20 Best Electrician Tools You Definitely Need to Have

Attention electricians! Do you have the essential electrician tools to get the utmost efficiency at the job? Are you missing out on projects due to a lack of proper equipment in your arsenal?

Then, you are at the right place to empower yourself and your team with the best electrician tools. 

Here we will show you 20 essential tools professional electricians absolutely must invest in. Why? Because, as Steve Jobs said it very correctly:

“You cannot mandate productivity, you must provide the tools to let people become their best.”

So let’s start with the hand tools.

5 Hand Tools: The Essential Must-Haves for Electricians

These aren’t electrical tools and, as the name suggests, are powered by hands. Even though these are the most basic tools, it is hard for an electrician to live without them. Here are they:

1. Pliers: The go-to tool for gripping and cutting

Pliers are versatile tools that come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific task. 

Electricians often use needle-nose pliers for precision work, such as bending wires and holding small electrical components in place. Side-cutting pliers, on the other hand, are ideal for cutting wires and cables cleanly and quickly.

Some other types of pliers electricians use are:

• Lineman’s pliers: Used for gripping, twisting, and cutting wires.
• Needle-nose pliers: Used for grasping and bending small wires or reaching into tight spaces.
• Diagonal cutting pliers: Used for cutting wires close to the surface, flush with the surface, or to pull wires through tight spaces.
• Tongue-and-groove pliers: Used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, and fittings.
• Slip joint pliers: Used for gripping and holding objects of various sizes.
• Locking pliers: Used for holding and clamping objects in place.

2. Wire strippers: the perfect tool for removing insulation

Wire strippers are essential for any electrical job that involves working with wires. They allow you to quickly and easily remove the insulation from wires without damaging the conductor. 

Pro tip: Look for wire strippers with sharp cutting edges and comfortable handles for extended use.

3. Screwdrivers: The classic tool for tightening and loosening screws

No electrician’s toolbox is complete without a set of screwdrivers. They come in different types and sizes, with flathead and Phillips-head being the most common.

Electricians typically use them to tighten and loosen screws on electrical panels, switches, and outlets. 

To make a better purchase, screwdrivers with magnetic tips provide easier handling.

4. Cutters: The essential tool for precision cutting

Cutters are another type of plier designed for the precision cutting of wires, cables, and other materials.

Diagonal cutters and cable cutters are the most commonly used types of cutters. However, when buying any cutter, the ideal ones are the cutters with sharp blades that can handle various materials.

5. Electrical tape

Electrical tape is a type of adhesive tape that is specifically designed for electrical applications. It is made of plastic and is highly resistant to heat, cold, moisture, and various chemicals. 

Electrical contractors use it to insulate electrical wires and prevent electrical shocks and short circuits. It is also used for bundling wires and marking them for identification.

4 Power Tools: The Heavy-Duty Helpers for Electricians

These tools can make tough jobs easier and faster, helping you to complete your tasks quickly and with less effort. Here are some of the essential power tools for electricians:

1. Drills: The versatile tool for drilling and driving

Drills are one of the most versatile power tools. They can be used for drilling holes and driving screws into different materials, such as wood, metal, and concrete. 

2. Impact drivers: The heavy-duty tool for tough jobs

Impact drivers are designed for heavy-duty jobs that require high torque and power. They are ideal for driving large screws and bolts into tough materials, such as hardwood and metal. 

3. Saws: The precision tool for cutting and trimming

Saws are essential for cutting and trimming materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. You can use saws to make precise cuts in conduit, tubing, and other materials. 

4. Grinders: The tool for grinding, sanding, and polishing

Grinders are versatile tools that can be used for grinding, sanding, and polishing various surfaces. They are ideal for shaping and smoothing metal surfaces and removing rust and debris.

2 Measuring Tools: To Get Accuracy in Your Measurements

Electricians rely on various measuring tools to ensure accurate and safe electrical work. Thus, here are some common measuring tools that will be helpful to you:

1. Tape measure: A tool for precise measurements of lengths

Tape measures allow for accurate measurements of wire, conduit, and other materials, making it easier to plan and execute electrical installations. 

Some tape measures also have additional features like a lock to hold the blade in place or a magnet to attach to metal surfaces.

2. Laser distance meter: Quickly calculate the distance between 2 points

A laser distance meter is used to measure the distance between two points accurately. Electricians use laser distance meters to: 

• Measure the dimensions of a room
• Calculate wire lengths
• Determine the placement of fixtures and devices

Recommended: How to Estimate Electrical Work

3 Testing Equipment: Ensuring Electrical Safety and Functionality

Without the proper testing equipment, you cannot accurately diagnose problems or verify that repairs have been made correctly. So here is some essential testing equipment for you:

1. Multimeters: The all-in-one testing tool

A multimeter is a digital or analog tool that can measure several electrical properties like voltage, current, and resistance.

It is an essential tool for troubleshooting electrical problems and ensuring the proper functioning of electrical circuits and devices.

2. Voltage testers: The quick and easy tool for detecting voltage

How can you determine whether an electrical circuit is live or not? That’s where a voltage tester comes in.

It is a handheld device with a metal contact point that is placed against an electrical conductor or outlet to detect the presence of voltage. 

There are non-contact testers as well that can detect voltage without touching the conductor.

3. Circuit Tracers: The tool for identifying circuit breakers and wires

It is a handheld device that sends a signal through the circuit, which is then traced using a receiver. Circuit tracers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Identifying broken circuits
• Detecting short circuits
• Verifying circuit continuity

3 Safety Gear: Protecting Electricians from Hazards

Working with electricity is hazardous. Thus, electrical contractors must protect themselves and their workers from potential dangers like electrical shocks, burns, and other hazards. So here are some essential safety gear for electricians:

1. Gloves: The primary protection against electrical shocks

Gloves are the primary protection against electrical shocks for electricians. They are essential for working with live wires and electrical equipment.

Gloves made of rubber or vinyl are ideal for you to protect yourself against electrical shocks.

2. Safety glasses: The protection for eyes and vision

Safety glasses are essential for protecting your eyes from potential hazards such as flying debris, sparks, or arc flashes. 

Safety glasses with anti-fogging and scratch-resistant features are the best to get maximum protection and durability.

3. Hard hats: The protection for the head

Hard hats are essential for protecting your head from accidents like falling objects or electrical shocks. Thus, look for hard hats that meet ANSI standards and have shock-absorbing features.

3 Accessories and Storage: Organizing and Protecting Electrician’s Tools

It isn’t enough to just buy tools. You also need to take care of storing and protecting them well. So with these accessories and storage options, you can keep your tools organized and protected:

1. Tool Boxes: The ideal storage solution

A tool box is ideal for storing and transporting your electrical tools. They come in different sizes and designs, such as backpacks, shoulder bags, and tote bags.

2. Pouches: The convenient option for small tools

Pouches are a convenient option for storing small tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wire strippers. They can attach to tool belts or bags, making them easily accessible.

3. Belts: The comfortable option for carrying tools

An electrician’s tool belt is a comfortable option for carrying tools, especially for electricians who like to keep their hands free while working. They come in various designs, such as waist belts and suspender belts.

Conclusion

The quality of the toolset you use determines the quality of your services as well to a huge extent. Thus, purchasing proper tools isn’t an expense, but an investment.

Of course, you don’t have to break the bank to get them. Start with buying the electrician tool set we have suggested here and you are good to go.