What's in a Professional Network Cabling Techs Kit? | BridgeCable.com

People have been asking us what our network cabling techs carry in our kits. More info about us - www.bridgecable.com/network-ca...
Punches? Snips? Toners? What to carry to be a pro and get any job DONE!
What’s in a Professional Network Cabling Kits?
We’ve shown you how we do things as Professional Cabling Installers, now we’d like to show you what we carry to make things done quickly and efficiently! In this video, we are featuring what we carry when we are going to do an installation. If you want to see them, continue watching!
First and a must have for every people in the team is the Klein work belt. The work belt must have electrical tapes, snips (I generally carry two pairs just in case I lose one.), it also has a very functional multi tool, it has a drill holder, and a blade. This is $45 Klein work belt and can do any cabling jobs with this!
Next, we’ll show you our kit. This is a kit we got from Stanley. We need something with wheels making it very easy to just roam around back and forth the area. On top we keep out fragile tools. What we got are bunch of short jumpers and basic testers. Then there’s a Fluke tester and a toner. Here’s a secret, we carry with us a $10 toner from amazon because sometimes Fluke bleeds through so bad that it’s better to use the cheap to find the cable fast. That’s what I can suggest to our network cabling professionals, have two toners to save your time. Then there’s a little can of screws, another Klein multi tool screwdrivers, security bit set, tape measure, stud finder, a drywall saw, extra batteries (always wrapped), 2 Fluke punches, and a label maker.
Another cool stuff we bring are a handy drill bit extender, small screwdriver for server work, telescopic tube with magnetic bit holder, rack screws, and the most special tool we have: Klein bushing grommet drill out. Of course, might be a miss to everyone, but always carry a cellphone charger. We also carry a whole set of Paddle bits, which we consider an installer’s best friend. You don’t have to worry if you need to get a hole or if you need to go through wood, just put it in the drill.
Here’s another trick we’d like to show you. I’m showing you a magic eraser. If your guys has scuffed off the wall, put a little water… it will remove any prints or dirt marks.
That is what we have on the top of the kit. Now let me show you inside the middle kit.
We have assortment of screws and pens, another different bits…wood, metal and paddle. If you have these, you can get through any wall plus the drill bit extension. We always try to carry small wire ties for dressing.
Next is the main part of the kit, the fun stuff!
We carry a Fluke Butt set but I go with the small, cheaper and simple butt set and has been with installations and saved the day a lot of times. We also carry $20 Walmart label maker which has done a good job for me, just make sure you use white plastic labels instead of paper labels so it won’t peel right off.
Now here comes my best friend… The drill. Every time you go on site, you need to make sure it’s plugged in and you have batteries backed up. It’s good to invest in a drill. Plus you’ll get to see more screws in this main kit and we also carry trash bags. Making sure to leave a clean site. We also have a mule tape strength for high tension and works better than a pull string. And here’s another mule tape strength with a paddle and it can get down a wall fast. Of course, drywall caddies and multi colored tapes for signals, fish tapes, gloves, RJ crimpers to make custom cables, heavier gauge snipping tool, a mini hammer, and finally a flashlight!
So we’ve shared what’s inside our bag! Let us know what you think! Hit us some comments below and tell us what we need more or have we been an inspiration to y’all! More interesting videos coming up soon! We also would like to hear from you for any content suggestions!
If you liked this video, don’t forget to share and subscribe!!!
BridgeCable.com is the leading in the Philadelphia, PA area for network data cabling DBA Bridge Global Services.
Bridge Cable
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Emergency service for all Low Voltage Structured Cabling Installations and Repairs.
2066 W. Hunting Park Ave, STE 308, Philadelphia, PA 19140

[@kingsporttoolreview8703]

Been doing electrical work since 1992, Graduated with an Associates in Electrical Technologies Degree in '95, and I'm an Industrial/Commercial Electrician by trade, but in 2011 my employer sent me (and 2 coworkers) to Nashville, TN for 2 weeks to take a DataComm class (and to become "Hubbell Certified" afterwards). Ever since then I do more DataComm than I do regular electrical work. I wish that I would've had someone like you to show me all of the tips and tricks to make life easier, instead, I had to learn it on my own.

