12 Must-Have Hand Tools For Electricians
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Electric Pro Academy - Real Skills to make real money.
Synopsis:
Are you starting a lengthy electrical project or career? Electric Pro Academy encourages you to know and love your tools, which is why we’ve made this video based on the TYPES of hand tools you need, not the BRANDS. We will also only focus on the 12 hand tools that we have found to be necessary for most electrical jobs. Find the cost-benefit combination that improves the quality and enjoyment of your work. If you are looking for more detail involving brands, materials, or key features to look for, please comment below and we, or our community of electrical pros, will be happy to respond.
If the instruction in this video is unclear or skew to what you are searching for, feel free to comment below for additional assistance. Got a question or ideas for a future video? Leave a comment below and submit your idea here: forms.clickup.com/f/23xa9-70/...
Thank you for watching; we value your feedback and monitor this channel daily.
Products We’d Recommend:
[] Klein Tools Electrician's Tool Belt: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Too...
[] Klein Tools Nail Pouch: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Too...
[] Knipex Lineman's Pliers: www.homedepot.com/p/KNIPEX-9-...
[] Klein Tools Romex Strippers: amzn.to/3tBadbx
[] Milwaukee FASTBACK Utility Knife: www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee...
[] Klein Tools Insulated Screwdriver Set: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Too...
[] Irwin 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer: amzn.to/3fzBbbh
[] Irwin 3-Piece Tongue & Groove/"Channellock" Plier Set: www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-Groove...
[] Milwaukee 9.5 in. Crimping Pliers: www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee...
[] Klein Tools Stubby Ratcheting Screwdriver: www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Too...
[] Milwaukee Wire Strippers: www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee...
[] Crescent Wiss Aviation Snips: amzn.to/3nxMmpx
[] Stanley FATMAX Tape Measure: www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-2...
National Electrical Code (NEC) referenced in our videos:
Free Access Here: www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standa...
Outline:
0:00 - Introduction
0:18 - 1. Tool Belt
1:22 - 2. 9” Lineman’s Pliers
2:13 - 3. Romex Strippers
2:51 - 4. Utility Knife
4:12 - 5. Insulated Screwdrivers
6:20 - 6. Hammer
6:43 - 7. Channel Locks / Tongue & Groove Pliers
7:23 - 8. Diagonal Crimping Pliers
8:19 - 9. Stubby Screwdriver
9:00 - 10. Wire Strippers
10:31 - 11. Tin Snips
11:34 - 12. Tape Measure
Connect With Us:
Jefferson Electric services residential, commercial, solar, and Tesla systems in Indianapolis, IN.
www.jeffersonelectricllc.com/
/ jeffersonelectric
/ jefferson-electric-llc 
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Tools depend on what type of electrician you are. I worked forty years as a commercial electrician working on pretty much everything. Most of us gave up on tool pouches over thirty years ago in favor of tool bags. No more dumped out tools and no heavy weight hanging off our middle all day. Needed tools, Klein 9NE with the old style red grips (they aren't near as bulky and the newer soft grips), Two pair of chanelocks (most carried 420's but I always preferred 430's to handle larger pipe) always uninsulated for pipe reaming, a handfull of assorted klein screwdrivers(hardened tips), machinists level(stronger magnets than most electricians levels), a pair of t-strippers, a t&b tool for dikes or crimping, 25' tape measure, Voltage tester, pencil, hacksaw(I prefer the old type with a tension wheel on the top), Zip top tool bag. Additional favorite tools not required, a six inch crescent always kept in my tool bag, a small tap and bit set for rethreading boxes, jack chain and string for fishing, a small single vial clamp on level for pipe bending, a few assorted drill drivers for screws and wire nuts, a non contact tester. All other tools were always provided by the contractor.
I would only add two.
1. A Non-Contact Voltage Tester. Can’t go without.
2. A Multi-Bit Screwdriver. I know its not the ideal screwdriver for every situation, but its great to have in an attic or crawl space, or whenever you encounter a hex head screw.
Love the videos, keep up the good work!
Problem with the Multi-Bit is we tend to be rough on our tools (commercial electrician here mostly, 4th year apprentice [about to test for my license]) and my standard screw driver is more often used as a chisel with me beating it to hell with my linesman (aka a commercial electric s hammer).
@@AdamS-lh2ug Try a Milwaukee Demo Tool. Saves your slotted screwdrivers. The uses are endless.
Flashlight and a magnetic extender for picking up dropped anything in hard-to-reach places. Dump the Klein screwdrivers and get rubber-insulated Wera. I bought a set 20 years ago and they still serve me well today. Gloves that are appropriate for the job you do.
