Tools for Installing a Dimmer Switch

Video Transcript

"Now let's talk about tools. There are 3 basic tools that you will be using. The first is a slotted head screwdriver. If you look at the wall plate that you will be removing, the first screw that you encounter will be a slotted head screw. After this you will probably come across the Phillips head screw. The Phillps screw has a cross head to it and it won't slip out of the screw head easily. It is the preferred one to use. Some times the dimmer that you are installing will have both types of screwdrivers possible to use to remove the same screw. The third tool that you will need is a long nose pliers. Long nose pliers are very useful because they have several functions. The first one of course is to bend the wire in the proper shape for what you are doing. Another thing it will do for you if you place the wire directly down, is to straighten out a wire that is bent. Then it is also used to cut the wire; it has wire cutters built into it. Another item that you will need is a black plastic electricians tape. This will be used to insulate any area that could come in contact with a bare wire such as a ground wire. "