several electrician tools

Common Hand Tools Used By Electricians

No matter the project, you need the right tools to get the job done right. Whether you’re a contractor or a do-it-yourselfer, having the proper equipment is essential to getting a job done quickly and correctly. This is especially true when it comes to electrical work. Installing or repairing wiring requires suitable equipment both for safety and efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll cover the most commonly used tools for electrical work. From simple screwdrivers to complex multimeters, here are some must-haves for every electrician’s toolbox:

A Hands-On Approach

Most of the tools used by electricians are considered hand tools. The job of an electrician is to ensure the safe and effective wiring of an electrical power supply. Although many of the tools covered here have been around for a long time, today’s adaptations are quite different from their predecessors. Some of the improvements include ergonomically correct options and improved functionality, making these hand tools even more important to the work of an electrician.

Screwdrivers

The screwdriver is the most well-known tool we’ll discuss. It plays a critical role during electrical work. Most panels, doors, and boxes are secured with screws which will need to be removed to work directly with the wiring. Additionally, clamps and other fastening devices normally use screws as a means to restrict the movement of connected wires.

Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are an essential tool when working with electrical components. More often than not, wires will need to be correctly stripped to make connections between switches, outlets, and other wires. An electrician will rely heavily on wire strippers throughout the day, and they should be considered a must when it comes to any type of electrical work. It goes without saying, a knife or other cutting tool should never be used to strip wiring. Making a poor connection when it comes to electrical systems can create a hazardous situation.

Pliers

Another important tool in the electrician’s arsenal is a good set of pliers. They are incredibly useful when working with electrical wire and can speed up any job. Pliers are essential and are used to cut, straighten, twist, and bend wiring while making connections.

Professional electricians use a few kinds of pliers to help with their job. A few good options are needle nose pliers, side cutting pliers, linesman pliers, and locking pliers. 

Multimeters 

When you consider what tools electricians use, the multimeter is one of the most important. It tells an electrician whether a wire is live and can also be used to test other electrical appliances. Multimeters are critical when it comes to practicing safe working habits and will provide the information you need to successfully complete the job.

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