Published on: February 26, 2023by Jeel Patel Ever lose electrical jobs just because you were short of electrician tools? Are you worried about your safety when performing electrical jobs? The answer to the questions is the addition of the best electrician tools. The quality of an electrician’s work can be greatly improved by using the proper electrical tools, which can also increase workplace safety. It’s critical for electricians to stay updated with the essential electrician tools and equipment on the market, given the rising demand for electrical services. To know the complete list of the electrician tools to boost your overall efficiency, refer to this blog! Table of Content Hand Tools Power Tools Measuring Tools Safety Equipment Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Electrical Tools FAQs Conclusion 1. Hand Tools Hand tools are electric-free and operable by hand. Here are some of the most commonly used hand tools by electricians: Wire strippersWire stripping is a method that requires a wire stripper to remove the insulation from the ends of wires to prepare them for connections. With various sizes and shapes, the wire strippers strip wires through the attached cutting blade. There is a mechanism for adjusting the depth of the blade to ensure the removal of insulation. It’s important to choose a wire stripper that fits comfortably in your hand. PliersPliers are versatile hand tools used to twist, cut, and grip wires. Pliers Use Lineman’s pliers Cutting and twisting wires Diagonal-cutting pliers Cutting wire Needle-nose pliers Reaching tight spaces Long-nose pliers Hold small objects Reach tight places Bend loops Attach wires Pump pliers Reach hard areas of nuts and bolts Chain pliers Hold, cut, and twist wires Side-cutting pliers Cutting wires and other materials ScrewdriversScrewdrivers are used to unscrew fasten other electrical components. There are several types of screwdrivers, including Flat-head screwdrivers, Insulated screwdrivers, Phillip-head screwdrivers, and Torx-head screwdrivers, each designed for a specific type of screw. It’s essential to have a set of screwdrivers in various sizes and shapes so you have the right tool for the job. TesterTesters are used to determine if a circuit is live or to determine the voltage of a circuit. There are different types of testers: Tester Use Voltage Tester Determines the presence of voltage in a circuit Continuity Tester Determines if there is a complete circuit Multimeter Measures voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit Clamp Meter Measures the current in a conductor without breaking the circuit Non-Contact Voltage Tester Determines the presence of voltage in a circuit without making physical contact Insulation Tester Measures the resistance of electrical insulation Receptacle Tester Detects incorrectly wired electrical wall outlets Got Your Hand Tools? Get Your Handy Invoicing Software Now Perform electrical wiring projects safely and let InvoiceOwl handle creating estimates and invoices swiftly! Start Your FREE Trial 2. Power Tools Power tools operate using electrical motors that speed up and simplify electrical work. Here are a few of the power tools that electricians use most frequently: DrillAn electric drill is a tool used for making holes and driving screws into various materials. There are several types of drills, including corded and cordless drills, each with its specific use. Cordless drills are convenient as they allow you to work without the restriction of a power cord, while corded drills are typically more powerful. DriverA driver is a powerful tool used to fasten various electrical components and drive screws. Drivers can be corded or cordless and come in a variety of sizes and forms. Screws can be driven significantly faster and with less effort with drivers compared to screwdrivers. Circuit Breaker FinderA power tool called a “circuit breaker finder” is used to locate the circuit breaker for a particular electrical circuit. It operates by sending a signal through the circuit and identifying the breaker attached to it. The ability to locate the right breaker makes this instrument indispensable for electricians. GrinderThere are different types of grinders: Grinder Use Angle Grinder Grinds, cuts, and shapes different metal and other materials Bench Grinder Sharpens tools, grinds metals, and shapes materials Die Grinder Grinds and shapes metal and other materials in hard-to-reach spaces Cut-off Grinder Cuts metal and other materials Belt Grinder Grinds and shapes metal and other materials 3. Measuring Tools Electricians need measurement tools because they help to assure accuracy in calculations and measurements. Here are some of the measuring devices that electricians use the most frequently TapesA retractable ruler known as a tape measure is used to gauge lengths, including an object’s length and width. There are several lengths for tape measures, but 25 feet or longer is the most typical. There are two types of tapes, i.e., fish tape and electrical tape. Laser distance measurerA laser distance measurer is a computerized device that measures distances using a laser beam. When measuring lengths or locating an object’s center, this tool is more precise and effective than a tape measure. LevelA level is an instrument used to check whether something is vertically plumb or horizontally level. There are many different sizes and types of levels, such as torpedo levels and bubble levels. SquareA square is a tool used for measuring, marking, and determining the squareness of a surface. There are many different sizes and shapes of squares, such as combination squares and frame squares, each with a particular application. 