- Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tape measure & utility knife are must-have tools.
- Crimper, conduit bender & knockout punch set enhance service quality.
- Drills, circuit analyzer & circuit breaker finder improve efficiency.
- Using PPE & voltage detector prevents serious injuries.
- Electrical contractor software & digital tools help increase revenue.
As an electrician, it is your responsibility to fill your tool bag with essential tools that will help you improve your efficiency, meet your customers’ expectations, and keep you safe while performing electrical tasks. With every service call, customer satisfaction leads to repeat business. This not only boosts the credibility of your service but also generates a significant amount of revenue over the long term.
Therefore, it all starts with having the right electrical tools in your pouch, whether you are an apprentice or an advanced electrician. However, buying tools can be quite expensive, and one might feel overwhelmed about what to buy and what not to buy, especially for someone who has just started learning this trade. It’s essential to be prepared for any electrical work that comes your way, which requires having heavy-duty power tools, insulated hand tools, high-tech tools, and other specialized tools. For electrical contractors looking to grow and manage their electrical business effectively, it’s crucial that their electricians are equipped with the right tools when dispatched for any service. That’s why electrical contractor software is necessary to manage both clients and technicians efficiently.
This guide offers a list of tools for electricians (both apprentices and experienced) and electrical contractors, along with average prices to make your life and business easier. Additionally, we have included links to the recommended websites where you can purchase these electrician tools.
Table of Contents
Essential Tools For Every Electrician
1. Pliers
Pliers are used to grip, twist, bend, or straighten wires. Needle-nose pliers, long-nose pliers, and diagonal pliers are must-haves in one’s tool kit. Pliers are also known as cutting pliers or lineman’s pliers. Klein tools are the most trusted brand when it comes to buying pliers.
It is recommended to use insulated pliers because, as an electrician, one always has to deal with live wires.
Expected Price Range: $7-$110
Recommended Websites:
The Home Depot, Lee Valley Tools, Staples, PliersUSA
2. Wire Cutters
One must have wire cutters on every job site. They are used to cut wires without damaging the insulation or the conductor inside.
Expected Price Range:
Basic models cost between $5 and $10, while heavy-duty ones range from $50 to $100.
Recommended Websites:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Harbor Freight Tools.
3. Screwdrivers
Phillips head screwdrivers and ergonomic ratchet screwdrivers with interchangeable bits are recommended electrical equipment among all the tools for every technician. They are used for loosening and fastening screws and hardwares, such as GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).
Expected Price Range: $5-$100+
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, ToolDiscounter, Chapman Manufacturing.
4. Tape Measure
Using a tape measure allows you to measure the wire’s length while cutting and stripping. It also has features like magnetic tips and multi-step locks.
Expected Price Range: $1-$30
Recommended Website:
Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, Acme Tools.
5. Electrical Tape
Electrical tape insulates wires and connections that conduct electricity, protecting users from electric shocks. It also used to protect the electrical wiring from abrasion and moisture.
Electrical tape is made of materials like plastic, vinyl/PVC, and fiberglass cloth.
Expected Price Range: $2-$10
Recommended Website:
Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, Staples, Ace Hardware
6. Cable Ties
Cable ties are essential for professional electricians as they secure electrical cables or wires together.
Expected Price Range: $1.29-$16.19
Recommended Website:
Cable Tie Supply, FindTape, DigiKey
7. Wire or Cable Lugs
Cable lugs connect wires to electrical appliances like an automotive battery.
Expected Price Range: $0.40-$2.70
Recommended Website:
McMaster-Carr, Walmart, United Electric, McCoy’s Building Supply, Nassau National Cable.
8. Nut Drivers
In some spaces, pliers and wrenches can’t fit. Nut drivers are used to tighten screws in these tight spaces.
Expected Price Range: $6.65-$59.99
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Octopart
9. Crescent Wrenches
Crescent wrenches are used to fasten nuts and bolts in electrical installations.
Expected Price Range: $15-$100
Recommended Website:
10. Wire Strippers
Wire strippers are used to remove the plastic sheath from the wire, exposing the bare copper conductor, and then to make customized connections with other electrical wiring.
Expected Price Range: $7-$50
Recommended Website:
11. Utility Knife
Utility knives are essential electrician tools. They are used to cut electrical tape, cables, and insulation.
Expected Price Range: $8-$15
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Blade HQ
12. Torpedo Level
They help in accurate horizontal and vertical alignment during installation of lighting fixtures, screws and other installations.
