Top 7 Tools for Electrical Projects | Ask This Old House
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- Опубликовано: 19 май 2024
- In this video, Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman shows host Kevin O’Connor the tools he uses the most during day-to-day electrical work.
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7 Common Electrical Tools Explained
Electricians use a lot of tools, but some are more indispensable than others.
Linesman’s Pliers [amzn.to/3EqLfxX]
Electricians use linesman’s pliers for almost everything. These pliers have flat noses designed for twisting wires tightly. They also have cutting edges for cutting wires to length, as well as stripping the jackets off individual wires. And, since they’re tough and heavy, electricians will often use linesman’s pliers as a makeshift hammer to drive staples, punch holes in electrical boxes, and more.
Combination Screwdriver [amzn.to/3CgtK2B]
Electricians have many screwdrivers, nut drivers, and other tools. But many of their most common hardware uses the same tips, such as #2 square drive for breakers, #2 Phillips and flat tips for outlets and wall plates, and ¼ and 5/16-inch nut drivers for light fixtures and the like. Rather than carry all those screwdrivers, most electricians enjoy the convenience of a combination screwdriver, which can offer tips for 11 or more different fastener types-all in one screwdriver.
Side Cutters or Diagonal Cutters [amzn.to/3nBU4hs]
Occasionally, an electrician can’t get their linesman’s pliers into a tight spot, requiring something with a little more finesse. That’s exactly what diagonal cutters are for: They fit in tight places for cutting wires or removing staples. They’re not as heavy-duty as a pair of linesman’s pliers, so they’re not a suitable hammer stand-in.
Wire Stripper [amzn.to/3vQi8ki]
Electricians have quite a few ways to strip wires, but a tool designed specifically for the job is often the fastest. These tools can quickly remove wire sheathing, strip wires of several sizes, and bend perfect hooks for outlets or ground wires. These tools are often spring-loaded, as well, making one-hand use a breeze.
Non-Contact Voltage Tester [amzn.to/3mhZf6K]
Electricians need to know if the circuits they’re working on are energized or not, and while a voltmeter will do the trick, a non-contact voltage tester is much faster. These devices simply detect voltage and alert to its presence. The user can place close to a wire or outlet, and should the light go from green to red (in most cases, check your manual), the voltage tester is indicating that the circuit is energized.
Torpedo Level [amzn.to/2Zp26lq]
Most electricians take great pride in their work, and a handy torpedo level will help. These levels are small and feature at least one magnetic side for attaching to metal conduit or electrical boxes. They also feature several angles, including two 90-degree bubbles, a 45-degree bubble, and a 30 or 60-degree bubble.
Dust Shroud [amzn.to/3BlPvMY]
Recessed lighting is very popular but cutting all those holes in a ceiling is a messy endeavor. Rather than letting all of that drywall dust fall to the ground, an electrician can fit their drill with a dust shroud. These flexible bowls sit behind the hole saw and collect all the dust the falls from drilling, making clean-up much faster.
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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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Top 7 Tools for Electrical Projects | Ask This Old House
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Handsome as these gentlemen are, I wish the tools would be visible in every shot. Especially when they are describing features of the tool.
They were really visible: basically almost all Klein tools
Yup, specifically at minute 1:13 when he explains the screw driver is also a nut driver for different sizes.
When Heath's main use of linesman's pliers is a hammer you definitely know he's an electrician.
love the simplicity.........I have too many tools and it always throws me off and I waste time figuring out which ones to have on hand. Used to be an industrial electrician, but now moving into the residential side of the industry. Great content!
Great job buds. I love my pair of linesman pliers there’s just so many uses and super handy for electric work. Keep the show going guys 💪
I've had higher and lower sensitivity noncontact testers. Higher for finding wires behind even metal plaster lath. Lower sensitivity for finding individual feed wires.
Thanks for putting the links to the tools in the description. I liked that screwdriver.
