Electrical

15 Basic Electrical Tools which are used by an Electrician

Electrical work is essential in a variety of industries, including building, manufacturing, and household maintenance. The safety and efficiency of electrical work are highly dependent on the use of the proper tools. This post will go into the key aspects of 15 basic electrical tools, highlighting their vital function and the primary concern for safety.

Electrical tools are used to do the electrical work like electrical wiring installations. By using this tool we can do the installation of electrical wire properly and quickly. We must be able to choose the right equipment or tools to do the electrical work then only the quality of our work will improve. By using electrical Tools we could do the electrical tasks effortlessly.

Precision and precision: Using the proper tools ensures accuracy & efficiency in electrical installations & maintenance.

Different tools correspond to specific electrical activities, increasing productivity.

Using the proper tools reduces the likelihood of errors (or) malfunctions, assuring quality work.

  • Inadequate tools (or) malfunctioning equipment might put workers at danger of electrocution.
  • Using the wrong tools can result in short circuits (or) electrical fires.
  • Considering the need for suitable PPE to be used during electrical work

Understanding the various electrical tools is necessary for any type of electrical work. This post defines different tool categories and their respective functionality.

Any tool used by skilled workers for manual tasks is referred to as a hand tool.

Simple tools that have been utilized with the hands that are typically not powered are called hand tools. Any tool that is powered by hand instead of a motor is referred to as a hand tool. 

The following are some examples: 

  1. Screwdrivers, 
  2. Vises, 
  3. Clamps, 
  4. Snips, 
  5. Drills,
  6. Cutters,
  7. Striking tools and
  8. Struck (or) Hammered tools.

Hand tools are tools that can be used or operated by our hands without using electrical energy; it doesn’t need any external power. While machine tools are tools that require electrical energy and they are operated by our hands too.

CategoryHand Tools Machine Tools (Power Tools)
Power Source (Energy Source)Hand tools are controlled by the user’s hand, either with mechanical advantage or physical force.Power tools are usually motor-driven and run on batteries (cordless) (or) electricity from a corded source.
Operational FunctionalityThese tools are operated manually and do not require electricity or other external power sources.When compared to manual tools, these motor-driven tools are more efficient and frequently operate faster because they run on a power source.
ExampleHand tools include things like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and hammers.This category includes tools such as power drills, angle grinders, circular saws, & others.
Advantages (Benefits)Hand tools are easier to utilize in a variety of settings because they are typically more lightweight and portable. In conditions where power tools would not be available or appropriate, hand tools can be employed.Power tools speed up work, making it less stressful on the body and quicker. Power tools, with their controlled mechanics, frequently yield more accurate results.
Disadvantages (Limitations)When compared to power tools, they frequently need more physical exertion & may take longer to complete tasks.  With hand tools, accuracy may be more difficult to attain than with powered tools.Because they are dependent on a power source, they may not be able to move around or be used in some locations if there is inadequate power access.

Choosing the correct electrical tools necessitates careful consideration of a number of criteria in order to ensure safety, efficiency, & performance in their use.

  • Understanding the significance of insulation in electrical shock prevention.
  • Grounding systems are used to securely redirect excess electrical current.
  • Exploration tools that include overload protection measures.
  • The significance of preventing tool damage & ensuring user safety.
  • Testing the materials utilized in tool manufacturing for toughness and wear resistance.
  • Understanding the impact of material quality on tool longevity.
  • Evaluating a manufacturer’s reputation and dependability in manufacturing sturdy and long-lasting instruments.
  • Analysis and perspectives from other users regarding tool durability.
  • Understanding how design concepts can lessen user stress throughout prolonged use.
  • Grip, weight distribution, & handle design all have an impact on comfort.
  • Check their design concepts that improve workplace efficiency and productivity.
  • Reduces strain & potential injuries, resulting in smoother workflows.
  • The importance of calibrated measurement instruments for reliable readings.
  • Ensure that tools give accurate measurements for work.

Electrical tools are those that are used to work on electrical systems. 

  1. Wire 
  2. Cable cutters, 
  3. Wire strippers, 
  4. Coaxial compression tools, 
  5. Telephony tools, 
  6. Wire cutter/strippers, 
  7. Cable tie tools, 
  8. Accessories, and 
  9. Other tools 

may be included.

