AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
For most people, tools are just a utility – hidden away in the garage or basement until something needs fixed. And even then, most common household toolboxes contain a pretty predictable lineup of handhelds. To them, a screwdriver is just a screwdriver and a tape measure is just a tape measure. Most people would probably prefer to never have to even use a tool. Well, we know, that AV Installers, aren’t most people.
For the installer, tools are trusted companions. They’ve been there through the thick tangles of network cables to the precisely organized and meticulously arranged cable runs. Without them, the installer’s job would be impossible.
👋 Goodbye restaurant ambiance.
👋 Goodbye sporting event commentary.
👋 Goodbye airport flight announcements.
Thankfully, there is a vast assortment of tools available for installers. If there’s an AV problem that needs corrected, you’ll likely find 20 different tools for the job. That’s why we took the liberty of curating a list with some of the most critical tools in any installer’s toolbox. Here are 18 AV installer tools:
#1: Screwdrivers
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
We’re not talking about your typical household Phillips or flathead. AV installers need a screwdriver set that is versatile enough to handle the wide range of projects that integrators are used to tackling. That’s why we like the Wera 160 i/6 rack set. It’s got the installer oddballs plus your standard Phillips and flathead. This set is also insulated up to 1000V to avoid any shocking surprises.
#2: Pliers
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
Again, this might seem like a no-brainer, but never underestimate the power of a finely crafted set of pliers. And while one solid universal plier might be a great all-around solution, you can’t beat the flexibility of a full set including the classics such as needle nose, combination pliers, and for quick snips of any kind, a good pair of diagonal cutters. But if you really want to geek out and give your installer friends tool-envy, we recommend checking out Knipex pliers. These tools are the highest quality, German-made products you can find. They truly are the “plier specialist”.
#3: Cutters
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
We briefly mentioned quick cuts above, but when it comes to snipping network cable and zip ties, the C.K Tools Heavy Duty Electricians Scissors are a cut above the rest. Compact, lightweight, and a micro-serrated blade for the smoothest clipping experience you’ve ever had. Or, if you’re more of a traditionalist, we recommend the KNIPEX Tools 78 03 125 5-Inch Electronics Super-Knips. They’re great for precision cutting and built for comfort to avoid hand fatigue during a long installation job.
#4: Wire Strippers
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
We’ll save you from an image of an ordinary pair of handheld wire strippers and instead show you this. The Knipex Tools 16 95 01 SB ErgoStrip Universal Dismanting Tool. Yes, we’re listing a lot of Knipex tools, but when it comes to quality and usability, Knipex is doing it right. This tool is no exception. When it comes to fast and simple wire stripping, look no further. It won’t take long before this unique tool becomes your go-to wire stripper.
#5: Tape Measure
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
It might be time to ditch your old tape. Yes, it probably still works great but there is always room for improvement. Like with this Rack Ruler from Middle Atlantic. If you’re an AV Installer, working in equipment racks is not unfamiliar territory. Speed up the process with this tape measure, which not only shows measurements in inches, but also in rack units! It’s an AV Installer must-have for sure. Another upgrade for your tool belt might be a laser distance measure. If you’re tired of bending tapes in corners to get the right measurement, this is the tool for you. It’s deadly accurate and simple to use.
#6: Untwitst Tool
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
There’s been a bit of debate about the untwist tool floating between integrators on social media. Some say the price is too high. Others say, it’s faster to do the job manually by hand. Then, there are those who swear by it. We first heard of it through an integrator friend who bought them for their techs to help prevent carpal tunnel during those big projects with a lot of cat 5 work.
No matter which camp you belong to, we still think this is a pretty unique and helpful tool that any integrator can benefit from.
#7: Drill Driver
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
Finally, a power tool! Every professional installer needs a good drill driver. But not just any drill driver will do. It’s important to consider things like size, weight and durability. A smaller drill driver will help you when working in compact spaces such as equipment racks. A lighter drill driver will help avoid fatigue and improve maneuverability. And a durable driver will provide extra insurance when you inevitably drop the thing. Oh, and it should go without saying…Keep it cordless! The Milwaukee M18 is a great option!
