Electrician Tools

Electrician Tools
As with any other repair or improvement project, you will need some necessary tools to
perform electrical work in your home. A safe, comfortable, and accurate electrician's
work depends on the tools he uses.

It is essential for electricians to have a range of heavy-duty, insulated hand tools and
high-tech tools in their toolbox to do their job effectively and safely. There are several
essential hand tools that you'll need for a residential electrical project, such as a
hammer, tape measure, level, and screwdriver.

Additionally, there are many other tools that you may not have encountered before.
Special electrical tools are readily available at most home centers, hardware stores, and
electrical supply stores. So now we will discuss the most basic and essential tools every
electrician needs. Let's start.

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Types of Electrician Tools

Following are the main types of electrician tools:

1. Pliers
2. Screwdrivers
3. Hammer
4. Tape measure
5. Electrical tape
6. Fish tape
7. Cable ties
8. Lever
9. Wire and cable lugs
10. Flashlight
11. Utility knife
12. Allen wrench set
13. Coax connector
14. Wire stripper
15. Voltmeter or Multimeter
16. Wire crimper
17. Non-contact voltage tester
18. Reaming bit
19. Conduit bender
20. Splicing connector

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21. Circuit analyzers

22. Circuit finders

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#1 Pliers

Also known as cutting pliers or lineman's pliers, it is used to bend and twist wires
whenever you make a screw-terminal connection. The long and narrow tip of the plier
makes it an excellent tool for the detailed work of electricians.

Any willing electrician keeps an array of pliers in their toolbox, including needle nose
pliers/long nose pliers, side-cutting pliers, and reaming pliers for tightening locknuts,
fittings, and caps. Most needle-nose pliers also include cutting jaws to trim wires
effectively.

#2 Screwdrivers

A screwdriver is a portable device that allows you to screw and unscrew easily. It
usually consists of a metal rod with a flat end that fits into the top of the screw.
Electricians use various high-quality insulated screwdrivers to loosen and fasten
multiple pieces of hardware.

The electric screwdriver head is fitted with a bit holder, which may be magnetic or have
a quick-release system. This bit holder allows you to insert the bit that matches the
screw head. Many experts use ergonomic ratchet screwdrivers with interchangeable bits
so they never get stuck without the proper electrical maintenance tools.

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#3 Hammer

Electrician hammers look almost identical to claw hammers. It has an insulated

fiberglass handle with a rubber-coated grip, making it safe for electrical work. Its long,
striking face allows contractors to work in tight areas.

A hammer is used to secure electrical boxes with nail-on brackets for wall studs and
other framing members. A hammer is essential for driving wire staples when anchoring
new electrical cables to framing members.

#4 Tape Measure

A tape measure is a hand tool commonly used to measure distance or size. It is like a
long flexible ruler with a case, thumb lock, tape, hook, and sometimes a belt clip. A tape
measure can have an Imperial reading, a metric reading, or both.

A standard tape measure is used for all area measurements, such as setting heights for
switches and marking surfaces for cutouts. A tape measure does the same work, but
models available with magnetic tips, multi-step locks, and other features make the
process easier.

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#5 Electrical Tape

The primary purpose of electrical tape worldwide is to insulate and protect wires and
other connections. The electrical tape is made of plastic, vinyl, or fiberglass fabric,
which is sensitive to pressure and is needed for insulating wires or other materials that
conduct electricity.

It prevents electrical current from accidentally passing into other wires and prevents
potential electrical current from touching live wires.

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#6 Fish Tape

Almost every electrician, from beginner to professional, uses fish tape. A fish tape pulls
the electrical or other wires through the conduit. It is typically housed in a retractable
coil and can be fed through installed conduit piping.

Once the end of the fish tape is visible on the opposite side, the wires can be attached to
the tape, and the tape can be retracted, pulling the wire along the conduit. It is also
helpful in pulling wire through walls, ceilings, floors, and other enclosed spaces.

