Must Have Tools for Electricians

When your job involves taming live wires and making sense of electrical spaghetti behind every wall, you can’t show up with a dollar-store screwdriver and hope for the best.

Whether you’re rewiring a vintage Denver bungalow or installing a Tesla EV charger in a modern garage, you need the right gear for the job—and that starts with your tools.

This guide covers the must-have tools for electricians, the best brands, and yes—even the tool bags for electricians that’ll keep your gear organized, your day running smoothly, and your sanity intact.

What Tools Do Electricians Use?

Electricians work in a world where precision and safety are everything. From installing outlets and panels to troubleshooting circuits, here are the essential categories of tools electricians use every day.

🛠️ Basic Hand Tools

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.

✅ 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 the Brands Pros Trust)

Sure, you could buy tools from a big box store’s bargain bin—but if you want them to last longer than a bag of chips, go for quality. Here’s a breakdown of what are the best hand tool brands for electricians:

🏆 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?

Tool bags are like cars—everyone has their favorite, and nobody agrees. But here’s what matters:

• Durability – Reinforced bottoms, strong stitching, and weather resistance.
• Storage – Vertical pockets are best for easy access.
• Comfort – Especially if you’re lugging it across a job site or up a ladder.

🔧 Tool Bags Electricians Actually Love

• 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 Tools Worth the Splurge

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 (Printable)

Here’s a quick checklist you can screenshot, print, or tattoo on your arm (we won’t judge):

Essential Hand Tools

• Lineman’s Pliers
• Needle-Nose Pliers
• Wire Strippers
• Insulated Screwdrivers
• Utility Knife
• Tape Measure
• Torpedo Level

Electrical Testers

• Multimeter
• Voltage Tester (Non-contact)
• Clamp Meter

Power Tools

• Cordless Drill
• Oscillating Tool
• Reciprocating Saw

Safety Equipment

• Insulated Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Hard Hat
• Work Boots

Storage

• Tool Bag / Backpack
• Tool Belt
• Small Parts Organizer

Final Thoughts: Tools Are the Foundation of a Job Well Done

Electricians don’t just work with electricity, we work with precision, patience, and pride. And the right tools are an extension of that craft.

Whether you’re outfitting your first bag or upgrading to top-shelf gear, invest wisely, organize smartly, and treat your tools well. They’ll return the favor every time.

If you’re in Colorado and want help from a licensed, highly equipped team, contact The Electricians today. We’ve got the tools, the experience, and the lightning-fast service to get your project done right.