When it comes to purchasing electrical equipment and supplies, it is important to keep safety in mind. Therefore, it is best to shop for high-quality products.
Electricians need a wide variety of hand tools and accessories to get the job done. These include screwdrivers, pliers, hammers and wire strippers.
1. Safety
When purchasing electrical tools, safety should always be a top priority. You want to make sure that the tool you purchase is safe to use and does not pose a risk to your family or others.
There are many things to look for when buying electrical tools, including durability and design. Using the right tool can also help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional, it is important to be aware of the dangers that electricity can present. These include working around buried utility lines, high-voltage infrastructure and changing weather.
The most obvious way to protect yourself and your family is by following safety rules and procedures when using power tools. These procedures include checking for a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) before using an outlet and wearing the proper protective gear.
Another way to ensure safety is by keeping all cords at standard lengths. This will help prevent unnecessary tripping hazards while you work and keep the cord away from your feet and the working part of the tool.
It is also important to keep all cords out of the reach of children and adults who may be tempted to play with them. This can be especially true of young children and anyone with a weak grip or poor balance.
2. Durability
Durability is the ability of a tool to function safely and efficiently over an extended period of time. It’s one of the most overlooked aspects when reviewing tools, but it should be a priority for any homeowner who plans on doing any sort of electrical work.
Electric tools have a large number of intricate parts that require frequent inspection and maintenance. In contrast, pneumatic tools lack these components and are more durable because they are easier to care for.
To make a tool more durable, manufacturers focus on housings that prevent dust and water from entering the instrument and causing damage. Olivier Vareille, group product manager, Measuring Tools for Bosch, says the laser diode screen on hand-held tools that automatically find level is a sensitive part, so manufacturers surround it with rubber “over-mold” material to keep it safe.
Manufacturers also try to make housings that absorb shock from dropping the tool or vibration. They test drop tests on concrete floors to ensure they can take a hit and still retain accuracy.
The last thing a homeowner wants is to purchase an expensive electrical tool only to have it break down in a few months because of poor use or abuse. To minimize damage, homeowners should keep their battery topped off and use it only once or twice a week to maintain maximum power and prolong the tool’s lifespan.
A plethora of tools are available on the market that promise to perform like a pro, but how long will they last? The answer depends on a variety of factors including frequency of use, how the tool is used, the type of environment it is kept in, and more.
3. Design
When it comes to buying electrical tools, design is one of the most important factors. From the shape of the tool to the material used to build it, a quality design will ensure that it is safe, durable and can be used effectively.
Several of the more common tools on an electrician’s toolset are designed for specific purposes. This includes the pliers, screwdrivers, and nut drivers. Each of these tools is made with a specific purpose in mind, and some of them are even trade-specific. For example, some pliers feature multiple-bit screwdrivers, while others have ratcheting stubbies that can be used with wrenches to loosen nuts or screws.
Another common tool is a wire gauge tool, which allows you to measure the diameter of the wire without using a ruler. This type of tool can be purchased at any hardware store and is useful for determining the size of a stranded wire. If you do not have a gauge tool, it is still possible to determine the size of a stranded cable by holding it next to wires that are known to be of known gauge size.
4. Functionality
When it comes to buying electrical tools, functionality is the order of the day. You don’t want to just buy a tool that does one thing, but instead, you should find something that will increase your efficiency and improve your safety while performing the task at hand. This could be something as simple as a multimeter or a voltmeter that gives you the best reading possible. You can even find specialty tools that will help you out when you’re in a pinch, such as an electrical screwdriver or insulated gloves.
There are many different types of electrical tools available on the market today, from basic pliers to advanced tools that are designed specifically for this job. To pick the best tools for your project, it’s important to do your research. In the end, you’ll be able to save time and money in the long run, and you’ll be more confident and safe when it comes to your work.
5. Performance
The right tools can make all the difference between a job well done and a disaster on your hands. With that in mind, the key to choosing the best electrical tools for your buck involves taking the time to do your research. For starters, you want to look for the best quality products from a trusted brand that has earned your trust over time. You’ll also need to pay attention to performance and safety features in order to keep you and your crew safe from harm. For example, it’s worth looking for cordless power tools that feature a high capacity battery, a robust safety system and a good warranty. The best tools for your buck are those that offer all of these features in one package.
6. Cost
Electrical work is often hazardous, so electricians need a variety of tools to ensure safety and prevent injury. It’s important to buy high-quality equipment that will last a long time and will be easy to store in the field.
A good electrician’s tool kit should include a wide range of heavy-duty, insulated hand tools and power tools. This ensures that you’ll always have the right tools for every job.
Depending on your needs, you may also need electrical testers and meters. These devices test voltage, current and resistance levels to ensure that wires are connected properly.
Crimpers are another essential tool for electricians. These tools crimp lugs, connection terminals or two wires together to secure them securely and make them harder to pull out. They also help you rework existing connections, so they’re an excellent addition to your electrical tool kit.
Wire strippers are another staple of most professional electricians’ toolkits. They remove the protective plastic coating on copper wires, exposing them and making customized connections with other wiring or components.
Fish tape is another popular electrical tool for extending or adding wiring. This handy device is housed in a retractable coil and can be fed through conduit piping to run wires between gang boxes or other electrical components.
These tools are an essential part of any electrician’s toolkit, especially for those working in a residential environment. They’re available for a few dollars and are incredibly useful for running wiring from one area of a home to another without damaging the wiring in the process.