How to Compile an Electrician's Tool Belt

Electrician Tool Belt

If you like doing your own handy work around the house, then you probably already know that having the right tools for the job makes a world of difference. Using the right tools not only makes the job infinitely easier, but they also make it a lot safer as well. And this is no more evident than when working on your electric. In order to work safely, efficiently and effectively-one should compile an electrician's tool belt-specifically for this area of work. Here are some ideas.

Instructions

1. Purchase the tool belt itself. They can be found online, at your local flea market or at your nearby home improvement store. Tool belts come in a wide range of sizes and types, so be sure to check out all of your options before settling on one.

2. 

   Make sure you have a voltage tester. As far as tools go, no other tool is as important to an electrician as a voltage tester. I always recommend having two types: a digital multimeter and the no-touch type of voltage tester that you hold up to a wire to identify a live line. These two are indispensable, and the only way to ensure that the line you're working on isn't live.

3. 

   Get a range of screwdrivers, including both pan and Phillips head. I always carry an insulated one for working inside electric panels, a multi-tip magnetized screwdriver and an angled screwdriver for really tight spots.

4. 

   Include a stripping wire. If you're working on your electric, you will have to be stripping wire at some point, therefore, a good pair is a must. Similar cutting tools that you can include, but aren't essential are:
   Romex stripper
   Greenlee metallic cable cutter
   Plain old pocket knife
   Multi-purpose tool

5. 

   Have the right pliers for the job; by doing so you can save yourself plenty of time and carpal tunnel pain. I never head to a job site without my lineman's pliers (also called side-cutting pliers), needle nose pliers and diagonal cutting pliers. It never hurts to throw a pair of pump pliers in the mix too.

6. Throw in some miscellaneous tools of no less importance, including:
   Electrical tape
   Measuring tape
   Pencil
   Adjustable wrench
   Nut driver set
   Hammer
   Flashlight
   Hex-key wrench

7. Keep your tools organized, clean and stored in a dry area (to prevent rust) at all times-and they'll always be ready for you when you need them.

Tips & Warnings

• There are hundreds of other tools available that can make an electrician's life easier, but the above comprise the core set of tools that can be found in every electrician's tool belt.

• If you have older tools where the handle insulation is broken or cracked, do not use them on electrical jobs. Replace the tool or purchase replacement insulation for the handles.

• Don't try to compile an electrician's tool belt by purchasing tools from a discount store. Electrician tools should be of the highest grade you can afford.