#8: Tone Generator
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
When you’re dealing with a mess of speaker wires, the best way to trace the cables is by using a tone generator. This one from Klein Tools is everything you could ever need and more.
#9: Level
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
Installs are permanent (for the most part). The last thing you want to do it finish a job and end up with crooked gear. Invest in a good level. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you invest in multiple levels of varying sizes. A couple of standouts that we think should be at every job site are the Stabila 37416-16-Inch builder’s level for most general purpose leveling, and the bite-sized version, the Stabila 11901 Magnetic Pocket Level PRO.
#10: Multimeter
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
When installing electronics, it’s always a good idea to be aware of active electricity. Having a good multi meter is a must. And for quick and easy voltage detection, just pull a voltage pen out of your pocket. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! ⚡
#11: Wow stick
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
The name says it all. This thing will make you say “Wow”. It’s quick, easy to use, and will come in handy for hundreds of different install tasks. Just look at how it makes quick work of terminating these cables into the connectors.
#12: Flashlight
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
From closet installs to giant rack rooms, AV equipment racks are notoriously found in dark places. And even worse, gear within the rack gets lost in the darkness of black metal and cabling. Every installer needs a trusted flashlight. This one from Unilite is a great option. With 250 lumens of power in your hand, you can hang it, prop it with a built-in kickstand and after the job is over, recharge it with any USB cable.
#13: Utility Knife
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
The argument for having a utility knife is not a tough one to make. From cutting zip ties, to opening boxes, to even cutting cable in a pinch – a utility knife is in many ways, the ultimate installer tool. If you’ve been using the same one for several years, it might be time to consider an upgrade. We like this WorkPro folding knife. From comfort to safety to blade changes, this knife has it all.
#14: Magnetic Pull Kit
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
If you don’t have the right tools, running cables from speakers to rack or from network switches to hardware can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are a lot of great options available for these simple magnetic pull kits. These little kits will save you from the overwhelming mess caused by cutting out a lot of drywall chunks.
#15: Cutout tool
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
Speaking of drywall dust, this killer cutout tool from Milwaukee might make a bit of a mess, but it sure does cut through drywall like butter.
#16: Inductive Amplifier
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
The Progressive Electronics 200EP Inductive Amplifier and 77HP Tracer work together to help you identify cables that have been run from the speaker, through the venue and left unlabeled at the rack. Place the Tracer at one end of the wire, then the probe on the other. If it’s the same wire, the probe will play a tone!
#17: Thread It Glow Rod
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
This cable threading rod makes it super easy to push and pull cat 5, speaker cable, or any other wires through walls and ceilings – no taping necessary!
#18: Tool Bag
AV Installer Tools: 18 Must-have Tools for Installers
No, we’re not name calling. A good tool bag is the ultimate installer’s companion. It comes to every job and it carries all of the essential tools you rely on. One tool bag in particular has been turning up all over the internet by installers – The Veto Pro Pack TP XL Tool Pouch. This bag has it all: 24 Internal Pockets, 6 External Pockets, Backside Tablet Pocket, Magnetic Screw Catcher, “Hang-Up Hook”, Quick Clip Metal Tape Holder, Meter Pocket, Bit Extension Pockets. And, to top it off, it just looks awesome. It’s a great compact pack for a variety of service calls and install jobs.
So, there you have it – 18 AV installer tools! We hope you discovered a new piece of gear to add to your own toolbox. And since we know there are way more than just 18 essentials tools used by installers, feel free to tell us your go-to tools in the comments below or drop a comment on our social media channels.
Hey, I have a quick question for you. Is there a particular brand of drill driver you prefer? Dewalt seems pretty good. Are they really that much better than something like a Ryobi? I just got a job where I need a Lithium Ion tool kit. Thanks in advance for your reply!
Thanks for your question, Dayle. As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with Dewalt. But there are plenty of other great brands and drivers being backed by installers. Take a look at the Milwaukee M12 Surge or the Makita XST01Z.
I agree with what you said that cable ties are a must for audiovisual installers to keep wires all tangled together. My husband and I plan to transform our basement into a home theater, so I appreciate this article. If we don’t find an audiovisual installer soon, this list would be helpful for our DIY installation. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!