I frequently get asked what hardware is running my lab, what tool I used for a specific fix, or what gear made it into the latest DIY or maker project. I’ve put together a running inventory right here. I change up things fairly often, so this page will be a transparent, up-to-date list of the physical tools, networking gear, smart home tech, and studio equipment I actually rely on to build, break, and document everything here on builtbypete.net and over on YouTube.
If you think there’s something missing send me note and I’ll add it. You can reach me via my YouTube channel or through this blog’s contact page. Many of the links are Amazon affiliates, so if you buy something you’ll be making me rich !!
Home Network
- Network Router: I’m currently using an ASUS RT-AX88U Dual Band WiFi 7 router. I’ve used a number of ASUS routers over the years. I love the performance, flexibility and additional features and bug fixes offered by Asuswrt-Merlin Firmware. ASUS has proved reliable.
- WiFi Mesh: I have extended coverage around the house and garden with a few ASUS RP-AX58 AiMesh nodes. These work perfectly across a range of ASUS routers and give great whole home coverage on a single SSID.
- PoE Network Switch: I run a few switches on my network. I have a Netgear GS108PP 8 Port Gigabit PoE network switch. This has been great for providing ethernet connectivity including power for a number of security cameras that I integrate into a Blue Iris video security system. Netgear have proved very reliable.
- Network Switch: I have a Netgear GS308 8 Port Gigabit Network Switch. Its unmanaged. Gives me 8 ports of Gigabit connectivity. I plugged it years ago and its just worked!
Heavy Duty Tools
- Cordless Drill: I regularly use my DEWALT DCD795 N 18v Li-ion XR Brushless Combi Drill. It’s seen a lot of action of the years and despite being bashed about and regularly dropped, still performs well. Its also a good price point.
- Cordless Impact Driver: When I started my ultimate shed project I invested in a DEWALT 18V XR Brushless Compact Impact Driver. You use a cordless drill, but the impact driver seems to deal with screws much more easily.
- Circular Saw: For my woodworking projects I have been using a DEWALT DCS391 Circular Saw. It’s truly been great. I have built my Ultimate shed project using this saw, and given how cheap it is, its really been a performer. I have been building my cordless tool collection and have decided to stick with DEWALT.
- Laser Level: I use a CIGMAN 4 x 360° laser level for any DIY construction or even wiring layout. I liked it as it was a better budget option than the bigger brands, yet offers all the features I need and more. CIGMAN offer a range of precision tools. I hve been using it for some time and has proved reliable.
Solar & Energy
- Plug-in Solar Microinverter: I’m currently experimenting with Plug-In solar. I have an EcoFlow Stream 800w Microinverter and a couple of solar panels. Hopefully it will bring my electricity bills down. But either way, its been a fun project so far!
Electrics & Wiring
- Non Contact Voltage Tester: I use a budget friendly KAIWEETS non-contact voltage tester. Small and super convenient for detecting mains AC voltage. Fits in my pocket easily. KAIWEETS have a lot of budget friendly testing tools which I plan to explore.
- Mains Socket Tester: I always use this convenient plug-in Kewtech KEWCHECK103 Mains Wiring Socket Tester. The reason I like it, is because its a plug a play tester that confirms if a circuit is live or not, plus a few other little handy tests like earth leak and neutral wiring errors.
- Ethernet Cable Tester: Everyone needs one of these. I use this cheap Ethernet Cable Tester. I like it as it checks the continuity, and wiring order of RJ45 Cat5/Cat5E/Cat6/Cat6A/Cat7 LAN cable and RJ11 telephone cable, making sure you have your network wiring done correctly. Really useful when your terminating multiple cables over long distances.