We asked our contractor advisory panel to weigh in on their most useful and effective tools used in the field. Here’s what they had to say.

There’s no doubt the connectivity of mobile devices has made our personal lives more convenient, but now they’re also helping make technicians more efficient, thanks to tool manufacturers developing wireless-enabled devices and test and measurement apps for download.

While some contractors are willing to equip technicians with the necessary tools, others require workers to purchase their own, which can be yet another burden for someone just starting out in the field.

Flood Buzz™ Pro-02 is a water leak alarm that was created specifically for use in condensate pans. The alarm is designed to allow moisture to collect in the pan up to a depth of 1⁄8-inch. 

The BLACKMAX Manifold Series is designed for ruggedness and accuracy in a compact, high-strength, waterproof, nylon housing for the most demanding conditions. 

Viper Wet Rag is a reusable heat-blocking putty for protecting heat-sensitive components from damage during soldering, brazing, or welding. 

The DPI-8 hand-held 3-D scanner simplifies the process of collecting as-built data that is required to effectively manage building projects. 

These temperature sensors have a compact enclosure with protection class IP65/NEMA 4 to facilitate easy and fast installation. 

The C255 Industrial Combustion Analyzer is designed for commercial and industrial environments. 

The Ultra High Sensitivity Wahl Heat Spy 170 Thermal Imaging Camera is useful in an array of applications and is beneficial for electricians, plumbers, building inspectors, facility managers, and MRO employees in a variety of industries.