Workers rely on tools for accuracy, resiliency, craftsmanship, comfort, and safety. This includes electricians who keep our homes illuminated, connected, and energy efficient. Below, we review the must-have electrical maintenance tools for the modern electrician's tool belt.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

Basic electrical maintenance tools

Essential electrician tools

Electrician tools for staying safe

High-tech electrician tools

Advantages of Electrical Contractor Software


Basic Electrical Maintenance Tools:

1. Pliers

Pliers—often referred to as cutting pliers or lineman pliers—are a staple on any electrical tools list. They are mainly used for cutting wire, or gripping, twisting, bending or straightening wires. Any prepared electrician stocks an array of pliers in their tool box or truck, including needle nose pliers, side-cutting pliers, and reaming pliers for tightening locknuts, fittings and caps.


2. Screwdrivers

Electricians use a variety of screwdrivers, another toolbox necessity, for loosening and fastening various pieces of hardware. Many professionals now carry versatile and adaptable screwdrivers with interchangeable bits, so they're never stuck without the proper electrical maintenance tool. 


3. Electrical Contractor Software

The days of hauling a clipboard around and burdening homeowners with crinkled, scribbled-on estimates and invoices are over. With a comprehensive, cloud-based residential and commercial services software solution, electricians arrive armed with the right digital tools to make customer service, estimates, sales, and invoicing simple and easy.


4. Tape Measure

When working with wiring, it's essential to know exact measurements when cutting and stripping. A simple retractable tape measure does the trick, but available models with magnetic tips, multi-step locks, and other features make this process easier.


5. Electrical Tape

Made from plastic, vinyl, or fiberglass cloth, this adhesive material is pressure sensitive and essential for insulating wires or other materials that conduct electricity. Electrical tape prevents the electrical current from accidentally passing to other wires, and possible electrocution when touching live wires.


6. Cable Ties

Also known as zip ties, these inexpensive fasteners are great at binding electrical cables or wires together. Keep your electrical space neat and organized with cable ties.


7. Electric Drill

Electricians regularly install new lighting fixtures or need to disassemble installed hardware to access wiring and other electrical components. A handheld electric drill with various bits helps expedite these tasks—and allows professionals to affix specialty bits (like the reaming bit, see below) for industry-specific purposes.


8. Level

When installing light fixtures, finding precise points for placement is key. An electrical tools list isn’t complete without a standard level, as it helps electricians ensure fixtures, screws, and other installations are placed exactly where they need to be.


9. Wire/Cable Lugs

Similar to the features used on jumper cables and car batteries, wire and cable lugs connect wires to appliances, cables, and other devices in need of power.


10. Coax Connector

Coax connectors link cables to devices, while simultaneously protecting the cable from shredding. Multiple connectors exist, and keeping a variety on hand ensures you always meet your customers’ needs.