Hot take: I finally started using a proper toner on every residential job

For years I just used the modem's lights, but after a tricky call in Tempe last month where everything looked fine, I found a 10 dB drop at the wall plate. Now I carry my Klein Tools VDV512-100 and test from the tap to the outlet before I even touch the inside wiring. How many of you actually tone and test at both ends as a standard step?

3 comments

3 Comments

david1761mo ago

Honestly, how many times have you chased your tail because you didn't check the drop first? I got burned the same way. Now my rule is tone from the tap to the outlet before I even open my tool bag. It saves so much time arguing with the customer about their inside wiring when the problem is outside. That little extra step proves the line is good before you touch anything inside.

evaperez1mo ago

Ever think about how many times a bad ground or bridge tap gets missed? You tone a clean line but the signal's still junk at the outlet. I've seen perfect tone but terrible speeds because of a hidden issue like that. So now I run a quick speed test at the tap too. Catches problems tone alone won't show.

elliot_allen656d ago

Seriously, it's not even a hot take, it's just basic work. Skipping that step is pure laziness. I watched a guy spend two hours rewiring a whole house only to find out the drop was crushed under a garden stone. That toner pays for itself by lunchtime on the first real problem job. Not doing it is just asking to do the same job twice.