How to Outfit a Basic Electrician's Toolbox

Outfit your toolbox for any electrical job with these recommendations.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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
• Drill Bits
• Duct Tape
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Strippers
• Wire cutters

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Save time: Keep a calculator and small notepad in your toolbox.

4. Make sure you always have a utility knife and extra blades. These too are essential for any electrical work.

5. 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.

6. Look for a good level and a 12-inch square.

7. Find a good tape measure with a lock on it.

8. Outfit yourself with a tool belt for portability on ladders.

9. Pick up a set of nut drivers, which will make installing boxes much easier.

10. Include a crescent wrench or two on your shopping list.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Put some wire nuts and tie wraps in your toolbox, along with an extension cord rated for outdoor use.

14. Don't forget to buy a fish tape for fishing wires through walls and pipes.

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.

on 9/11/2006 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.

on 11/22/2005 Another useful tool is a flashlight. Once you have shut off the power to do your work safe, you may be working in the dark.

on 11/22/2005 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.