[@BridgeCable]

DataComm or Telecom is a great skill! There is a shortage of skilled labor right now in 2021. Pulling wire and actually doing structured cabling is two different things. It's truly a rewarding field and a finished patch panel that looks clean is always a beautiful thing!

[@angelicaaviles2385]

Happy that you show everything in detail, your really helping new techs coming into the networking field.

[@deeveevideos]

Its not the size of the hammer its how you use it! great video, I am an IT support specialist for a school and really enjoyed your video. thank you.

[@BridgeCable]

Just a little tap will "do ya". :)

[@michellejae67]

Lol.. in my daily toolbag I have a little hammer, stubbier than yours. One day I was tapping a drywall anchor into the wall while I was talking on the phone. Tap tap tap tap. The person I was talking to said, “Sounds like you need a bigger hammer!” I love that hammer. Got it at a garage sale for a quarter. It’s handy when you don’t want to use the back end of your impact driver to hit something. Lol..

[@BridgeCable]

Paul the owner, in the video, gets so many jokes about that hammer. You are right though.....we are not building noah's ark :)

[@akseltech]

your time and energy is greatly appreciated. Much love to you your company! :)

[@BridgeCable]

Thank You so much! Trying to share as much as we can!

[@steveurbach3093]

Great kit. 4 things I have in my kit: Step reamer for enlarging holes in metal or plastic. My drill has a hammer-drill setting for drilling anchor holes (

[@BridgeCable]

100% Yes with a drill with the Hammer setting! Not the best or power but for those random times needed!

[@andrewmccallum5699]

very well planned out kit, defo planning ahead re 2x of each key tools, so easy to loose tools when onsite, tool bag is a great idea, like the selection of equipment too, thanks

[@BridgeCable]

Absolutely!! Every jobsite is different....but a basic load out is what we send our teams out with. :)

[@ALTONBENALLY]

I carry wired ear buds too for the Tracer Probe. Works great when you're in a loud server room. Bonus is that you can plug your phone in when you're on a call... if you're fortune to still have an auxiliary jack of course. "Make sure you have plenty of flashlights..." Flashlight is dead. LOL

[@BridgeCable]

Great idea about the ear buds!! Tons of batteries.....always bring a few. A great trick for 9V batteries is to wrap them with tape so they don't short in storage.

[@jefesalsero]

My son just graduated high school two weeks ago, began his new job (career) as a Network Cable Installer this past Monday (paid 6-month apprenticeship), and just completed his week-long initial training and OSHA cert today. Last year he attended a technical school (in conjunction with his high school) where, among other things, he learned the basics of computer networking (including wiring up properties). He will join a crew on a job site this Monday where he'll be doing a lot of watching the guys install Cat 6 cable. He received his tool belt and tools yesterday. The kid is excited and very motivated! His longer-term goal is to become a Foreman.

[@BridgeCable]

Congrats! Not too shabby getting a paid 6 months to trade a living :) We as well take on new techs and train. Our goal is for them to stay on but so far two of our guys have started their own companies as well.

[@g-money7979]

What highschool(s) do they teach this at?

[@artyomarty391]

Good job for the son but i have friends and myself who went into this field with 0 education and simply shadowed someone for a few weeks and then immediately started making 70k plus the first or second month(1099). I recommend searching for contracting companies which work for Comcast or time warner or rcn. The $12 an hour or so salary that you get working as an employee rather than a 1099 is a ripoff. it’s only worth it if you are either a very slow worker, or you happen to injure yourself.

