The basic electrician’s tools have not changed much over the years. Electricians have always needed pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, wire strippers and so on. But there is no doubt that these tools themselves have changed significantly, enabling electricians to work faster and more efficiently.
What’s more, better-designed, more ergonomic tools have emerged to address the problems associated with operator fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome, which are caused by repetitive movements and muscle strains.
All these changes also mean better results for the customer. Happy customers mean repeat business and new business (after they’ve spread your name around). What’s better?
It all starts with tools. Here’s a list of 15 essential electrician tools that can make your life easier. Although buying tools can be expensive, the investment is well worth it.
15 essential tools for electricians
1. Wire strippers
The right pair of wire strippers can easily remove the plastic coating/insulation from wires without damaging them. Some wire strippers can also strip the sheath and insulation from twisted pairs and earth wires.
Recommended: Klein Tools 11061 Wire Stripper/Wire Cutter for solid and multi-stranded AWG wire
Klein’s wire stripper has an adjustable plug to control the length of the core tape and a tensioning thumbwheel for more precise stripping of smaller gauge wire. It also includes wire cutters in the handle and a grooved handle for more comfortable handling.
2. Wire pliers
This beautiful tool helps you to pull wires out of the junction box and push them back in without damaging them.
Recommended: VOLTCLAW COMBO-PACK Non-Conductive Wire Pliers
The Voltclaw will make your life easier as it allows for precise wire forming or panel assembly inside branch circuit controllers. It is also suitable for larger wires. It is super lightweight and can easily be carried in your tool vest.
3. Multifunctional tester
Every electrician needs one of these to check the readings and confirm that the installation is correct. These days, you can go high-tech.
Recommended. Southwire 15190T Multimeter
Equipped with Bluetooth and a mobile app, you can view readings from a safe distance on your smartphone. You can even modify the meter settings remotely.
4. Knockout Gloves
This is one of the tools that make an electrician’s job easier. The knockout punch tool has one purpose: to make clean, round conduit-sized holes in electrical boxes and panels.
Recommended: Klein Tools 53732SEN Punch Set
You can’t go wrong with Klein Tools (unless you’re on a very limited budget). This stripping punch set includes six different stripping punches and dies, two spigots and a ratchet socket spanner.
5. He hired a pipe bender
An electric conduit bender enables an electrician to bend the conduit into different angles and shapes.
Featured: Klein Catheter Bender for 1/2″ EMT Catheter
Klein’s unique design reduces corrugations and oval shapes in conduit. It can perform common bends such as stub-ups, and offsets as well as back-to-back and saddle bends. It is comfortable to use and accurately marked.
6. Insulated screwdriver
Insulated screwdrivers protect you from electric shocks. As electrical work changes daily, it is important to carry different sizes.
Recommended: Wiha 32092 Slotted and Phillips Insulated Screwdriver Set, 1000 volts
With their soft, padded outer grip, these screwdrivers have 40% more torque than conventional handles. Although they have been tested up to 10,000 volts, each tool is certified to handle 1,000 volts.
7. Rechargeable screwdrivers
With more power, rechargeable screwdrivers can get the job done faster.
Lightweight and portable, you can carry it in your electrician’s tool vest or bag.
Recommended: Hammerhead rechargeable 4V cordless screwdriver
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Hammerhead has been designed with ergonomics in mind and is equipped with a light to illuminate your workspace.
8. Hole saw kit
Hole saw kits are used for cutting wooden studs and joists, metal studs, electrical boxes, cabinets and drywall. For wire and conduit, the most common saw sizes are ⅞ inch, 1⅛ inch and 2⅓ inch.
Recommended: Lenox Tools – T30802-1200L LENOX Tools Electrician’s Hole Saw Kit
This model has optimized teeth designed to cut metal with ease. Known for its durability, this hole saw kit will outlast cheaper models.
9. Fish tape
Fish tape is used to connect wires from one electrical assembly to another through the conduit. When the tape reaches the other end, new wiring can be attached and snaked through.
Recommended: Southwire FTSP45-125NCT Simple Electrical Fish Tape with Non-Conductive Tip
Southwire’s fish wire tape is rust-free, unbreakable and effective in filled or empty conduit. It also comes with a flexible 360-degree rotating metal lead (589 lbs. strength) or non-conductive glow-in-the-dark lead (389 lbs. strength).
10. Fluorescent Lamp Tester
If you work in a commercial or industrial environment where fluorescent lamps are more common, a lamp tester will help you troubleshoot faster: is it the lamp or the ballast?
Recommended: Fluke 1000FLT Fluorescent Electro-Optical Tester
You can perform 5 lamp tests (lamp test, ballast test, non-contact voltage test, pin continuity test and ballast type test) in less than 30 seconds to locate any problem. With the retractable test bar, you can use most ceiling lights without climbing a ladder. 11.
11. Cordless cables and wire cutters
When you’re working with larger diameter cables in the field and cutting a variety of smaller, more common wires, power tools can get the job done faster.
Recommended: Milwaukee 2472-21XC M12 600 Mcm Cable Cutter Kit
This cordless cable cutter will cut cables like butter. It will save you the strain of using other cutters to challenge your muscles. Although the price is high, the long-term investment is worth it.
12. Circuit breaker finder
Instead of testing each circuit to determine which one has failed, this tool allows you to identify receiver circuits and fuses in your panel.
Recommended: Ideal Industries Digital Circuit Breaker Finder with Digital Receiver
Without interrupting service, this clever little tool helps you easily locate circuit breakers and fuses so you can easily draw and label entire panels.
13. Self-Leveling Laser
You can use this tool effectively when installing indoor or outdoor luminaires. When it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements, the self-leveling laser will locate the markings for you on the ceiling or other surfaces.
Recommended: DEWALT line laser, 3 beam (DW083K)
With ¼” laser accuracy at 100 feet, this focused laser beam maintains a small spot size over longer distances.
14. Chain vise
The chain vise allows you to quickly open and close the links on the luminaire without damaging the finish.
Recommended: Westinghouse 70099 – Chain pliers for chandelier luminaires
These chain pliers are easy to use and help with this simple task.
15. Wiring terminals
The terminal organizes the connecting wires by using a clamping assembly and conductive strips to securely connect two or more wires.
Recommended: Milapeak 12-piece (6 sets) 8-position double-row 600V 15A screw terminal block with cover + 400V 15A 8-position pre-insulated terminal barrier strip
Perfect for indoor use, these terminal barrier strips allow you to connect wires cleanly to different power sources. They also come with a suitable plastic cover to make the terminals finger-proof.
Bonus tool
Although not a physical tool, electrical contractor software has also become one of the most essential tools for electricians. Electrical contractors using scheduling and business management software solutions such as Workiz have achieved a 22% increase in revenue. Why?
Electrical contractor software provides a platform to perform multiple tasks, such as:
- Scheduling and dispatching
- Invoicing and online payments
- Automated customer alerts, updates and reminders
- Online and chatbot bookings
- Employee tracking
- In-app service call system
- Route planning
- Inventory management
- Back office accounting and system integration
Many of the above features enable busy electricians to complete tiresome tasks that they often forget about as they move from job to job. However, completing these important tasks can make the difference between running a profitable electrical business and falling behind.
In short, electrical contractor software simplifies business management, enabling electricians to not only run their business efficiently but to expand it as well.
Simplifying the electrician’s business
Basic electrician tools depend on your profession and the scope of your work. But no matter where you carry out your work, the latest tools on the market are sure to make your job easier and more comfortable.