Essential Tools Every Maintenance Technician Should Have in Their Toolbox
19th Nov 2024
Whether you're troubleshooting electrical issues, fixing plumbing problems, or performing routine building maintenance, quality tools help you avoid mistakes and do the job right the first time.
In this post, we go over the ones you can’t live without.
These are the tools that truly make a difference, not just in getting things done, but in ensuring you're not wasting time or compromising on quality.
Oscillating Multi-Tool: The Essential Material Removal Solution
An oscillating multi-tool is the maintenance engineer’s Swiss army knife, perfect for making cuts in plasterboard to access hidden pipes or wiring.
This tool’s versatility comes from the variety of blades and attachments it can accommodate—from wood and metal cutting to sanding and grout removal.
- Ideal for tight or awkward spaces.
- Performs flush and plunge cuts without pre-drilling.
- Offers variable speed control for delicate or tough materials.
Side Cutter Parallel Pliers: Tightening and Cutting Made Simple
Side cutter parallel pliers are ideal when dealing with cables or in hard-to-reach areas. Key features include:
- Parallel jaws ensure you get even pressure distribution across the whole length, ideal for secure gripping without damaging cables or fastenings.
- Integrated side cutters are perfect for quick, precise cable trimming (on non-live cables, these are not insulated).
- The open-throat design lets you thread/pull longer cables without damaging the insulation.
These pliers allow you to pull cables through tight spaces and cut them to length without switching tools.
Browse Maun Side Cutter Parallel Pliers here.
Cordless Drill: Power Without the Hassle
A cordless drill is much more than just a tool for inserting screws. It allows you to work fast and at height or awkward positions, without a power cable slowing you down – perfect when installing cable fasteners on a new install.
Choosing one with a brushless motor means longer life, less heat, and better battery efficiency. Key features include:
- Torque control to avoid stripping screws or damaging surfaces.
- Doubles as an impact driver for tougher materials like masonry.
- Quick-charge batteries reduce downtime.
Perfect to cut down hours on installing door frames and fixing metal brackets, saving both time and effort.
Adjustable Spanner: The Go-To for Plumbing and Beyond
An adjustable spanner is perfect for all plumbing jobs, letting you quickly make adjustments to multiple sizes of pipes without going back to the toolbox. Key benefits include:
- Slim head design for access to tight spaces.
- Longer handle for better torque in difficult areas.
- Prevents damage to fittings with precise adjustment.
This tool is a must when working on pipe joints or radiator valves, especially when space is limited.
Diagonal Cutting Pliers: Sharp Cuts for Clean Finishes
Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as side cutters, are perfect for trimming wires, cable ties, and other small items, making them indispensable for electrical and cable work.
Voltage Tester: Safety First, Every Time
Working with electricity always carries a risk, and a voltage tester is your first line of defence. Go for the higher-end versions that measure both the existence of current and voltage levels.
- Provides real-time voltage readings to diagnose power fluctuations.
- Advanced models include non-contact sensors for added safety.
- Critical for large buildings with multiple electrical panels.
Use to ensure circuits are safe before carrying out electrical work, or verifying your new circuits are working as expected.
Cable Tie Installation Pliers: Tidy Up with Ease
Cable tie installation pliers are the perfect tool for ensuring cable runs stay neat and secure.
Instead of leaving loose or dangerously sharp cable tie edges, you can quickly and consistently secure cable ties.
- Applies consistent tension to avoid damaging cables.
- Snips excess tie length for a clean, professional finish.
- Speeds up cable management, especially for larger installations.
The Maun Cable Tie Installation Pliers are much less bulky than traditional cable tie guns, and allow for one-handed operation with the built-in return spring – perfect for working at height with cable trays.
These pliers are indispensable when tidying cable trays during electrical or HVAC installations.
Straight Edges: Perfect for Accurate Measurements and Markings
Whether you’re making cuts in a wall, woodwork, or metal, a straight edge ensures there are no wonky lines after you’ve done.
Laser Level: Precision Alignment Without Guesswork
Having things level is always important, and a laser level lets you plan out your area more precisely than doing it by eye.
It projects highly visible horizontal or vertical lines onto your surfaces, ensuring everything from shelving to pipes are perfectly aligned. Key benefits include:
- Self-levelling for automatic calibration on uneven surfaces.
- Rotating lasers for 360° projection, ideal for large areas.
- Multiple mounting options for hands-free operation.
Use them for laying out electrical trunking across long corridors. Instead of manually checking every section with a spirit level, the laser level ensures each segment is straight from the get-go, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Needle-Nose Pliers: Precision Where You Need It
Needle-nose pliers excel in narrow spaces where precision is key. When a normal set of pliers doesn’t reach or fit, you’ll often find that the narrower jaw of the needle-nose pliers gives you the extra inch you need to reach. When choosing, ensure the following:
- Jaws close fully for secure grip on fine wires or components.
- Look for insulated handles for safety when working with live electrical systems.
These pliers are perfect for tasks like adjusting wiring in junction boxes or dealing with small components.
Maun Snipe nose pliers are small and compact. Available with both serrated and smooth jaws and the signature Maun parallel-action, they are suitable for a range of applications.
Inspection Camera (Borescope): Eyes in Tight Spaces
An inspection camera allows you to see into tight or inaccessible spaces—behind walls, inside ductwork, or under floors—without the need to dismantle anything.
These cameras typically come with a flexible cable and a high-definition display. Key features include:
- Flexible, waterproof cables for manoeuvring through tight spaces.
- LED lighting for illuminating dark areas.
- High-resolution displays for clear visuals, even in poorly lit conditions.
You could use it to locate a leak inside a ceiling void, which would’ve been impossible to diagnose without tearing down a large section. The camera allows you to pinpoint the problem quickly, reducing damage and repair time.
Final Summary
Having these tools in your kit ensures you're equipped for any challenge, boosting both your efficiency and the quality of your work.
If you have any feedback or improvements you’d recommend for this post, we’d love to hear from you.
This post was brought to you by Maun, experts in tools since 1944.
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