[@TheMwowner1]

i work as a walking cable technician, i have to drag/lift/carry a 40+ pound bag of tools and equipment with me all day long for 10 hours a day plus my commute to and from work. Hate my life, i love the job, but it gets old quick, and it destroys your back. Plus cable techs always get crapped on. Its not a great career path especially if you are a contractor or a non union employee, that's when you get stepped on the most. Currently i work for a startup, and after 18 months of carrying such weight, my back and neck is destroyed. Lets not forget about the ladders and cableboxes/ modem routers and additional miscellaneous things you have to carry with you at times. I loved the job, out of all the cable jobs i had, i enjoyed business telecommunications/ structured cable the most. I hate working for residential clients, especially when you work as a home/automation A/V technician and have to service the ultra rich, such a demeaning job. Plus all these companies keep getting bought out or sold or just close down because there is so much competition, and to find a union job its impossible, most of these major corporations such as Verizon and charter here in nyc, are out sourcing their work to contracting companies that exploit the technicians to the fullest. Seriously reconsidering my field of work and moving over to medicine or the medical field. love the video though, i just decided to go on my little rant, cable will do that too ya, make you bicker about your crappy job on your day off lol.

[@BridgeCable]

I feel the comments! This is Paul the owner of Bridge. I started as a one man show or single tech. I did probably what you did...alot of service tickets from national companies. I got beat up quite a few times. Larger jobs came and I rubbed shoulders with others in the business. I started a collection of the best hard working people I knew. I based the current company with exceptional work at fair pricing. Fair pricing means I pay my guys the best rates. I understood over the years the hiring tech companies would just use you and spit you out. That being said I've been working with clients that understand the quality of our work. These days we do bid work so service ticket work is about 10% of the business. I would suggest pairing up with a local mom and pop outfit....help them to expand. Union is hit or miss, at times on the bench....my own son is thinking about joining...so nothing but love for them. I'll wrap it up...the job of a cabling tech is physical indeed. 2020 in the Philly area was brought many shops to a close.....find a good group and build a team together. Once you get a few large jobs under your belt....not smooth sailing....but better :) Know your worth....national IT outfits want to slap together bogus cabling jobs....give the client an outstanding job....it worked for us. So much to type....but brother.....I know your story :)

[@mikel9567]

If your getting beat up, learn to practice good ergonomics. I was an EMT for over 10 years, I lugged around a trauma kit that weighed about 30 lbs. Our EKG's weighed about 25. Not to mention confined spaces, because no one ever has a heart attack while lying on a bed that is 36" off the ground. Dragging and carrying patients. Ever carry a 200lb patient plus your rescue gear down a 2 mile long wooded trail. Let me tell you, you learn real quick how to protect your body. Don't be afraid to stretch out. I don't do EMS much anymore, in fact my full time job is now working on roads for the county but my years working on the boo boo bus have beat me up pretty bad. Take it from me, use proper ergonomics. Work smarter, not harder. People might make fun of you for requesting help to carry something, but you won't be 40 years old and looking at a knee surgery or having to visit a chiropractor.

[@BridgeCable]

@@mikel9567 Key points....in a loose way of saying it....your body is the best tool. Around 40+ in this field you start to feel it....one huge thing....knees. For Bridge Cable we handed out knee pads....of course out of 8 techs only 1 guy uses them. Eye protection is another must...everyday our safety has to remind them to use em. I love your comment....work smarter!!

[@michellejae67]

I’ve been in the IT business for 26 years. I’ve done everything IT related, and have been working for myself as a contractor for more than half of my work life. I love it because I can pick and choose jobs. Then job I hated most was when I cabled a new retail store. One of my regular clients whom I did a lot of work for begged me to take on the project, and I resisted until they found someone else to head it up and I just assisted and supplied another worker (team of 3). We were the only non union people in the building. The lead electrician was awesome but the general contractor nit-picked everything. I still go into sites, look up and see stuff he said was “illegal” and say to myself, “and he said it wasn’t legal…” Ugh. Nightmare. And I felt like I rolled around in dirt, tarred and feathered after a long day in new construction. Most frustrating job I ever did and glad it’s over. I enjoy a job with a few cable runs as part of the project, and have had to get cable thru 30” of concrete and brick. My Dewalt rotary hammer drill is one of my most awesome toys and is indispensable.

