16 Must-Have Tools for Electricians

Whether you're a seasoned electrician or just starting out, having the right tools in your toolbox or tool bag is crucial to your success on the job. Any list of tools for an electrician will include the absolute basics, such as pliers and wire strippers. This electrical tools list also includes some tools you’ll need if you tackle larger jobs or more advanced tasks.

10 essential electrician tools

Every job is different, but there are some tools electricians find themselves reaching for again and again. Here are 10 must-have electrician tools you’ll want to keep handy at all times

1. Wire strippers

Wire strippers are used to strip the rubber insulation from electrical wires to repair or replace them. They can also be used to strip the ends of wires to connect additional wiring or feed the wire into a terminal. Gauged wire strippers have multiple holes that allow you to strip wires of different gauges. Self-adjusting wire strippers automatically adjust to the size of the wire being stripped.

2. Non-contact voltage tester

About the size and shape of a pen, this tool senses the presence of an electrical field without making contact. It can confirm that an electrical installation is working properly or that a circuit is disconnected and safe to work on. While it senses voltage, it does not measure it.

3. Pliers

Every electrician needs pliers. Lineman’s piers, also known as side-cutting pliers, are used for gripping, straightening, pushing, pulling and cutting wire, as well as for twisting wires together when creating splices. You may also want a pair of longnose pliers and diagonal pliers.

4. Insulated screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are essential for tightening and loosening screws attached to electrical boxes, outlets and other fixtures. Electricians should carry an assortment of insulated screwdrivers, including slotted, Phillips, Torx and square heads, to handle any kind of fastener head. Insulated tools are designed to protect against electrical shock.

5. Power drill

A power drill is typically used by electricians for making holes in walls and other surfaces to run electrical wires or install fixtures. Wireless drills offer portable convenience, but corded drills have more power for drilling through dense materials such as hardwood or metal.

6. Cable tie gun

This tool lets you quickly and easily tie cables together and/or secure them in place. A cable tie gun automatically cuts off the excess cable tie, leaving a clean, professional-looking installation with no sharp edges.

7. Fish tape

Fish tape is a reel of long, flat, thin wire that is used to feed, or “fish,” electrical wire through wall cavities, conduit and other spaces that are tight or hard to reach. Lengths range from 25 feet to 200 feet. Fish tape is often made of steel, but fiberglass fish tape is also available. Glow fish tape is easy to see in the dark.

8. Fish poles

Fish poles are long, flexible rods used to push or pull wires over short distances through suspended ceilings, cable trays and under raised floors. They are also convenient when pushing wire through cavities filled with insulating material. Accessories such as lights, magnets and hooks can be added to the threaded end.

9. Label maker

A handheld label maker with a keyboard allows for quick labeling of wires, cables, panels, switches and other electrical components. Labels make it much easier to navigate your way around complex electrical systems. Some electrician label makers can print bar codes and simple graphics as well as text.

10. Saw

As an electrician, you’ll want at least one saw. Many electricians invest in a handheld reciprocating saw because of the tool’s versatility, but spiral saws, which have a bit rather than a blade, are also common. A reciprocating saw is handy for making cuts in tight spaces and can slice through metal, masonry, fiberglass and drywall. A spiral saw can make exact cuts in drywall and is commonly used for installing electrical boxes and ceiling lights.

Beyond the basics: 6 more tools for electricians

As you take on larger or more complex jobs, you may find yourself adding more tools to your wish list. Below are six tools that may be smart additions to your tool collection.

Digital multimeter

This tool allows electricians to quickly and accurately diagnose problems by measuring the voltage, current and resistance in a circuit. It’s helpful for testing the voltage in outlets and troubleshooting issues with components such as switches and fuses.

Conduit bender

A conduit bender allows an electrician to bend the metal or PVC conduit that protects and routes the electrical wiring in a building. Markings indicate the proper angles for different types of bends. Manual benders are fine for simple jobs, whereas powered benders are best for shaping larger conduit without flattening them or leaving kinks.

Pipe threader

Electricians use pipe threaders to cut threads on the ends of pipes, which are then connected to other threaded pipes or fittings. Pipe threaders are typically used to create threads on the ends of metal conduit, but they are also available in models that can thread PVC.

Conduit reamer

Cutting conduit often leave burrs and jagged edges that can make threading more difficult or damage the wire as it’s pulled or pushed through. A conduit reamer solves this problem by smoothing the interior of the conduit. It can also be used to enlarge the end of a conduit to provide a snug fit between connections.

Knockout punch

When you need to make clean holes in boxes, panels and other enclosures, a knockout punch is the right tool for the job. It’s typically used to punch holes in metals such as aluminum and steel. Other knockout punches are designed for punching through fiberglass and plastic.

Wire ferrule crimper

This tool is used to crimp wire ferrules to stripped wire. The ferrule protects the wire strands from damage and provides a secure connection point to terminals.

PPE for electricians

While you’re making sure your toolbox is adequately stocked, don’t forget to add PPE to your shopping list. Using this safety gear on the job helps protect you from potential injuries related to electrical work, which can range from mild to severe.

• Rubber-insulating gloves. If you’ll be working with live wires or energized parts, you’ll need these gloves, also known as lineman’s gloves, which help protect against electric shock. Wearing leather protectors, which slip over the gloves to protect against tears, is also recommended.

• EH work boots. Steel-toed work boots with non-slip soles provide traction on slippery surfaces and protect your feet from injury resulting from falling objects. Boots with an electrical hazard (EH) rating protect against electric shock.

• A hard hat. By wearing a hard hat, electricians can protect their heads from impacts, including those from falling objects. The work you’re performing will determine the amount of electrical resistance you need in a hard hat.

• Arc-rated flame resistant (FR) clothing. If you’re working near energized equipment, you may need arc-rated FR pants, shirts, coveralls, jackets or even a full flash suit. Arc-rated FR clothing resists ignition and protects workers from extreme heat in the event of an arc flash. The higher the rating, the more protection the material offers.

• Arc-rated safety glasses. Protective eyewear is critical for shielding an electrician’s eyes from flying debris, blinding arc flashes and other hazards.

• Earplugs or earmuffs. If work is being done within the arc flash boundary, ear protection can help prevent hearing loss that may occur from an arc blast

Investing in essential tools for electricians along with the appropriate PPE will help you safely tackle all the electrical work that comes your way and perhaps take on more challenging projects.

Browse tools, equipment and safety training for electricians available at United Rentals.