What electrician tools should I get ?

[Jberger93]

I'm working with my father in law doing electrical work . I'm doing this for a little while for the experience. After this I plan on trying to join an apprenticeship. I know from working with him already I need a good set of linesman pliers , strippers, a couple screwdrivers, and need nose pliers . I'm inclined to stick with klein tools unless there are better tools. There are multiple types of klein lineman pliers and strippers. Which ones should I get ? Is there a complete kit that I can buy to save a little money overall?

 

[snickers muncher]

I really like these strippers from Ideal for Romex.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Reflex-Super-T-Stripper-12-2-14-2-NM-Cable-45-621/203761579

These Klein pliers are kind of an all in one, but will not perform as well as individual tools. The tips definitely aren't narrow though.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Klein-Kurve-Heavy-Duty-Wire-Stripper-K12054/305022369

 

[cdeer001]

I'm working with my father in law doing electrical work . I'm doing this for a little while for the experience. After this I plan on trying to join an apprenticeship. I know from working with him already I need a good set of linesman pliers , strippers, a couple screwdrivers, and need nose pliers . I'm inclined to stick with klein tools unless there are better tools. There are multiple types of klein lineman pliers and strippers. Which ones should I get ? Is there a complete kit that I can buy to save a little money overall?

Go to the source: https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/tool-kits

 

[LeeG]

I have a full set of Klein tools from my electrician days, but for wire strippers these days I really like this one from Milwaukee.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-7-in-Wire-Strippers-48-22-6109/206865419

My Klein linemans, diagonal cutting (dykes), and needle nose all have replacement grips (first thing I did was to remove the original grip and put these on).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Replacement-Handles-for-8-in-to-9-in-Pliers-89/100352100

Make sure you have some #1 and #2 square tip screwdrivers.

 

[engineer2]

In addition to above:
Electricians screwdrivers with insulated shafts.
A good tape measure
Magic markers
An outlet checker (the one with 3 lights)
A 1/4 Hex impact driver with an assortment of bits
A Fluke T5 multimeter is nice to have for diagnosis, but for new construction it's not essential.
A good electricians bag like a Klein 1680-5, an electrician's backpack or a Klein canvas bag, your preference. Get one that will sit on the floor without tipping over
Insulated Allen wrenches for main lugs.
Conduit benders, 1/2 and 3/4 if you run conduit, Romex tools if not.
A hacksaw or a cordless jigsaw.
A hammer. Around here they use roofing nails to set metal J boxes.
A fishtape.
Cordless drill and hole saw assortment.
There is more, others will chime in.

 

[unslow1]

You won't know what you prefer until you work with several types/brands. Personally I never cared for Klein tools myself. Generally I preferred Channellock and Ideal. Knipex is also another major brand.

I worked as an electrician for two years and the company didn't allow any non-company tools at all. I didn't mind because the owner always kept multiples of everything on the truck.

 

[Taco Truck]

I'd just contact the organization you plan to do your apprenticeship through and ask for a tool list if they have one. If it's union there will very likely be a tool list. If it's nonunion they may not. Go from there. Work on getting everything on that list.

Klein is well regarded in the electrical trade, but they're a little overrated in my opinion. I have plenty of Klein stuff, but it requires taking a close look when I'm buying it to make sure it's in good shape because their quality control is lacking these days. I think they make terrible benders, rotosplits, and Channellocks. Other brands to look into are Ideal (who makes the best strippers in my opinion), Greenlee very selectively, Southwire very selectively, Wiha, Felo, Wera (though I'm not a fan), Knipex, and Milwaukee. Things like levels and drywall saws are usually rebranded for Klien so don't pay the premium for them. Eklind and Bondhus make great allen wrenches.

