Reddit reviews Klein Tools NCVT2KIT Voltage Test Kit, Basic pack

This might save your ass from a good shock. Most people treat the NCVT like a must have. Although it’s good to make sure it’s working before trusting it. The plug tester is nice to have for diagnosing problems.

KLEIN TOOLS NCVT2KIT Basic Voltage Test Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IX6DIVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J3w1Ab0HH2CEN

You’ll want to get some nutdrivers too. I’ll list the most used sizes.
1/4”
5/16”
3/8”
1/2”
7/16”
9/16”

You’ll want to get a knife too. This is the one I have. I found it for $14 at my local Home Depot.

Milwaukee 48-22-1985 Hawk Bill Folding Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IQCDWIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wcx1AbE52QB22

A wrench set in standard sizes is nice to have. You can apply the sizes for nutdrivers to what you’ll want for this.

A tape measure is a must have

Klein Tools 86216 Double Hook Magnetic Tape Measure, 16-Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1O7BG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hhx1AbNJPCNH9

I went through 3 different levels because I didn’t want to pay more for one with nice magnets. I would recommend just spending the 10$ extra and not have to buy another one.

Klein Tools 935AB4V ACCU-BEND Level https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M302QTV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yjx1AbCSENM8Y

A decent head lamp will also be really helpful. I still need to buy one myself. You can pick one up at most Walmart’s or Home Depot/Lowe’s

Next is a list of tools you can buy pretty cheap at your local hardware/tool store. I typically buy off brand for these.

Hammer
Offset screwdrivers
Allen wrench set
Stubby screwdrivers
Pencils
Sharpie markers
Pencil sharpener


You’ll notice that a lot of my recommendations have been klein brand. That’s because you can take them back for a free replacement if they ever break. A lifetime warranty is definitely something to consider when buying tools. With klein, it’s as easy as walking into Home Depot and presenting the broken tool to the customer service desk. You’ll be out of there in 10 minutes with a brand new tool.

This is all based of my experience working commercial, so your mileage may vary.

I haven't done a ceiling fan before but I imagine the hardest part is just physically holding the fan (or is it just a mounting bracket?) up while you wire it up. Might need a 2nd set of hands for that. But the wiring itself should be just as simple as the outlet I just did.

These tools gave me a lot of confidence. (Don't worry, cheaper versions exist.) The pen is used to identify switches/wires/fixtures that have electricity flowing to them. The plug-in one tells you if any of the wires are hooked up incorrectly, although that wouldn't help you with a ceiling fan. Apparently the previous homeowner didn't have these because a couple outlets have the hot and neutrals reversed. I still need to re-wire those.

You don't need an end with a hot stick. It will tell you if it's not or not through the insulation.

Edit: if yours won't do that, here is a really good deal on a stick and receptacle tester combo.