Basic electrician's tools haven't changed much over the years. Electricians always need pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, wire strippers, etc. But there's no doubt that the tools themselves have evolved significantly, allowing electricians to work faster and more efficiently.
What's more, better-designed, more ergonomic tools have emerged to address issues related to operator fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome, which are caused by repetitive motion and muscle strain.
All these changes also mean better results for customers. Happy customers mean repeat business and new business (after they spread your name around). What could be better?
It all starts with tools. Listed below are 15 essential electrician tools that will make your life easier. While purchasing tools can be expensive, the investment is well worth it.
15 Essential Tools for Electricians
1. Wire strippers
The right wire strippers can easily remove the plastic coating/insulation from a wire without damaging it. Some wire strippers can also strip jackets and insulation from twisted pairs and ground cables.
The wire stripper features an adjustable brake to control the length of core wire stripping and a tensioning thumb wheel for more precise stripping of smaller gauge wires. It also includes wire cutters in the handle as well as grooved grips for more comfortable operation.
2. Wire pliers
This nifty tool helps you pull wires out of junction boxes and push them back into place without damaging them.
Will make your life much easier when it comes to precise wiring or panel assembly within a branch circuit controller. It also works with larger wires. It's super lightweight and can easily be carried in a tool vest.
3. Multifunctional tester
Every electrician needs one of these to check readings and confirm that the installation was completed correctly. Nowadays, you can use high technology.
With Bluetooth and a mobile app, you can view readings on your smartphone from a safe distance. You can even modify meter settings remotely.
4. Ejection punch kit
This is one of the tools that makes an electrician's job easier. The knockout punch tool has one purpose: to punch clean, round, conduit-sized holes in electrical boxes and panels.
5. Conduit bender
Electric conduit benders enable electricians to bend conduit pipes into different angles and shapes.
6. Insulated screwdriver
Insulated screwdrivers protect you from electric shock. Since electrical work can vary from day to day, it's important to carry different sizes.
7. Rechargeable screwdriver
Cordless screwdrivers are more powerful and work faster.
Lightweight and portable, you can put it in your electrician's tool vest or bag.
8. Hole Saw Kit
Hole saw kits are used to cut wood studs and joists, metal studs, electrical boxes, cabinets and drywall. The most common sizes for wire and conduit saws are ⅞ inch, 1⅛ inch, and 2⅓ inch.
9. Fish tape
The fish tape is used to run a wire from one electrical component to another through conduit piping. When the tape arrives at the other end, new wiring can be attached and snaked through.
10. Fluorescent lamp tester
If you work in a commercial or industrial environment where fluorescent lighting is more common, a light bulb tester will help you troubleshoot the problem faster: Is it the bulb or the ballast?
11. Cordless cables and wire cutters
When you're out in the field working with larger diameter cables and cutting a variety of smaller, more common wires, power tools can get the job done faster.
12. Circuit Breaker Finder
This tool allows you to identify the receiver circuits and fuses in the panel rather than testing each circuit to determine which one is bad.
13.Self-leveling laser
You can use this tool effectively when installing indoor or outdoor light fixtures. When precise measurements are difficult to obtain, a self-leveling laser locates marks for you on ceilings or other surfaces.
14. Chain pliers
Chain pliers allow you to quickly open and close links on lighting fixtures without damaging the finish.
15. Terminals
Terminal blocks securely connect two or more wires together by using clamping assemblies and conductive strips to organize connecting wires.
