-wires, opens, split pairs and shorts becomes easier thanks to tools like these, making the life of a networking pro much more efficient. Another piece of testing equipment worth considering is a network optimized psiber tone and probe set. This tool makes it easy to trace inactive and active wiring to a patch panel or hubs. With your testing gear in hand, it is time to finish the toolkit with a few extra items.
Additional Items to Include
While the aforementioned tools take you most of the way towards completing your toolkit, there are a few extras that complete the kit. A powerful flashlight with a small form factor helps you perform work in dark spaces such as wiring closets or ceiling work. Also, it is worth considering adding a couple of Torx drivers to handle pesky computer fasteners. Extra cables always come in handy for a networking professional as well. If a cable goes bad, you will have backup cables needed to keep downtime to a minimum. There are certainly some other great networking tools out there, but if you have all the tools outlined in this guide, you can be sure that no networking or maintenance job will be too tough to tackle.
Visit our website to find all of the tools you might need to carry out all of your networking and maintenance jobs with speed and efficiency.