Expected Price Range: $2.50-$70
Recommended Website:
National Supply Network, Ace Tool Group, Techni-Tool, AF Supply
Hand Tools
13. Heavy-Duty Cable Cutters
Cable cutters are used to safely cut wires or cables without damaging the insulation inside. They are insulated to withstand around 10,000 V and 1,000 AC.
Expected Price Range: $25-$500+
Recommended Website:
LinemanTools, TEquipment, Specialized.net
14. Splicing Connector
Splicing connectors are used to connect multiple wires quickly and efficiently.
Expected Price Range: $0.10-$5
Recommended Website:
McMaster-Carr, The Home Depot, Zoro, Fibertronics, Walmart
15. Conduit Bender
The conduit blender serves as a lever to bend conduit piping and accommodate it to the route. It is used to run wiring along the corners of walls in a building.
Expected Price Range: $ 40- $ 6,500+
Recommended Website:
Zoro, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Tools
16. Knockout Punch Set
This set consists of punch, die and screw and is used to make perfect round conduit-size hole in electrical boxes.
Expected Price Range: $40-$1,200+
Recommended Website:
The Home Depot, Amazon, Klein Tools, Milwaukee
17. Coax Connector
A coax connector is used to connect cables to other electrical components without shredding the cable.
Expected Price Range: $1-$20
Recommended Website:
DigiKey, Mouser Electronics, Newark, RS Components
18. Terminal Blocks
Terminal blocks improve safety by grounding and isolating the other components in the electrical circuit. They are insulated connectors that simplify wiring and maintenance within the electrical system.
Expected Price Range: $0.85-$16
Recommended Website:
Mouser Electronics, BlockMaster Electronics, Beyond Components
19. Fish Tape
Fish tape helps to pull wires through conduit pipes and inaccessible spaces.
Expected Price Range: $12-$250+
Recommended Website:
Amazon, TEquipment, National Supply Network
20. Crimper
A crimping tool is used to make a reliable connection between the wires and connectors. It uses pressure to compress the connector into the wire and secure the binding.
Expected Price Range: $10-$60+
Recommended Website:
The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, CPO Outlets, Jameco Electronics
21. Hack Saw
Typically, during an electrical job, you need to cut through wood, particleboard, and metal. A hacksaw assists with this task.
Expected Price Range: $3-$35
Recommended Website:
Walmart, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Acme Tools
22. Fishing Rods
A fishing rod is made of fiberglass and is used to run wires through walls, under carpet, and above ceilings.
Expected Price Range: $50-$500
Recommended Website:
Tackle Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, FishUSA
Power Tools
23. Circuit Breaker Finder
A circuit breaker finder is an essential tool for electricians. It includes a digital transmitter and a receiver that plugs into a home’s electrical outlet. When the electrician holds the transmitter near the circuits in the breaker, the device sends a signal to the receiver, indicating which circuit corresponds to each electrical outlet.
Expected Price Range: $30-$200
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s
24. Circuit Analyzers
Circuit analyzers measure voltage, polarity, line voltage, etc., in a network of connected electrical components.
Expected Price Range:
Basic models range from $80 to $200, while advanced circuit analyzers range from $200 to $500.
Recommended Website:
Calright Instruments, Circuit Specialists, Arrow Electronics, DigiKey, Newark Electronics.
25. Multimeter
A multimeter helps in measuring voltage, current, and resistance in any electrical device.
Expected Price Range: $14-$200+
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Fluke, Klein Tools
26. Electrical Drills
Electrical drills help electricians drill holes in wood, metal, or concrete, allowing them to run wires, install fixtures, or secure components. Some electrical drills come with specialized bits to create clean openings for electrical wiring. Additionally, there are cordless tools available for electricians that enable them to drill holes even when the power is down.
Expected Price Range: $100-$300+
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s
28. Voltage Tester
A voltage tester is used to check if power is present in the outlet and to confirm whether the power has been restored.
Expected Price Range: $ 10- $ 500+
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Instrumart
29. Electrical Tester
An electrical tester is used to determine the presence of electricity, but it does not measure the voltage.
Expected Price Range: $10-$1,000
Recommended Website:
Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Fluke, Klein Tools
30. Reaming Bit
The reaming bit is attached to the electric drill, enlarging the opening at one end of the piping so that the other end can connect securely to it.
