How to Outfit a Basic Electrician's Toolbox
Outfit your toolbox for any electrical job with these recommendations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Duct Tape
- Measuring Tapes
- Utility Knives
- Circuit Tester
- Crescent Wrenches
- Drill Bits
- Electrical Tapes
- Levels
- Needle-nose Pliers
- Nut Drivers
- Tool Belts
- Tool Chests
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Wire cutters
Instructions
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Think convenience. A set of screwdrivers is essential, but a power screwdriver will save time and effort. A sonic room measurer can make calculating room size a breeze.
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Get a good set of pliers. You'll need needle nose pliers to hold and bend wires, Linesman pliers for cutting and twisting, and a combination wire stripper/cutter. Diagonal cutters are also very handy.
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Save time: Keep a calculator and small notepad in your toolbox.
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Make sure you always have a utility knife and extra blades. These too are essential for any electrical work.
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Keep electrical tape (two colors) and duct tape on hand, as well as a pencil, a Sharpie marker, and a few colored pencils for marking wiring diagrams.
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Look for a good level and a 12-inch square.
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Find a good tape measure with a lock on it.
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Outfit yourself with a tool belt for portability on ladders.
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Pick up a set of nut drivers, which will make installing boxes much easier.
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Include a crescent wrench or two on your shopping list.
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Get a good circuit tester with a light on it. You don't want any surprises. You may also want to pick up an electrical code pocket reference.
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Be sure that your toolbox will accommodate a hacksaw, hammer, and power drill. You'll also need some spade bits for wood, a drill bit extension, and assorted regular bits as well as a keyhole saw for cutting sheet rock.
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Put some wire nuts and tie wraps in your toolbox, along with an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
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Don't forget to buy a fish tape for fishing wires through walls and pipes.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy tools as needed to save yourself from putting out a large amount of money up front for tools that may not be needed.
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Comments
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Play it safe, have a few condoms, there is always some lonely housewife at home!
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Don't forget a good set of Hex Keys.
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Sep 11, 2006
I keep a small LED headlamp (one that extends enough to fit my hardhat) hitched on my tool carrier. These are available at camping stores, the batteries last for 100+ hours because of the low draw of the LED's and they cast as wide, white light and leave your hands free. -
Sep 11, 2006
I keep a small LED headlamp (one that extends enough to fit my hardhat) hitched on my tool carrier. These are available at camping stores, the batteries last for 100+ hours because of the low draw of the LED's and they cast as wide, white light and leave your hands free.
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Nov 22, 2005
Uni-bit to increase hole sizes in panels/j-boxes, etc. Basic holesaw kit 1/2"-2". Pipe reamer/screwdriver combo. Cordless drill. Set of drill bits in various sizes. Hot stick (checks circuit to see if it's hot, visually & audibly). Channel locks, 2 pairs.
