I'm a newbie in the telecom business. I work for a school district in South Carolina and during the hurricane the power went out at one of the schools that coincidentally has a Nortel norstar system. When I returned to work I found that all of the sets had reverted back to their out of the box default programming. Your videos have helped me significantly to bring everyone's sets back to relative normalcy. Keep those help videos coming!

Bought back happy memories of being a CATV engineer back in the UK, thanks for sharing! Ps my kit was pretty much the same as yours, I also had a gas detector for underground working.

Now getting into this business and this video has been very helpful. Thanks Nortel guy. Keep up the videos.

Did telecom 20+ years ago. Still have my Harris butt set along with my Progressive tone set, punch, can wrench. Miss playing around in Telco Terminals- crossing conversations was funny. Would bridge tip of one circuit and ring of another through the butt set and key it up. All the parties would be bridged... hilarious Sounded like a party line.

Former Opt 81C/Opt 11 tech, enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Miss working on the old Opt series. RIP Nortel ACDs.

Thanks a lot man! I'm getting ready to interview for an apprentice comm. tech. and this helps big time with gaining some knowledge of the tools of the trade. I interviewed once before and had no idea they were going to give me a tool bag and ask me to identify and give the uses for each tool... needless to say I didn't get that job. Once again, THANK YOU!

There's a couple items you might add; 1st, a can wrench (with 7/16 and 3/8 sockets) and 2nd, a booth wrench (5/32) with center security hole for working at the local phone company's D-Marc.

Nice setup, here is what I carry with me on jobs. Voice and data toolbag

I have the exact same tool! it's good to know i have a master Telecom tool kit!

their great in ham radio to check board voltages and such too. I don't personally do that kind of repair no but I have seen those meters used in ham radio. the area I tend to specialize in is receiving antennas, and I've made a few long wire antennas over the years but for hf reception. RJ45 is ethernet isn't it? that's what my network router uses.

I agree 100% on all your choices. As a systems admin for going on a year now, this is identical to my tool kit, with a few other additions specific to networks, but basically the same thing. I think for the price of cable testers, i'd put it in my must have list.. you can get a decent one for about $20 and they save a lot of time. I use my Leatherman Wave and flashlight the most, followed by a cheepo technicians screwdriver... There have been a lot of times that I need to use the small screw driver to pry a bad punch on a single line... and it usually is the most difficult one to get to and would be impossible if you only had your fingers. but those are things I have on me at all times anyway. If you really get heavy into installing network cables for networks or VoIP then a cable certifier is nice to have, but they are extremely expensive and thats really specific to doing network admin/install type stuff, not something for telco.

I got a harris TS22 on ebay for $15 a while back.

We used the banana's a lot in the old days to locate pair's in paper insulated cables back in the 1980s and 90s . I was an E&I cable splicer / telephone linesmen in the U.S.A.F for 15 year's . Thanks for the memories.

Just checking in again. Got into doing some ethernet wiring at home. I upgraded my FIOS service And had to run CAT6 from the terminal to my router. The ISP tech Terminated the RJ45s. From there I ran some patch cables with RJ45 plugs to rooms with keystone jacks. I did it because WIFI is flaky sometimes. I'd like to buy a crimp Tool but I dont really do telecom/ Data anymore.

ALSO MUST HAVES.... Needle-nose pliers, 3/8" 7/16" orange "can wrench", scotchlok crimpers, container for a bunch of scotchloks, a yellow spudger, a "banjo" in-line adaptor, and diagonal cutters or "dikes" for more heavy duty cuts than the shears can do. And butt sets will never go out of style! How else will you listen in on calls for the NSA?

Almost complete tools Nortel Guys ..thanks for sharing..

Oh yeah, add needle nose pliers that have multiple functions, such as wire cutters, wires strippers (for 22 gauge) and 3M Scotch Lock crimps built in. Really handy tool to have.

In India Krone IDC modules and krone Punch down tool used generally,Telecom operator and ISP use different tool and modules at switch side, but its always Krone at Field side.

