Best Tools for Electrician
Electricians do not simply pick up any tool from the shed. The equipment they carry is purpose‑built for accuracy, control and, above all, safety around electricity. Whether you are an apprentice putting together your first bag or a homeowner trying to understand what your electrician needs to do the job, this guide breaks down every essential tool, how much you can expect to pay and how to maintain your investment for years of reliable work.
Why Electrician Tools Are Different
Standard DIY tools handle basic mechanical tasks. Electrician tools must also protect the user from electric shock while delivering precision on live or sensitive components. That means proper electrician tools feature several important qualities:
Insulated handles tested to 1000V
Durable, drop‑forged steel that will not snap under pressure
Precision‑machined jaws and tips for accurate wire work
Compliance marks such as VDE or GS38 so you know they meet safety standards
When an electrician reaches for a screwdriver or a pair of pliers, they trust it to keep them safe every single time.
The Main Categories of Electrician Tools
You can group all electrician tools into five clear families. Each plays a specific role on site.
Hand tools: Screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, strippers, spanners and hammers
Testing and measurement tools: Voltage testers, multimeters, clamp meters and insulation testers
Power tools: Drills, SDS rotary hammers, impact drivers and wall chasers
Installation and wiring aids: Fish tapes, conduit benders, crimpers and labelling machines
Safety gear and PPE: Insulated gloves, safety glasses, helmets, lockout kits and warning signs
Hand Tools: The Foundation of Every Electrician’s Kit
These are the tools an electrician uses the most. Investing in quality here pays off every day.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Insulated flat‑head/Phillips screwdrivers | Open and tighten screws in consumer units, sockets and switches. Insulation protects against shock. |
| Pozidriv screwdrivers (PZ1, PZ2) | Grip UK‑standard screws securely without slipping. |
| Terminal screwdriver | Work on tiny terminals and control wiring. |
| Torque screwdriver | Tighten consumer unit screws to the exact setting required by the 18th Edition. |
| Allen keys and nut drivers | Handle hex bolts in distribution boards and machinery. |
| Combination pliers | Grip, twist and cut wires. A general‑purpose workhorse. |
| Side‑cutting pliers (snips) | Cut copper conductors cleanly without nicking the insulation. |
| Long‑nose pliers | Reach into deep back boxes, bend wire ends and hold small parts. |
| Cable shears | Cut thick cables and steel wire armoured (SWA) cleanly. |
| Ratchet crimping pliers | Make secure crimps on ring terminals, bootlace ferrules and lugs. |
| Automatic wire strippers | Strip insulation from 1.5mm² to 10mm² conductors in one squeeze. |
| Adjustable manual strippers | Give precise control for aged or delicate cable. |
| Electrician’s knife | Strip the outer sheath of twin and earth cable. |
| Electrician’s hammer | Secure cable clips, knock out knockouts and fix boxes. |
| Tape measure (5–8m) | Measure cable runs and accessory heights accurately. |
| Spirit level (torpedo and 600–1200mm) | Keep sockets, trunking and panels perfectly level. |
| Laser level | Mark straight lines quickly for downlights and trunking runs. |
| Marker and chalk line | Draw visible layout guides on walls and ceilings. |
Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers
Insulated flat‑head and Phillips screwdrivers: Your go‑to for consumer units, sockets and switches. The insulation protects against accidental contact with live parts.
Pozidriv screwdrivers (PZ1, PZ2): Essential for UK fittings. A secure fit stops the tip from slipping and chewing screw heads.
Terminal screwdriver: A fine, narrow tip for control wiring and tiny terminals.
Torque screwdriver: Mandatory under the 18th Edition for tightening consumer unit terminal screws to the manufacturer’s exact setting.
Allen keys and nut drivers: Handle hex screws found in distribution boards and machinery.
Pliers and Cutters
Combination pliers: Grip, twist and cut. They are a true all‑rounder.
Side‑cutting pliers (snips): Cut copper conductors cleanly without damaging the insulation.
Long‑nose (needle‑nose) pliers: Reach into deep back boxes, bend wire ends and hold small components.
Cable shears: Handle thicker cables and steel wire armoured cuts that ordinary pliers cannot manage.
Ratchet crimping pliers: Make secure, gas‑tight crimps on ring terminals, bootlace ferrules and uninsulated lugs.
Wire Strippers and Cable Preparation
Automatic wire strippers: Remove insulation from 1.5mm² to 10mm² conductors in a single squeeze without nicking the copper.
Adjustable manual strippers: Give full control for tricky or aged cables.
Electrician’s knife: Strips the outer sheath of twin and earth cable and shapes insulation.
Striking, Marking and Measuring
Electrician’s hammer: Secures cable clips, knocks out knockouts and fixes boxes.
Tape measure (5 to 8 metres): Measures cable runs and accessory heights.
Spirit level (torpedo and 600mm to 1200mm): Makes sure sockets, trunking and panels sit perfectly straight.
Laser level: Enables fast, accurate marking for downlights and long trunking runs.
