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Tools Most Used by Electricians
Electrical work can't be done without the right tools. As basic tools have been improved over the years and new specialized tools are developed, the list of tool choices for electricians becomes even longer.
Even so, there's a short list of “must have” tools that every electrician needs-
We asked Graybar, a North American provider of electrical tools, telecommunications
tools and service solutions, to identify the tools electrical contractors buy more
than any other for electrical work-
“There's no question that today's electrical contractor must be more versatile than ever, and to tackle a variety of jobs with efficiency and ease, electricians need an arsenal of hand and power tools,” said Dennis Rees, Graybar tool product specialist.
However, to avoid being loaded down with too many tools, choices must be made wisely.
Rees explained: “It is easier to narrow down tool options by recognizing that the
most essential hand and power tools fall into distinct categories. That's how we've
organized our list of 'Tools Most Commonly Used by Today's Electricians.' Whether
buying tools for the first time or replacing well-
Graybar's Top Tools List includes the following:
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers and nut drivers
• Wire strippers
• Fishing tools
• Measuring devices
• Labeling machines
• Power drills and drivers, hammer/drills
• Power saws
HAND TOOLS
“Every electrician needs basic hand tools to perform everyday tasks,” said Rees. “Fortunately, today's basics are better than older models, providing more comfort and safety than their predecessors. Manufacturers have made tools more 'ergonomically correct,' and improved designs help cut down on hand and wrist injuries often caused by repetitive movement. Plus, they make it easier to perform the same motion over and over because the tools just feel more comfortable. While today's designs may provide more safety and comfort, they're still the basic hand tools electricians have been using for years.”
Pliers
Two of the most common tools an electrician can't work without are side-
According to Rees, Klein is the most recognized hand tool name in the electrical
industry, and Graybar stocks several models of Klein pliers to suit individual preferences
and tasks. Graybar's top sellers include classic models such as the high-
Screwdrivers and nut drivers
Electricians need several screwdrivers and nut drivers to work with various types
of fasteners and applications. For electricians who want one tool that adapts to
many uses, Graybar sells Klein's 10-
Wire strippers
In this category, Ideal Industries' T-
“They have been an industry standard for almost 50 years,” said Rees. “Best sellers
are the Reflex wire stripper and the T-
Ergonomic designs are one reason for their popularity. Curved handles are designed
to fit an electrician's natural grip and reduce repetitive motion fatigue. Non-
Fish tapes and poles
Fish tapes: The Ideal Tuff-
Handles on impact-
Graybar's best sellers are the versions with fiberglass tape for working around live
circuits and the steel tape for everyday use in longer runs with few bends. The Zoom
tape is suited for shorter runs of small-
Fish poles: Fish pole wire-
Measuring devices
Laser measuring tools are becoming more popular, but no electrician's tool belt is
without a basic tape for simple measurements. Those with rare earth magnetic tips
that stick to iron and steel surfaces permit fast, one-
Labeling machines
Properly labeling work at installation saves time when making moves, adds and changes,
and handheld labeling tools speed this important step. The capability of printing
bar codes, graphics memory to sort and recall lists, and compatibility with PCs increases
the versatility of today's labeling tools. A wide range of labeling materials includes
wire and cable markers; panel, rack and frame ID; facilities labels; and specialty
labels. Best sellers at Graybar are the Brady IDXPERT handheld labeling tool with
electric keyboard style, which makes quality labels that stick on tough and curved
surfaces, and the Panduit handheld thermal-
POWER TOOLS
Whether corded or cordless, today's power tools pack more power in smaller, lightweight models. Ergonomic consideration makes today's tools easier and safer to use.
“Cordless power tools,” Rees said, “are enjoying greater acceptance because tool designs and recent improvements in battery and charger technology make them more convenient and versatile, making workers more productive.”
The most-
Power drills
Every electrician uses drills, but the type of tool needed varies with the application-
Multipurpose tools reduce the number of tools needed on a job, and a Graybar top
seller is the DeWalt heavy-
Saws
As with drills, the type of power saw needed by electricians varies with the job
at hand. Because of versatility and dependability, handheld reciprocating saws are
one of the most popular classes of power-
Rees said the Milwaukee Deep Cut portable band saw is Graybar's bestselling saw. “You can't beat the performance of a corded band saw. To make a lot of clean cuts in metal, optimum speed and extended high performance are necessary, and that demands a steady power source that only an outlet can provide,” Rees said.
The tool has a six-
“The types of tools that are today's top sellers are the same as they were five years ago, and will probably be the same five years from now, but with marked improvements,” said Rees. “That's because electrical contractors have developed proven installation methods, and they need a specific set of tools to perform them.”
Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation, distributes electrical, telecommunications and
networking products and provides related supply-
GRIFFIN, a construction and tools writer from Oklahoma City, can be reached at 405.748.5256
or up-
The Answer for the tilesetter who works alone may always be to rent the equipment... . Learn about .....
What to Look For in Electrical Tool Kits
Tools in electrical tool kits are designed to be used on the power sources and components
in your home. When you are working on these components, it is important that you
are using the right tools to get the job done.
