Electricians are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from installing and maintaining electrical systems to troubleshooting and repairing them. To do their job effectively, electricians need to have the right tools. Pliers are essential for electricians who work with and cut cables regularly. Having the right tools is crucial to job success.
Professional electricians have some favorite tools that are designed specifically for the job. These tools help them measure what is not seen, in units that are difficult for non-professionals to understand, in quantities that can be downright deadly. In this article, we'll discuss the top 10 tools that every electrician needs. We'll also look at some of the special power tools that come in handy from time to time, as well as some of the basic hand tools that are used for most residential electrical projects. Finally, we'll discuss some of the best tool bags for electricians to use in the field.
Essential Hand Tools
When it comes to electrical work, basic hand tools such as a hammer, a measuring tape, a laser leveler, and a flat tip and Phillips screwdrivers are essential.Other useful tools include voltmeters, adhesive tape, and flashlights. It's important to invest in higher-quality tools for longer lifespan and better performance. For example, wire cutters and pliers for line workers should have insulated handles to help protect against shocks. A standard measuring tape is used for all types of field measurements, such as setting the height of switches and sockets, centering luminaire boxes and marking surfaces for cutouts. A hammer is used to fix electrical boxes equipped with brackets attached to wall studs and other elements of a house structure.
It's also used to nail wire staples when anchoring a new electrical cable to the frame elements. A small level such as a torpedo level fits easily in a tool bag and is used to ensure that the work is level and plumbed. A good installation starts with level boxes and straight receptacles for switches and electrical outlets. A tactical flashlight is needed for both safety and convenience when working in dark places such as attics, basements, cavities in walls and ceilings, or inside electrical boxes. A multipurpose knife or box cutter is useful for cutting the coating of non-metallic cables (Romex), cutting insulating tape and opening cardboard boxes. Straight-tip screwdrivers come in handy when removing and installing covers, outlets, switches and many other devices.
Operator pliers are also essential for any electrician who does regular electrical work.
Tool Bags
When it comes to tool bags, there are many options available on the market. The Klein Tools D213-9NETP is the industry standard while many consider the Journeyman 2000 series to be top-of-the-line. This will allow electricians to carry all the tools they need without having to carry them by hand while climbing. Depending on their task and how many tools they use on a daily basis, they may have a few different bags for different circumstances.Specialized Power Tools
A voltage tester is perhaps the most important specialized power tool an electrician can have.Drill saws are also essential when placing cables through walls or drilling them into homes from the outside or installing recessed lights on existing ceilings. A cable stripping tool has a row of calibrated holes for stripping cables of different sizes and usually includes cutting jaws to trim the ends of the cables. In a perfect world, an electrician would open a home's service panel and find a precise, legible circuit directory on the inside of the door. This is especially useful when they are under pressure at work and need specific tools to operate an important piece of machinery.
Conclusion
Having the right tools is essential for any electrician who wants to do their job effectively. From basic hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers to specialized power tools such as voltage testers and drill saws, there are many different types of tools that an electrician needs in order to do their job properly.Investing in higher-quality tools will ensure longer lifespan and better performance.
