Introduction:
Like any other trade, electrical work requires its own tools. We have the basics such as hammers, screwdrivers and tape measures and then we have the special electrical tools that come in handy from time to time.
If you’re an electrician who’s still working your way around electrical repairs and pet projects at your home and you’re on the lookout for the top must-have tools you must add to your toolbox read on to see our elaborate list of tools every electrical need.
1.Tape Measure
This one is pretty basic and definitely a must-have tool. A standard tape measure is used for field measurements of all kinds such as height for the switch and outlet placement, centering light fixture boxes and much more. Try looking for a tape-measure which has more durable markings and fits your hand comfortably while working. Choosing a tape measure with more bright colors is also recommended so you can locate it easily among your clutter.
2.Digital Multimeter
Next we have your digital multimeter. As the name suggests, a multimeter not only reads voltage levels but also amperage and resistance. It can also help you locate power fluctuations causes such as sub-standard wiring. They are used for more advanced levels of electrical work and on electrical appliances which is why you will find this tool essential. They are also available with features such as work lights, Bluetooth connectivity, and even thermal camera imaging. Some also come with clamp jaws at the top to measure current in a circuit without breaking the said circuit.
3.Voltage Detector
During electrical work, you have to know if a wire is live i.e. if a wire is carrying current or not, before you start your work. A voltage detector does this for you and will give you a quick check-up on whether or not a wire has voltage across its ends. Voltage detectors can be both automatic or come with an on/off switch. Choose the one you find easier to work with.
4.Circuit Finder
A circuit finder is highly useful when your home’s service panel is far too complicated to work with. Consider you’re doing some repair work and you want to turn off a circuit feeding an electrical outlet. Finding the correct circuit breaker to turn off can be quite hefty. A circuit finder can help you by easily locating a circuit in a breaker box. The transmitter portion is plugged into the outlet and an electrician at the service panel can use a detector to establish a circuit directory.
5.Pliers
You will find a pair of pliers in every well sort-out toolbox. A pair of well-made pliers are used to grip, position, tighten, loosen and cut certain metal elements. The handles of a good plier should be well insulated and easy to grip, and should comfortably fit in your hand. The pliers should be able to grab thin items easily and should open and close smoothly for ease of use. Pliers come in different sizes and are also available in different types depending on what needs to be done.
6.Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Diagonal cutting wires or side snips or dikes are generally used for cutting wires. They are designed with a cutting edge which goes down to the tip of the jaws and allows you to get into tight areas to trim or cut wires. Some types also come with a built-in voltage detector to sense live wires.
7.Side Cutting Pliers:
Another type is the side cutting pliers which are useful for gripping, twisting, pulling, bending and cutting. This is why they are considered a necessity.
8.Long Nose Pliers
Longnose pliers also are known as needle node pliers are used for bending and twisting wires whenever you are making screw-terminal connections. It is used for small spaces that fingers can’t reach, or for bending wires around a screw, in such cases, long nose pliers come in handy.
9.Wire Strippers
Wire strippers are another essential tool that is basically used to cut and strip the insulator covering from electrical wires. A wire stripper has a range of gauged holes for stripping wires that vary in size. A good wire stripper will do a clean job and is designed with a cutoff portion and various sized cutting teeth for different sized wires or cables.
10.Fish Tape
A fish tape is used to push and pull stranded and solid wire conductors through a conduit. They are used to route new wiring through walls, metal, electrical and PVC conduit. A fish tape comes in the form of a reel that can be set up and retracted as required.
11.Knife
A utility knife is handy for cutting cables, electrical tape and stripping wires. Carrying a standard pocket knife or utility knife is a good idea because they can come in hand every now and then. Some knives come in insulated types which is useful when you’re working with electrical wires.
12.Screwdrivers
A set of good quality screwdrivers are a necessity and can last you for quite some time.There are two common types; one is the ‘blade’ type for slotted screws and Philips for head screws or cross-heads. You should have a couple of screwdrivers with variable lengths and tip sizes. Screwdrivers usually come with insulated handles for safety during use. Choose screwdrivers that easily rest in your hand and are comfortable to use.
13.Level
A small level is used to make sure all your work is level and plumb including straight outlet covers, wall plates, and switches. A common type is the torpedo level. You should make sure you include this in your toolkit if you want to keep your switches and outlets level.
14.Flashlight
This one should be no surprise. How do you expect to work without proper lighting? Trying to reach into a panel or working around wiring without proper lighting is a call for danger. In case of power outages or low light a flashlight nearby can come in handy and save the day.
15.Wire Crimper
Wire crimpers are a great way to repair wires causing faulty circuit connections. They are essentially used to crimp lugs or connection terminals onto wires. A crimp wire is very reliable and useful especially while working with repairs and appliances.
16.Toolbox
Well, this one isn’t exactly a ‘tool’ per se. But it is equally useful. Where do you expect to store all your tools and carry them around if not in a toolbox? Toolboxes and toolkits come in a variety of shapes and sized and are perfect for the storage of electrical tools when not in use.
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