Here is a wide range of specialized, hand and power tools for electricians.
Electricity is always a danger when you work with or on electrical equipment. You can electrocute yourself, and the heat generated from electricity can cause burns if not careful. There are many tools specifically designed for electricians. This is because of the dangers of working with an electrical system.
To help protect the user, safety features such as insulated handles are standard in the best electrician tools to protect the user. You can also get digital multimeters, which help you identify live currents before you pick up a screwdriver or pair of pliers. Find out how to choose the right tools for your next project by reading the following information.
Types Of Electrician Tools
There are many different types of electrician tools. These tools can be grouped into three groups: power tools, hand tools, and specialty tools.
Standard tools that DIYers have at home for various jobs include the best electrician hand tools. You will find tools such as hammers, sockets, and wrenches in any electrician’s toolbox. An exception to the rule is that electrician hand tools often have an insulated handle to protect against live electricity.
These tools are usually more affordable than specialty or power tools because they are simpler to make. They are also easier to buy online or in your local home improvement store.
Power Tools
Drills, saws, and impact drivers can often be hanging from an electrician’s tool bag. They are frequently used when doing electrical work. For cutting wire and trimming conduit pieces for installation, saws can be used effectively. Drills are also helpful in creating long conduit runs. However, impact drivers and drills tend to do the most work tightening and loosening screws.
Large rotary hammer drills are also a good option for electrician power tools. Some electrical work involves drilling through or cutting through brick, concrete, mortar, etc. These tools are typically more expensive than specialty or hand tools.
Specialty Tools
It’s not common to put together electrical systems with just a few nails. They’re often hidden behind walls, ceilings, or beneath floors. This makes it essential to have the right tools for the job. You will need a variety of specialty tools such as wire strippers to remove the insulation sleeve at the end of a wire and crimpers that close the splicing connector to make quick connections between two wires.
Electricians often use digital multimeters to test voltage, which can read continuity, capacitance, and frequency. However, they might also use a voltage tester. The fish tape is a good choice if you’re running wire. It can pull the wire through tight spaces, such as behind walls. To secure the wire, use conduit binders or electrical tape.
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Electrician Tool
It’s not an intelligent way to spend your money on quality tools. Learn about crucial aspects that will help you choose the right electrician tools for your shop.
Purpose
There are many different types of electrician tools. Each tool has a unique purpose. Although it can be tempting to choose the most attractive options, it is essential to understand how each tool works.
A set of pliers with a metal head can be used to hit nails. Still, it isn’t as efficient as a hammer. So just because a tool works doesn’t mean that it’s the best or was designed for this purpose. You can rely on wire cutters to cut the wire, wire strippers for stripping wire, crimpers to crimp splicing connectors and screwdrivers to fasten screws.
Comfort Weight
You may need to use your hands above your head when working in tight spots. many electrical systems run through basement ceilings or walls. You should also consider the weight and comfort requirements of your tools. It will be hard to transport heavy tools around the job site, or to hold them for extended periods. If you have to reach behind walls or work overhead, this can significantly reduce your project’s efficiency.
Lightweight, small tools improve control and maneuverability. They also reduce fatigue. Comfortable handles and padded grips are also a great way to reduce muscle strain and improve your management during work. The padded handles provide insulation that protects your hands from electric shocks. Remember that lighter tools are less durable than heavier-duty tools, so they may need to be replaced more often.
Safety Rating and Insulating Rating
Because it is easy to electrocute, burn, slice, or even stab yourself while working with electricity, safety must be a top priority. Although it is often overlooked, electrical wires can puncture skin easily with very little force. It is best to use protective gloves to protect your hands. For those who work with electrical systems, safety glasses are an essential piece of personal protection equipment.
You don’t have to be cautious about using PPE. To protect yourself against live currents, you should also consider purchasing an electrician tool with insulated handles. While standard rubber and plastic handles offer essential insulation, it is better to use tools with a specific rating. The manufacturer will usually list this rating. It can be anywhere from 1,000 volts up to more than 2,000 volts.
Storage
You will need new storage options if you purchase individual tools. Or you can use your existing toolbox to organize and store these items. Although a toolbox is a great way of organizing a new set, if you plan on moving around or climbing up ladders, a tool belt may be more practical.
A few electrician tools come with a particular carrying case that can help you keep your tools organized and safe when not in use.
First-Year Apprentice
It is a good idea to look at what a first-year apprentice electrician might need to know about the tools you should have. The following list will give you an idea of common tools needed for basic electrical system projects.
- Hand Tools will take up most of the toolbox. Channellock pliers and lineman’s scissors are essential for a first-year apprentice.
