[Q+A] What tools do you recommend for 1A2 installation

[Greg Ercolano]

While I don't do 1A2 installations professionally, I've had to do a few or help others.

Some tools I've found handy to have on hand:

    A - Telco line tester - checks for proper telco line polarity and lines 1+2 being live or not (two LEDs: green=OK, red=reverse polarity, off=line dead)
    B - Harris punch tool, for punching 25pair cable on 66 blocks
    C - Large flathead screwdriver, useful for opening 1a2 phones and most screws inside
    D - Small flathead screwdriver, for small terminal screws, buzzer adjustments, etc
    E - Belt tool holder - handy for keeping B/C/D/H/I/J tools in when punching blocks. (Avail from Home Depot, Husky brand)
    F - Circuit tester - good for testing line continuity, voltage, resistance, etc. (Fluke brand)
    G - Spare bits of AC cord insulation to use as rubber standoffs for mounting KSU to back boards. Cut to size with wire cutter (J)
    H - Metal pick, needed for pulling old pieces of wire out of 66 blocks, and/or positioning wires inside phones
    I - Electrician's/telco installer's cutters used for cutting/stripping small 25pair conductors
    J - Regular wire cutters
    K - Spare bridge clips for 66 blocks (avail on Amazon, IIRC)
    L - 25pair cable cutters - cuts 25 pair cable in one clean cut (Avail from Home Depot, these are Crescent brand 9" cutters)
    M - homemade 25pair color code "cheat card" (*) - inserts into 66M blocks for avoiding mistakes when punching down conductors
    N - Spare 1a2 phone line lamps - Sylvania 51a bulbs (available on ebay, boxes of 10 lamps for less than $10)
    O - Level for mounting equipment straight on backboards (e.g. KSU, 66 blocks, etc)

* Regarding the 25pair color code "cheat card" This PDF file was printed onto legal paper at Kinkos, then cut into strips, and glued to corregated plastic sign board cut to size. The plastic signboard's thickness is perfect for inserting into 66 blocks, as it holds itself in place, and can be easily installed/removed over and over without falling apart, e.g.