Like most other projects around the house, electrical work cannot be accomplished without the right tools. And, it is not only the professional electricians who should know how to use them or have them. Basic electrical tools are widely available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers as well as electrical supply stores. It is essential that you have at least the basic tools on hand for minor repairs or home electrical maintenance jobs that will require the use of these electrical tools.

Today’s electricians must be more versatile than ever to tackle a variety of jobs with ease and efficiency. Professional electricians need an arsenal of hand and electrical tools to help them work smarter and safer. But, we can narrow down the list to the fundamental and handy ones which every homeowner can easily use and familiarize. Here is a list of the most common tools used by electricians:

• Circuit Tester

This is an inexpensive and easy to use device used by electricians for a quick safety test for the presence of electricity. It is plugged into an electrical outlet and tells whether or not the circuit is live or is adequately grounded.

• Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are used to unscrew or tighten screws and are important for removing and installing receptacles, switches, cover plates, and many other devices. It is best to have a few different lengths and tip sizes that adapt to many uses.

• Wire Strippers

Home electrical wires come with plastic or rubber insulations that have to be removed when you splice or connect them to other devices. This is where wire strippers can come in handy. They are used to cut and strip this insulation from the wire. They come with a variety of holes to cater to varying standard sizes of electrical wires and also include cutting teeth used for trimming the ends of the wire.

• Lineman’s Pliers

They are considered as must have and the do-it-all pliers by the electricians. They are used for cutting wires, twisting wires together, and gripping wires to pull them. They are excellent for a variety of uses and are designed particularly for working with electrical wires and cables.

• Long-Nose Pliers

Long-nose pliers are used for bending small loops at wire ends and for cutting electrical wires off. They are characterized by an elongated nose for more precision and contain a cutting edge near its base. This electrical tool is useful to cut, bend, and grip wires at places where standard tools or fingers cannot reach.

• Tape Measure

This is a widely-used tool for all kinds of field measurements, including measuring the correct heights and lengths of electrical outlets and switches. They are also used for getting lighting fixtures in the right position and for marking surfaces for cutouts.

Quality Tools Is Equal to Quality Work

Electrical works pose serious hazards and you need to have not just the right electrical tools, but the high-quality ones too. High-quality electrical tools can help make electrical jobs easier and more efficient. They are also typically insulated and provide you extra protection against shock hazards.