If you’re just getting started in your career as an electrician, you must be prepared. The toolkit can be a tradesperson’s pride and joy, and there’s no reason why yours can’t be the same. Having all the essential tools for electricians means you will be equipped for any job.
These are the tools that should feature in your toolbag, from the humble hammer and hacksaw to the more sophisticated mains tester and combi-cutters.
Claw Hammer
A hammer is a simple tool that you shouldn’t be without as an electrician. From the simplest of tasks, such as driving wire staples to securing electrical cables, a hammer will make the process even easier.
Combi-Cutters
Combi-Cutters allow you to trim screws down to size without damaging the thread and trim, strip, and bend wires.
Combination Pliers
Combination pliers are multi-purpose. This means that they are capable of and used for gripping, bending, cutting, and extracting various materials.
Electrician’s Knife
A knife will come in handy in several different situations, and you’ll probably use it daily. The blade types used by electricians include; sheep foot-slitting blades, coping blades, utility knives and spearpoint blades. It’s all about finding the one that’s right for you.
Hacksaw
Hacksaws feature a thin and fine-toothed blade and are suited to cutting more delicate materials, allowing electricians the ability to perform quick and accurate cuts.
Mains Tester
An electrical tester/mains tester is invaluable to electricians, allowing you to ensure safer conduct and efficient electrical installations.
Pocket Level
Make sure all your work is level with a pocket level. A wonky plug socket won’t go unnoticed by your customers.
Rethreading Tool
Although a rethreading tool looks similar to a screwdriver, it has a different tip and is used to clear and repair threaded holes. Threads can become damaged or dirty over time, so the rethreading tool will straighten threads and remove debris.
Screwdrivers
Electricians need a selection of different screwdrivers to match the various types of fasteners they will come across. E.g. slotted, Phillips, pozidriv, etc.
Snipe-Nose Pliers
Also known as needle-nose pliers, snipe-nose pliers electricians use for both cutting and holding. Due to their slim tip, they offer great control when bending, re-positioning or cutting wires and are handy when you need to retrieve cables from difficult-to-reach places.
Tape Measure
Whether for figuring out where to place lighting fixtures or plug sockets, a tape measure is a must in any tool bag.
Tool Bag
All electricians need somewhere to keep their tools safe and organised and allow for easy movement when taking them from the van to the site of work.
Torch
Electrical work may take you into places such as lofts or ceiling cavities, so a torch will come in very handy, making sure you can always see what you’re doing.
Volt Tester
Non-contact voltage testers can detect electricity without needing to be in contact with the bare conductor. They enable electricians to ensure there is no voltage running through an electrical wire or device before working on it.
Wire Stripper
Wire strippers are a simple tool for cutting and stripping insulation from electrical wires and trimming wire ends.
If you’re thinking about a career as an electrician, as well as the essential tools for electricians that you’ll need, you will also require qualifications. At Options Skills, we offer the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course. You can visit the course page or call us at 0800 802 1306 for more information.
