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Author
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Topic: What tools do you carry? - 1632 visits (2 today, 6 this week)
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Brian Hannigan
Administrator
  Posts: 102
From:San Clemente, CA
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted March 09, 2001 12:45 PM
  
Just out of curiosity, what tools do you carry with you on the job?As the years go by I hear inspectors adding one tool and/or eliminating another from their bag of tricks. What do you carry with you? What is in your truck? What are the brands/models of you favorite tools? ------------------
Sincerely, Brian Hannigan InspectionNews.com
"Everything an Inspector Needs to Know"
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Ron Passaro
New Member
Posts: 1
From:Bethel CT
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted March 25, 2001 07:56 AM
Brian
The most important tools you need are your five senses; smell, sound, sight & touch.We may be able to elimanate taste. After that, an inspector can do a decent inspection with a good flashlight and long screw driver. It then depends how many bells and whistles you want to own and carry. We carry a soft case into the home with the following equipment inside;
1. Elec circuit tester w/ GFI tester
(important)
2. Tiff 8800 gas detector (min.use)
3. Elec. current detector (Mod. use)
4. Moisture detector (Mod. use)
5. Pliers, screw & nut driver,neon circuit
tester, awl, tracer dye, towel, (mod. use)
6. Elec. panel screws, roll of wire,
batteries,extra flash light bulbs, and
extra flashight. (Important when needed)
7. Probe. (important)
8. Kept in car; Ladders.(Important),misc.
tools that I consider bells & whistles
(Mod use).
9. High power telescope or binoculars
(important)
10.There are many other gadgets that one can
carry around that I find are not needed
or have very little use as Home
Inspectors. In reading
some of these forums I feel many
inspectors are going beyound what Home
Inspectors should be doing. We are not
code compliance inspectors, that is a
differant discipline.
11.I have several other gadgets that I carry
around in my tool kit or in the car. In
most case they should stay there or I
should leave them home. In summary a good inspector can do a good
inspection with a good flashlight and
screwdriver. It's the person behind the
tool that counts, not the tool. Brian, if you are reading this,A
spell check would be very nice for those
of us that don't type well.
Ron Passaro |
John H. Moss
New Member
  Posts: 17
From:Jersey City, NJ
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted March 25, 2001 11:40 AM
I enjoy my tools and testers so I probably have more than most: 1. Large Photographers Bag (tool bag)
2. Lights (most important): HotSpot 200,000 cp; Stinger; headlamp with halogen bulb
3. Carbon Monoxide Detector, Combustible Gas Detector
4. Digital Camera (very important)
5. Tic Tracer and Moisture Meter
6. Tape Recorders-analog and digital
7. Voltage Tester,Amp Gauge, GFI receptacle tester
8. Infrared Thermometer
9. Binoculars
10. Assorted Screw Drivers, Probes, Crow Bars, etc.
10. 3 Ladders: Little Giant, Telescoping Ladder, Step ladder
11. Other Assorted and Miscellaneous Tools: including but not limited to rule, level, air filter, jump suit, knee pads, gloves,extra batteries, etc. p.s. I also keep a can of Diet Coke in the bag for a little break midway. Proper tools in my opinion expresses the right image, saves time, and allows you to perform professionally. I use all of my tools on a regular basis and would not remove any of them. On a lighter note I stopped loaning my rule to clients to measure rooms, they always forget to return them.
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Mark Harger
New Member
Posts: 9
From:Las Vegas, NV
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted March 28, 2001 06:23 AM
I whole heartedly agree with Ron's list and sentiments.I carry a flashlight and outlet tester and screwdrive. I have all manner of thing in my truck. But, never bring them out unless someone demands a "Dog and Pony" show of some kind. Then I have them. I would agree regarding "beyond the standards" issue. However, more importantly for those inspectors who insist in trying to impress clients with tools, they are setting a standard for the industry that we may not like. Imagine yourself in court trying to explain to a jury why you do not use a moisture meter on all ceiling in every room. ABC Inspection Corp does it and the lawyer does an imaginary survey claiming it to be a standard procedure. Wooops |
John H. Moss
New Member
Posts: 17
From:Jersey City, NJ
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted March 28, 2001 04:27 PM
TO MARK:This forum topic was created so that inspectors could casually state what tools they use on the job. It wasn't provided so that you would have an opportunity to attack inspectors that choose to use more tools than a flashlight, screwdriver, and outlet tester; I quote you: "However, more importantly for those inspectors who insist in trying to impress clients with tools" and your "dog and pony" show reference. Simply state your preference for fewer tools and why-the attack isn't necessary. There are some inspectors that prefer to determine if there is toxic carbon monoxide levels at heating equipment; there are some inspectors that prefer to determine if water damage or penetration is current; etc. I don't believe it sets too high a standard and from my conversations with other ASHI members-it sets the proper standard.
In addition that moisture meter you deride in a lawsuit setting may keep you out of court in the first place. |
Jack Feldmann
New Member
Posts: 5
From:Knoxville, TN
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted March 28, 2001 04:32 PM
I agree with Mark. Using that fancy stuff can come back and bite you when the opposing atty. starts calling you on it. When I use a gas sniffer I try to be by myself. If I find a leak, then I can usually call my client over and have them use their nose. Case in point, an inspector I know used a gas sniffer and found a leak, and reported it. However there was another leak in the wall and he didn't find it. Since he used the sniffer to check for leaks, how come he didn't find them all???? We know why,but the attorney was the one asking the question. I carry a lot of stuff on my tool belt, and have much more in the truck, but I'm selective about how I use it, and who's around when I do. By the way, I use the moisture meter on a lot. |
Mark Harger
New Member
Posts: 9
From:Las Vegas, NV
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted March 29, 2001 01:14 AM
I just expressed an opinion, much like everyone else. Nobody was "personally attacked". Lighten up my brethren inspector.Brian solicited opinions and lists. Good questions and good responses for all us to think about. My opinion stands, and if one was to review my post I don't think it was addressed to anybody. Quite unlike "DEAR MARK". Have a good inspection day. ------------------
Mark J. Harger
Viva Las Vegas |
Eric Van De Ven
Member
 Posts: 57
From:Coconut Creek, Florida
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted April 06, 2001 09:25 AM
I have a metal case that I purchased from Target. The items inside are:
1)Toshiba laptop
2)Maglite flashlight(2 One large and one smaller)
3) Outlet tester
4) Universal screwdriver with several tips and also adapter to use 1/4 inch drive sockets.
