Must Have Tools for Electricians

When electrical work is done right, it looks simple. Behind the scenes, it requires precision, safety awareness, and the right equipment.

Whether you are a licensed professional or an apprentice building your first kit, having the must have tools for electricians is essential for doing quality work safely and efficiently.

At The Electricians, our Colorado licensed electricians rely on proven tools every day, from residential troubleshooting to EV charger installations and panel upgrades.

This guide covers the best tools for electricians, trusted brands, tool bags, and a complete electrician tool kit checklist.

What Are the Best Tools for Electricians?

The best tools for electricians are reliable, durable, and designed specifically for electrical work. These tools allow electricians to measure voltage accurately, work safely around live circuits, and complete installations efficiently without damaging wires or components.

In short, the best tools are the ones that improve safety, accuracy, and productivity on every job site.

What Tools Do Electricians Use?

Electricians use a combination of hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment. Each category serves a critical role in everyday electrical work.

Essential Hand Tools for Electricians

These are the non-negotiables—tools every electrician should have in their bag, belt, or back pocket:

• Pliers (Lineman, Needle-nose, Side-cutting) – Perfect for gripping, twisting, and cutting wires. Lineman’s pliers are your go-to for muscle work.
• Wire Strippers – These allow you to remove insulation cleanly without damaging the conductor.
• Screwdrivers (Insulated) – You’ll need both flathead and Phillips, preferably insulated to protect against shocks.
• Tape Measure – Because precise cuts and placements save time and headaches later.
• Utility Knife – For trimming insulation and opening packages (and lunch snacks).
• Level (Torpedo) – Especially important when mounting outlets and panels.

Power Tools for Efficiency

You don’t need them every day—but when you do, you’ll be glad you have them:

• Cordless Drill & Bit Set – For fastening, drilling through studs, and mounting junction boxes.
• Oscillating Multi-Tool – Helps with cutting drywall, trim, and tight spots.
• Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall) – Great for demolition or cutting conduit and wood.
• Rotary Hammer Drill – For heavy-duty tasks like drilling into concrete.

Electrical Testing and Safety Tools

Because nothing kills productivity like a trip to the ER:

• Non-Contact Voltage Tester – A fast, safe way to verify a line isn’t live.
• Multimeter – Measures voltage, resistance, and continuity.
• Insulated Gloves & Safety Glasses – Shock and debris protection = no-brainer.
• Hard Hat, Work Boots – Required for many job sites and helpful when working in crawl spaces or attics.

Top 10 Must Have Tools for Electricians

If you’re building a kit from scratch or replacing your “well-loved” tools (translation: busted), here’s a short list of must-have tools for electricians:

1. Multimeter – Your best friend for diagnostics.
2. Lineman’s Pliers – A real workhorse.
3. Wire Strippers with Crimper – Combo tools save space and money.
4. Non-Contact Voltage Tester – Trust, but verify.
5. Insulated Screwdriver Set – Safety first.
6. Utility Knife – Preferably one with replaceable blades.
7. Cordless Drill – Invest in one with solid torque.
8. Tape Measure – Don’t eyeball it. Ever.
9. Fish Tape – For pulling wire through conduit or tight walls.
10. Tool Bag or Backpack – More on this below…

Pro tip: If you’re not sure whether to buy or upgrade a tool, check our guide on how much electricians cost and think about your hourly rate. If a $60 tool saves you 30 minutes a day, it pays for itself fast.

Best Tools for Electricians and Brands Pros Trust

Professional electricians invest in quality tools that last. Based on industry experience and daily use, these brands are widely trusted.

Top Brands

• Klein Tools – Made for electricians, by electricians. You’ll see these everywhere on job sites.
• Milwaukee – Known for high-performance cordless power tools and PACKOUT storage systems.
• Greenlee – Excellent specialty tools like knockout punches and benders.
• Ideal Industries – Quality testers and precision wire tools.
• Wiha & Wera – Top picks for insulated hand tools and screwdrivers.

And hey, no judgment if your toolbox has a bit of everything—we’re all brand agnostic until someone borrows our Klein pliers and doesn’t return them.

What Is the Best Tool Bag for Electricians?

The best tool bag for electricians is one that protects tools, keeps them organized, and is comfortable to carry throughout the day.

• Durable materials with reinforced bottoms
• Vertical tool storage for easy access
• Comfortable straps or handles
• Weather resistance for outdoor work

Tool Bags Electricians Recommend

• Veto Pro Pac Tech Series – These are built like tanks with legendary organization.
• Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Backpack – Great for mobile techs and apprentices.
• Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular System – Stackable, wheeled, and rugged.
• CLC Custom LeatherCraft Tool Totes – Affordable and dependable for everyday use.

If you’re just getting started, a basic tool backpack might be enough. But once you’ve invested in high-end gear, protect it like it’s your favorite child (the one that pays the bills).

Specialty Electrician Tools Worth the Investment

As your skill set (and toolkit) grows, you’ll want to add:

• Clamp Meter – For measuring current without disconnecting wires.
• Conduit Bender – A must for commercial installations.
• Label Maker – Because future-you (and the next electrician) will thank you.
• Laser Distance Measurer – Game changer for rough-ins and larger projects.
• Headlamp or Magnetic Work Light – Because most electrical work is done in the dark… literally.

Electrician Tool Kit Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist you can screenshot or print:

Hand Tools

• Lineman’s pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Wire strippers
• Insulated screwdrivers
• Utility knife
• Tape measure
• Torpedo level

Testing Equipment

• Multimeter
• Non contact voltage tester
• Clamp meter

Power Tools

• Cordless drill
• Oscillating multi tool
• Reciprocating saw

Safety Equipment

• Insulated gloves
• Safety glasses
• Hard hat
• Work boots

Storage

• Electrician tool bag or backpack
• Tool belt
• Small parts organizer

Tools Are the Foundation of a Job Well Done

Electricians rely on skill, experience, and the right tools to deliver safe, code compliant electrical work. Investing in the proper electrician tools improves job quality, efficiency, and safety.

If you need electrical work completed by licensed Colorado professionals who arrive fully equipped for the job, contact The Electricians today. From troubleshooting to panel upgrades and EV charger installations, we bring the right tools and expertise to every project.