[@EveningGoDs]

You couldn't be more right about the big corporations outsourcing to greedy contractor's who abuse their worker's. In NYC when the projects are half way done, the contractors start looking for any reason to fire as many worker's which save even more but almost double the workload for whoever is left for the same salary

[@sherlynsy906]

Now we know! This is very helpful.

[@southrncadillac]

Great video- I will share my bag once I record

[@BridgeCable]

Can't wait!! Everyone likes different minor tools....the majors like snips, tester, toner...all good.

[@8thgstriker412]

starting an entry level commercial cabling job today never done this type of work before but man am i happy to get out of retail lol looks like ill have to spend a couple hundred dollars on tools and boots to start out, oh well whatever it takes!

[@BridgeCable]

Start gaining experience.....textbooks are okay....field work is GOLDEN. Then after a few years get some certs in your name! Guys in the their mid-30's are making $70K-$100K per year after awhile.

[@johnnykennerly243]

Phenomenal video, geat insight I recently subscribed to your channel and it have been very informational. Big thanks from one small subscriber and (Salute to your Independence and Entrepreneurship). Looking forward to the next video.

[@BridgeCable]

Many thanks Johnny! Way long but trying to help out techs new in the business! What is in Paul's rollkit can get him thru any wall and complete a job. Of course everyone might be slightly different but after 10 years...your kit should look something like his. Perhaps a bit more sorted :)

[@rudydiaz2488]

Thank you

[@williemarshall2509]

Great video I use a chain to drop down a hollow wall it works great

[@BridgeCable]

Love a chain! Lost a few in my days! Need to get another one!!

[@ajflowz5009]

Lol ball chain for the win

[@brentsido8822]

Orange Mason line with fishing weight or nut for me

[@samanthavillaver7878]

This is very informative. What's one thing you can't live without?

[@BridgeCable]

My drill! :)

[@DkKnows97]

Going to job corps for network cable installer, thanks for the video

[@BridgeCable]

We heard that is a great program! :) Great choice in the trades field! FYI - Typically techs with experience make $30 per hour, in the Philadelphia area Union is making $60 per hour. Aim for the sky!

[@DMoe357]

You guys are Super Professional. Love your videos very enlightening

[@BridgeCable]

Many thanks!

[@luislazcano5604]

Buenas herramientas y todo bien ordenado lo felicito yo igual tengo mis herramientas ordenadas pero con packaut de milwaukee saludos desde chile

[@handymandaz]

I wonder if you’d mind making a video of how to use that cheap butt set, I’m only just starting out in telecoms and your videos are really helping me. Thanks.

[@obiifiorah4852]

Love this thank you for this video.could you share tips how to become a professional network cabling technician

[@BridgeCable]

Thanks for this! Please review our other videos for more training, if something is missing we can make a video. As well our blog is loaded with training tips and links! www.bridgecable.com/blog/

[@mof4104]

Great video!

[@BridgeCable]

Trying to spread the love...or the knowledge :)

[@mof4104]

@@BridgeCable only addition I have is my handy dandy spudger or wire pick.

[@CB27]

I've recently taken on a bigger network cabling job. I've got pretty much the same stuff I take on such jobs. One thing I've added recently is DeWalt Wall Dogs. Save so much time when screwing things to walls etc.

[@BridgeCable]

Never tried the Wall Dogs.......searching for videos now.

[@fortuneconfidence7057]

thank you sir

[@BridgeCable]

Most welcome

[@rockero7907]

Nice video

[@BridgeCable]

Thanks! We have fun with our channel but hope this helps :)

[@nonolabs]

I use the hammer all the time for setting anchors.

[@BridgeCable]

My trick is to take the drill and tap it in the wall. Leaves a "star" mark in the drywall...enough for the drywall anchors. My drill bits always have drywall on em :)

[@sinhalatechworld7410]

Can you kindly drop list of items that you have in this package.

