ToolGuyd » Electrical Tools

Wiha Chip Lifter and Mini Pry Bar

Stuart — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:30:49 +0000

I’ve noticed Wiha’s Chip Lifter mini pry bars before, but hadn’t really given them much thought. These chip lifters are designed and properly sized to be used for the removal of IC chips and other electronics components.

Reader JeffD wrote in about his experience with these mini prying bars:

Sometimes you come across a tool that makes you say “damn, I gotta have that”. I recently placed an order with Wiha USA for a Chip Lifter #27920 after I saw some of their internet specials. How many times have we all cursed when trying to “pop a chip”? After receiving the Chip Lifter, and trying it out, I can say it’s well worth the $8!

Thanks Jeff for the tip! I might just have to pick one up for my own use. These also look quite a bit more versatile than the typical tweezer-style IC extractors.

Wiha Chip Lifter via Amazon
Wiha ESD-Safe Chip Lifter via All-Spec | Non-ESD-Safe
Product Info & Direct Sales via Wiha

Channellock Tool Sweepstakes

Stuart — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:00:04 +0000

Channellock is giving away a 5-piece tool set every other week until July 4th. To enter, you must submit your contact information and rate how inclined you are to recommend Channellock tools to others. One entry per person per drawing period are allowed.

Aside from the great prize, Channellock really nailed it with the sweepstakes title and description. Play the Red, White, & Channellock Blue Sweepstakes, and declare your independance from unreliable tools.

Channellock Tool Kit via Amazon (in case you don’t win but want to buy the same set)

Enter the Sweepstakes Today! (Good Luck!)

Shop Tip: Wire Stripper Loop Holes & How to Use Them

Stuart — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:30:05 +0000

I came across a rather enlightening shop tip over at the ShopNGarage forum, that demonstrates the use of a wire stripper’s loop holes. Most of my wire strippers have similar holes, but they’re all unlabeled and I never stopped to think about what they could be used for. Well, now I know!

The Shop Tips thread over at the new ShopNGarage forum is choc-full of useful tips and suggestions.

Credit for the shop tip and photos goes to Stephen, and here is a direct link to the tip, with additional example photos.

In case you missed it, we previous mentioned another ShopNGarage tip that discussed the use of an Altoid tin to hold small parts for cleaning.

Xuron Precision Pliers, Shears, & Scissors

Stuart — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:27 +0000

Xuron produces superb precision tools - we love their pliers, shears, and scissors. Xuron tools are durable, comfortable to use, provide exceptional performance, are very affordable, and are made in the USA.

Our favorite Xuron tools are their non-serrated short nose pliers (pictured above), fiber cutters, and tweezer nose pliers. We are also huge fans of Xuron’s flush-cut micro shears (also shown above), and hear that they’re especially popular with hobbyists, crafters, and jewelry makers.

Xuron’s American-made pliers and shears will set you back roughly between $5 and $15, depending on the style.

Xuron Tools via Amazon
Xuron Industrial Site
Xuron Consumer Site

Sog Kilowatt – a Charged Up Pocket Knife

Stuart — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:32:31 +0000

The charged up Sog Kilowatt is a quality liner-lock pocket knife for anyone who might need to strip wires or cables at a moment’s notice. The Kilowatt features a 3.4″ blade, a zytel handle, a conventional 12-24ga wire stripper, a spring-loaded wire stripper, and a “hole stripper.”

The Kilowatt’s electric-centric aesthetics are well matched to the functions of the knife; the Kilowatt is accented with an electrical tower pocket clip, schematic markings on the handle, and an electrical receptacle engraving on the blade.

Sog’s Kilowatt is priced at slightly less than $40.

Sog Kilowatt via Amazon
Info via Sog Knives, Manufacturer

Craftsman Auto-Ranging Multimeter Deal

Stuart — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:58:40 +0000

For a limited time, Sears is offering a Craftsman auto-ranging multimeter for $20, after a $10 discount. If you take a closer look, you will notice that this model is identical to the Extech MiniTech MN26 – an excellent meter that normally sells for $40.

Unfortunately, I won’t be taking advantage of this deal; I have been using the Extech version of this meter for about 4-5 years now, and the darned thing just keeps performing flawlessly! This is a very capable meter, and is perfect as one’s first meter, or as part of a portable kit.

Buy the Craftsman Auto-Ranging Multimeter
Extech MN26 (for reference)