Tech Review

  • Klein LAN Scout Jr. 2: My Honest Field Review

    ByMike Izzo

    I’ve been running network cables in commercial HVAC installs for over a decade, and I’ve burned through my share of cable testers. When Klein came out with the LAN Scout Jr. 2, I’ll admit I was skeptical—another “upgraded” tool that’s basically the same thing with a higher price tag, right? Wrong. After six months of daily use on job sites, this little tester has earned its spot in my bag. It’s not perfect, and I’ll get into what drives me crazy about it, but it handles CAT 5e and CAT 6/6A testing without the bloat of features I’ll never use. If you’re pulling cable for thermostats, building automation systems, or VRF controls, you need reliable continuity and wiring verification—not a $500 certification tester. Let me break down what actually matters in the field.

  • Safety First: Our Experience with the PT199 Gas Leak Detector

    ByMike Izzo

    When it comes to household safety, we believe that having the right tools is essential, which is why we were excited to try out the PT199 Natural Gas Leak Detector. This portable gas sniffer boasts both audible and visual alarms, making it an effective companion for locating combustible sources like methane and propane. Right out of the box, we appreciated its bright orange design, which is not only eye-catching but also practical for easy visibility in any room.

    After testing it around our home, we found it user-friendly and reliable, providing peace of mind for our family. The audible alerts are loud enough to grab our attention without being overly startling, and the visual indicators are a helpful touch as well. With two included batteries, we felt prepared for any situation, making the PT199 a vital addition to our home safety toolkit. Overall, we highly recommend it for anyone looking to enhance their safety measures.