Expected Price Range: $12-$100
Recommended Website:
The Home Depot, Drills and Cutters, Rock River Tool, Inc., Clortech
31. Spade Bits
Spade Bits are specifically used to run wires through drilled holes in wood-framed buildings.
Expected Price Range: $7-$70
Recommended Website:
The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart
Safety Tools
32. Safety Glasses
Electricians should wear safety glasses when using power tools or inspecting electrical wires.
Expected Price Range: $11-$23
Recommended Website:
Milwaukee Tool, Toolstash, SupplyHouse, Hanessupply
33. Insulated Gloves
Wearing insulated gloves while handling electrical circuits and wires is necessary as it protects you from electrocution.
Expected Price Range: $10-$70+
Recommended Website:
34. Rescue Rod
A rescue rod is used when someone receives an electric shock to safely detach them from the electrical source.
Expected Price Range: $78-$300
Recommended Website:
35. Safety Harnesses
Safety harnesses are utilized when working at heights. They secure your chest and both the upper and lower body, attaching you to an anchor system.
Expected Price Range: $20-$200
Recommended Website:
3M, Honeywell Safety Products, MSA Safety, REI
36. Ladder Wall Anchors
They serve to attach the ladder to the wall, allowing an electrician to work securely at height.
Expected Price Range: $10-$500
Recommended Website:
McMaster-Carr, Amazon, The Home Depot
37. Flashlights
Flashlights help electricians to work in the dark or a poorly lit environment.
Expected Price Range: $20-$100
Recommended Website:
The Home Depot, OpticsPlanet, Amazon
38. Fire-Resistant Work Shirt
Wearing a fire-resistant shirt protects electricians from arc flashes, electrocution, electrical fires, and burns.
Expected Price Range: $30-$200
Recommended Website:
Walmart, The Home Depot, Safety Smart Gear
39. Fall Arrest Blocks
Fall arrest blocks act as shock absorbers for electricians who fall from heights.
Expected Price Range: $180-$550
Recommended Website:
3M, Honeywell Safety Products, Grainger
40. Carabiners and Hooks
Karabiners, or carabiners, are essential tools for electricians working at heights. These hooks are a necessary accessory, as they can be safely attached and released when required.
Expected Price Range: $2-$50
Recommended Website:
Business Management Tools For Electrical Contractors
41. Electrician Invoice Generator
Our free electrical invoice template streamlines billing processes and ensures accuracy in invoicing clients. This document enables electricians to quickly generate detailed invoices that include all necessary information in one place, saving time and money on administrative tasks like data entry or printing multiple documents at once.
42. Electrical Contractor Software
Electrical contractor software such as ZenElectrical helps electrical contractors in managing their entire business while improving both efficiency and productivity. It achieves this by storing all client service records, simplifying job scheduling, and expediting quoting and invoicing with built-in templates. With features such as scheduling and dispatching, invoicing, automated alerts for upcoming services, timecard management, inventory management, back-office accounting, and system integration, ZenElectrical becomes an essential tool for electrical contractors to run their businesses seamlessly.
43. Service Price Calculator
Our free service price calculator calculates the total cost that service providers charge for their services. This includes all charges, such as the total labor cost, material costs, overhead charges, and other additional costs. The service price also consists of the profit margin the provider wishes to achieve from the job.
Conclusion
It can be overwhelming to balance a tool bag with its costs. However, failing to arrive at a job with the necessary tools can lead to greater losses by sacrificing customer satisfaction.
Pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers and cutters, tape measures, electrical tape, cable ties, levels, fish tape, nut drivers, and multimeters are essential tools for any apprentice. Power tools, such as electric drills, cordless drills, reaming bits, spade bits, conduit benders, voltage testers, electrical testers, circuit analyzers, and circuit breaker finders, improve the accuracy and precision of your service. Along with ensuring the quality of your work, you should also prioritize safety by wearing proper protective equipment, including safety glasses, rescue rods, insulated gloves, safety harnesses, fall arrest blocks, etc.
If you run an electrical business, managing it can be complex. Scheduling jobs for each technician, ensuring there are no double appointments, dispatching technicians to save fuel costs, handling customer service calls, maintaining service records, invoicing, and more can be overwhelming. Electrical contractor software like ZenElectrical helps businesses like yours streamline the entire process, including back-office accounting. Schedule a free demo with us today and elevate the efficiency and profitability of your electrical business to the next level.
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