You are so right about a sharp knife in a tool belt having suffered the side effects of not having one to many times. The only thing I would add or change is basic 6n1 screwdriver. I've got an old GB that's about 8-10 years old that's out lasted so many others. It's 75% the first thing I grab for. I've got a KLIEN 11n1 but it's more bulkier and chunky in smaller areas. Thx for a great tools review without trying to be a tool shill
I also love my extended multi driver.. has flat, philips, and both size robinsons, or square bits. With that, my linsemens, and needle nose, I can do almost any job. The long shaft 3/16 flat head is great for rusted screws, only reason I ever use it and it works great for that
In my opinion and experience with electricians screw drivers a must have in the belt is a Klein 11-1 tool that can help reduce the need of carrying each individual screw driver
Great content 👌 👏 👍
Yep. The 10 in 1 for sure. Nut drivers and/or one 1/4" drive with metric and imperial sockets in deep and shallow, particularly the 11/32" for ballasts, a telescoping magnet has saved my ass more than once, also great for cleaning cuttings out of panels. A large cheap beater flathead, Klein needle nose, head lamp, eye and hearing protection, 6 tap (6/32, 8/32, 10/32, 10/24, 12/24 and 1/4-20) keep the 6/32 buried in the handle until you need it, they like to snap.
Very useful video and I thank you for making it. The only basic hand tool I can think of that was not listed is a torpedo level
I really love my Kline Rapi drive screw driver with interchangeable bits. Can really zip outlet and switch covers off and on, and if your batteries are in between charges, can run outlet and switch screws in almost as fast as a drill driver.
what's your opinion on Auto Gauging wire strippers compared to one with all the individual holes?
The flathead is used for a lot more then just flathead screws they come in handy for pry bar
Back scratcher too.
Klein 2000 series lineman pliers are my favorite
I’ve always been a Kline guy too however I’ve switched to Milwaukee hand tools and I never wear a tool belt anymore I’ve found I can get it done with a 9 in one lineman’s & my hook blade. I don’t even own needle nose.
I love the tools I need it to buy
Knipex, wiha more than that you can always buy the tools in insulated format there insulated range of tools is wider. Wera (mini socket wrench metric and SAE) tools, geodore, weidmuller etc all the German brands, boddingtons (uk) brands also quality insulated tools.
I have ideal and Klein tools but more for rough usage. The Klein electricians knife is awesome as well as levels for conduit use.
Also the knipex crimpers and ferrules tools which are not used much by US electricians unless they are doing machine control panels, Din rails etc solder iron gas for led tape
Plus wiha speed E2 nice motorized screwdriver and wiha torque screwdrivers.
You need smooth channel locks (knipex) to tighten and not Matt delicate fittings.
What are your thoughts on the newer ECX screw drivers?
2 tools to add a multi bit 10 in 1 that has the Robertson #1 and the multi tool nut driver a little bulky but always use and need them both
I love my Klein stripers with the 14 and 12 NM cutters. Never liked using a razor knife, these make stripping 14 and 12 so much faster. Then again, I am one of the odd balls that strips my wire before putting it in boxes.
I’m an odd ball too! I see video of guys not stripping rx before they put in box. Seems way more work to me
1st of all , good vid and 2nd I would add a non contact voltage tester and perhaps a utility knife or box cutter ... Keep up the good work and thx for sharing ...
#4 is utility knife
#4 Milwaukee Fastback II is a flip-knife that uses disposable blades. The advantage of the Fastback II is it has a button on the side that lets you flip the knife open OR closed so you only need one hand to use it. It will give a satisfying *CLACK* once it has fully opened/closed so you don't have to double-check, just whip it out, make the cut, and whip it closed again. When the blade is open it has a small cut-out for stripping wire, and when it is closed it has a bigger notch for cutting through soft wire, rope, fishing line, you name it--and both use the disposable blade. There are several versions, but I recommend the longer-handled models if you have big hands. Those little ones are either half-flip or they are awkward to use with big hands. The FastBack II is what I prefer, and it was so popular that, when Milwaukee tried to replace it with a newer, shorter model, people complained until they brought it back.
TIP - If your utility knife has space to carry extra blades, it doesn't hurt to have a normal blade AND a new roofing/hook blade in there in case you need it...because you will be on a roof when you need it and it's a pain remembering something you don't use often.