5) Channel lock pliers
6) Klines
7) Wire cutters
8) Assorted screws and knock out covers (when I find extras in a home, I collect them and use them on homes where screws or knockout covers may be missing).
9) Adjustable wrench
10) 220/110 outlet checker
11) 25 foot tape measure
On my belt: Laser thermometer & Cell phone
In the van: Krause foldable ladder and HP LaserJet 6 printer.
When I enter the house and open the case with the tools in it, most are impressed. It may be a bit of a dog and pony show however, appearance is probably 50 percent of the inspection.------------------
Eric Van De Ven
Owner/Inspector
Magnum Inspections Inc. http://communities.msn.com/MagnumInspectionsInc&naventryid=100 [This message has been edited by Eric Van De Ven (edited April 06, 2001).] |
David B
New Member
Posts: 2
From:Ventura, CA
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted April 09, 2001 09:15 AM
I hope I can give an opinion that doesn’t sound too biased. As the partner in a tool distribution company, I can tell you that most inspectors I talk to choose to use as many tools as they can afford. Not so much for a dog and pony show, but more in an attempt to do a thorough, efficient job that lowers liability - not increases it. We are all aware that time is money and any opportunity to increase productivity without increasing liability is an advantage. I do agree that there are many tools that are unnecessary for a home inspector, but reliable test equipment and tools that help prevent injury are important. Over the years, most inspectors would agree that using the proper ladder(s), moisture meter, CO and gas detector, etc. has proven advantageous. In addition, without the use of such tools, determining the condition of specific elements can be both difficult and sometimes impossible. A recent instance included an inspector who would have missed severe sub floor damage around the base of a toilet. The sellers had installed new tile in the bathroom without repairing a small (probably unnoticed) leak. The inspector, using a RF style moisture meter, found the leak and probably saved himself from a future claim. I’ve also heard stories at ASHI/CREIA conventions about CO analyzers being the “doctor” that couldn’t determine the cause of a sickness. In both cases, the “touch and smell” method may not have proved effective. I also agree that moisture meters, CO/gas detectors, etc. may not find every instance of a poor condition, but then again, what method of inspecting does? In regards to the legal advantage/disadvantage in a courtroom, the use of tools manufactured by a reputable company can only increase the court’s belief that you did everything in your power to insure a thorough inspection. Most courts are aware that both building codes and industry standards of practice are minimum requirements. Since the use of test equipment is not required as part of the standards of practice, the use of them may sway the court in your favor. In addition, if an industry is going to flourish, it must grasp and utilize new technology as it comes available. Typed and handwritten reports have been replaced by the computer, A-frame and extension ladders replaced by portable systems, “sniff and touch” methods replaced by electronic test equipment. If your screwdriver, pocket GFI tester and flashlight allow you to do a thorough job without claims, then great – keep doing it! But if you want to set yourself apart from your competition and more than likely decrease your liability, select a tool distributor that will recommend the right tools for the job – not just those that make you look good! David Brown
InspectorTools.com P.S. Great replies by everyone.
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James Perrow
New Member
Posts: 1
From:Winthrop, WA
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted April 21, 2001 03:46 PM
When you bring out your bag of electronic testing equipment,about $1200.00 worth. Then leave it in say the front room and you are in the basement and then in the attic. Some one can take say your gas detector or moisture meter. there goe's 4 to $500.00. How do you safely protect your investment?
I know leave it in the truck or keep it by you at all times. Just wondering!! |
John H. Moss
New Member
Posts: 17
From:Jersey City, NJ
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted April 22, 2001 03:43 AM
David Brown,I agree with you and your thoughts were well articulated.
James, as far as protecting your bag of expensive tools: its a good point and something you have to be aware of on the job-in tougher neighborhoods you are more aware of it, obviously. I keep my bag close by at all times and keep tabs on it; I also keep the top closed to discourage temptation. If necessary I have the client or realtor watch the bag if I am to be some distance from it. I would be curious to know if cheap insurance is available; I assume your auto policy covers you if tools are stolen out of your vehicle (minus the deductible). My sense would be that the greater liability is that the tools would be stolen from your vehicle. Hope this was helpful.
John H. Moss
Inspex |
Michael Caffrey
New Member
Posts: 1
From:roslyn,pa
Registered: May 2001
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posted May 27, 2001 08:02 AM
If we are not to be dismantling appliances for an inspection then why the wrenches and plyers. Or am I missing some thing Thanks! |
John H. Moss
New Member
Posts: 17
From:Jersey City, NJ
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted May 27, 2001 08:38 AM
Michael,Apart from dismantling appliances, plyers are indispensable. In the last week I used plyers to do the following: remove a furnace cover that was tempermental; pull a corner of the carpeting up to determine type of flooring; turn a water heater control that was without a plastic knob; and many more. It comes in handy in lots of situations. John H. Moss
Inspex | |
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