Thank you so much dude, God bless

Hey, I already have a few of those tools .... thanks for making this video!

Krone punchdown is heavily used in Europe and Australia, we dont use 66's, on phone networks, data networks though, 110 is mostly used

Hey, Steve, I have a question. Fairly new to telecom work. I have extreme problems at a 66 block getting a dial tone with a butt set. I've resorted to using one of those Testar appliances that have a connector for 2 pins on a 66 block on one end and an RJ11 port for a cheap Vtech phone on the other. I thought I might have a defective butt set and returned it to the factory for another and got the same problem, so it isn't the butt set. I know the two clips on a butt set can't touch each other when you connect to the pins on a 66 block, but how much time does it take to keep moving and twisting the clip into differing positions on the 66 block pins to break through the static and get a dial tone? It almost never works for me; I can sometimes get lucky and get a dial tone, but the Testar appliance always works.

Hi im studying this right now. It is a 2 years diploma program i cant wait to graduate :)

Hey Nortel Guy. Also included should be a cable fault locator, LCD example Metrohm , Spirent , Megger or Biccotest (distance meters) , a drill , normal and or cordless , 3m probe , Krone probe. Krone is pronounced Kroner by the way. But as we know copper is fading away but for internal networking you still need those tools.

Love the use of a velco cable tie to secure the crimping tool, I do the same thing - saves you getting cut on the cutting blade when searching around in your tool kit. I learnt that the hard way. I'd also add [good quality] masking tape to the list for labelling, grouping removed screws, all sorts.

How heavy is this bag if you have ever weighed it? Though you may have upgraded by now.

yep, those would be good too. I don't run into the cans much. And technically, I 'm not supposed to be in there ;-). Thanks for watching and posting.

What about the bag you keep the tools in?

Great Video The BIX blade is a #1 standard up here in Manitoba Canada.

Noortel guy i heard that cooper cable work will be use again is that true

I am surprised that you didn't mention an insulated cable pick. Good for removing cables from incorrectly punched cables or for moves.

excellent ! thanks

I used to work for ntl in the uk. cable/telecoms. I lost my tools due to theft. I had all those tools. our punch down was all krone or poyet.

Love the Harris punch down my favorite. Good info . My uncle was a old GTE guy Got in the trade early learned from old school phone system techs.

Thank you

Is there such a thing as a dsl buttset?

that's both of my bags, work and home:)

What is that screwdriver called at 6min 30sec in the video? can't find one that is like this. Thanks

Ha the only thing I did not see is a drop chain for pulling wire. It really makes you mad when you don t have one. I like it because you can use your magnet and hear it in the wall. I also found that I buy the good six-foot leads from fluke. But I like to use a cheap meter. which gives me probes and alligator clips. I also in my trade carry simple alligator jumpers. Now since I have the better meter leads, I use them instead. Funny how you evolve to carry multipurpose tools. I really like the banjo connector for testing. Things have really changed over the years. Especially since the analogue lines are phasing out. Now I work with more cell units than ever. Which you still need some of the old school things to make it easier. I really miss the old lines as shocking as they were. They always had to call when working on an old demark. I carry many of the tools you have. Now I have things broken down into zip pouches. Then I can grab the color specific bag that has that particular gear I need. It also keeps from overloading the tool bag on the go. I never in my trade seem to need the same set of tools. This has helped me a lot. I see the new back packs for carrying tools. I am sure like you I do not need all that stuff every time. It seems like it would get really heavy. My regular bag is heavy enough. The coupler on your tone generator can be very useful. I often carry a 25 ft cable to plug in for testing. Who wants to work right on top of a patch panel or junction box. It also used to test my equipment for correct reading. I have had leads fail on my meter. Good to test before you start. I really like your setup. Do you have anything you recommend for voice over IP.

I like it

Thanks

What about a banjo adapter? Do you have any videos explaining these? Thanks.

