Written By: Atiq Ur Rehman

When people ask, “What tools do electricians use?” they usually imagine a toolbox full of gadgets and wires. The truth is a bit more practical: most electricians rely on a core set of tools used every single day, with a few specialized ones pulled out only when the job demands it.

After years on domestic call-outs, rewires, fault-finding jobs, and commercial sites, I can tell you this: 

It’s not about owning every tool; it’s about using the right ones at the right time.

Let’s walk through a real working day and break down the tools electricians actually use, from the moment we arrive on site to the moment we pack up.

Starting the Day:

Essential Tools Every Electrician Uses First

No matter the job a socket fault, lighting installation, or consumer unit issue the day always starts with the same essentials.

These are the tools electricians use most often, sometimes dozens of times a day.

Hand Tools That Never Leave the Tool Bag

These tools are so essential that most electricians feel lost without them:

• Insulated screwdrivers (flat & Phillips): Used constantly for sockets, switches, faceplates, and terminals.
• Combination pliers for gripping, twisting, bending, and holding cables securely.
• Side cutters: cutting cables cleanly, trimming ties, and removing damaged wire.
• Wire strippers Faster and safer than using a blade, especially on repeated terminations.
• Voltage tester / test screwdriver A quick first check before proper testing begins.

These tools handle 80% of day-to-day electrical tasks. If an electrician turns up without them, something’s wrong.

Arriving on Site:

Tools Used for Safety & First Checks

Before any work starts, safety comes first. Professional electricians never jump straight into repairs.

Tools Used for Initial Electrical Checks

• Two-pole voltage tester Used to confirm circuits are dead, far safer than guessing.
• Multimeter: Helps measure voltage, continuity, and resistance when diagnosing faults.
• Lock-off kit & warning tags Prevents circuits from being accidentally switched back on.

This stage is critical. Many electrical accidents happen because people skip proper testing. Experienced electricians don’t.

Fault-Finding Jobs:

Tools Electricians Use the Most

Fault-finding is one of the most common call-outs for tripping circuits, dead sockets, and flickering lights.

This is where experience matters more than fancy tools, but the right equipment still makes the job faster and safer.

Common Fault-Finding Tools

• Multimeter (again used constantly): one of the most used tools by electricians.
• Continuity tester Helps locate broken cables or loose connections.
• Insulation resistance tester Used when faults aren’t obvious and deeper testing is needed.
• Torch or headlamp You’d be surprised how often electricians work in dark cupboards, lofts, or under stairs.

In real life, fault-finding often means opening several points, testing carefully, and ruling things out one by one.

Mid-Day Work:

Installation & Replacement Tools

Whether installing sockets, lights, or replacing accessories, electricians rely on a familiar set of tools.

Tools Used for Installation Work

• Drill & driver Used for fixing back boxes, fittings, and trunking.
• Drill bits (wood, masonry, metal): Different surfaces, different bits; knowing which to use saves time.
• Spirit level: Crooked sockets and switches look unprofessional.
• Hammer & rawl plugs Still very much part of an electrician’s kit.

These tools help ensure the job isn’t just safe but neat, solid, and long-lasting.

Wiring & Cable Work:

Tools Electricians Rely On Daily

When running cables or working on rewires, certain tools become essential.

Everyday Wiring Tools

• Cable cutters Clean cuts protect conductors and save time.
• Fish tape / draw rods Used for pulling cables through walls, floors, and conduits.
• Stanley knife (used carefully) for sheathing and trimming where strippers won’t fit.
• Tape & cable markers Labeling avoids confusion later, especially on bigger jobs.

These tools are used almost daily on larger projects and renovations.

Consumer Units & Fuse Boards:

Specialist Tools Used Carefully

Working on fuse boards requires extra care and proper equipment.

Tools Used Around Consumer Units

• Insulated torque screwdriver Ensures terminals are tightened correctly, not too loose, not too tight.
• Test equipment (full tester) Used for final verification after work is completed.
• Insulated gloves & PPE Especially during inspections or upgrades.

This isn’t DIY territory. Electricians use these tools with training and strict safety procedures.

End of the Day:

Testing, Finishing & Cleaning Up Tools

Before leaving a job, electricians test everything and tidy up.

Final Tools Used Before Packing Up

• Electrical tester (final checks)
• Screwdrivers for final tightening
• Vacuum or brush (yes, really good electricians clean up)
• Documentation tools (labels, certificates, notes)

This stage separates professionals from cowboys. A job isn’t finished until it’s tested and safe.

What Tools Do Electricians Use the Most?

If we’re being honest, these are the top tools electricians use daily:

1. Insulated screwdrivers
2. Multimeter
3. Combination pliers
4. Side cutters
5. Voltage tester
6. Drill & driver
7. Wire strippers

Everything else supports these core tools.

Final Words

People often think electricians rely on expensive gadgets. In reality, most electrical work is done with a small, trusted set of tools, backed by knowledge and experience.

Good electricians:

• Test before touching
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Don’t rush safety checks.
• Keep tools organized and maintained.

That’s what really matters not the size of the toolbox, but how responsibly it’s used.