There are different types of tools, classified as mechanical, electrical, power tools, etc.
In this article, we will be discussing basic tools used by electricians.
- Pliers
Pliers are one of the most basic tools available for electricians, and they are essentially used for cutting, bending, and twisting wires. A pliers handle is usually insulated to protect the handler from electrical current. There are various pliers; you have to pick the best-suited one to meet your needs. Electricians use many types of pliers:
-
- The tongue and groove pliers, also known as straight-jaw pliers, can tighten cable clamps.
- Needle nose pliers are sometimes referred to as long-nose pliers and are used in bending and twisting wires. They can be used for trimming wires and are excellent in small spaces.
- Diagonal pliers are used to cut medium wires and bend soft metal.
- Side cutting pliers are used in cutting wires and trimming tiny nails.
- Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are essential tools to the electrician, and they carry them everywhere with them. They are made up of a shaft, bit, and handle. They are used in loosening and tightening screws, keying panels, and other electrical installments. An electrician needs to have them in various sizes. Screw drivers have insulated handles to protect from electric current. The screwdrivers used by an electrician are:
-
- Philips or cross-head screwdriver.
- Star screwdrivers are used with a screw head that has a six-point star shape.
- Flathead screwdrivers, the most common type of screwdriver, are used with screws with a straight indentation.
- The square-shaped screwdriver is used for screws with a square head, while
- Precision screwdrivers are used for devices with tiny screws.
- Drill
Drills are used to drill holes through which wires and cables can be passed when performing the wiring of a building. There are both manual and electric drills, though the latter is much more common. The electric drill has a speed option, which allows the user to determine the speed necessary depending on the project. There are various types of drills used by electricians:
-
- The hand drill, also known as wheel brace, has a faster setup time than the electric drill and is suitable for drilling a few holes.
- The right-angle drill allows for drilling in tight spaces.
- The drill press is proper when accuracy is the goal.
- The D-Handle drill is suitable for heavy-duty work.
- Testers
Testers are electrical tools used to measure current and voltage in electrical work. Testers can have singular or multiple functions. There are different types of testers used by electricians:
-
- Non-contact voltage testers, which allow you to check for the presence of voltage in wires without having to touch the cables.
- Neon voltage testers are used to determine the presence of voltage but not how much voltage is present.
- Multimeters are testers with multiple functions that can perform the work of other testers.