  1. Voltage testers, 
  2. Wire strippers, and 
  3. Linesman pliers 

are examples of specialty electrical tools that may be found in most household facilities, hardware retailers, electrical supply stores, and online sellers.

  1. Pliers
  2. Wire strippers
  3. Electrician Knife
  4. Screwdrivers 
  5. Hammers 
  6. Electric drill 
  7. Wirepullers 
  8. EMT bender 
  9. Soldering tools 
  10. Wire gauge 
  11. Hacksaw 
  12. Voltage tester 
  13. Multi-meter 
  14. Micrometer 
  15. Wrenches

are the best electrician hand tools

A small, handheld tool called a wire stripper is utilized for removing the insulation from electrical cables. When replacing or repairing wires, electricians and individuals use these lightweight, portable hand tools to remove insulation.

Wire is cut with diagonal cutting pliers. They cut wire through indenting & wedging the cables apart (rather than shearing as scissors can).

Pliers can be used for cutting, twisting, bending, holding, and gripping of wires and cables. The handles of the pliers will be insulated and it can’t be considered as sufficient protection. There are different types of pliers 

Pliers

Side cutting pliers can be used for cutting electrical wires and small nails. Longnose pliers can be used for cutting and holding of fine wires and they can be used in tight space, these types of pliers are commonly used for making terminal loops in copper wire. Diagonal pliers are used for cutting medium or fine wires; they are also used in bending small faces of soft metal.

Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation of wires, mostly medium-sized wires ranging from gauge 10 to gauge 16. Wire strippers are also used to remove the insulation of rubber covered wires from gauge 26 to gauge 10.

Wire Strippers 

These knives are used by lineman to remove the insulation of big cables in high and low voltage transmission lines 

Electrician Knife 

Screwdrivers can be used to loosen or tighten screws with slotted heads, screwdrivers are in various sizes and shapes. Screwdrivers are made up of steel and they are tempered at the tip. According to the size and shape of screw different types of screwdrivers are used.

Screwdrivers

Hammers are tools which are used for pounding and pulling out of nails, there are soft and hard-faced hammers. Hard faced hammers can be used to strike hard objects and they have a cylindrical-shaped head. The soft-faced hammer is used for the rewinding process. Mostly soft-faced hammers are made up of rubber or plastic. There are different types of hammers like a claw hammer, ball peen hammer and mallet.

Hammers 

These devices are used to drill holes in metal sheets and concrete walls, they can be used to make holes in building structures for the passage of wires and conduit. They can be useful for indoor and outdoor wiring.

Electric Drill

Wire Pullers are used to pull wires into conduit or raceways, these devices will be very helpful for wire pulling.

Wirepullers 

EMT bender can be used to bend electrical metal tubing, it could be able to do back to backbend in conduits, they can also do saddle bend and can be used to straighten the conduit.

EMT Bender

Soldering tools can be used to make splices and tap connections in wires. Many connections can be done with the help of this device. Soldering must be done perfectly in order to get a better connection.

Soldering Tools 

Wire gauge can be used to measure the thickness or diameter of the wires, it can be used in sizing conductors. The wire gauge can be used to measure from gauge 0 to 36.

Wire Gauge 

Hacksaws can be used to cut metal conduit and armored cable, it can also be used to cut the small and medium-sized metals.

Hacksaw

Voltage tester can be called as a major tool for an electrician, a voltage tester is used to check if there is voltage in a wire or in a conductor before using it. Digital voltage testers are available which shows the presence of an electric field. Voltage testers are not used to measure high-level voltages, usually they are not used to measure voltages exceeding 250 volts.

Voltage Tester

A multimeter can be used to measure voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance, conductance, and frequency so this instrument could measure almost all things which is needed for an electrician. This meter can show the exact reading too. There are digital and analog multimeters available in the market.

Multi-meter

A micrometer can be used to measure small and large sizes of wires, it is also used to remove the diameter of circular wires. A micrometer can measure the diameter of thin wire accurately or thickness of sheet metal.

Wrenches are instruments that can be used to turn nuts or hold the piece of stock when tightening screws, nuts, and bolts. There are different types of wrenches like adjustable wrenches, pipe wrench, vise grip wrench.

Wrenches

Ashlin

post-graduate in Electronics & communication.

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