The common denominator among a random sampling of custom channel installers will always be a love of tools. More than one installer's heart skips a beat when the new Princess Auto catalogue arrives in the office mail. As the critical link between an installer's skills and a finished project, the tools that are selected are is important as how they are used.

Beyond the obvious, such as drills and fish tape, there are a plethora of devices and objects which, while unglamorous, can all come in handy. Since "the devil is in the details" as they say, being able to manage the details well puts the finishing touch on any project.

In no particular order, here are five handy devices that may not always be at the forefront of installer's minds, but are definitely worthwhile to keep in mind (and pocket!):

A Handheld Cordless Vacuum: Plenty of power toolmakers include a hand vac that runs on rechargeable batteries in their offerings of tools. After cutting and drilling all over a house, not everyone cleans up after themselves. But great integrators do just that.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers: While it's better not to leave marks on the client's walls and ceilings in the first place, it can happen. The Magic Eraser can wipe away most marks that haven't actually gouged the surface.

Camera Phone: In addition to being able to get in touch with vendor help desks and other team members, don't forget to take pictures on site! While some integrators never take photos of an in-progress job, others always take them. This is important for the reason that all project documentation is important; it eliminates "he said, she said" situations in the event of a dispute.

Multimeter: The value of the multimeter has been covered before in this column, but it remains an essential part of the toolbox, and will likely get used every day. As has been said before "don't leave the office without one."

Snaptoggle Hollow-Wall Anchors:Many new condo developments use sheet steel studs behind the drywall instead of wood. The Snaptoggle is an essential anchor for mounting a flat-panel TV to walls with metal studs.

It's a rare installer who thinks that he already has too many tools. Regardless, every tool needs a purpose to justify it's inclusion in the toolbox. And these five options definitely come in handy more often than not.

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