In this video, Scott Caron, master electrician for Ask This Old House, explains how two tools are all it takes to do many electrical projects.
Steps for electrical projects using two tools
- Scott advises cutting wires using the linesman pliers. Just snip them.
- Scott says you can cut off the insulation using the linesman pliers by placing the wire deep into the teeth and squeezing gently. Then pull and the insulation should break free without cutting the wires.
- Scott favors the cabinet flathead screwdriver because switch plates all have slotted screws. And most electrical devices with Phillips screws also accommodate a flathead screwdriver.
- Scott uses his linesman pliers to bang out the circular knockout heads from an electrical box.
- To secure a locknut on the electrical box, Scott uses his cabinet flathead screwdriver and linesman pliers to knock it into place.
- Scott uses his linesman pliers as a hammer to bang in staples to secure wiring to wallboard or to remove staples later.
- To remove small sections of wood, Scott uses his screwdriver like a chisel and the side of his pliers like a hammer.
Before starting any electrical project, always confirm the power is off. A simple plug-in tester inserted into a receptacle will light up if there’s still power—if it stays dark, the circuit is de-energized and safe to work on. This Old House electricians recommend having a voltage tester on hand alongside your linesman pliers and screwdriver.
When installing a new receptacle, use your pliers to bend the flexible mounting tabs slightly backward before securing the device. As the ears contact the drywall first, tightening the screws pulls the receptacle snug against the wall, preventing it from sliding side to side when you plug something in. This way, you’re not relying on just the cover plate to hold the device in place.
Pro Tip: Scott emphasizes that linesman pliers and a cabinet-tip flat screwdriver are the essential two-tool kit for homeowners: “If I had to tell somebody to buy only two… this is it—linesman pliers and a cabinet-tip flat-tip screwdriver.”
