When it comes to construction and home improvement contractors, they all have a tool set to use. The tools they use depend on their trade. A plumber will not carry the same tools as a floor installer, and a carpenter will not carry the same tools as an electrician. Each trade requires different tools for different scenarios.
When it comes to an electrician’s toolbox, there are certain tools necessary to handle electrical repairs.
Wire Strippers
Every electrician should have a good pair of wire strippers in their toolbox. The wire strippers should include a stripping gauge to remove wire insulation. The gauge should fit all of the major sizes and types of wire. Proper electrician’s wire strippers will have needle nose pliers on the tip, in order to bend a wire end. A good pair of wire strippers can cost between $15-20.
Wire Cutters
A sturdy pair of wire cutters are essential for electricians. When an electrician is working in an older home, the wire insulation can be very difficult to cut through, making wire cutters essential. If an electrician is doing a light electrical job, there is not likely to be much cutting. However, the insulation may need to be stripped back to provide more slack, or a frayed end may need to be stripped. Wire cutters are necessary for these types of jobs. The best type of wire cutters are the ones with insulated handles, and that can handle a variety of wire thicknesses. Wire cutters cost around $20.
Voltage Tester
A voltage tester is a tool which every electrician absolutely needs. If an electrician needs to know if a current is running through a wire, a voltage tester is necessary. Even if the main breaker has been turned off, most electricians will use a voltage tester before working on a wire, in case there is more than one circuit connector to the box. If an appliance or light is not working properly, a voltage tester is great for troubleshooting.
Screwdrivers
Like most trades, screwdrivers are a necessary part of an electrician’s toolbox. Most electricians use screwdrivers that are insulated and do not conduct electricity. Most electricians have both flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers in their toolboxes. Screwdrivers are relatively inexpensive, and can be bought for $10 or less.
Fish Tape
Fish tape is a necessary staple of any electrician’s toolbox, who will be fishing wires through the walls. When a wire needs to be guided from one end of a wall to another, fish tape will help. Fish tape can be purchased starting at $10, depending on the brand.
Electrical Tape
Considering it is called electrical tape, it makes sense that you would find it in an electrician’s toolbox. Electrical tape has several purposes:
- Covers and insulates wire nut connections
- Repairs minor nicks in wires
- Different colors to distinguish different wires
Extras
There are certain extras which some electricians keep on hand in their toolbox, and others purchase them when necessary. These items include:
- Cover plates
- Mounting screws
- Face plate screws
- Wire nuts
