Since you’re in this career for the long haul, you should start off with the right tools. Here are some essential tools every electrician needs.
Essential Tools In The Electrician's Toolbox
Carrying the right tools with you means that you can get right to fixing the problem or finishing a job without having to run back to your home or shop. While it's not feasible to carry every one of your electrician tools to every job, it's a good idea to bring the ones that are most commonly used.
- Flashlight: There will be times when there’s no power, you need to cut the power off, or are working a dimly lit area.
- Ladder: You'll be dealing with hard-to-reach places.
- Pliers: Both side-cut and needle-nose pliers are essential pieces of equipment for any electrician.
- Screwdrivers: Keep Phillips and flat heads handy.
- Wire strippers: You'll use these on the regular.
- Labeling machine: Labeling circuits makes them more easily identifiable.
- Tape measure: Measuring is a vital part of any electrician's job. You'll need a laser measuring device or a good old-fashioned tape measure.
- Power drill and drill bits: Power tools make your job easier!
- Power saw: You may need to cut through drywall.
- Fishing poles: These are used to thread wires across drop ceilings and behind drywall.
- Hammer: This is a staple in any toolbox.
- Tin snips: If you need to cut metal or another tough material, then you'll be glad to have these in your kit.
- Colored electrical tape: Wrapping wires and securing caps will happen on every job.
- Protective gear: Keep your face and body safe with eye wear, gloves, steel-toed boots, and a hardhat.
Of course, there are a number of tool designs within each category, including cordless power tools and ergonomically-designed hand tools. There are also accessories such as a toolbox and tool belt, both of which come in handy. Extra battery packs are also a good idea to keep on hand for those inconvenient times when your power goes out on those battery powered tools.
There is quite an extensive list of supplies that electricians use. As you gain more experience in the field, you’ll have a better understanding of which ones you need next to you and which can be waiting in the wings.