Now a days I use my fiber optic kit probably 70% of the time now.... (4 year telecom field technician)

Great video. Very informative. I was curious why you don't recommend a label printer over a sharpie? Granted, a sharpie is lower cost, but you get much better durability, and readability out of a label printer (not to mention extreme time savings for batch cable/panel labeling, and saving yourself some writers cramps). We have dealers able to get you a demo printer now, if you are interested. Check out our latest video on the LW-PX900 to see what it can do to help you save time and money. Again, great video and keep up the excellent work.

I have been running into internet phone systems called voice over ip.

You also forgot your Siemens Mini block tool, and maybe even the Quante tool. Then there are the 3M probe, Krone probe, and most valuable your slide!! (Spirent TDR)

How can i learn technician tellecom in bangaladesh

The only thing I’d like to add is a can wrench, a banjo, and a metal and plastic pick.

Great video, especially for newbies. And me, I love seeing what others carry! I have a three tier tool box now... I agree a butt set not necessity but when testing lines for Fire and Security Systems it still helps, of course now we're trying to get everything converted to cellular. The only reason I have so many tool boxes is because we do fire, security, surveillance, card access, data networking, telephone, fiber optics, wireless antennas, and coax. so where I work we need specialized tools for a little bit of everything and we all install the Cable relating to these items as well. I miss doing just Telcom 😔 😆 ... I noticed a comment about buying tools.. I've never had the luxury of working for a company who buys the employees tools. I've heard of it but nowadays that is the exception not the rule. sure would be nice though. I've been doing this since 1995. How long have you been doing this? You seem very knowledgeable. Like you, I only carry about 5 or 6 main tools on average though 😊

Lol british guy here, i'm an electrician but do lots of data and telecomms... the only major faux pas i have found so far, is 'metric or english'. English IS metric... England has been metric since the late 60s ;) Most jumper wire here is yellow/blue-blue/yellow...

Hi, i'm thinking of a major in telecom or information systems. Which one do you think is in higher demand/better for the future? Are you satisfied in the telecom industry?

thank you from 2020

I have a FLUKE TS44 Deluxe I want to sell. I literally have no use for it. How and where do I get rid of it?

Just for giggles, do you still have a wire wrap tool?

whywhould there be 3 cat 5e cables running to a phone jack in my house?

Never liked using scissors, wire cutters were easier for me. Used my thumbnail to strip back the sheathing when installing jacks. Started in the business in '85. Analog test set was the number one tool then. Hang one of those on your belt loop and you could go anywhere in a business you wanted too, no questions asked.

I’m a service tech in the Fire & Security business and I use every one of the tools in this video every day.

KRONE is the most common in the UK

I don't even use a punch down tool.. Once you get the touch just put cap on top of jack and squeeze, use your mini cable cutters to cut ends to avoid an inspector picking that up

cool vid..thanx..and now the question is how can a beginner man get a job in this field

I don't see the velcro

Toe tags. You need to label your work. It’s not always possible to write clearly on a cable or punch down block. 25 years ago I had a job which used BIX on a new SL/1 install so I carry all 4 punch down blades just in case. 66, 110, Krone, and Bix.

paint brush to dust off dirty surfaces.....

SNIPS!!!

8:10 We telecom lineworkers call them snips; not little scissors. the notches strip 19 and 22 gauge wire.

Thanks Steve here my bag: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/e9mnhqyZxsyrZ58.html

a good field technician doesn't need all that to do his job. all you need is the basic tools and resourcefulness.

master tech my ass.

No strippers (snips aren't always the best for stripping especially outer jackets), no can wrench, no needle nose pliers, no spudger (how do you remove your mistakes when you punch down), basic tool assortment? You are missing a lot of vital tools that are important for every install. You must spend more time in an office instead of doing field work, because if you were doing field installs your tool kit would be far different as would your "top 5".

the proper terminology is snips, not scissors.

Krone....pronounced kroona...more or less....