# FieldGearHQ

> Trusted Gear Reviews and Tips for Field Technicians


## Posts

- [Gifts for Contractors](https://fieldgearhq.com/gifts-for-contractors/): Six gifts a working tech will actually use, picked for the person who already owns the basics.
- [Fluke 116 vs 117: Which Meter Should an HVAC Tech Buy?](https://fieldgearhq.com/fluke-116-vs-117/): They look almost identical, but they are built for different trades. Here is the one difference that decides it for most HVAC techs.
- [What Size Ladder Do I Need for a 2-Story House?](https://fieldgearhq.com/ladder-size-for-a-2-story-house/): The short answer is usually a 28-foot extension ladder. Here is how to check that for your house, and how to set it up safely.
- [Fieldpiece JL3RH Review: Wireless Psychrometer Probes](https://fieldgearhq.com/fieldpiece-jl3rh-review/): Wireless psychrometers let you read return and supply air at once from your phone. Here is what the JL3RH does and who needs it.
- [Hilmor Compact Swage Tool Review](https://fieldgearhq.com/hilmor-compact-swage-tool-review/): A compact swage tool saves fittings and time on line set work. Here is how the Hilmor performs and who should buy it.
- [Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sewer Machine Review](https://fieldgearhq.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-sewer-machine-review/): A cordless drain machine trades raw power for portability. Here is which jobs it suits.
- [Klein CL810 vs Fieldpiece SC680: Which Clamp Meter?](https://fieldgearhq.com/klein-cl800-vs-fieldpiece-sc680/): One is a well-priced generalist, the other is built for HVAC and talks to your phone. Here is how to choose.
- [NAVAC NRP8Di Review: Smart 8 CFM Vacuum Pump](https://fieldgearhq.com/navac-nrp8di-review/): The NRP8Di puts a micron gauge and oil monitoring in the pump itself. Here is whether the extra smarts are worth it.
- [Fieldpiece SC680 Review: Wireless Clamp Meter for HVAC](https://fieldgearhq.com/fieldpiece-sc680-review/): The SC680 is Fieldpiece's connected clamp meter for HVAC techs who want readings on their phone. Here is what it does well and what it costs you.
- [Best Ladders for Contractors and Service Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-ladders-contractors/): Fiberglass, duty rating and the right height matter more than brand. Here is which ladder to buy for service work.
- [Best Work Boots for HVAC and Field Service Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-work-boots-field-techs/): Field techs climb, kneel and drive all day. Here is which boots balance protection with comfort, including EH ratings.
- [Best Extension Cord Reels for Job Sites](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-extension-cord-reels/): A tangled cord wastes time on every call. Here is which reel to mount in the truck or carry onto the job.
- [Fluke 117 Review: An Electrician's Meter in an HVAC Bag](https://fieldgearhq.com/fluke-117-multimeter-review/): The Fluke 117 is one of the most trusted meters on any job site, but it is built for electrical troubleshooting. Here is where it fits in HVAC work.
- [Best HVAC Clamp Meters](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-clamp-meters/): A clamp meter is the meter most HVAC techs grab first. Here is which one to buy for amp draw, inrush, capacitors and flame sensors.
- [Best HVAC Multimeters for Service Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-multimeters/): An HVAC meter needs more than volts and ohms. Here is which multimeter to buy for flame-sensor microamps, capacitors and temperature, at every budget.
- [Bacharach Informant 2 Review: Dual-Mode Leak Detection](https://fieldgearhq.com/bacharach-informant-2-leak-detector-review/): The Informant 2 combines refrigerant and combustible gas detection in one handheld. Here is who that matters to.
- [Testo 557s Review: Smart 4-Valve Digital Manifold](https://fieldgearhq.com/testo-557s-digital-manifold-kit-review/): Testo's 4-valve manifold is built around its Smart Probes app. Here is who it suits.
- [Fieldpiece MR45 Recovery Machine Review](https://fieldgearhq.com/fieldpiece-mr45-recovery-machine-review/): The MR45 earned a reputation for fast, light recovery. Here is what to know before buying one today.
- [NAVAC NP2DLM Review: Cordless Vacuum Pump for Mini-Splits](https://fieldgearhq.com/navac-np2dlm-cordless-vacuum-pump-review/): A cordless pump changes how you work on rooftops and mini-split installs. Here is what the NP2DLM delivers and where it runs out of steam.
- [Best Tool Pouches for HVAC and Electricians](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-tool-pouches/): A good pouch keeps your most-used tools within reach on a ladder. Here is which style suits your work.
- [Best Insulated Screwdrivers](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-insulated-screwdrivers/): An insulated screwdriver is cheap insurance on live controls and disconnects. Here is which certified sets are worth buying.
- [Best Jobsite Radios](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-jobsite-radios/): The best jobsite radio is usually the one that runs on your tool batteries. Here is how the major platforms compare.
- [Best Wire Strippers for Electricians and HVAC Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-wire-strippers/): Control wiring and thermostat cable call for a stripper that does not nick conductors. Here is which one to carry.
- [Best Winter Work Gloves for Field Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-winter-work-gloves/): Winter heat pump calls mean cold hands on rooftops. Here is which insulated gloves keep you warm without turning your fingers into mittens.
- [Milwaukee 2821-20 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Review](https://fieldgearhq.com/milwaukee-2821-20-sawzall-review/): The 2821-20 is Milwaukee's full-size cordless reciprocating saw. Here is what to know before you buy one.
- [Klein CL800 Replacement: CL810 and Other Clamp Meters](https://fieldgearhq.com/klein-cl800-review/): The Klein CL800 has been replaced in Klein's lineup. Here is what to buy now and which clamps fit HVAC work.