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#7 Cable Ties

Also known as a hose tie or zip tie, it is a type of fastener for holding objects together,
primarily electrical cables and wires. Due to their low cost, ease of use, and binding
strength, cable ties are ubiquitous, finding use in many other applications. Every
electrician should keep the electrical space neat and organized with cable ties.

#8 Level

When installing lighting fixtures, finding the exact point for placement is essential. A
level is also considered an electrician's tool, as it helps the electrician ensure that
fixtures, screws, and other installations are placed where they should be.

A small level, such as a torpedo level, fits easily into the tool pocket and is used to
ensure that your work is level. This would have a lot of uses beyond electrical work. A
torpedo level should also be part of every homeowner's standard toolkit.

#9 Wire and Cable Lugs

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 Electrician Tools

A cable is two or more wires that run side by side and are tied, bent or braided together
to form a single electrical assembly. Cable lugs are devices used to attach cables to
electrical equipment, other cables, surfaces, or systems.

Similar to jumper cables and car batteries, wires, and cable lugs connect wires to
appliances, cables, and other devices that require power. Clamps connecting wires to an
automotive battery are a typical example of a cable lug, as are the ends of a battery
jumper cable.

#10 Flashlight

Flashlights are crucial devices that provide illumination by using some battery cells.
Sometimes the electrical repair work involves many dark areas, from basements to wall
and ceiling cavities, to the inside of electrical boxes.

Every electrician should have the necessary tools such as flashlights and other work
lights. A flashlight is needed for security as much as it is for convenience. A few
handheld flashlights and a headlamp are excellent for a DIY electrician's toolbox.

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#11 Utility Knife

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A utility knife is handy for cutting sheathing from non-metallic cables, cutting electrical
tape, and opening cardboard boxes. In addition, it also serves many functions,
including cutting and stripping cables, cutting electrical tape and insulation, and
cutting and opening tool boxes and packages.

#12 Allen Wrench Set

Also known as a hex key, it is a small handheld tool used to turn bolts and screws with
hexagonal sockets. Allen wrenches tighten hex-head screws, sometimes found on
ceiling fans, light fixtures, and appliances.

It's good to have both a metric and a standard set of Allen wrenches. There are many
benefits to using screws and Allen keys, as they are economical and easy to produce.

#13 Coax Connector

It is an electrician's tool used to connect cables to other equipment and is specially

designed to maintain the shielding on the cable.

Different connectors are available, and having variety on hand ensures that you always
meet your customers' needs. High-quality connectors provide reliable, long-lasting
connections. There are two different connector styles available that are; male and
female.

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#14 Wire Stripper

A wire stripper is a portable handheld tool used by electricians to remove the protective
coating of an electrical wire to replace or repair a wire. Professional electricians
regularly strip plastic sheathing from wires to reveal copper and make customized
connections.

It consists of a row of gauged holes for separating wires of different sizes and usually
includes cutting jaws for trimming wire ends. Some wire strippers can also crimp wires
and remove the vinyl jacket from the NM cable. These devices come in a variety of
models and types.

#15 Voltmeter or Multimeter

Voltmeters read voltage levels and verify whether circuits are "live" or off. Also known
as a voltage meter, it is an instrument used to measure the potential difference between
two points in an electrical or electronic circuit.

Some voltmeters are used for direct current (DC) circuits; Others are designed for
alternating current (AC) circuits. More forms of this instrument are known as
multimeters, and they can read not only voltage levels but also amperage, resistance,
and DC voltage and amperage. Advanced DIYers and professional electricians mainly
use it.

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#16 Non-contact Voltage Tester

A voltage tester is used for a quick safety check to ensure there is no voltage across an
electrical wire or appliance before you start working on it. Non-contact voltage testers
run on batteries and are the simplest and safest type of tester because they can detect
power simply by touching the wire.