- Power Tools can be expensive and take up much space in a toolbox, but the essentials are pretty simple and include a drill and an impact driver.
- Specific tools are needed for many electrical jobs. These include wire strippers and crimpers, as well as wire cutters, wire cutters, fish traps, and electrical tape.
This is not a complete list, and the employer may require additional tools from a first-year apprentice. It’s a great starting point to tackle various electrical projects.
Our Top Picks
This list of electrician tools is an excellent place for starting your search for high-quality tools for electrical work. The following instruments were selected based on several factors: tool type, purpose, and weight, as well as comfort.
1. Wire cutter and wire stripper
This unique product is an electrician tool that combines the cutting capabilities of a small cutter and the wire-stripping ability to strip many different gauges. The tool’s tip has a serrated nose that bends, shapes, and pulls wire pieces. The curved handle improves grip and maneuverability.
Amazon has the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Wire Stripper for $19.99
2. Set of Insulated Electrician Drill Drivers
These insulated electrician screwdrivers have non-slip handles that provide better control in tight spaces. These screwdrivers are made from chrome vanadium steel. They have magnetic tips to prevent small screws from being misplaced. This set is ideal for DIYers and electricians. The insulated handles provide protection from up to 1,000 V.
Buy the XOOL Insulated Electrician Drill Drivers Set at Amazon for $26.79
3. Rotary Hammer Drill
This ENEACRO heavy-duty rotary hammer drill can break through concrete, mortar, and brick to run wires or conduits. It comes with three significant drill bits, two durable chisels to break up concrete slabs, and a protective carrying bag that can carry the drill and all accessories. The vibration control is integrated and absorbs vibration energy before it reaches the handle. This protects the user’s hands as they work.
Buy the ENEACRO Rotary Hammer Drill from Amazon for $127.95
4. Pliers for Linemen
These heavy-duty lineman’s scissors are lightweight at just 1 pound. They allow for better control and maneuverability, as well as reduce fatigue. The pliers feature a cutting edge to slice through wires and a textured tip that helps grip wires in the jaws. These Knipex pliers feature an extra gripping area for pulling nails and a fish-tape puller that allows you to run wire efficiently behind the pivot point.
Order the Knipex Lineman’s Pliers from Amazon for $55.96
5. Magnetic Torpedo Level
This small and light torpedo level makes it easy to transport in a tool bag or toolbox. The torpedo level features several high-visibility bubbles that measure the angles of the group at various angles. It is made of aluminum and has built-in magnets to keep it in place on metal surfaces. This makes it durable and water-resistant.
Order the WORKPRO Torpedo Level from Amazon for $14.99
6. Digital Multimeter
This digital multimeter kit is a great option, whether you need to check that the power is off before starting an electric project or test continuity to find shorts in the system. The kit includes a non-contact voltage tester and a receptacle tester. It also has a flashlight that can be used to illuminate dark areas. The kit comes with batteries and a case to store and transport them.
The Klein Tools Digital Multimeter is available on Amazon for $52.49
7. Dismantling Knife
This KNIPEX Tools dismantling blade can be used to cut through wire and conduit. Because the tang of the knife extends into its handle, users can trust the knife’s strength and durability when cutting through hard materials. The handle is insulated and can withstand up to 1,000 volts.
Buy the KNIPEX Tools Demantling Knife at Amazon for $46.55
8. Crimper Pliers Set
This ratchet-style crimping tool can crimp many connections quickly and effectively. It also comes with 1,200 insulated wire terminal sleeves to make quick work of wiring projects. The crimpers/crimping tools have a non-slip nylon grip to improve control and maneuverability. The handle is contoured to the hand. Increasing or decreasing the crimping force can adjust the ratchet for precise control.
Purchase the VLIKE Ferrule Crimper Plier Set on Amazon for $27.99
9. Fish Tape
Experiential electricians have been in the trade for many years and can make running wire seem easy. However, it can be not easy to run wire through insulated walls or ceilings without the right tools. Klein Tools fish tape is 25 feet long and features a thin plastic tip to help you navigate tight spaces and minimize catching. To help you track the length of your wire, the fish tape has 1-foot increments of laser-etched markings.
Buy the Klein Tools Fish Tape at Amazon for $13.97
10. Insulated Needle-Nose Plier
These needle-nose pliers are ideal for tight spaces such as ceilings or between exterior walls and drywall. The handles are anti-slip and insulated, which improves user control and protects the user against up to 1,000 volts. The pliers are made of chrome vanadium steel to extend the tool’s life.