Best Electrician Tools
Digital Multimeter
With the ability to measure multiple electric properties and display all the information you need on a convenient digital interface, a digital multimeter is one of the most useful tools any electrician should have at their disposal. More modern models might also include helpful features like a thermal imaging camera or Bluetooth connectivity to give you even more versatile options.
Voltage Tester
When you're working with electricity, knowing what wires are carrying a live current is essential so that you know what can be safely handled. While your multimeter might have similar functions, a dedicated, non-contact voltage tester is smaller and more convenient to use, giving you more options.
Insulated Gloves
Providing yourself with adequate protection and safety equipment is essential for anybody working with electricity. Insulated gloves add an extra layer of protection from dangerous electrical currents. These gloves come in a variety of different fits, so find one that suits you well and still allows you a full range of dexterity for any precision work that you're doing.
Safety Goggles
Another important piece of safety equipment, safety goggles are essential for anybody operating power tools, and electricians are no exception. Protection for your eyes when you're doing things like closely examining electrical wiring is necessary whether you're a beginner or experienced electrician.
Flame-Retardant Work Shirt
Fire is always a risk when working with electricity, and you want to take the precautions necessary to protect yourself if a fire does occur. Wearing a shirt made from flame-retardant material when you're working with electricity is one preventative step to take that can protect you from injury.
Toolbox
Before we get everything else that should go into your toolbox, we have to stress the importance of getting a quality toolbox that can hold everything you need. Find a toolbox that features an organizational system that works for you so that you're never left rummaging around to find the right tool.
Flashlight
If you can't see what you're doing clearly, there's a good chance that you're going to make a mistake at some point. That's what makes a flashlight a must-have for anybody doing electrical work. A bright, easily-portable, and long-lasting flashlight will give you the best results.
Tape Measure
Having accurate measurements is essential when you need to be precise, such as when measuring the length of wiring to use. While even a simple tape measure will provide you with plenty of utility, additional features like magnetized ends or multi-step locks add additional functionality.
Utility Knife
A utility knife features a retractable blade for maximum safety and ease of use. This simple tool is another essential for any electrician to have available to them, as it can be used for everything from cutting through packaging of components you need to use to stripping a wire. Finding an insulated utility knife will give you an extra level of safety, though you should always check if a wire is live before cutting it anyway.
Saws
When you need to cut through drywall, wood, or other materials on the job, having a saw capable of the job is a necessity. You'll want a few different saws on so that you're ready no matter what challenge arises. A jab saw is useful for cutting through drywall to install an electrical box, for example, while a hacksaw can be used to cut through anything from wood to metal.
Wire Cutters
Disconnecting wires and cutting them down to size are common tasks that any electrician will have to perform. A good pair of wire cutters will let you cut through the material with efficient ease, making them an essential part of your toolset.
Pliers
One of the most basic but often-used electrician tools is a good set of pliers. You'll want a variety of different pliers at your disposal when you're on the job, including needle-nose pliers for hard-to-reach spots, diagonal and side-cutting pliers, and adjustable pliers for their versatility.
Wrenches
When dealing with tightly-fastened installations, a good wrench is necessary to apply the force you need. A good adjustable wrench will cover you for most situations with the ability to change the exact size of the grip, perfect for objects that don't come at a standard size. A pipe wrench and an Allen wrench are also good to keep on hand.
Screwdrivers
While it's a basic tool that you already likely have, the importance of a good screwdriver can't be overlooked. Having a variety of different screwdrivers will help you be prepared for any situation that might arise. A Phillips head screwdriver is perhaps the most common and is a handy tool for a variety of situations, but you'll also want a good flat-head screwdriver as well as an adjustable multi-tip screwdriver.
Conduit Reamer
Similar to a screwdriver in its use, a conduit reamer is a necessary tool when you're installing new conduits or replacing old ones. This tool allows you to connect different segments of piping in order to create a wiring route. You can also attach this tool to a drill for greater ease of use.
Conduit Bender
Sometimes, you need to run conduit piping around corners or into other hard-to-reach areas that aren't straightforward to access. A conduit bender was designed for exactly these situations. These specialized tools can bend the conduit piping to match the angle that you're trying to run wire through, allowing for unobtrusive and efficiently-placed wiring.
Splicing Connector
When you need to connect multiple pieces of wire quickly, a splicing connector will get the job done easily. These plastic clips can be used to fasten electrical cables, telephone cables, and most of the other types of wiring that you might be working with.
Wire Strippers
While a knife or a set of pliers might do the job in a pinch, having a specialized tool for stripping wires will make your life much easier. Of course, always check if the wire is live before using this tool to ensure that you're working safely.
Cable Ties
Sometimes referred to as zip ties, cable ties allow you to fasten wires together to keep your workspace neat, organized, and easy to navigate. They will also make hauling the material you need to the job site much easier and will also declutter the area you're working in to make the job more manageable.
Fish Tape
One of the most commonly-used tools for any electrician, fish tape is used to run wiring between electrical components. The tape is housed inside of a retractable coil and can be fed through conduit piping and then hooked from the other side. At this point, the tape is retracted, pulling wiring through the conduit.
Fishing Rods
A fishing rod is used by electricians to install wires above ceilings, below carpets, through walls, or in other spots that may be hard to reach otherwise. They are usually comprised of fiberglass and have hooks attached that make it easier to maneuver the wire to where you need it to be.
Electrical Tape
Insulating wires or other electrical components is essential to prevent the current from accidentally passing to other wires and mitigate the risk of electrocution. Electrical tape, made from vinyl, plastic, fiberglass cloth, or other material as well as adhesive, is ideal for this purpose.
Electric Drill
For installing new lighting fixtures and a variety of other situations, an electric drill is an essential that any electrician needs. You'll also want a variety of different drill bits so that you can adapt to meet the current challenge that you're facing. Ideally, find a cordless electric drill so that you have the highest degree of convenience when using it.
Level
Another essential tool when you're installing a light fixture, a level will allow you to find where to place the fixture with total precision. Ensuring that the light fixture sits at a level angle will make sure that the installation is done correctly so you don't have to go back to correct your error.
Field Service Management Software
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