Tag: Service Disconnect Labels

Dear Mr. Electrician:  What are the best electrician tools? NOTE: links below go to applicable products on Amazon.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Answer:  The best electrician tools are not always what most people think of.  Side-cutting lineman pliers, insulated screwdrivers, and various voltage testers are standard tools for the average electrician.  As you become more proficient in the trade and learn from others, you pick up some unique electrician tools to make the job easier and better. In addition to the standard electrician tools, many other tools can make electrical work easier though they are not always used daily. Table of Contents: Handy Electrical Tools Must-Have Wiring Tools Electrical Testers Insulated and Safety Tools Electrical Labeling Wire Pulling Tools Below are tools in my collection that I have found valuable and time-saving, as well as helping to contribute to a professional-looking job. HANDY TOOLS I bought a Thread Restoration File years ago while working on a job cutting lots of threaded rods (All Thread).  Using the file, I can clean up the cut ends so they threaded quickly into nuts and rod couplings.  I keep it in my electrician tool bag as it comes in handy fixing the threads on bolts, especially after cutting. Having seen the Fein Multi-Tool on TV many times, I thought I should try this tool at one of my jobs.  I initially purchased a cheap electric imitation Multi-Tool.  Surprisingly, it worked very well, so I eventually bought a better model and loved them both. The Protractor Level was initially purchased to help me with bending electrical conduit.  It was helpful for that; however, there were other ways it was used on the job site, such as: Determining the angle of a pitched ceiling or a roof. I got my Burndy Wire Mike as a gift from a sales rep I worked for.  It measures all different wire types and sizes.  I have used it a few times and would have used it more if it was non-conductive.  Top Of Page MUST-HAVE WIRING TOOLS I have used my BX cutting pliers for cutting many things. In addition to BX and MC armored cables, they work great for cutting and trimming flexible metal conduit, and sealtight conduit.  I have also used them for cutting metal ducts and other sheet metal. Top Of Page ELECTRICAL TESTERS The first electrical testing tool that I used when I started doing electrical work in the 1960s was a rubber pigtail light bulb socket.  I still use them today.  I know I have a LINE and NEUTRAL if the bulb is bright.  If the bulb is dim, I know it is connected to a LINE and LOAD. Some electricians connect two pigtail sockets in series to check 240 volts.  They do this by connecting the two white leads and using the black leads for testing.  I have seen a few electricians add insulated alligator clips with longer wires to the pigtails. It is best to use incandescent rough service light bulbs for electrical testing.  They are more durable than standard light bulbs. ...