To start you should get:
-Nine inch linesman pliers
-Two sets of Channellocks at about ten inches (I caution against Klein here unless they're the NWS made version)
-A pair of eight inch dikes
-Seven inch needle nose pliers
-Strippers (consider a pair of stripper needle nose combos. Klein and Milwaukee both make a pair)
-A drywall saw (Don't spend a lot of money here)
-A plug tester
-A hot stick
-A six or nine inch torpedo level with rare earth magnets
-An 8"adjustable wrench (I'm a big fan of the Protos though Bahco is well regarded too. Also, consider a pair of Knipex pliers wrenches)
-A set of allen keys up to 3/8" though 1/2" is even better
-A multibit screwdriver (Klein is the gold standard here)
-A large flathead beater screwdriver (Don't spend a lot of money. A Husky will work just fine)
-A stubby multi bit screwdriver (I really like my Wiha)
-A set of SAE nut drivers (get the one that have a hollow shaft all the way through. Klein, Greenlee, Lenox, Xcellite, and I think Milwaukee)
-A 25' tape measure (I'm a **** for the Fat Max)
-A utility knife (The folding and retracting Dewalt is my favorite)
-A claw hammer with a soft face. Waffle faces increase the chances of ******* up Romex. Don't spend a lot of money.
-A set of crimpers unless your strippers or linesman pliers have them (though I still prefer a dedicated pair)
-Sharpie, pen, pencil, and notepad! Have these on you always. Take notes!
-A bag for all of it
-Good boots

Eventually consider getting:
-A set of ratcheting wrenches in SAE
-An SAE socket set with ratchet, sockets, extensions, universal joint, and allens
-A full screwdriver set
-Drill, driver, sawzall unless you're planning on going the union route
-Hacksaw if you can't afford a sawzall
-A good multimeter
-Screw holding screwdrivers
-Rotosplit if you'll be using MC.

Personally I think that you shouldn't need to provide benders, fishtapes, or consumables especially since you're essentially working as a pre-apprentice.

 

[engineer2]

If you join the IBEW, they can set you up with training classes. Might be at their office or at the local technical college. I believe the first step is getting your 'R card' (residential electrician). As an apprentice you have to work your *** off or you get sent back to the union hall. That includes multiple trips of huffing bundles of conduit up 10 flights of stairs in a new building.

 

[measuredtwice]

Zoro.com has a 20% off Klein coupon that expires at the end of today. Code: "Klein20"

Fleetfarm.com has a $10 gift card with $50 Klein tools purchase.

Check Home Depot, Amazon and Ebay for deals on Klein and Knipex. Also check the deals section of this forum and deal websites like Slickdeals.

 

[LOW1]

This may be more than you want to buy at once but would probably get you a long way towards where you want to go. https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/journeyman-tool-kits/tool-kit-41-piece

Buy two good flashlites or one flashlite and a headlite. (You will drop one down a wall cavity)

And a good cordless drill and perhaps a cordless right angle drill.

 

[Ainsley]

What kind of work will you be doing? Residential? Commercial? Industrial? and if industrial will you be running power wiring and conduit or controls style stuff? I'm sure if you get into it you'll eventually have a full set of tools that will cover all the bases but if you can narrow down the type of work you can buy fewer but higher end tools with your budget... buy once, cry once.
I have a bag full of klein tools that a barely use anymore because I prefer knipex pliers and wiha, wera, or PB Swiss screwdrivers. Same thing with the bags themselves, started with a Kuny/CLC but burned through one a year so now I have a Veto.

 

[Dave455]

If you’re doing electrical installation work, you will probably be using “general” tools as much as specific electrical ones.

Get some basic woodworking tools, tape, square, saw etc, and some good general purpose screwdrivers. Some makers offer specific hammers for the electrical trades (I’ve shown a couple below - the Vaughan looks really nice) but any lighter weight hammer (12 to 16 oz) works great as you are mostly using it on cable clips. A rip claw is great for removing old cable though.

For the electrical side, get some decent slotted screwdrivers with parallel tips for terminals. I have no idea why you would need insulated drivers unless you are working on live circuits, that’s not safe where I am (240V) and I doubt it’s encouraged in the 110V world!

The pliers you suggested sound great. Lineman’s pliers or combination pliers are probably most used, some fine nose too, but also get some decent wire cutters for single cores (not too big) and some proper cable cutters. If you can get strippers matched to the cable you use, that’s nice!

Knipex offer a very nice pair of “electrical installation pliers” (shown) that offer cable cutters, strippers and pliers all in one. I’m wary of such gimmicks, but if you are crawling around a roof space I can see the advantage.

