field-tested review

  • Klein 11046 Wire Stripper: My Field-Tested Review

    ByMike Izzo

    I’ve stripped more wires in crawlspaces and attics than I care to count, and the Klein 11046 has earned a permanent spot in my tool bag. This isn’t some fancy gadget that impresses the apprentices—it’s a straightforward stripper that does exactly what you need when you’re running thermostat wire or low-voltage controls.

    The precision-ground holes consistently strip 16-26 AWG stranded without nicking the copper, which matters when you’re dealing with delicate control circuits. At under six inches, it fits where those bulkier strippers won’t, especially in tight junction boxes. Yes, it’s Made in USA, and you can feel it in the build quality.

    After six months of daily use, the cutting edges are still sharp and the spring tension hasn’t weakened. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s reliable—and in this trade, that’s what counts.

  • Klein 69417 Magnetic Hanger: A Field-Tested Review

    ByMike Izzo

    I’ve put the Klein 69417 through six months of daily abuse on residential and light commercial jobs, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my bag. The rare-earth magnets grip like nothing else I’ve used—I’ve hung my drill on ductwork, suspended parts from furnace cabinets, even kept my tablet accessible on metal studs. The included strap is what separates this from cheaper magnetic hooks; it lets you hang the tool on non-metallic surfaces or double your capacity. At around twenty bucks, it’s not the cheapest option, but I haven’t had one fail yet. My apprentice tried saving money with a knockoff—it lasted two weeks before the magnet separated. If you’re tired of hunting for tools you set down or need an extra hand when you’re working solo, the Klein 69417 actually delivers.