HI TOH , that's some really handy tools to have on hand , thanks for showing us ! 👍😊🛠
Veto pro pac the best of the best tool bag hands down 5 year warranty no down time
HUGE fan of the 6-in-1 screwdrivers. You can keep them in different tool pouches/ kits without having to have a bunch of expensive/bulky drivers.
As long as the bits are magnetized so they don't fall out and you are not restricted in space to reach the fastener.
@@morthomer5804 The bits with ball bearings are even stronger than magnets
11in1 is the way to go. Square tips and extra nutdrivers are invaluable.
The dust catcher is brilliant
Great tips
Thanks
Are we sure this wasn’t a subtle advertisement for Klein Tools 😄🤙
The best! Remember using those blue insulated lineman's pliers on residential. Last forever if you don't cut too many live wires...
I prefer needlenose pliers if I can only carry one pliers, they are perfect for curling a wire into the perfect j for screwing in wire
Klein makes a blunted one with a fatter jaw that's beefy. I love it as an alternative to the linesmans.
You can do that with the wire strippers too. I really like needlenose pliers for reaching into holes.
I’m a residential electrician. I never use my needlenose pliers.
@@KitchenerLeslie2 You never had to grab fishtape in a hole in a wall that your fingers wouldn't fit in?
@@JustinL614 I use a catch snake.
I would add 1) slip joint pliers and 2) a 25' tape measure and/ or folding ruler to this list.
It would be great to see a few safety items pointed out, especially because this is aimed at inexperienced folks:
Using lineman’s pliers and diagonal cutters to strip wire can nick the wire and cause a fire really easily. Have seen multiple melted contacts and junction boxes and traced it back to folks using the wrong tool. The wire stripper is always a good bet. Klein make one that strip the sheathing off Nonmetallic wiring as well.
Also a non contact voltage tester is a great tool to find out which wire is switched from what switch and to trace and power-cycle things. Remember you are putting your live on the line when touching electrical wires. Always use a high quality multi meter (at least $40 at the home center). Non-contact tester can give false signals. Not to mention that the one shown has a recall on it by Klein tools. (Select models).
Be safe
I am a professional electrician and 11 in 1 screwdrivers are nifty however the nut drivers part dont hold up to everyday use. I have tried all the name brands and eventually they all strip out. I realize all screwdrivers have to be replaced eventually but those nut drivers only last 3 months or so. Normally I can get 2 years out of a screwdriver. For whatever reason dedicated nut drivers last longer.
Those Klein linesman’s with fish tape, crimper and journeyman grip are the absolute top of the line imho
What's the model number(s) for them,
@@smartchip J2000-9NECRTP
@@CB_ChaosLove Thank you fellow sparky, UK
Klein’s are horrible now.
@@KitchenerLeslie2 just wretched
Keith is awesome!
My electrician buddy is always going on about his 8 in 1 driver. We tell him that's a good way to catch something.
All those screw drivers! I would like to see a tour of every tool in his tool bag one day, and explain what each does.
I've been an electrician for about 10 years. My father was an electrician for 40 years. Alot of them are probably nut drivers. I can tell you what's in my bag depending on the job. It looks like I have what he has. 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16 Nutdrivers.. they have more sizes but those are most often used. Cabinet screwdrivers #1 size philips and flathead. #2 philips and flathead. 1/4 flathead. Stubby screwdrivers, philips/flathead or a multi-stubby. Robertson (square tip) #1 and #2. Posidriv screwdriver(basically an advanced philips/flat combo. Torx screwdrivers, Allen drivers or Allen Key set. There are other kinds but I've never seen an electrician use them moreso for furniture assemblers. It looks lile all his tools are klein. Other brands have different color handles which makes it a little easier to tell the difference whereas some of the klein tools will have color stamps on the back.
thats just one bag, hes prob got several bags and boxes and a truck full
Alright 👍
Love to see the veto
Camera person looks at their talking heads instead of focusing on the tools so we can actually see :/
Outlet tester and muĺtimeter
One of the most useful tool as an electrician are a good pair of electrician sissors. Knipex make a really good pair. I use it all day everyday.