Types of Electrical Tools
The electric
tool kit for the work in your home will contain tools that are from a few different
categories. There are tools that are designed to work on the wiring in your home,
tools for installing electrical systems in the home, and tools that are designed
to test the electrical components in the home.There should also be tools in the tool
kit that are common to household tool kits as well.
- Wiring Tools
The wire stripper and cutter is the most important tool in the electrical tool kit. This will prepare the wires for installation and repair. The stripper should have grooves for various wire sizes. The cutter part of the tool will also be used to cut the wire effectively and cleanly. Screwdrivers and other tools that are common to many household tool kits are found in the electricians tool kit, but they are often of a smaller size. - Installation Tools
Many household electrical tool kits do not contain the installation tools, but if you are experienced at installing electrical systems and components, you might have a few of these tools in your kit. The tools are designed to bend and cut conduit as well as tools that can cut through a wall to install the conduit. The installation tools will also have items for pulling wires through the wall and other areas that are enclosed. - Testing Equipment
Good electrical tool kits should contain a number of testing tools for the electrical components in the home. A digital multimeter is a common tool to many of these tool kits. This is used to test the circuits in the home and many home tool kits have these devices included. A trained electrician can use this tool for much more than the homeowner typically is able to use it for.
Safety
Working with electricity requires a great deal of safety precautions. Gloves
and safety glasses should be included in all household tool kits. Make sure that
electricity is turned off before working on any electrical component in your home.
Verify more than once that the power is off before you start your work. Electricians
will tag the wires to verify that the power has been shut off and that no one turns
it back on while working.
Having a good household tool kit should include many of
these electrical tools. You can have a special tool box for your electrical work
and one for the standard repairs that are done in your home. Never attempt electrical
work unless you know what you are doing. Installation and wiring should be handled
by an expert or professional and not a beginner electrician. The potential for accident
is too great with electrical work.
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Tools -
What You Will Be Doing
Let's review building a tool inventory, the distinction of quality when purchasing, and the appropriate use and care of your tools and work area.
The various types of tools are those for measuring and leveling, cutting and drilling, tools to help you attach and assemble or dismantle, and tools you will use for finishing. There is also a section on pneumatic tools, that is, air compressors and accessories.
In addition, I will pass along to you many time and effort-
Before You Begin
One recommendation I like to make to those of you who will be taking on projects
in and around the house from time to time is that you first acquire a copy of the
local building code from the office of your county or city building inspector. Keep
a copy of this on hand so you will know when your project requires a permit of any
kind. Although tools can be fun, and can open doors to new and interesting do-
A workshop is a very personal thing. It should be geared to an individual's own needs,
extent of do-
Safety
Anytime you work with tools safety must be your primary concern. A few general rules to keep in mind are:
Protective glasses or goggles should be worn whenever power tools are in use; and when chiseling, sanding, scraping, or hammering overhead, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Wear ear protectors when using power tools, since some operate at noise levels that damage hearing.
Be careful of loose hair and clothing, so they don't get caught in tools.
The proper respirator or face mask should be worn when sanding or sawing or using substances with toxic fumes.
Keep blades sharp. A dull blade requires excessive force, can slip, and cause accidents.
Always use the appropriate tool for the job.
Repair or discard tools with cracks in the wooden handles, or chips in the metal parts, that could fail and cause injury.
Don't drill, shape, or saw anything that isn't firmly and properly secured.
Take care in storing oily rags, which can spontaneously combust.
Don't abuse your tools.
Keep a first aid kit on hand.
Don't work with tools if you are fired. That's when most accidents occur.
Read the owner's manual for all tools and know the proper use of each.
Keep all tools out of reach of small children.
Unplug all power tools when changing settings or parts.
Purchasing Your Tools
Give enough care and thought to the purchase of your tools. Conscientious investment should carry you through years of enjoyable projects.
Acquire tools as you need them; avoid buying unnecessary tools or tools you will never use.
Always purchase the best tool you can afford. Cheap tools are never a bargain.
Purchase from reputable dealers and manufacturers, we link to some on-
Choose the tool for the most comfortable fit and weight for your hand.
Examine tools carefully for their sturdiness and smooth finish.
Check all moving parts for smoothness and freedom from play.
Caring for Tools
Caring for your tools is also extremely important if they are to do the jobs for which they are intended.
Keep your tools property cleaned and lubricated.
Keep your tools out of the weather and store them out of the way when not in use.
If the storage area is damp (in the basement, for example), install a dehumidifier
and keep tools covered with a film of rust-
Never throw tools into the toolbox. Handle them carefully to avoid dulling edges and nicking surfaces.
Whenever possible, hang tools with cutting edges separately to keep them from getting nicked or dulled.
Purchase carrying cases for your power tools to protect them and to store their accessories.
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How should you select your tools and what do you need in your personal tools’ inventory. Quality, safety and appropriateness for the job are the questions to be answered during the selection process. Do you care that the tools have been handcrafted, are stainless steel, well insulated, and molded to fit your hand – probably. Will that add substantially to the cost – probably.
The various types of tools are those for measuring and leveling, cutting and drilling, tools to help you attach and assemble or dismantle, and tools you will use for finishing. ... ...
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