Finally, some screws you use are not the best quality, and can damage plated screwdriver tips. Of late I’ve been using Wera drivers with stainless steel blades and they are great for this!

 

[engineer2]

I have no idea why you would need insulated drivers unless you are working on live circuits,

Not a necessity, but added insurance. If you are adding new circuit breakers and the associated neutral wires, it's usually in a live panel. Of course, you would turn the new breaker off and then pop it into place. If your screwdriver slips or you drop it, bad things can happen. In USA residential incoming is 240VAC, but is split into two 120 legs. Still can get you, but not as deadly as 240.

 

[Taco Truck]

Not a necessity, but added insurance. If you are adding new circuit breakers and the associated neutral wires, it's usually in a live panel. Of course, you would turn the new breaker off and then pop it into place. If your screwdriver slips or you drop it, bad things can happen. In USA residential incoming is 240VAC, but is split into two 120 legs. Still can get you, but not as deadly as 240.

No apprentice, let alone someone who hasn't even started an apprenticeship, should be working in live panels.

 

[nadogail]

Quoted "I have no idea why you would need insulated drivers unless you are working on live circuits,"

Not a necessity, but added insurance. If you are adding new circuit breakers and the associated neutral wires, it's usually in a live panel. Of course, you would turn the new breaker off and then pop it into place. If your screwdriver slips or you drop it, bad things can happen. In USA residential incoming is 240VAC, but is split into two 120 legs. Still can get you, but not as deadly as 240.

A non contact voltage tester, so you can avoid finding a hot circuit by accident. 120 Bites, 277 Kicks, and 480 can send you to the grave.

Your prospective employer should be able to give you a list of tools required for the job.

 

[Dave455]

Not a necessity, but added insurance. If you are adding new circuit breakers and the associated neutral wires, it's usually in a live panel. Of course, you would turn the new breaker off and then pop it into place. If your screwdriver slips or you drop it, bad things can happen. In USA residential incoming is 240VAC, but is split into two 120 legs. Still can get you, but not as deadly as 240.

I see!

Anything that isn’t totally isolated is “verboten” here, unless you are working “live line” which is only really something for power suppliers, and comes with very specific tools.

I guess that comes from a long history of being 240V

Our incoming is generally 415V, 3 Phase, but only one 240V “phase” is picked off for a domestic dwelling.

If you’re a bit of a dude of course, you have 3 phase!

 

[BiggityBen]

Klein is great but don't write off both Ideal and Milwaukee's electrician's hand tools either. Eklind and Bondhus for allen's can't be beat, even Snap on and Mac rebrand them.

i have Klein, Ideal, SK, and Milwaukee wire strippers, but my all time favorite, easiest cleanest stripping, is actually my Channellock. They also make my favorite dykes, though they're not as strong and will get damaged if you're cutting a nail in a wall. Everything else i'd stick with Klein, Ideal, or Milwaukee though.

Milwaukee also has a little stick light that is USB charged, that thing is fantastic, bright and long lasting battery and has a magnetic end. great for tight spots.

 

[jeffmoss26]

if it ain't Klein, it ain't mine!

 

[jgromada]

Never a bad idea to have insulated screwdrivers as a precaution.

 

[dscheidt]

Never a bad idea to have insulated screwdrivers as a precaution.

They will get damaged, cease to be actually insulated tools, and you'll cause an arc flash when you actually work hot.

 

[ecotec]

I'm working with my father in law doing electrical work . I'm doing this for a little while for the experience. After this I plan on trying to join an apprenticeship. I know from working with him already I need a good set of linesman pliers , strippers, a couple screwdrivers, and need nose pliers . I'm inclined to stick with klein tools unless there are better tools. There are multiple types of klein lineman pliers and strippers. Which ones should I get ? Is there a complete kit that I can buy to save a little money overall?

Apply for the IBEW apprenticeship now. It is a competitive process, and it takes a while. You will probably have to take a test. If you really want to be an electrician, the IBEW is the best way to go. You will end up with better pay, better insurance, better benefits (401k, annuity, pension), the jobs are safer...