4. Safety Equipment The high-voltage electrical systems that electricians operate are seriously dangerous. Using the proper safety equipment is essential for electricians to safeguard themselves from electrical shocks. The following are some of the most crucial safety equipment for electricians. Rubber gloves It acts as a shock absorber between an electrical contractor’s hand and electrical current. They come in different sizes and are made of insulating materials, such as rubber or neoprene to prevent electrical shock. Safety glasses It protects the electrician’s eyes from debris and sparks generated by electrical work. These glasses are made up of polycarbonate lenses that provide protection against impacts and UV rays. Hard hatSuch hats shield electricians’ heads from flying debris, collisions, and electrical dangers, so electricians must wear hard hats. All the colored hats are for different types of electrical work, and the work can be determined through hats. Face shieldA face shield is a safety measure that completely encloses the face in order to shelter it from electrical arcs and sparks. Face shields should be composed of materials that offer protection against impacts and are often worn over safety glasses. Fire extinguisherFire can be extinguished with the help of a fire extinguisher. In case of a fire emergency, electricians should have a fire extinguisher handy. Save Yourselves With Safety Tools, Save Your Time With Invoicing Tool Not wanting to customize your invoice, then try a free invoice generator tool to quickly create invoices on the go. Start Your FREE Trial Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Electrical Tools PurposeBefore buying, the purpose should be clear and specific; don’t buy any such electrical tools just because either they are cheap or multi-functional. For example, though the pliers have a specific use, it comes with a metal head that can be used to hit a nail in the wall. Here, you cannot consider the metal head as a substitute for an electrician’s hammer and drop the idea of buying a hammer. PortabilityPortability is a key consideration for professional electricians who work on the fly. Although cordless tools are frequently the most portable, it’s crucial to pick a tool with long battery life and ease of carrying. Safety & ratingsInstalling light fixtures or industrial settings are risky jobs since they might accidentally cut, burn, or electrocute you. Besides, you might accidentally pierce your skin because all the electrical wires consist of sharp metal. That’s the reason you must wear safety gloves whenever you are working with wires. Storage feasibilityIt’s crucial to select electrical tools that have been made with safety in mind when performing electrical work because it might be risky. Look for tools with safety features like shock-absorbing handles or shields. FunctionalityPick tools that are appropriate and make your electrical job easier. Make sure the instruments you choose have the functions and qualities you require to finish the work. Frequently Asked Questions What are essential electricians’ hand tools? The list of essential electricians’ hand tools is wire strippers, long nose pliers, needle nose pliers, insulated screwdrivers, and non-contact voltage testers. If you have an upcoming electrical project, do not miss out on keeping these tools handy. Which drill should I use for drilling work? You must use a cordless electric drill since it allows you to move in tight spaces. With great maneuverability, you would also love its versatility and affordability. The best electrical drill brands are DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee. What is the use of a circuit breaker finder? Circuit breakers help to find the exact circuit break in the panel box. Besides, it also helps you identify the breaker that controls specific electrical units. This will allow electricians to turn off and perform repairs. What safety glasses should an electrician use? You must use polycarbonate lenses that prevent UV rays. Moreover, you must also make sure that it fits well. You must also ensure that whatever glasses you use are best for your electrical work. What is an electrician’s tool belt? The belt that electricians use to carry and arrange their tools while working is known as an “electronics tool belt.” Tools, including pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, testers, and more, can be stored on the belt. It is constructed from dependable materials like leather or nylon and has numerous pockets and loops for arranging tools. With quick and simple access to their tools, thanks to a tool belt, electricians can work more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, some tool belts incorporate compartments for bigger objects like drill bits or conduit benders, as well as suspenders for increased support. Should I use a face shield? A face shield is a safety measure that completely encloses the face in order to shelter it from electrical arcs and sparks. It is often worn over safety glasses and needs to be composed of materials that offer sufficient impact defense. Which tape measure should you use for electric work? A compact, robust tape measure with a clear, easy-to-read scale is the ideal tape measure for electrical work. For tape measures, some well-known manufacturers are Stanley, Klein Tools, and DeWalt. Conclusion In conclusion, the tools for electricians are essential to perform their jobs effectively and safely. From tools like wire strippers and pliers to power tools like drills and circuit testers (aka voltage testers) to measuring tools and safety gear, each tool has a specific purpose and is crucial for completing electrical projects efficiently. When selecting electrical tools, it’s important to choose high-quality, durable tools that are appropriate for the type of work being performed. By investing in the right specialty tools, electricians can be confident that they have all the tools they need to tackle any electrical projects and keep their work environment safe. Once you upgrade your list of tools and equipment with the above-given list, make sure that you adopt automated software like InvoiceOwl as well. This electrical estimating and invoicing software allows you to create and send estimates & invoices in a few taps so that you can win more jobs and get paid on time respectively. Author Bio Jeel Patel Founder Jeel Patel is the founder of InvoiceOwl, a top-rated estimating and invoicing software that simplifies the invoicing and estimating processes for contractor businesses. Jeel holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Toronto, which has provided him with a strong foundation in business principles and practices. With understanding of the challenges faced by contractors, he conducted extensive research and developed a tool to streamline the invoicing and estimating processes for contractors. Read More Sign Up Now! Get weekly updates from InvoiceOwl. Subscribe Now Share this post: Twitter Facebook Pinterest Linkedin Email