18 Essential Electrician Tools

Electricians rely on a variety of tools to perform their daily work. These include hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools, some with unique features such as insulated handles, precision cutting, and the ability to measure current at a specific location. Here is a list of 18 electrician tools that make a technician’s job easier and safer.

1. Insulated Screwdrivers

Screw drivers help remove and install outlet boxes, wall plates, and light fixtures without trouble. Coated steel and insulated, non-slip handles protect users against up to 1,000 volts of electricity. That’s enough to prevent electrocution if you contact a live wire.

2. Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are notched so they can remove cable insulation without damaging conducting wires. Gauged wire strippers have graduated holes that match certain wire sizes. Many units also let you cut wires to size.

3. Voltage Tester

A handheld voltage tester indicates whether power is flowing to an outlet after shutting a circuit breaker. It also shows whether power is restored. Different types include digital multimeters, non-contact voltage testers, and voltage sniffers that also don’t need physical contact with wires or outlet prongs to sense live power.

4. Electrical Tape

Electrical tape helps secure wires and prevents electrical current from passing through. Made of vinyl, plastic, or fiberglass cloth, the electrical tape helps insulate wires, secure them, and stop current from reaching other wires. It can also prevent electrocution.

5. Fish Tape

Contained in a retractable coil, the fish tape helps electricians run wiring through conduit piping. The user runs the tape to the opposite side and hooks the wiring to the tape; retracting it pulls the wire along the intended path. It’s therefore one of the most convenient electrician tools.

6. Tape Measure

It’s important to know the length of wire you need and how much must be cut or stripped. A retractable tape measure is an invaluable tool. Depending on the model, it may have intuitive features like magnetic strips or multi-step locks.

7. Pliers

Pliers are essential items in a bag of electrician tools or on a tool belt. Lineman’s pliers can be used to cut, grip, twist, bend, or straighten the wire. They also come in many forms, including needle nose, long nose, side-cutting, diagonal, and crimping pliers (to crimp connectors onto wire ends). Some pliers can also pull out nails.

8. Level

A standard level enables electricians to precisely place screws, fixtures, and other components. Light fixtures often need to be perfectly level to look and function properly. Some levels include multiple bubbles to measure different angles or built-in magnets for hands-free use.

9. Splicing Connector

A plastic clip that enables an electrician to connect pieces of wire. Using a splicing connector, a technician can easily work with electrical cables, device wires, and telephone cables.

10. Conduit Bender

Wiring is often run along the corner of a wall so it’s out of the way. With a conduit bender, an electrician can curve conduit piping, so a nonintrusive route can be created.

11. Reaming Bit

A reaming bit is essentially an electric drill attachment that widens one end of piping to connect it to another segment of piping. It helps install or replace conduits and create a continuous wire route between components.

12. Mini Hacksaw

Electricians sometimes have to cut through conduits to adjust the length of a wire run in a home or institutional, commercial, or industrial setting. A mini hacksaw is a convenient tool that can be used in tight spaces.

13. Power Saw/Drill

Power tools are often found in an electrician’s tool bag. Saws help trim pieces of conduit or cut notches for running wire. Electricians may use drywall saws for cutouts, but hole saws make round cuts quickly for jobs like hanging light fixtures.

Electric drills are also useful for installations and for disassembling hardware. Handheld models, specialty drill bits, and cordless drills are versatile electrician tools. A rotary hammer drill helps run wire/conduit through concrete, brick, or mortar.

14. Circuit Finder/Analyzer

A circuit finder has a receiver, which plugs into an outlet, and a transmitter held next to the circuit breaker. It sends a signal to the receiver, which then indicates the corresponding circuit. A circuit analyzer is a digital handheld tool that measures voltage, polarity, and other parameters at an individual outlet.

15. Rescue Rod/Hook

A victim who has been electrocuted and is unconscious may still be in contact with live electrical current. A rescue rod or hook is used to pull them away without potential harm to the electrician/rescuer.

16. Safety Gear

Insulated gloves protect against electric shocks, while safety glasses protect electricians’ eyes when cutting wire, using power tools, or examining electrical wiring. Electricians may also wear flame retardant work shirts to prevent burns.

17. Flashlight

Electricians sometimes work in the dark, especially when power is turned off. They may work in dimly lit areas tool. Flashlights are essential electrician tools that make working in these areas less hazardous.

18. Software

Electrical businesses often rely on software tools to manage dispatching, scheduling and booking, and marketing and ad campaigns. Reporting software lets contractors analyze profit margins, revenue, sales, and technician performance in real time to analyze metrics and determine where improvements are needed. Invoicing, ROI calculations, and mobile payments can also be managed via software.

Contact Express Electrical Services

Our trained technicians are equipped with the electrician tools, parts, and knowledge needed to quickly and correctly complete any electrical installation, repair, or update. We serve homes and businesses throughout Southern California. To request service, you can reach us 24/7 online or by calling 323-727-7799.