[@BridgeCable]

Drop us a email at [e-mail] - Spare time we will try to type up a list :)

[@sturgis76]

Funny I have that same hammer in my box, for times where its too tight a spot to get a regular hammer enough space to swing....cool vid...I have been doing this for a while, started at 18 back in the old windows NT days, even did the MCSE track and was certified but always enjoyed the cabling side better, so yeah about 25 years in...I just clicked on it because I was curious the differences in our tools and setups, see I live in Mexico now, moved here over 15 years ago and started an ISP near Cancun right when they opened the market to other companies, I am actually a fixed wireless provider, anyways main difference in our tools is the paddle bits or any wood bits would be concrete bits in my bag, mainly my 3/8 6" masonary bit for concrete anchors and 12" 3/8 or 5/16 to drill through the walls, everything here is concrete block construction, and the majority of it has no conduits unless its new construction, my other tool which i am suprised you didnt mention, its my lifeline, is my shop vac, probably not for what you think though, here when we do have conduits a lot of the time they left off the glue or if the flexible they pieced it together with tape and are long runs so we have fiberglass fish tapes but they 9 out of 10 times just end up busting out and running off in a wall or ceiling, thats where my shopvac shines, I tie a piece of a plastic bag on a string and put the shop vac on the other side and feed that bag and string into the conduit, game over, would be fun to switch for a day, you would be amazed at the work I see from other companies, and just the differences I'm sure are crazy, let me know if you ever wanna come down haha I'll take you out on site. Oh yeah one thing I didnt hear you mention was connectors, I keep a full container and usually a partial in the trucks and somehow I still hear Hey we only have on connector left, all the time its amazing I think they eat them. I still have a kit for polishing fiber ends the old school way, it stays in the office though we dont have much use for it, its a antique just for laughs, when I learned that was the only option though ....haha

[@sturgis76]

Oh yeah and Magic erasers by the pallet..haha A multimeter/voltmeter even because there is no code here and no inspections per say, so no color codes on elecrtrical, and we very often have to tap in and add a plug for electrical for poe injectors, or wireless routers, we have a punch tool in a couple trucks, but never gets used, they dont use wall plates here they are even hard to find sometimes, I am telling you, you would get a good laugh....

[@BridgeCable]

Love this!! There is so many tricks or "special" tools to carry. Conduits and walls are all not the same. Even in office buildings....so much to factor in. Like you said...paddle bits and a shop vac....priceless :) Guys in the field after 10 years....come fully loaded. It's funny what you truly need :)

[@rudydiaz2488]

Quick question what type of totes are the you carry with you? Great video

[@BridgeCable]

The rolling kits? From Stanley....our local hardware store.... Home Depot.

[@King_Kofi]

Excellent video Bro. But that hammer is asking for feedback on a construction site. 😂😂😂😂

[@BridgeCable]

😅Paul the owner here...the guy in the video. I love carrying that hammer onsite....badge of honor...my "stones" get broken every single time I pull it out! LOL. One of my guys wrote "my 1st hammer" on it. LOL.

[@King_Kofi]

@@BridgeCable 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rickythreet391]

“I’m a professional” continues to impact blade in the ground. 🤣

[@BridgeCable]

LOL.....they can take a hit or two :)

[@wturruellas]

Great video !! if you are looking for an installer in the orlando area please let me know ! I have been doing low voltage for 20 years !! thank you

[@BridgeCable]

Thanks for the comment and glad to hear another pro out there! I'll keep you in mind if we get work in FLA :)

[@sandernieuwenhuizen626]

At 9:40, what was that for a set? I couldn't hear what he said. Bug set? Bud set? Buck set? I checked google but can't find it.

[@BridgeCable]

Sorry! BUTT Set. is what they are called. For tracing out 66 blocks or telephone (analog) lines. Rare we use them these days....but gold when you have one onboard!

[@juandidodonjulio]

Not bad! 👌

[@BridgeCable]

Trying to carry everything but the kitchen sink :)

[@juandidodonjulio]

@@BridgeCable ha ha yes so you're familiar with Murphys law

[@BridgeCable]

@@juandidodonjulio The owner calls it Wallace's Law.....after himself :) LOL

[@thomasblack9772]

greeeeat

[@EASTDURHAMSL]

Is the telescopic just a light or has a hole you can look down as well?

