Electrician Tools Question?
What tools should all electricians have with them at all times? I’m pretty sure I have all the tools I just need to know so when I start my new job I don’t make myself look unprepared and unexperinced.
How about you get off my fourms? Actully I just graduated and I bought all these tools that I knew that I would need and so far from what he has listed I have them ALL and then about another 30. I am not inexperinced I am new to the feild. I bet you are a wanna-be contractor who thinks they are an expert contractor when in actuality you are a self proclaimed pro when everyone else thinks your work is half azz and $hit.
Candyman, please get a life. Call me in a year and I bet you 1 pay check will be more than 1 months of your hvac pay. Thank you, goodbye.
Thank you all for your help! Looks like I do have all the tools that I need. Apprciate your time.
wire strippers side cutters, screwdrivers, channel locks, hack saw and definitely a voltage meter, I also recomend a non-contact voltage sensor. Remember when cutting wires to cut ONE at a time!
if you have to ask then you are inexperienced. Admit it right away and save yourself the embarrassment, because it will show anyway. Then just learn from there.
Are you starting as a green apprentice? Ask your union app coordinator, they should have a list in your union contract that specifies the minimum tools you need to begin with. Some companies supply you with the tools you will need, some do not.
In a construction company you may supply your own basic tools
screwdrivers, slot and phillips, tape measure, knife, hammer, tool box, 8″ crecent wrench, 2 pair of channel lock pliers, also a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and steel toe work boots, and a flashlight.
Don’t try to have all of this with you the first day, since you are just starting the company will expect you to have the work boots, the gloves, flashlight and tape measure, and the hammer.
As an apprentice you will start by helping an experienced journeyman who should be able to guide you with your decisions about what tools you need first.
Stay away from all circuits until your JW proves to you it is dead.
If you are enrolled in a state approved apprenticeship program, the program director should have a tool list for you and also a safety brochure. Read them close, it’s your life and your partners that are on the line.
This is a rewarding and many times an enjoyable career, with many good benfits to you.
I retired from the trade 3 years ago after 35 years in a IBEW local and another 10 years doing the work before I could get into the union. Welcome aboard.
Volt Ohm Meter, Amp meter, Needle nose pliers, Side Cutters, Wire Striper/crimper, Linesman pliers, Cresent wrench, Screw driver set, Allen wrench set, Channel lock pliers, Hacksaw, Ball peen hammer, Nut driver set and a 3/8″ socket set would make a good basic set of hand tools.
I often get called out to repairs in my nieces houses, and I make a list before I leave.
A electricians flat screwdriver.
A electricians Phillips screwdriver.
A hammer.
Cable strippers.
Electricians pliers.
Side cutters.
A hand torch.********
Insulating tape, red and blue.
Green/yellow earth sleeving.
A selection of insulated cable clips.
Some spare fuses.
A cordless drill is sometimes useful.
A multimeter and /or a mains tester screwdriver.
One or two nylon connecting blocks.
A small assortment of wood screws for fixing wall outlets etc.
And some cable depending on the job.
These should see you through most jobs…Don’t forget the torch. *******
Here a number of tool kits in graduated complexity. Take a browse through and compare with what you have. I find most things depend upon your mix of work and you are usually better off to start small and buy as you need rather than buying a bunch of stuff that never gets used.
Nobody is born knowing this stuff, so everyone has to learn it. Keep a good attitude to learn and be helpful and you’ll be fine.
When you start as an apprentice you won’t be doing electrical work right away. So what you need will change over time. Show up with a tool belt. And these tools: philips and straight slot screw drivers – medium size, pliers, needle nose pliers, wire stripper, side cutter, small crescent wrench, 12 foot tape measure, small flashlight such as a mag-light, hammer, roll of electrical tape. All that will fit on your belt or in the pouch. Add to the collection as you need to. You won’t need meters or amp clamps until later. Listen carefully, do everything you are told, smile when a journeyman plays a joke on you, have a good attitude, turn off the cell phone except break and lunch times, dress like a worker, not like a goth, ask intelligent questions and don’t argue about the answers, show up on time and keep busy.
Welcome to the trade and good luck. I started my apprenticeship 40 years ago this coming April. Feel free to email me any time.
pouch, lineman pliers, dykes, hammer, tape measuer, screw drivers, hack saw, needle nose pliers, cant hurt to have a cordless drill. good luck.
Everyone forgot the conduit benders…….
go to the eletrical supply, walk to the eletrician tools department make sure the right of your section, and then list all of the tools so you should have one of each for your future.
An old hat , and a good pocket knife.
+++Spock+++