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Tool trends for electrical engineers I
David Barnes, UK marketing manager for KNIPEX, looks at new trends in hand tools for electrical engineers
n the skilled and increasingly technical field of electrical engineering, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. As technology continues to evolve, hand tools play a crucial role in ensuring precision, efficiency, and safety in electrical projects.
One of the latest trends in hand tools is the emergence of modular tool backpacks designed to cater to the specific needs of engineers. Professional tool users are increasingly embracing mobility and self-sufficiency. The need to carry essential tools and equipment wherever they go has become paramount.
As projects span across various locations, engineers must be equipped to tackle challenges on the spot, without relying on extensive resources or external support. The rise of compact and portable tools has aided this.
Modular tool backpacks offer a convenient solution for carrying a wide range of tools in a compact and organised manner. These backpacks, such as the Modular X18, offer a versatile solution for carrying and accessing tools on the job site. With dedicated compartments and customisable sections, engineers can conveniently store and transport a variety of hand tools, ensuring easy access and enhanced productivity. The modular design allows for personalisation and flexibility, adapting to different project requirements.
Whether they are working on complex installations or troubleshooting electrical systems, engineers can have their essential tools within arm’s reach, minimising downtime and maximising efficiency. Electrical engineers often encounter intricate and delicate tasks that require precise handling. Needle-nose combination pliers are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatile functionality.
These pliers feature slender, pointed jaws (hence their name) that enable engineers to work in tight spaces and manipulate small components with ease. With integrated wire-cutting capabilities, they provide a comprehensive solution for tasks that require both gripping and cutting functionalities, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple tools. From intricate circuit board assembly to fine wire connections, needle-nose combination pliers empower electrical engineers to work with precision and dexterity.
Efficient wire stripping is another fundamental task for electrical engineers, and tools that can enhance efficiency and save time in this area are highly valued. The NexStrip Multi-Tool, for instance, brings together multiple functionalities in a single tool, streamlining the wire stripping process.
This versatile tool combines precise stripping blades, wire shears and crimping functions, reducing the need for separate tools and enhancing efficiency. With adjustable stripping lengths and a user-friendly design, this multi-tool simplifies wire preparation, saving time and improving accuracy.
Whether it’s a residential wiring project or a large-scale industrial installation, the NexStrip Multi-Tool proves invaluable in ensuring clean and precise wire stripping.
Cutting through cables and wires is another routine task that electrical engineers often encounter. Leading manufacturers are continuously seeking to improve cutting tools to enhance user experience.
Compact diagonal cutters with high lever transmission, such as X-Cut Diagonal Cutters, provide an advanced cutting solution designed for maximum cutting performance and durability. Equipped with high leverage and a precise cutting edge, these compact cutters offer enhanced power transmission, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use.
This ergonomic design ensures clean and effortless cuts, promoting efficiency and accuracy in electrical projects, whether engineers are working on installations, repairs, or maintenance tasks.
While new trends emerge, some established favourites remain indispensable to electrical engineers. When working on electrical installations involving nuts, bolts, and pipes, having a versatile tool that combines pliers and a wrench is invaluable. Pliers Wrenches provide a single tool that combines the gripping power of pliers with the adjustable functionality of a wrench. With a smooth, parallel gripping action and a quick adjustment mechanism, engineers can easily grip and turn objects of various sizes. This tool eliminates the need for carrying multiple tools, enhancing convenience and reducing tool storage requirements. From fastening fittings to adjusting connectors, pliers wrenches are reliable companions for electrical engineers. As electrical engineering continues to evolve, so do the tools that support the industry. The latest hand tool trends cater to the specific needs of electrical engineers, focusing on mobility, precision, versatility, and efficiency.
18 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JULY/AUGUST 2023
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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