There are starter kits, but the pliers are the lowest level. The best Klein linesman and diagonal pliers are the D-2000 ones. They are designed to cut thicker/hardened metal, so they are easier on your hands long term. The extra cost is well worth it.

 

[mc4life27]

I really like these strippers from Ideal for Romex.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Reflex-Super-T-Stripper-12-2-14-2-NM-Cable-45-621/203761579

These Klein pliers are kind of an all in one, but will not perform as well as individual tools. The tips definitely aren't narrow though.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Klein-Kurve-Heavy-Duty-Wire-Stripper-K12054/305022369

Not sure if they will work with the reflex strippers but check out this v cutter for the remix jacket when you are working with other then 12/2 or 14/2

https://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/RT/V-Cutter.htm



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[Being]

I'm working with my father in law doing electrical work . I'm doing this for a little while for the experience. After this I plan on trying to join an apprenticeship. I know from working with him already I need a good set of linesman pliers , strippers, a couple screwdrivers, and need nose pliers . I'm inclined to stick with klein tools unless there are better tools. There are multiple types of klein lineman pliers and strippers. Which ones should I get ? Is there a complete kit that I can buy to save a little money overall?

Did you buy tools yet? If not I'll help you out.

 

[JradM]

Don't over-buy unless you've got lots of budget. Better to buy what you need now, in good quality, than to buy a ton of stuff you might not use or might find isn't quite what you like.

In response to your post - yes, Klien does sell kits where you can save some money. There's an "apprentice" kit that's very good value- probably find it on Amazon or Home Depot.

Klien is good quality - but I don't consider them class leading. I think they are about the same as Channellock (but usually more money). However, at least around here, if you show up to a job with anything but Klein tools, the other kids will make fun of you.

For specific tools, your needs may vary depending on the work you do. You'll need the basics though: linesman, needlenose, side cutters, Phillips #2, a medium size flat blade, strippers, a tool belt or bag.

I wouldn't be in a rush to add a whole slew of dedicated screwdrivers to my tool belt. It's often better to use power tools whenever possible to speed things up - so you might find yourself only needing a couple of manual drivers in everyday use. The Klien 11-in-1 is pretty good if you need to cover more sizes.

The multi-use pliers/strippers can be very handy too. Saves you pulling tools in and out of your belt. The Milwaukee 6-in-1 combination strippers are excellent. They have a needlenose tip. The Knipex electrical installation pliers are even better (but roughly twice as expensive) but they have wider tips.

Klien makes a couple versions of combination pliers like that too - I don't really like any of them.

 

[Being]

Did you buy tools yet? If not I'll help you out.

 

[JradM]

Interesting mods. I don't like those hybrids at all though - they don't strip worth a darn. Knipex electrical installation pliers FTW.

 

[Being]

I spent a lot of years acquiring some of the best tools and have reasons why for all of them. Like dewalt is better than milwaukee for electrical.

The linesman I like best is a klien, it's the only klien with an un-insulated crimp. I went from construction type work to maintenance hence the hybrid. Striper works well, from both sides, I've never had an issue.

 

[Being]

Don't over-buy unless you've got lots of budget. Better to buy what you need now, in good quality, than to buy a ton of stuff you might not use or might find isn't quite what you like.

In response to your post - yes, Klien does sell kits where you can save some money. There's an "apprentice" kit that's very good value- probably find it on Amazon or Home Depot.

Klien is good quality - but I don't consider them class leading. I think they are about the same as Channellock (but usually more money). However, at least around here, if you show up to a job with anything but Klein tools, the other kids will make fun of you.

For specific tools, your needs may vary depending on the work you do. You'll need the basics though: linesman, needlenose, side cutters, Phillips #2, a medium size flat blade, strippers, a tool belt or bag.

I wouldn't be in a rush to add a whole slew of dedicated screwdrivers to my tool belt. It's often better to use power tools whenever possible to speed things up - so you might find yourself only needing a couple of manual drivers in everyday use. The Klien 11-in-1 is pretty good if you need to cover more sizes.

The multi-use pliers/strippers can be very handy too. Saves you pulling tools in and out of your belt. The Milwaukee 6-in-1 combination strippers are excellent. They have a needlenose tip. The Knipex electrical installation pliers are even better (but roughly twice as expensive) but they have wider tips.