[@BridgeCable]

Just a light....with a magnet....nice to grab "lost" screws :)

[@Henry_Jones]

Im not a fan of the fluke tone/probe. The tone generator blends in with 60hz noise making it harder to hear. Also the probe is fragile. The tips and internal speaker both break easily from short drops. Ive had better luck with the Tempos.

[@sayblaze]

I need a tracer and meter

[@BridgeCable]

Get a Fluke and then a $15 "no name" one. At times the Fluke is too powerful :)

[@sayblaze]

@@BridgeCable ok thank you bro

[@quellhorst7550]

Some say he needs a bigger hammer 12:40 :) Thanks for the informative video.

[@BridgeCable]

Once carried a crowbar :) Thanks for the comment!

[@thuhreb]

Funny how what I carry around matches your setup, even down to the magic eraser and trash bag. Something new I added recently is the bosch multiconstruction drill bit, specifically the 1/4" (IMC06) for use with the typical blue anchors for raceway and various mounting. It sucks having to carry around both an impact and a hammer drill. Now I only keep my impact on me because that bosch bit does the job without hammer. Occasionally, I come across a harder brick/block that it struggles to get through, but it's rare. Other knick knacks I keep are a small rubber doorstop, 90 degree drill attachment, and one of these - www.amazon.com/Low-Voltage-Mounting-Bracket-Template/dp/B07B4K4C26/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=single+gang+cut+level&qid=1601459273&s=hi&sr=1-6 Other handy things - rubber mallet, white electrical tape (for labeling being visible), and I love the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers. I like having to carry only one brand of battery so I don't have to deal with multiple chargers. Check out battery adapters (makita, ryobi, etc to dewalt battery adapters for example). Also a good idea to pickup some of those orange cable rollup spools ($2 at walmart) and keep at least 100' of cat5/6 and 4-wire cable available in my work vehicle. Pencil sharpener, retractable sharpies, fine point sharpie, laser measuring tool (for surveys), compact foldout dolly for equipment delivery, small spool of fish tape, and a box of assorted cables.

[@BridgeCable]

Yo....no one thinks of cleaning up the walls or removing trash from the site :) New guys think a painter just follows them after they are done :) Sweet Bosch setup!

[@ianik777]

Very basic tool set. :). but video is nice.

[@BridgeCable]

Many Thanks!!

[@Luke-mj5gw]

Audio is terrible.

[@BridgeCable]

Will work on improving that! How about the info? Pickup at least one new thing?

[@Luke-mj5gw]

Bridge Cable, yeah. I’m new to the business so I came to the video to see what things I may want to purchase for the job. I apologize if I came off too judgmental. Not my intention.

[@BridgeCable]

@@Luke-mj5gw No foul....didn't take it that way :) Suggestion for buying tools....if "sticking" with this field for the long term...then buy once....do not buy the cheap tools :)

[@Luke-mj5gw]

I’ve heard that a good bit. I probably will be doing that. Lol. Thanks for the advice! :)

[@BridgeCable]

@@Luke-mj5gw Good Luck in joining the field :) Post your complete jobs! :)

[@Ashroyer86]

Who cares. I have to pay for my jeans. If I want back pocket for my tools that's what I should use. Big bulky belt to weigh me down all day= stupid. Know which tools you need ahead of time and put them in your pocket. I get to install cat 5 with an ex lineman, yay! The guy uses a pole climbers belt to use his 12 foot ladder on a light pole while installing a poe injector.

[@BridgeCable]

Bulky belts....side hostlers.....or as you suggest back pockets. Whatever gets the job done. I will mention you keep your snips in your back pocket they will make a hole in a matter of days. We have this one tech that does that all the time.....always a hole in his pants :) Safety first and whatever works for you my friend! :)

[@thuhreb]

I knew a guy who used his back pocket for snips. One day he sat down in a booth during lunch and cut his butthole off. Had to get his o-ring sewn back on. Now he always smells like doo-doo. To each his own.