Just like any industry, the electrical industry has a specific set of tools that every electrician in the field should have on them and readily accessible. Today, I’ll be listing out those must have tools and explaining our selection here at Abolox Tools. To begin, I’ll place just the checklist for you:
Multimeter
Voltage Tester
Wire Strippers
CIrcuit Finder
Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers
Pliers
Fish Tape
Tape Measure
Hammer
Level
Torch/Flashlight
Utility Knife
On this list, you’ll see a variety of tools ranging from your everyday tools to more industry specific tools that are focused on electrician’s specific tasks. The multimeter measures multiple electrical stats such as DC voltage and current, resistance, current, and voltage. We carry both digital and analog devices to make sure that we have the right meter for your job. The next tool on the list is the voltage tester. This will let you know when a wire has a current flowing through it. This will increase your overall safety by informing you and preventing an accidental shock.
Moving forward we get into more everyday style tools. Wire strippers are commonly used for cutting and stripping insulation and electrical wiring. Pay attention to the handle of the strippers as you’re going to want to make sure that you are comfortable holding the wire strippers for extended and repeated use. Moving on, screwdrivers are your most common tool and you’ll want to include a variety of sizes and types in order to ensure that you’ll have the right tool for the job. The next common tool found in every electrician's toolbox is a pair of pliers. Following the same advice as the strippers, the screwdrivers and pliers should also have an amazing grip for maximum comfort. Pliers, like screwdrivers, have multiple types that you should have handy in your tool box: side cutting, diagonal cutting, needle nose / long nose, and tongue and groove. Each pair of pliers has it’s own purpose. The side cutting/diagonal cutting pliers are used to cut wires to specific lengths to avoid excess wiring being used. Needle nose pliers are best for reaching in small hard to access areas. Finally, tongue and groove pliers are used to remove knockouts from metal electrical boxes and tighten clamps.
The must have measuring tools are self explanatory, such as a tape measure and level. A must have, but mostly forgotten tool in the electrician’s tool box is the flashlight. Electrical boxes and wiring is often in dark places, so having a flashlight will help make these areas visible.
Since these are your must have tools, you should also ensure that your tools last as long as possible. Over time and due to frequent use, your tools will wear down whether it’s their handle, grip, or the moving parts. There are several ways to minimize the wear and tear of these must have tools. First, store them properly. If you store your tools properly avoiding damp or dusty storage containers and locations, you will avoid having the grips and moving parts break down or rust, allowing you to use the tools for years to come.
A second step to making your tools last would be to clean them regularly. You can simply wipe the tool down after each time that you use it with a clean cloth.