Klien makes a couple versions of combination pliers like that too - I don't really like any of them.

 

[Being]

Not sure if they will work with the reflex strippers but check out this v cutter for the remix jacket when you are working with other then 12/2 or 14/2

https://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/RT/V-Cutter.htm



Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

I'm old school when it comes to NM.

 

[Being]

They will get damaged, cease to be actually insulated tools, and you'll cause an arc flash when you actually work hot.

Correct, unless that's what you do all day.. I carry an insulated driver 1/4" rated 10kv.

 

[Being]

I have a full set of Klein tools from my electrician days, but for wire strippers these days I really like this one from Milwaukee.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-7-in-Wire-Strippers-48-22-6109/206865419

My Klein linemans, diagonal cutting (dykes), and needle nose all have replacement grips (first thing I did was to remove the original grip and put these on).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Replacement-Handles-for-8-in-to-9-in-Pliers-89/100352100

Make sure you have some #1 and #2 square tip screwdrivers.

Why replace grips, just buy the journeyman series.

 

[JradM]

I spent a lot of years acquiring some of the best tools and have reasons why for all of them. Like dewalt is better than milwaukee for electrical.

The linesman I like best is a klien, it's the only klien with an un-insulated crimp. I went from construction type work to maintenance hence the hybrid. Striper works well, from both sides, I've never had an issue.

Maybe I got a dud. The Knipex I have blows the Klein hybrid out of the water. I really thought the Klien was going to be great, but went with the Knipex because I was so disappointed.

 

[LeeG]

Why replace grips, just buy the journeyman series.

Good idea now, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't an option in 1985. I hadn't followed all of their new releases - been out of the trade a while.

 

[Being]

Maybe I got a dud. The Knipex I have blows the Klein hybrid out of the water. I really thought the Klien was going to be great, but went with the Knipex because I was so disappointed.

Knipex are phenomenal but be careful. I recently grabbed tool steel with mine and dulled the teeth. My files won't touch um either, gonna have to get some decent dimond files.

 

[klassenl]

My everyday stuff

Linesman pliers
#6 and #8 Robertson
Small flat screwdriver
Medium flat screwdriver
Large flat screwdriver
Olfa knife
Wire strippers. Just wire strippers not NM strippers
Flashlight
Drywall saw
Hammer
A good Philips screwdriver
1/4 nut driver
1 inch wood chisel
A good cordless drill
And all of this in a good tool pouch/belt

I have a simple Volt meter that I carry with me but as a starter you shouldn't need a tester.

I don't carry a non contact voltage checker, we call them "death sticks". But as a beginner you may want one after a few months.

 

[JradM]

My everyday stuff

Linesman pliers
#6 and #8 Robertson

A #8 Robertson?

I imagine that looks something like this:

 

[dscheidt]

A #8 Robertson?

I imagine that looks something like this:

Canadians seem to refer to screwdrivers by the size screw they fit, not the tip size. A #6 is a #1, and a #8 is a #2.

 

[JradM]

Canadians seem to refer to screwdrivers by the size screw they fit, not the tip size. A #6 is a #1, and a #8 is a #2.

Ha! Just a jest.

Not this Canadian though. I've never heard of that.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

I worked as an industrial jw electrician for some years. At the beginning I had all klein everything like the journeyman before me had. By the end of my stint as an electrician the only klein tool left was my linemans pliers. Everything else was such a mix match. I actually like the ideal T strippers better than pretty much anything else. Screwdrivers ended up being snapon, but I got a great deal on them and found I like the grips better than my kleins, there are cheaper options out there. Meter is always a fluke for anything important, and a wiggy for general power checks. I wouldn't definitely say don't get kitted out in all klein gear like everyone used too. The quality isn't there as it once was.

 

[Terry D]

Klein are very good screwdrivers, but the last thing you want to do is beat on the end of a brand new driver. If you already have a old large screwdriver, throw that in your bag for a beater. If not, then go but a cheap one. You will always need a beater for lock nuts and persuading stuff. And you will also find yourself using a set of Kleins to beat on the end of it instead of a hammer