Kara Masterson 2m 486 #tools

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Pliers, wire strippers, cutters, testers, screwdrivers, drills, and tape are some of the most common tools of the trade for electricians who work on indoor installations. Compared to other trades, the electrician’s toolbox is not as extensive if we only focus on the basics. Seasoned electricians can tell you that their work is made easier with a few tools that are unique and highly specific to certain tasks. The four tools listed below are not as common as pliers and screwdrivers, but they can make a strong difference the next time you take on a new electrical project.

Electrician’s Tap

While this tool is mostly used to either fix or make holes in the surface of a metal box, there are a couple of other uses we can get out of it. The shape of an electrician’s tap at the tip makes it easy to punch a standard 10-32 hole for new screws, but you can also use it to split the head of old screws that have been stripped and refuse to come off. This tool can also tap drywall without making cracks or causing extensive damage to the material, which explains why many residential contractors who are not electricians keep one in their toolboxes.

Magnetic Bowl

This accessory makes a great holiday present for electricians, auto technicians, and anyone who works with small metal pieces such as screws, nuts, and connectors. The idea is to keep all these elusive pieces in one place, and without having to worry about losing them. Magnetic bowls go together with a telescoping magnet to pick up stray pieces that have fallen into tight spaces.

Conduit Benders

Electric benders for rigid conduits take away the pain of having to shape non-flexible conduit material by hand. These tools are not for small jobs such as running an additional outlet to the garage; they are for major projects that require extensive wiring. For the most part, these tools are wheeled platforms that allow you to remove certain attachments in order to make dog-leg pieces and unusually curved segments.

Rugged Smartphone

Electrical contractors who have been around a few years will not risk using a fancy smartphone on a job site. The latest trend in personal computing technology among construction workers and trades professionals is the use of military-grade smartphones that can withstand being dropped, covered in dust, or splashed with water. Many of these rugged devices are equipped with thermal imaging lenses that you can use to detect wires that are running hotter than usual.

While the tools listed herein will not be necessary for every electrical project, the time will come when they prove crucial. For this reason, it is a good idea to invest in these tools and keep them around.

About the Author

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

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