That veto pro pack bag is pretty pricey, he must be doing well.
I have one and it is rock solid. Much better than the previous bags I have owned. Definitely worth the investment imo.
Only bags I will ever buy. Got 3 of there bags
They're fairly common for tradespeople, and worth the money. A bit expensive for a homeowner though.
They're fairly common for tradespeople, and worth the money. A bit expensive for a homeowner though.
Most actual electricians actually use wire strippers.
I love my Romex strippers. Game changer!
I love TOH and ATOH, but I'm not a fan of the new camera work this season. Looks like they are using a lens at an aperture of 2.5 or 2.8. Great for photography, but I don't love it on these videos. I'm sure they're trying to reduce the amount of extra lights needed in the shop/set, but still - just not great for this.
I agree. Also, too much slow motion. Needless and distracting. Kevin adds little of value; should be replaced.
Kevin seemed kinda nervous in this one.
Why couldn't we see the rest of the tools that Heath had in his tool bag?
First, anyone else irked by Kevin sticking that level on the screwgun? Come on, is your audience that naive? Second, that is a VETO Pro Pac bag- top of the line. I'd recommend insulated ECX and Phillips 1 & 2 driver. White electric tape-doesn't get sticky and you can write on it. Wire nuts or Wago connectors. Headlight or rechargeable LED wand. And the usual kit of a tape measure and utility knife for cutting insulation back and drywall. Oh and that three prong outlet tester. A multimeter is also ideal to have, to test voltages, amps, and if wire/fixture broken. I want one of those Veto Pro Pac contractor bags!
I spotted the VETO Pro-Pac immediately, but most of his other stuff is crap. No KNIPEX? No insulated drivers at all? No real FLUKE volt-meter? Also, Stablia torpedo level can't be beat. Milwaukee (hand tools) are pure garbage.
@@1vw4me True but I know alot of electricians who have the best tools but are terrible electricians
How much does that bag weigh? (tools and all)?!? lol
Mine weighs about 50 pounds 🤷♂️
I didn't see a henway in his bag ? 🤔
You got me
@@Pyth110 Oh a hen weighs about 6-8 pounds ! 😁😂
What is the wig budget for this show?
non-contact testers are liars, they'll pick up incorrect voltage from improper splices somewhere in the system (even if line wire is disconnected from breaker). Volt-meters are the most accurate when wanting to confirm for volt potential. However I use the volt stick from time to time if I'm feeling lazy lol
The Klein tester they’re using is bad, because IME it can pick up fluorescent fixtures as hot, when they are not. The Fluke testers don’t do this. Enough said about that.
@@declanfarber Fluke is a better brand than klein for testers. You can see it in the price difference.
That's why I don't recommend people do their own electric work. Always work on the wires as if they were live is the motto I was trained with. Even if I get a false reading I always assume the wire is live.
@@JustinL614 This is why you use a multimeter. I'm not a fan of the NCV testers either.
@@oambrosia Multimeter is the best but I trust myself even more lol
Where r the lobster trolls???
Hopefully gone forever.
Oh, silly Kevin
When you're a true pro u don't need strippers you're pliers do it all
Pro electricians aren't watching Ask This Old House for electrical tips. For a homeowner, they should definitely be using wire strippers.
@@JH-ms3ny it popped up so I had to see what kind of advice there giving. To be sure it's correct cuz I'm awesome
It you're a sparky and NOT using Klein, you need to reevaluate your bag. Just saying!
Unless they're using better tools: Knipex, Wera, NWS, Fluke, etc
You don't need a level anymore if you have a half decent android phone.
True but when for example running electrical conduit on a bridge.. I wouldn't want to risk dropping my phone..