The Tools Electricians Use On the Job

Article updated on 4/23/2025 to include additional tools and an updated labor outlook.

Aspiring electricians, are you ready to take a closer look at the tools that will empower you in your future career? At Lincoln Tech, we believe in providing comprehensive training that prepares our students for real-world success in electrical and electronic systems. Let's explore most of the essential electrical tools that electricians use every day in the industry. These tools are must-haves and the backbone of an electrician's toolkit.

Top Electrician’s Tools

• 10-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut driver - This handy tool combines ten different screwdriver tips and a variety of nut driver sizes, offering versatility and efficiency for electricians. With the ability to handle various types of fasteners, the Klein 10-in-1 Screwdriver/Nut driver saves time and space in a professional electrician's tool pouch. From slotted to Phillips head screws, this tool has got you covered. This tool meets or exceeds applicable ANSI and MIL specifications¹.
• 9" High-Leverage Side-Cutting Pliers - When it comes to cutting and twisting wires, the Klein 9" High-Leverage Side-Cutting Pliers are a reliable choice. Designed with a high-leverage design and induction-hardened cutting blades, these pliers offer exceptional cutting power. Electricians rely on these pliers to effortlessly cut through various gauges of electrical wires, ensuring precise and efficient installations.
• Multimeter - In the world of electrical troubleshooting, a multimeter is an indispensable tool. The Multimeter provides electricians with the ability to measure voltage, current, and resistance accurately. With its intuitive interface, this tool allows electricians to quickly identify electrical issues, saving time and ensuring safety on the job.
• LED Flashlight - A reliable flashlight is an essential tool for any electrician. Whether you're inspecting a dark electrical panel or working in poorly lit areas, an LED flashlight will be your guiding light. LED flashlights are not only bright and long-lasting, but they are also energy-efficient, which means you can rely on them throughout your workday without worrying about battery life.
• Voltage Tester - An indispensable safety tool that allows electricians to verify the presence or absence of voltage in equipment before beginning any work. This tester helps prevent electric shock and ensures that circuits are safely de-energized before repair or installation.
• Wire Strippers - These play a critical role in preparing wires for connections. By cleanly removing insulation without damaging the wire, electricians can create junctions, essential for faultless circuits. Adjustable models cater to different wire gauges, enhancing versatility in various tasks.
• Fish Tape - Essential for routing wiring through walls, ceilings, conduits, or under floors. Fish tape proves invaluable in threading wires through inaccessible areas, making challenging installations possible without significant structural alterations.
• Tape Measure - Precision is vital in electrical work, and a tape measure is used for exact placements and distances, ensuring that installations are both functional and compliant with codes. Measurements dictate conduit runs, outlet spacing, and the positioning of fixtures, requiring accuracy to the smallest unit.
• Electric Drill - A power tool used to drill holes for anchors, conduit, or wiring. Equipped with various bits, it can work on different materials like wood, drywall, metal, or concrete, providing the versatility needed in electrical installations.
• Hammer - While it may seem basic, a hammer is essential for tasks such as securing boxes with nails or demolition during renovations. A claw hammer also aids in removing nails or prying materials apart when rerouting wires or altering installations.
• Level - Accurate level installation is not merely aesthetic but ensures devices operate correctly (for instance, ensuring that control panels and switches are properly aligned for user interaction), making levels critical for both functionality and visual appeal.
• Conduit Bender - Electricians use conduit benders to shape conduit, which protects wiring, to follow walls, contours, or avoid obstacles. Proper bending requires skill and precision, as it affects the installation's neatness and compliance with electrical codes.
• Utility Knife - A sharp blade is essential for cleanly stripping large cables or cutting sheaths, ensuring that wires are undamaged and ready for installation. This tool is a daily necessity for electricians for its versatility in cutting tasks.
• Label Maker - Properly labeling wires, circuits, and panels prevents confusion and hazards. A label maker enables clear, durable marking, aiding in maintenance and future modifications by quickly identifying circuits.
• Wire Crimpers - These are used for securing wire terminals or connectors, creating tight and safe electrical connections. The quality of a crimp can affect the integrity of the electrical connection, impacting the overall safety and functionality of the system.
• Safety Glasses - Protection from flying debris, sparks, or accidental splashes is critical. Safety glasses shield the eyes during cutting, drilling, or any process that might send particles airborne, preventing potentially severe injuries.
• Insulated Gloves - Handling live wires or components requires protection against electrical shock. High-quality insulated gloves provide a safety barrier, reducing the risk of electrocution. They're a must-have for any job involving potential electrical exposure.
• Circuit Finder - This sophisticated tool streamlines the process of identifying circuit breakers or fuses associated with specific outlets or fixtures, saving time during troubleshooting or when working on live panels to ensure the correct circuit is de-energized.
• Hex Keys (Allen Wrenches) - Many modern electrical components require hex keys for adjustments or securing. These keys fit into bolts or screws with hexagonal sockets, common in specialized electrical devices or assemblies.
• Cable Ties - For maintaining organization within panels or along runs, cable ties bundle wires together, reducing clutter and enhancing safety by keeping wires neatly out of the way, minimizing tripping hazards and preventing damage to the wiring.
• Electrical Tape - This versatile tape insulates electrical connections, protecting them from moisture and physical damage. Available in various colors, it also helps in coding phases, neutral, and ground wires for quick identification.
• Tool Belt - Efficiency and quick access to tools are crucial to the job. A tool belt organizes essential tools within arm’s reach, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity, especially when working in elevated positions or tight spaces.

Electrical Tools Help Enhance Your Skills

These tools provide just a glimpse into the vast array of equipment electricians utilize daily. Investing in quality tools will not only enhance your efficiency but will also contribute to your professional growth. Remember, being a successful electrician is not just about your skills and knowledge, but also about having the right tools to tackle any electrical challenge.

Understanding the importance of hands-on training and the tools you will use will lead you on the right path to succeed in any electrical and electronic systems program. A great comprehensive electrical program can equip you with industry knowledge and practical experience, empowering you to excel in their future career.

If you're ready to start your journey in the rewarding electrical industry, Lincoln Tech is here to support and guide you on your path to success. In fact, the field is projected to have more than 80,200 job openings each year across the country between 2023 and 2033² which is an exceptional 11% growth³. You can research average wages for electricians in your area at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics².

Unleash the power of electrician tools, shape your destiny, and illuminate the way to your electrifying future!

¹ Screwdrivers, Nut Drivers and Accessories Brochure. Page 2. https://data.kleintools.com/sites/all/product_assets/documents/brochures/klein/KleinTools_Drivers.pdf (visited March, 20 2025).

^{2, 3} National Center for O*NET Development. Georgia Employment Trends: 47-2111.00 - Electricians. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?g=Go