I would like to study the nec code but there are confused terms for me. What book you recomend me to desifrate that terms also in nec there are no enough ilustrations that help common people like me
Don't know how I missed your channel but insulated tools unless your going to treat them like a Swiss watch wrap electricle tape around uninsulated tools remove tape use wd40 or oil to clean tape residue off. I use a 28 to 32 framing hammer 🔨 one swing nails are set or the box is dust if I miss lol. I keep my tape measure and knife on separate pouches on my back side of tool belt. I keep a cheap set of harborfrieght tools when working up high ,over cliffs,or water loose a cheaper $1 screwdriver or $5 to $10 pliers compared 2 $10 to $100+.
Also a great set of 3 pce needle knose, linenans,and wire cutter set husky $10 3pce set around Xmas or $26 most of the time. used them for yrs buy them cheap when I can recommend to apprentices (some contracters in my area give them as gifts to apprentace who show a clue). lifetime warranty (never had to yet)
If you do residential solar then the curved blade is essential for cutting shingles
What about the contactless voltage tester.?
Ecx bits No1 and 2 are better than square as far as I am concerned. Milwaukee staple gun, unless you want to set staples manually still.
I have that exact tool belt, falling apart a little bit on me but it’ll be replaced with the exact same one! Your company Luke probably cringe watching me strip Romex. I go straight across with a utility blade (I don’t run down over the ground like a lot do), or you can use your diagonal cutters and just score and pull it.
You can ghetto insulate your screw driver with electrical tape.
Also, why do I never see a quick drive reversible tip screwdriver on this channel? I thought it was standard in residential, I finally went and got one after my 2nd year of apprenticeship, game changer when doing receptacles or plates…and I don’t even do that many of them that often.
We almost never crimp, but I have a stand alone crimper, you usually have a choice for what “extra,” you have on your linesman, I always get the Kline Journeyman Series with fish tape puller.
Stubby is a must have.
I really want to ditch my needle nose but I haven’t found a proper “2-1,” to replace them with.
It would be nice if the camera could zoom in at times so we layman can see what minute difference you were talking about. Thanks
Good night bro very good
I refuse to wear all my tools on my person at all times. It will wear on your body and is a nuisance in elevated or tight spaces. I adapt to the task at hand. Roughing and finishing use different tools. So does residential an commercial. I use a Klein backpack which I bring to my workspace and use a lower key padded hip belt with 4 smaller pouches: 1 for tape measure, 1 for lineman’s or side cutters and 2 screwdrivers, 1 for impact bits and pencils markers and pencils and a final general purpose for hardware of the moment and perhaps another tool of the moment. I also wear cargo pocket pants for occasional left over. I am not a pack mule.
Yep..I will tote my pro pack with all my hand tools in it then take what I need for the job and put it in my Pouch
I love my pistol grip torque wera screwdriver!
I wish that there was a sense of authenticity to this video seems like the guy is just by a green screen. No construction materials or construction sounds going on at all. 1 star
i prefer a dull blade when im cutting nylon 14/2 wires
In Canada we call them red and green robbies
That Klein crimper/cutter is not a diagonal cutter. The cutters on diagonal cutters are... diagonal.
Knipex must have been made for people with smaller hands. I wear L gloves, and my hands are not gigantic, but knipex pliers are not comfortable for me. Klein and Ideal are good. 😎
Just get the bigger ones. The ones in the video are combination pliers. They also make 9.5 inch lineman's pliers like Klein, Ideal, etc.
@@illestofdemall13 the particular pliers/strippers I wanted were too small. Knipex doesn’t have that model in different sizes, unfortunately.
@@creative_vlad I see.
I don't like them either they head is huge but the handle are thin .I like all knipex tools but I don't like there lineman's
Maybe you are in the wrong trade bud. The “ideal” size for an electrician is medium. Pun intended 😎
I would add diagonal cutters they’re perfect for hard to reach cuts and can squeeze in and nip a wire more precisely than trying to shove Linemen’s in and you can use diagonal cutters to pull staples or nip off the ends of zip ties
Knipex please and rated for 1000V please
What is it with people hating on wood handle.if wood handle wasn't reliable than that old house I walk buy or live in wouldn't be there and plus everything break eventually but that doesn't mean it's trash
Might want to add a magnetic level.
@@ElectricProAcademy right on. I really like your channel!
Love your vids.
4:39 Pet Peev. NO hate. "flathead" refers to the screw head style, not screw driver type. "Slotted" is the correct term.
1. Bullet level
2. Klein makes a 6-in-1 Extended screwdriver. Philips, Slotted, 2 Sq, 1 Sq, 1/4 and 5/16. This is my main. I have back ups and Klein's insulated multi for tight hot panels.