It has a built-in sensor at the tip of the tester that detects the presence of voltage when a
conductor, outlet, or supply cord is touched. These tools are safe, easy to use, and
cheap. Being an essential electrician's tool, it will be used for almost every home
electrical repair project.

#17 Reaming Bit

Installing a new conduit or replacing old ones means connecting different piping
sections to form a wiring route between electrical components. This bit connects to an
electric drill. Remember that a reamer cannot be used to make a hole.

It enlarges the opening at one end of the piping, allowing it to connect to another
section of piping and complete a safe conduit. In addition, they are used to finish holes
of the exact dimensions that have been drilled, bore, or cored.

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#18 Conduit Bender

It is a device made with a very long lever, which is used to bend angles in a conduit into
which electrical wires are placed. When choosing a wiring route, electricians often run
wires along the wall's corner or in other hidden areas.

They curve conduit piping to adjust these routes and ensure that conduit is laid non-
intrusively and efficiently in the customer's home. Also, it is used to bend the pipe in
different directions and around obstacles instead of making fittings.

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#19 Splicing Connector

The splicing connector consists of a plastic clip with a sharp metal insert that will cut
securely through the plastic insulating jacket of the two wires and crimp them together.
They make quick joints or connections with two or more pieces of wire. A splice
connector can be used with many cables, including device wires, telephone cables, and
electrical cables.

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#20 Circuit Analyzers

The circuit analyzer is a digital handheld electrician tools that determine whether an
output is wired correctly or not. The circuit analyzer checks for various conditions,
including correct wiring, polarity reversal, no ground, and tests for arc faults.

#21 Circuit Finders

Most of the time, it is difficult for electricians to find out which ouputs are connected to
which circuit in the work area. In this case, modern electricians use a circuit breaker
finder. It is a small battery-powered electronic device consisting of two parts transmitter
and receiver.

When an electrician hooks up the transmitter to a circuit in the breaker, the device sends
a signal to the receiver about which circuit the outlet belongs to. Its main advantage is
that it converts the two-person task into a one-person job, making signal detection
much easier.

Read Also: What is Chisel? Types, Parts, Precautions and Uses

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Safety Purpose Electrician Tools

1. Insulated Gloves
2. Flame retardant shirt
3. Safety glasses
4. Rescue rod

#1 Insulated Glove

Electrocution is dangerous to electricians, so they need to exercise

caution. Wearing insulating gloves gives employees personal hand
protection from electric shock when working near or on live wires.

These gloves come in various styles for fit and comfort, so choose
the type that works best for you. Don't forget about leather
protectors, as they are essential to correctly wearing and using
insulating rubber gloves.

#2 Flame Retardant Shirt

Flame retardants are chemicals applied to materials to prevent

the start of a fire or slow its growth. They have been used by
many consumers and industries since the 1970s to reduce the
material's ability to ignite.

Skilled electricians can learn to take precautions against

dangerous arc flashes, electric shock, and fire. This electrician
field ensures they wear work shirts made of fire-resistant
materials to prevent serious burn injuries.

#3 Safety Glasses

In general, safety glasses are forms of protective eyewear that usually enclose or protect
the area around the eyes to prevent particles, water, or chemicals from hitting the eyes.
They are also quite crucial for electricians.

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Electricians need to protect their eyes when closely inspecting electrical wiring, cutting
wires, or when they operate power tools. Trainees and seasoned veterans need a pair of
safety goggles at the work site as part of their essential electrician equipment.

#4 Rescue Rod

Rescue rods remove large objects or unconscious people who have been electrocuted
from a dangerous area. It protects the person rescuing the victim by shielding them
from any electric shock. In addition, it removes casualties from the danger zone in
rescue operations.

Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, these tools let you perform more specialized tasks and work with various
materials. In addition, they provide stability and give highly accurate results. That's
why it is a must for every electrician to have these tools.

I hope I have covered everything about “Electrician Tools.” If I missed something, or if

you have any doubts, let me know in the comments. If you liked this article, please
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