- [Best Portable Power Stations for Field Work](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-portable-power-stations-field-work/): A power station runs chargers, lights and small tools where there is no outlet. Here is how big you need and which one to buy.
- [Best Tool Belts for Electricians and Service Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-tool-belts-electricians/): A belt carries the weight off your hands, and suspenders carry it off your hips. Here is how to choose.
- [Best Work Pants for HVAC Techs and Electricians](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-work-pants-hvac-electricians/): Attics, crawlspaces and ladders are hard on pants. Here is which work pants hold up, move with you and stay cool enough to wear in July.
- [CPS VG200 Digital Micron Gauge Review for HVAC](https://fieldgearhq.com/cps-blackmax-digital-vacuum-gauge-review/): You cannot call an evacuation finished without a micron gauge. Here is whether the VG200 is the one to carry.
- [Fluke 116 Review: The HVAC Multimeter Built for Furnace Work](https://fieldgearhq.com/fluke-116-review/): The Fluke 116 adds the two functions HVAC techs reach for most, microamps and temperature, to a compact True-RMS meter. Here is who should buy it.
- [Yellow Jacket 95760 Recovery Machine Review](https://fieldgearhq.com/yellow-jacket-95760-hvac-recovery-review/): The 95760 has been a workhorse recovery machine for years. Here is how it holds up against newer options.
- [Best Nitrogen Regulators for HVAC](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-nitrogen-regulators-hvac/): Brazing with a nitrogen purge and pressure testing both start at the regulator. Here is which one to buy for each job.
- [Best HVAC Thermometers](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-thermometers/): Superheat and subcooling are only as good as your temperature readings. Here is which thermometer to carry for each job.
- [Best Impact Drivers for HVAC Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-impact-drivers-hvac/): HVAC techs drive a lot of sheet metal screws in tight spaces. Here is which impact driver handles it without wearing out your wrist.
- [Best HVAC Refrigerant Recovery Machines](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-refrigerant-recovery-machines/): Recovery is slow, heavy work. The right machine makes it faster and lighter. Here is which one to buy, including A2L-ready options.
- [Best HVAC Vacuum Pumps](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-vacuum-pumps/): Pump size, weight and A2L rating matter more than brand. Here is how to pick a vacuum pump for the systems you actually service.
- [Best Refrigerant Leak Detectors](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-refrigerant-leak-detectors/): A good leak detector pays for itself on the first callback it prevents. Here is how heated diode and infrared sensors compare, and which to buy now that A2L refrigerants are here.
- [Best HVAC Digital Manifold Gauges](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-digital-manifolds/): A digital manifold calculates superheat and subcooling for you and logs the job. Here is which one fits the work you do.
- [INFICON TEK-Mate Review: The Value Heated Diode Detector](https://fieldgearhq.com/inficon-tek-mate-review/): The TEK-Mate is the leak detector many techs start with. Here is what you get, what you give up, and how it compares.
- [Fieldpiece SM480V Review: 4-Port Digital Manifold](https://fieldgearhq.com/fieldpiece-sm480v-review/): The SM480V is Fieldpiece's do-it-all manifold for install and service. Here is what four ports and a built-in micron gauge buy you.
- [Best HVAC Tool Bags and Backpacks](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-hvac-tool-bags/): Your bag decides how many trips you make to the truck. Here is which tote, backpack or rolling system fits the way you work.
- [Best Work Gloves for HVAC Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-work-gloves-hvac/): Sheet metal cuts and tiny screws pull you in opposite directions. Here is how to get protection without losing feel.
- [Field Tech Gadgets That Earn Their Spot in the Bag](https://fieldgearhq.com/field-tech-gadgets/): Not every gadget is worth the pocket space. These small tools solve real problems on service calls.
- [Best Safety Glasses for HVAC and Field Service Techs](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-safety-glasses-field-techs/): Attic insulation, brazing flux and sheet metal all aim for your eyes. Here is which safety glasses you will actually keep on.
- [Best Lunch Boxes and Coolers for Work](https://fieldgearhq.com/best-lunch-boxes-coolers-for-work/): When lunch lives in a hot truck until 1 p.m., the cooler matters. Here is what holds up.
- [Field Tech PPE Checklist](https://fieldgearhq.com/field-tech-ppe-checklist/): The protective gear a service tech should keep in the truck, what each item protects against, and what to buy.
- [HVAC Tools List: What a Service Tech Actually Carries](https://fieldgearhq.com/hvac-tech-tools/): Starting out or rebuilding your kit? Here is the tool list for HVAC service work, in the order most techs buy it.

## Pages

- [How we choose gear](https://fieldgearhq.com/how-we-choose/): The process behind every FieldGearHQ guide, and the rules we hold ourselves to.
- [Affiliate disclosure](https://fieldgearhq.com/affiliate-disclosure/): How FieldGearHQ is funded, in plain language.
- [Home](https://fieldgearhq.com/): Which meter, pump, bag or pair of pants is worth your money?
- [Contact FieldGearHQ](https://fieldgearhq.com/contact/): Corrections, tool suggestions and questions are all welcome.
- [About FieldGearHQ](https://fieldgearhq.com/about/): Independent buying guides for the people who fix things for a living.
- [Blog](https://fieldgearhq.com/blog/)
- [Privacy policy](https://fieldgearhq.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated October 2026.

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