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Electrical Wire and Cable


Using the Right Tools for the Job


What kind of Tools do Electricians Use? My Hands-On Experience Using Hand Tools.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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My Hands-On Experience Using Hand Tools

[ad#block] Electrical Question: What kind of Tools do Electricians Use?

Electrician Tools

For over thirty years I have used hand tools during my profession, as an electrician and electrical contractor, working in all aspects of industrial, commercial and residential building construction with the primary focus of installing electrical systems and equipment of all types and sizes. During this time I have found that using the right tool for the job is essential for getting the job done right, in a timely manner, and performing the job safely. If you are not using the right tools then you are just making it harder on yourself and the installation may be second rate rather than first class.

The Evolution of Quality Hand Tools

In my opinion, tools in general have evolved to become higher in quality and more effective due to manufacturers listening to end user feedback and suggestions. This has brought about great advances in many tools, and has also brought about new upstart companies who produce new products into the marketplace and working class trades people.

Multiple Hand Tools for Specific Projects

Any electrician working in the wide range of installations within our trade will tell you that it is best to have more than one sets of tools depending on the task at hand. In fact, it is best to have two or more fully stocked tool pouches complete with the tools necessary for the specific task. For example, when rough wiring a new home, or remodeling an existing home you will be using a specific set of tools for installing and securing new electrical cable, mounting device boxes and installing the electrical service panel. However when installing low voltage cable for telephone, internet, data, and alarm systems you will be using a different set of tools that are designed for smaller gauge wire, including cable shears, crimping tools, and cable strapping.

More about Electrical Tools

Electrical Hand Tools
Electrician describes the Electrical Tools that are commonly used on most Electrical Jobs and Wiring Projects.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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