10 Tools Every Electrician Needs to Get the Job Done

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Getting Started:

Working with electricity can be dangerous. Having the right tools can help you get the job done right and keep you safe in the process. The following is a list of tools we put together that every electrician should have in their toolbox or tool chest.

1. Multimeter

Of the most iconic tools of the trade, a multimeter or multitester is an electricity measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions (current, voltage, and resistance) into one device. Multimeters cost anywhere from $10 to $5,000 and are available in analog and digital interfaces. Newer multimeters even tout sophisticated features like Bluetooth connectivity and thermal imaging cameras.

• Fluke 179 True RMS Digital Multimeter
• Klein Tools MM300 Manual Ranging Digital Multimeter

2. Voltage Tester

Failure to test a line before working on it can be deadly. Voltage testers are a nifty safety device that do so without making physical contact. While some multimeters include this function, a dedicated non-contact voltage tester is often smaller and more convenient.

• Fluke T+PRO Electrical Tester
• Santronics 3115 AC Voltage Sensor

3. Circuit Finder

Ideally, service panels are accompanied by an accurate and legible circuit director, but this is not always the case. Circuit finders allow you to establish a circuit directory simply by plugging the transmitter into an outlet. No electrician should be caught without one.

• Klein Tools ET300 Digital Circuit Breaker Finder
• Ideal SureTrace Open/Closed Circuit Tracer Kit

4. Side Cutting Pliers

Grip, twist, pull, bend, cut — side cutting pliers, also known as Lineman’s, are a versatile tool and a critical part of any electrician’s toolkit. Some versions also include additional capabilities such as wire stripping and screw shearing. It’s always best to find insulated handles further decreasing risk of electric shock.

• Klein Tools J2000-48 Journeyman Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8-Inch
• Klein Tools J2000-9NECR Heavy Duty High Leverage Side Cutting/Crimping Pliers, 9-Inch

 5. Long Nose Pliers

A must-have for small spaces and delicate wiring jobs, long nose pliers get into places fingers and other pliers just can’t. Like Lineman’s, some variations can also cut wires.

• Klein Tools D203-8 Long Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, 8-Inch
• Klein Tools D203-7 Standard Long Nose Pliers with Side Cutting, 7-Inch

 

6. Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Need to cut wires? Diagonal Cutting Pliers, sometimes known as dikes, should be your go-to tool. We recommend a pair with slightly longer handles to increase leverage for wires with more heft.

• Klein Tools D2000-49 Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Angled Head, 9-Inch
• Klein Tools J2000-48 Journeyman Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8-Inch

7. Wire Strippers

A simple tool with a straight-forward function, wire strippers are used to expose bare wires. Some people choose to use a knife instead of the stripping function on a set of pliers, but wire strippers are the dedicated tool for the job.

• Klein Tools K12055 Heavy-Duty Wire Stripper
• Ideal 45-615 Reflex Super T-Stripper Wire Stripper

 

8. Drivers

From flathead to wrench assist and multi-bit, there is a screwdriver and nut driver to assist with just about any electrical job. The long shaft makes hard-to-reach places a little less hard to reach.

• Klein Tools 601-6 3/16-Inch Cabinet 6-Inch Round Shank Tip Screwdriver
• Klein Tools 635-6 6-Piece Heavy-Duty Nut Driver Set

 

9. Knife

A good knife is a must-have tool every electrician should have in his/her toolbox. For electricians, knives can be used to strip a wire in a pinch or just make the trade life easier. Many knives are specific to the industry and feature additional benefits like being insulated.

• Lenox Industries 10771 Locking Blade Utility Knife
• Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Fastback Flip Open Utility Knife

10. Fish Tape

Fish tape is used to push and pull wire through a conduit using a leader, and can be retracted and deployed as needed. Fish sticks are a similar tool that serve the same purpose.

• Klein Tools 56004 1/8-Inch Wide Steel Fish Tape
• Klein Tools 56057 Multi-Groove Non-Conductive Fiberglass Fish Tape

Having the right tools will help you get the job done right and keep you safe in the process. Be sure to visit our website for more featured products.