Marker and chalk line: Produce visible layout lines on walls and ceilings.
Testing and Measurement Tool
No electrician touches a circuit without testing first. These tools prove an installation is dead before work begins and prove it is safe when the job is done.
| Tool | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Two‑pole voltage tester and proving unit | Confirms a circuit is dead before work and proves the tester works. |
| Digital multimeter | Measures AC/DC voltage, resistance and continuity. Essential for fault finding. |
| Multifunction installation tester (MFT) | Continuity, insulation resistance, earth loop impedance and RCD trip times. |
| Clamp meter | Measures current without breaking the circuit. An earth leakage clamp meter traces RCD trips. |
| Insulation resistance tester | Sends 250V, 500V or 1000V through cables to find insulation breakdowns. |
| Socket tester (check plug) | Gives a quick wiring check, but never replaces a full MFT test. |
| Non‑contact voltage detector pen | Beeps or flashes near live wires. Use only as a first check, then confirm with a voltage tester. |
Two‑pole voltage tester and proving unit: The mandatory safe isolation kit. Prove the tester works on a known live source, test the circuit and prove it again afterwards.
Digital multimeter: Measures AC and DC voltage, resistance and continuity. A must‑have for fault finding.
Multifunction installation tester (MFT): The all‑in‑one instrument for continuity, insulation resistance, earth loop impedance and RCD trip times. Megger, Fluke and Kewtech dominate the UK market.
Clamp meter: Reads current without breaking the circuit. An earth leakage clamp meter helps track down nuisance RCD trips.
Insulation resistance tester: Sends a high voltage (250V, 500V or 1000V) through cables to find breakdowns in insulation.
Socket tester (check plug): Gives a quick first‑pass check for common wiring faults but never replaces a full MFT test.
Non‑contact voltage detector pen: Beeps or flashes near a live wire. Great for a rapid safety check, but always back it up with a proven voltage tester.
Power Tools: Speed and Efficiency on Bigger Jobs
Modern cordless platforms (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch Professional) let electricians share batteries across all their gear.
Combi drill: Has a hammer function for masonry and a rotary function for timber and steel. Brushless motors last far longer.
Impact driver: Sinks long screws into joists and studwork effortlessly. Saves the wrist on repetitive work.
SDS‑Plus rotary hammer drill: Handles chasing walls, drilling through brick and installing heavy duty fixings. The roto‑stop (chisel‑only) function makes chasing boxes quick.
Multi‑tool (oscillating): Cuts neat holes in plasterboard and floorboards with minimal dust. Indispensable during rewires.
Angle grinder (115mm): Cuts trunking, tray, conduit and SWA cable. Thin 1mm cutting discs keep cuts clean.
Wall chaser: Cuts two parallel grooves for cable runs with dust extraction.
Heat gun: Shrinks heat‑shrink tubing and softens stubborn materials.
Installation and Wiring Aids
Getting cables from A to B neatly is half the battle. These tools save time and prevent damage.
Fish tape (steel or fibreglass): Pulls cables through wall cavities, under floors and inside conduit.
Fibreglass cable rods: Screw together for longer, trickier routes.
Conduit bender: Forms precise 90° bends, offsets and saddles in steel or PVC conduit.
Knockout punch set (hydraulic or manual): Makes clean, burr‑free holes in metal enclosures.
Cable ties and electrical tape: Bundle, organise and insulate.
Label maker: Ensures clear labelling of consumer units, circuit breakers and data points.
Inspection camera (endoscope): Lets you see inside cavities and under floors without lifting every board.
Safety Gear and Personal Protective Equipment
Safety is not an afterthought. These items are as important as any tool in the bag.
Insulated gloves (Class 0 or 00): Give protection when working near live conductors.
Safety glasses and face shield: Deflect debris from drilling, cutting and chasing.
Safety helmet or bump cap: Site‑dependent but always worn on construction projects.
Lockout kit (lock‑off) and warning tags: Prevent anyone from re‑energising a circuit while you work on it.
Insulated rubber mat: Provides a safe surface when testing live equipment.
FFP3 dust mask: Protects against silica dust when chasing walls and cutting into ceilings.
Safety boots and knee pads: Protect your feet and joints for the long haul.
How Much Do Electrician Tools Cost?
Quality tools are an investment. Here is a realistic price guide for the UK in 2026.
| Tool | Approximate Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Insulated screwdriver set (5‑piece) | £20 to £50 |
| Combination pliers (VDE) | £15 to £40 |
| Side‑cutting pliers (VDE) | £15 to £40 |
| Wire strippers (automatic) | £15 to £35 |
| Voltage tester (two‑pole plus proving unit) | £30 to £80 |
| Digital multimeter (basic) | £25 to £60 |
| Multifunction MFT (Megger or Fluke) | £400 to £900 |
| Clamp meter | £40 to £150 |
| Cordless combi drill (body only) | £60 to £150 |
| SDS‑Plus rotary hammer | £80 to £250 |
| Impact driver (body only) | £60 to £130 |
| Fish tape or cable rods | £15 to £45 |
| Conduit bender | £30 to £70 |
| Insulated gloves | £20 to £60 |
| Lockout kit | £15 to £35 |
| Tool backpack or case | £30 to £100 |
An apprentice starter kit with hand tools and a basic tester can cost £150 to £250. A fully equipped professional van including power tools, MFT and PPE often runs from £2,500 to £5,000.
