g/tools • Posted by u/milwaukee_mark • 3 months ago

Full tool loadout for a panel trim-out day — what's in your bag?

Did a panel trim-out on a 40-unit apartment complex this week — 40 QO panels, 2 days, 2 guys. Here's what I ran the whole time:

Power: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4" Hex Impact (2953-20), M18 drill/driver combo, M12 right-angle drill for tight spaces

Meters: Fluke 117 True RMS (main working meter), Fluke T5-1000 (quick continuity), Greenlee GT-16 GFCI tester

Hand tools: Klein 11-in-1 screwdrivers, Klein J2000-9NETP lineman pliers, Ideal 45-1901 wire stripper, Klein 11057 wire stripper for smaller gauge

Misc: Ideal Industries torque drivers (calibrated for device and breaker torque specs — yes we actually use them), labeling machine (Brady BMP21-PLUS), non-contact thermometer for warm breakers

What does your panel trim-out kit look like?

💬 4 replies

4 replies

Best New Old Controversial

u/snap_on_stan • 3 months ago

The Brady BMP21-PLUS is underrated. I see so many panels with handwritten labels or no labels. A legible printed label on every breaker is professional and saves whoever does service later an enormous amount of time.

112

u/nec_nerd • 2 months ago

Torque drivers on panel work: you are one of maybe 10% of electricians who actually does this. 110.14(D) compliance is rare in the field. Respect.

u/fluke_fanatic • 3 months ago

Solid kit. One addition I'd suggest: Fluke 375 FC clamp meter if you're doing a lot of panel work. The iFlex flexible clamp works on large conductors that a standard clamp won't fit, and the wireless logging is useful for monitoring load on a completed circuit before close-up.

u/dewalt_donna • 2 months ago

Do you prefer the 1/4" hex impact over a standard driver for panel work? I always thought variable speed was more important than impact for screw-in breakers.