An Electrician’s Must-have Tools

Electrical work is a task that requires technical adjustments which cannot be done by using one’s bare hands. One must have the right tools to be able to deal with the mechanism of electricity, if not, the person handling the task could end with serious injuries or could die in a fatal accident.

Electrician Toolkit

With the advent of electrical advancements, an electrician is now provided with a wide spectrum of electrical tools and equipment which he can use on his projects. There are tools that are specifically applicable to certain cases while there are also general tools.

An electrician who is on call often carries general tools with him. But during critical cases, he makes use of developed tools and machines to perform the tasks more efficiently and safely.

Basic Tools

The fundamental tools that are included in an electrician’s tool kit are the hand tools used in general repairs. Different sizes and lengths of screwdrivers, nut drivers and hex key set, together with pliers, diagonal cut pliers, long-nose pliers, channel lock pliers, needle-nose pliers and side-cutting pliers.

As is expected, philips screwdriver is highly used by many electricians. The #1 head is skinnier and a lot pointier than the flat version #2 philips screwdriver. Both are crucial to any kind of electrical task in homes or buildings.

Nine-inch pliers are considered as a staple tool for any electrician. These can do just about any electrical task; in fact, there is an insider joke about electricians carrying only a pair of nine’s to work. This joke just proves that an electrician is dependent on these particular tools.

An electrical contractor can also use a tin cutter, straight razor knife, hacksaw frame, wire strippers, cut off saw and an electrician’s knife to cut all electrical associates.

Basic equipment include the cold chisel, center punch, reamer, regulating wrench, tri-tap, tap wrench set, semi-circular wrench and the half round file.

Basic tape measures, laser measuring tool, square, tapes and fish poles also come in handy. Some of these tools may also complete the list of basic tools – chalk line, carpenter’s pencil, nail puller, labeling machine, level, electrician’s hammer, blades and fuse puller.

Testers and Power Tools

The electrician has immense use for modern machines such as the following –

  • Reciprocating saws
  • Power drills
  • Spiral saws
  • Portable band saws
  • Cordless screwdrivers

These are carried along in the electrician’s modern tool bags, pouch or belt. Expert technicians also need an AC/DC volt-amp meter, VDV tools, power testers and neon circuit tester.

The 14.4 and 18 V drills can also make a huge difference in speed and efficiency.

There are two items that are not considered as a necessity per se but these are often included in an electrician’s list of tools – the tool-belt and apron.

A great tool-belt can hold all the hand tools that have been mentioned as well as the battery operated drills. The apron is where staples, grounding screws, wire nuts and other small materials can be placed while at work.

The smartest electricians know the value of these two items because many have complained of the number of tools that they have lost while working. Just imagine climbing a 20-inch extension ladder just to realize later that you forgot the bolts at the foot of the ladder.

Safety First – At All Times

More than anything, an electrician must know the different safety measures involved in avoiding electrical hazards. So, he should prepare safety gadgets such as glasses, insulating gloves, dielectric footwear, flame resistant clothes, shields and restraining blanket prior to delving in any electrical project. Now that you know the tools and expertise needed to finish a project, don’t you just feel a deeper respect for the humble electrician?

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