Top Electrician Tool Brands
| Category | Trusted Brands |
|---|---|
| Testing equipment | Fluke, Megger, Kewtech |
| Insulated hand tools | Knipex, Wera, Wiha, CK Tools |
| Power tools (cordless) | Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch Professional |
| Hammers and workshop tools | Stanley, Estwing |
Electricians trust brands that stand behind their products. The following names appear in vans and on sites every day.
Fluke: The benchmark for test equipment; rugged and accurate
Megger: Dominates UK installation testers and insulation testers
Knipex: German‑made pliers, cutters and crimpers built for a lifetime of daily use
Wera and Wiha: Screwdrivers with excellent insulation and handle comfort
CK Tools: Popular UK choice for hand tools and electrician’s kits
Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch Professional: The leading cordless power tool platforms
Stanley and Estwing: Hammers and general workshop tools that last
Buying from a top brand means you get accurate calibration, genuine safety certification and after‑sales support.
How to Build Your Complete Electrician Tools Kit
Step 1: Buy the essentials. Start with insulated screwdrivers, pliers, side cutters, wire strippers, a voltage tester with proving unit and a basic multimeter. These let you tackle most common jobs safely.
Step 2: Add safety gear. Include gloves, glasses, a hard hat and a lockoff kit. Safety is never optional.
Step 3: Add power tools. A combi drill and impact driver come first. Then add an SDS drill and multi‑tool as your work expands.
Step 4: Add advanced testing. An MFT, clamp meter and insulation tester become necessary once you are carrying out certification work.
Step 5: Organise and maintain. Invest in a sturdy tool bag or backpack labelled clearly. Clean and inspect everything after each job.
A good kit grows with you. Start with quality, not quantity, and upgrade only when you genuinely need to.
How to Choose the Right Electrician Tools
Let the job dictate the tool. Domestic work may only need hand tools and a voltage tester. Industrial maintenance demands clamp meters, MFTs and heavy‑duty crimpers.
Safety certification cannot be compromised. Every insulated tool must carry the double‑triangle VDE mark or be marked to GS38.
Pick a battery platform and stick to it. All your cordless tools should share the same batteries.
Comfort matters. Handles that fit your grip reduce fatigue and improve control.
Read real reviews from working electricians. What lasts on site for years is different from what looks good on a shelf.
Tips for Maintaining and Storing Your Tools
Wipe hand tools clean after every job to prevent rust.
Check insulation on screwdrivers and pliers before each use and retire anything cracked or worn.
Keep test instruments in their protective cases and send them for annual calibration.
Store power tools in a dry, lockable space with batteries removed if not used for a while.
Label everything with your name or mark. It stops disputes on busy sites.
Common Mistakes When Using Electrician Tools
Using non‑insulated tools near live parts. A single slip can be fatal.
Trusting a non‑contact pen as your only safety check. Always back it up with a proven two‑pole voltage tester.
Cutting cable without checking for current. Safe isolation is the law, not a suggestion.
Buying cheap, unbranded test meters. False readings can lead to serious accidents.
Drilling without a cable detector. Hitting a hidden cable causes injury and a costly repair.
Skipping maintenance. Dull cutters crush wires and dirty insulation becomes conductive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools does every electrician need?
Insulated screwdrivers, pliers, side cutters, wire strippers, a voltage tester with proving unit, a multimeter, a tape measure and a spirit level are essential. Add a drill and fish tape as you progress.
What are the best electrician tool brands?
Fluke and Megger lead for testing. Knipex, Wera and CK dominate hand tools. Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita are the top power tool choices.
How much does a full set of electrician tools cost?
A basic starter set runs £150 to £250. A fully equipped professional kit with MFT, power tools and safety gear can cost £2,500 to £5,000.
Why do electricians use insulated tools?
Insulated handles protect the user from electric shock if the tool accidentally contacts a live conductor. This protection is essential even when you believe a circuit is dead.
What is the difference between a voltage tester and a multimeter?
A voltage tester gives a clear yes or no indication of voltage. A multimeter displays exact numerical values for voltage, current and resistance. Both are essential.
How do I know if my tools are safe?
Look for VDE or GS38 markings on insulated tools. For test instruments, check the calibration certificate is in date and the device has no physical damage.
Can I use regular pliers for electrical work?
Never, unless they are fully insulated and rated for voltage. Uninsulated tools can conduct electricity straight to your hand.
What is the most dangerous thing for an electrician?
Touching live conductors, whether through carelessness, a faulty tool or incorrect isolation. Following safe isolation procedure every single time removes this danger.
