Electricians use a lot of tools, but some are more indispensable than others. Read on to learn about the top essential tools electricians use for most projects.
7 Common Electrical Tools Explained
Linesman’s Pliers
Electricians use linesman’s pliers for almost everything. These pliers have flat noses designed for twisting wires tightly. They also have cutting edges for cutting wires to length and stripping the jackets off individual wires.
And, since they’re tough and heavy, electricians will often use linesman’s pliers as a makeshift hammer to drive staples, punch holes in electrical boxes, and more.
Pro Tip: When asked what tools a homeowner should buy if they could only have two, a This Old House electrician didn’t hesitate: “I’ll tell somebody to buy only two… Lineman’s [pliers] and a cabinet tips, flat tip screwdriver.” That’s how essential linesman’s pliers are—they’re the one tool electricians never put down.
On a This Old House visit to an electrician’s truck, the crew noted that despite carrying a full assortment of hand tools, the electrician ranked linesman’s pliers as the number one tool in the kit. As the electrician put it: “They pretty much do everything for us… They’re a hammer, they do everything.”
Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Electricians need to know if the circuits they’re working on are energized or not, and while a voltmeter will do the trick, a non-contact voltage tester is much faster. These devices detect voltage and alert to its presence. The user can place close to a wire or outlet, and should the light go from green to red (in most cases, check your manual), the voltage tester indicates that the circuit is energized.
Keep in mind that a non-contact voltage tester only works when placed on the hot side of a wire or outlet. As one electrician explained on a This Old House segment, “It tests the voltage from the outside — that says it’s hot, make sure you got it on the right side, which is the hot side, and it also will test an outlet. But again, you gotta make sure you’re in the hot side of the outlet.” For added safety, use a plug-in tester or a voltage tester with leads as a secondary check to confirm the reading before starting work.
Pro Tip: Joseph Da Mour, a power station veteran with 42 years of experience, shared this essential safety protocol with This Old House Magazine: “When making a check for power on a normally energized circuit, you should first check the tester on a circuit you know to be hot, second check the one to be worked on, and finally double-check the tester on the first circuit to be sure it is still working. Also, always know the voltage-level rating of the tester.”
Combination Screwdriver
Electricians have many screwdrivers, nut drivers, and other tools. But many of their most common hardware uses the same tips, such as #2 square drive for breakers, #2 Phillips and flat tips for outlets and wall plates, and ¼ and 5/16-inch nut drivers for light fixtures and the like.
Rather than carry all those screwdrivers, most electricians enjoy the convenience of a combination screwdriver, which can offer tips for 11 or more different fastener types—all in one screwdriver.
Side Cutters or Diagonal Cutters
Occasionally, an electrician can’t get their linesman’s pliers into a tight spot, requiring something with a little more finesse. That’s exactly what diagonal cutters are for: They fit in tight places for cutting wires or removing staples. They’re not as heavy-duty as a pair of linesman’s pliers, so they’re not a suitable hammer stand-in.
Wire Stripper
Electricians have quite a few ways to strip wires, but a tool designed specifically for the job is often the fastest. These tools can quickly remove wire sheathing, strip wires of several sizes, and bend perfect hooks for outlets or ground wires. These tools are often spring-loaded, as well, making one-hand use a breeze.
Torpedo Level
Most electricians take great pride in their work, and a handy torpedo level will help. These levels are small and feature at least one magnetic side for attaching to metal conduit or electrical boxes. They also feature several angles, including two 90-degree bubbles, a 45-degree bubble, and a 30 or 60-degree bubble.
Pro Tip: That 30-degree bubble isn’t just for show—it’s essential for bending metal conduit. As one electrician explained in a This Old House segment, “When we’re bending metal conduit for making some of the bends, we can put that right on the conduit, pull it up, stop at the 30 degree mark and continue on.”
Dust Shroud
Recessed lighting is trendy but cutting all those holes in a ceiling is a messy endeavor. An electrician can fit their drill with a dust shroud rather than letting all of that drywall dust fall to the ground. These flexible bowls sit behind the hole saw and collect all the dust the falls from drilling, making clean-up much faster.
