When faced with some type of damage in your home, hiring a professional repairman is not always necessary. Naturally, if you do not know how to solve the problem on your own, employing someone is the first thing that you have to do. However, if you can deal with the issue on your own, why not make a DIY project out of it?
In order to complete it successfully, the tools are the first thing that you need. As you know, each type of work requires specific equipment, so in this article, we are going to discuss some of these that you need to have in your toolbox.
Voltage detector
Without a doubt, this is the most important tool that you need to have in your toolbox. When working with wires, you have to be certain that they are not live. You have to be able to ensure your safety while working on this type of project, and this tool is going to enable you to rest assured that you can safely continue with your task.
In order to take your safety to the next level, our advice is to go with a non-contact voltage tester. Why? Well, because this device can detect electricity without even touching the wire. Even though it rarely happens, sometimes the circuits can be mislabeled. When it senses power, this tool is either going to light up or make a sound thus notifying you that you have to check the electricity before you start working.
Multimeter
This device is fairly simple to the previous one, although this one provides you with additional information. It can measure voltage, current, and resistance. Nowadays, you can choose between a digital and analog multimeter. As you can assume, the former one offers numerous additional features like thermal imaging cameras and even Bluetooth.
Wire strippers
Due to the fact that wires come in multiple sizes, they might not be the perfect fit for the hole you have just drilled. When this occurs, which can be quite often if we are being honest, you will need these strippers. They will allow you to easily cut and remove the insulation from the electrical wire.
Just like any other tool, this one also comes in numerous models and some of them include special features. If you are looking for this tool to use during your DIY project, you should consider which of these features will be especially useful to you. Some of them might include cutting teeth which will allow you to further trim the ends of the wire, and they can also serve as pliers.
Screwdrivers and nut drivers
Keep in mind that here we are not talking about regular ones that you probably already have. There are tools that are specifically designed for electricians. Naturally, there are many types of these but you should have Philips head (the one with the edge in the shape of a cross) and a flat-head screwdriver. Also, make sure to have a few of these in different sizes because you never know which one you will need.
Pliers
This is another tool that every handyman needs to possess. Make sure to go with some that you can comfortably use meaning that you can grip them firmly and also ensure that they open and close without any trouble. Once again, get a few of these in different sizes.
Naturally, you should first purchase a traditional pair, but then you should consider getting some that are designed to be used for specific tasks. For example, you can get side-cutting and diagonal cutting ones that you can use to cut the wire to the desired length. Then, consider getting needle-nose ones that will allow you to reach tight spaces. Lastly, if you need to tighten clamps, tongue, and groove pliers are the ones you need.
Grommets
When it comes to basically any electrical work, you will almost certainly need these. Grommets are small rings that you insert in a hole and that protect the wire from any kind of damage and you can read more about it here. As you surely know, when you drill a hole in any kind of material, its edges are usually sharp, so they can easily cut the wire. Over time, these edges can destroy the wire, and using these is the only way to prevent this from happening.
Fish tape
A fish tape is a tool that is going to enable you to route wires through electrical conduit or walls. If you use it carefully, you will be able to route the wires through confined spaces with ease. You should know that this tool can be made out of steel, nylon, or fiberglass. Unless you are a professional electrician, nylon one might be the best choice for you simply because it is the most flexible material meaning that it can easily be handled.
Tape measure, hammer, utility knife, etc.
Finally, before we conclude this article, we are going to mention some smaller pieces of equipment that you probably already possess, but we still cannot exclude them from our list.
Firstly, let’s begin with a tape measure. The great thing about it is that it has multiple purposes. These come in numerous types, so choosing the one is actually a matter of personal preference.
Next, you will need a hammer, especially the claw one which will allow you to remove the nails. Then, you should have a level. You can go with a smaller type, torpedo level, which you can easily carry with you to make sure that your installation is even. Is it really necessary to explain why you need a utility knife and how useful it can be?
Also, don’t forget that you will probably need a flashlight or a head torch. In some cases, you might have to work in pitch-black darkness which means that you will need one of these tools to provide you with some light. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are, completing a task in these conditions is simply not possible.
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FAQ:
Q: What tools are needed for electrical work?
A: Like any other repair or improvement project around the house, electrical work requires tools. For most residential electrical projects, you’ll use mostly basic hand tools you already own, such as a hammer, tape measure, level, and screwdrivers.
Q: What tools do you need to secure electrical boxes?
A: A hammer is used to secure electrical boxes equipped with nail-on brackets to wall studs and other framing members in a home. You’ll also need one to drive wire staples when anchoring new electrical cable to framing members. A small level, such as a torpedo level, fits easily in a tool pouch and is used to make sure your work is level and plumb.
Q: What kind of screwdrivers do electricians use?
A: Phillips Screwdrivers amazon.com Electricians keep screwdrivers with them at all times, for removing and installing cover plates, outlets, switches, and many other devices. It’s best to have a few different lengths of Phillips screwdrivers, as well as #1, #2, and #3 tip sizes.
Q: What can you use a hammer for on a wall?
A: Hammer amazon.com A hammer is used to secure electrical boxes equipped with nail-on brackets to wall studs and other framing members in a home. You’ll also need one to drive wire staples when anchoring new electrical cable to framing members.