In this day and age, we all want to be a little more self-sufficient. This is especially true when it comes to solving DIY problems with electrical work.
Are you planning to do some electrical work? If yes, you need to ensure that you have the basic tools to do each job safely and effectively. Using the wrong power tools will give you a hard time. Additionally, you may end up doing a poor job or even putting yourself at risk.
Are you looking to solve some home electrical issues? Or to simply learn more about the most common, necessary tools? This guide will serve as a great starting off point.
In this article we will discuss the basic electrician tool list that you will come across and what they are used for. Please be sure to watch instructional videos and take care before using any equipment that is new to you!
Now we will explore the basic electrician tool list that you should become familiar with. All of these are extremely common and can be bought from almost any hardware and convenience stores.
Screw Drivers
Most people have a toolbox that has a couple of screwdrivers. But, electrical work requires the use of specially manufactured screwdrivers. Whether you’re installing or removing cover plates, switchboards, switches, or outlets, a screwdriver is a necessary tool to have. Get Phillips screwdrivers of different lengths as well as tip sizes 1, 2, and 3.
It’s also best to keep straight-blade screwdrivers of different sizes with you at all times. However, if you can only carry one at a time, choose the medium blade as it is suitable for various projects. All your screwdrivers should have insulated handles to keep you safe when working.
Generally, there are four different types of screwdrivers in any basic electrician tool list.
- Flathead or slotted screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Hex screwdriver
- Tri-wing screwdriver
These screwdrivers are further available in different lengths and drive tip sizes. Out of these four screwdriver hand tools, flathead and phillips screwdrivers are commonly used.
Tape Measure
This device is essential for being able to make quick and accurate measurements on the go. Mounting boxes, locating light fixtures, running conduit, and a lot many tasks that demand for need a decent tape measure.
It is necessary that you do not compromise with the quality of the tools present in your basic electrician tool list. Therefore, select a tape measure which is made up of heavy-duty blade. It must have the ability to extend as much as possible without collapsing.
The tape for measuring itself is rolled up inside of a plastic casing no larger than your hand. The most common lengths that can be bought are either 12ft or 25ft in length.
Another attribute that your tape measure must-have is a magnetic tip. It helps to stick one end to a metallic object and expand the tape measure where you hold the other end.
Multimeter
A multimeter can measure several different readings within one device. Such readings usually include voltage, current and resistance outputs.
To use a multimeter, you have to be patient in order to learn how to use the tool properly. It reads amperage, voltage levels, DC voltage, current, and resistance. You can choose to have a digital or analog multimeter. Newer models have sophisticated features such as Bluetooth and cameras with thermal imaging. If you do casual DIY projects, this tool isn’t necessary to have. You will not use it as often as pro electricians do.
There are two different types of Multimeters based on how they show the reading: Analog and Digital. Digital one is more preferred as it offers the exact value.
Pliers
This apparatus is your best friend when it comes to gripping things. An excellent pair of pliers must be a part of the basic electrician tool list. Pliers are essential hand tools for electricians. Use insulated pliers when working to ensure your safety. It is to avoid shock while performing electrical work.
Besides that, it should be effortless and comfortable to hold the pliers. Further, it is necessary the opening and closing movement is smooth, and the teeth should be meet uniformly. They come in three designs and are used for different functions. Let’s look at them below.
Needle nose pliers
You will need these pliers when twisting and bending wires for screw-terminal connections. They have cutting jaws that are great for trimming wires.
Linesman Pliers
If you do regular electrical work, linesman pliers are tools 101. They’re best for twisting multiple wires together, pulling, and trimming wires.
Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers are also known as dikes or side snips. They come in handy when you need to trim wires in hard to reach areas. Some designs come with an in-built voltage detector that’s useful for detecting live wires.
Wire Strippers
This handy device is used for cutting away the electrical insulation from electric wires safely and swiftly. They are similar to pliers however have sharp ends – almost like that of scissors. They also have different gauges on the ends, which help match to the specific wire size. Both of these features make it a lot easier to cut away the old insulation from the wires.
Overview
In this short yet sweet article we have explored the basic electrician tool list. If you were looking at doing some DIY or simply wanting to know more, hopefully this guide will have helped you.
You will now know more about important pieces of kit, including pliers, screwdrivers and wire strippers. All of these tools are relatively easy to find, have multi-functionality and can also have a variety of versatile uses.
If you want to know how to use these then please search for a proper instructional video online.
