The Installer’s Spare-Parts List for Holiday Service Calls

Holiday service calls are different. A store's POS goes down on a Saturday in December. A restaurant's screens go dark the night before a big event. Supply houses run shorter hours, and many close on the holidays themselves.

The call you can close on the first visit is the one where the right part is already in the van. This list covers the parts that solve the most common network and AV problems.

The van-stock checklist

Quantities are a starting point for one van. Adjust them to your call volume and the type of clients you serve.

Item	Suggested qty	Why it saves the call
Cat6 patch cords, 3, 7, 14 and 25 ft	4 short, 2 long of each	Many "network down" calls end with a cord swap
Cat6 keystone jacks, 10-pack	1 pack	Replace a damaged wall jack on the spot
Cat6 keystone couplers	4	Turn a plugged cable into a wall port without punching down
Cat6 inline couplers	4	Join two cords for a fast temporary fix
Cat6 RJ45 plugs for solid cable	1 bag	Re-terminate a crushed or broken plug
Keystone wall plates, 1, 2 and 4 ports	2 of each	Replace cracked plates or add a port
2-port keystone biscuit box	2	Add a port where you cannot open the wall
12 ft 4K HDMI cable	3	Fixes most screen and TV calls
90-degree HDMI adapter and 180-degree swivel adapter	2 of each	Relieve strain behind wall-mounted screens
DVI to HDMI adapter	1	Connect older monitors and displays
2-port HDMI switcher	1	Add a second source without new wiring
RF adapters, assorted	1 small bin	Antenna and cable TV calls
6-outlet surge protector, 240 joules	2	Replace a failed or overloaded strip
8 in cable ties, 100-pack	1 bag	Leave a clean, professional finish
Grip-Clip cable mounting clips	1 bag	Secure exposed coax runs without pinching

The tools that close the call

Parts only help if you can install and verify them. Keep these in the van at all times:

RJ45 crimp tool. A hardened-steel modular plug crimp tool cuts, strips and crimps 6x4, 6x6 and 8x8 plugs.
Cable tester. The Ethernet cable tester for RJ45 and BNC finds opens, shorts and split pairs, on both network and coax cable.
Toner kit. A pocket toner test kit traces unlabeled runs and comes with adapters for F, BNC, RCA, RJ11 and RJ45.
HDMI tester. The handheld HDMI tester checks a source and cable without needing a TV.
Coax tools. A coax stripper and cutter and a compression tool for F, BNC and RCA handle most coax repairs.

The best tool is useless with a bad technique. Before the busy season, review common RJ45 termination errors with your team.

Keep the kit organized

A full van is not the same as a useful van. A few habits make the difference:

Sort by job. Use separate bins for network, AV, coax, power and fasteners.
Restock after every call. Note what you used before you leave the site.
Audit before holiday week. Check counts against this list, plus test tool batteries.
Label every bin. Anyone on the team should find a coupler in under a minute.

What to leave behind

Skip full 1000 ft boxes unless you are scheduled for installs, since they take up space a service van needs. Also skip one-off specialty parts you have not used in a year. Carry what solves repeat problems and order the rest when the job calls for it.

FAQ

What should a network installer keep in the van? Patch cords in several lengths, keystone jacks and couplers, RJ45 plugs, wall plates, HDMI cables and adapters, a surge protector, and the tools to crimp and test.

How often should I restock? After every call for consumables, and a full audit once a month or before your busiest weeks.

Stocking several vans?

If you buy for a team, a business account can lower your cost per van. Learn about wholesale pricing for installers and contractors. If you still have budget to spend before the year closes, see smart connectivity purchases for year-end budgets.

SHOPPING CART

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