3. Voltage tester (tick tester), GFCI tester and Contact 120 and 240 volt tester (don't need a meter to know I have power and neutral).
4. Milwaukee Demo Tool, (NEVER USE INSIDE A LIVE PANEL or BOX) This saves my slotted from being abused, all things demo... prybar, chisel, hammer into top of pole and use as anchor point for pully
5. Telescoping magnet for that dropped screw always bounces.
6. Flashlight. NEBO SLIM+. Has laser pointer, magnets on back and bottom, a clip on the back, clip to neck of shirt for hands free work.
Uh oh...here we go...I've been an a C-10 licensed electrician for 30 yrs and now I might have to hold my tongue watching this video ;P
No, tell us what we missed!
@@ElectricProAcademy First let me preface by saying, I was not implying that I was gonna break any balls! I even made an emoticon to imply my 'tongue n' cheek' comment. I'm just an old guy now and I'm in my "partially retired" phase. So, my overall assessment is that:
Your #1, I agree 100% (Large tool bag) #2 Linemans, agree 100% #3 Multi size wire strippers 100% #4 Utility knife...too sharp, I prefer something that won't cut through the final wire insulation around the wire...just need to get through the romex outer sheathing. For large wire stripping (MCM type), a good sharp pocket knife is all you'll need. #5 Your take on the screw-drivers is also spot-on, but I'd add that an even smaller, pen pocket clip flat head screwdriver saves the day if you have to release wires from old stab-in outlets. #6 Hammer-great choice. #7 two-channel locks, 100%, very large one's to even very small, I'd also add that having a good socket set and adjustable wrench set are critical. #8 Crimping pliers, 100% #9 Compact stubby 100%, I would add that a "mini pocket ratchet" set is very necessary. #10 Great tool "screw cutter" etc. #11 Tin snips 100% #12 I like at a longer tape measurer ;)
I would add: Voltage tester, multimeter, non-contact voltage tester, a good headlamp, knee pads (even for younger guys), large parrot beak wire cutters and diagonal side-cutters. There's many more items I could add to this "must have list"...trust me, my wife hates me for all the "must have" shit that I describe as "necessary".
Overall, great video. Useful insight, perfect tools and a kind demeanor coming from you. ;)
'Embarrassing' 7:40 ---> chapter 2. Those are combination pliers. Not Linesman's. They lack features, smaller wire twisting part cause of the round part cut out, No fishtape puller, maybe crimper if your into it. Like you said not a good look.
Knipex just came out with 3 or 4 different styles of insulated knives(meant for dismantling tho)
Needle pliers
Hammer!? You mean my linesmens!?
Klein screwdrivers and strippers are garbage. Wera and Kinpex is where it's at.
Lol knipex are made for little hand people and if you are rough on them they don't last long .There tolerances are too tight ,My Klein Kurve strippers work like brand new after 2 years and fall right open
Toughbuilt bags on a padded "tac" belt are modular and cheap, add carabiners. Join the future, get some auto-strippers and remove the little floppy thing, they have a learning curve. Klein pipe level, they're smaller, cooler, and have the strongest magnet. One of those plastic wire bending fingers, looks like a sex toy but its easier on your fingers when your work looks like a tall dose of amphetamine (leave that stuff in '22). Ha Klein needle nose multi. Klein multi screw that holds like 12 bits. And get little pouches for fasteners and stuff, just don't keep them empty unless you can pass a drug test. Keep a 5/8 spade on you, and at least one Milly 6" locking bit extension, I carry 2x locked n loaded. None of my tools are insulated, I'm raw dogging life and you should too.. at your own risk. Ride the bag weight rearward to go easy on your lower back, your hips will feel it, watch some videos on "mobility" it'll change your life. Take care of your hands
Copy and paste your bouts of genius into notes on the cloud. Find a cute girl to Organize notes and the rest of your life for you.
When she buys you hand salve, use it. Stuff is actually great
😂
Aren’t 3 and 10 serving the same functions, seems like buy 10 and skip 3?
Why do so many people the need to over-utilize the word 'utilize" when they can just use the word "use"?
;)
Every knife is insulated once you wrap it in tape bud!!!
if you not own a pozzi2 full insulated screwdriver.. your not realy an electrician.. DIY PRO ACADEMY for sure...
Lol sure ... because we all know you are working in live panels all day everyday 😂
So basically what's he's inadvertently saying is he is "that guy" who walks around a jobsite with 50 pounds of tools in his pouch and is also sneering at everyone for not being "safety first" and actually getting their jobs done!! Smh....
Klein screwdrivers are garbage. Get your self some Wera, you'll thank me later.