Most Used Electrical Tools and How to Maintain Them Like a Pro

Your tools are your reputation. Turn up with blunt cutters, rusted pliers, or a cheap voltage tester and you’re already behind.

Here’s the gear every apprentice should carry and how to look after it:

1. Side Cutters

Use: Cutting TPS, stripping insulation

Maintain: Wipe blades, oil pivot, never twist

Pro Tip: If you hear them crunch, they’re due for a clean or resharpen

2. Multimeter

Use: Voltage, resistance, continuity checks

Maintain: Store in padded case, test leads weekly

Pro Tip: Label yours with your name to avoid mix-ups

3. Screwdrivers (Insulated)

Use: Fitting off switches, GPOs, terminal tightening

Maintain: Clean tips, check VDE rating, replace worn handles

Test: Spin in your fingers: if it wobbles, it’s not square

4. Utility Knife

Use: Cable stripping, conduit trimming

Maintain: Replace blades often, clean tape residue

Warning: Never use it as a chisel or pry tool

5. Tape Measure (5–8m)

Use: Spacing boxes, conduit runs, bracket install

Maintain: Wipe before retracting, check the hook

Tip: Magnetic tip = bonus for solo work

6. Long-Nose Pliers

Use: Tight spaces, looping wire ends, fine control

Maintain: Oil joints, don’t bend steel with them

Pro Tip: Great for switchboard work

7. Hammer

Use: Cable clips, bracing, cable trays

Maintain: Handle tightness, head condition

Pro Tip: Rubber handle for switchboard finesse, claw for bracing

8. Level (Pocket + Full Size)

Use: GPO alignment, conduit install, bracket levels

Maintain: Check bubble daily, wipe lens

Pro Tip: Use magnetic base to stay hands-free on steel framing

9. Yellow Snake

Use: Pulling cables through conduit

Maintain: Reel it properly, keep it kink-free

Pro Tip: Wipe it down after dusty pulls

10. Allen Key Set (Metric)

Use: Light fittings, RCDs, isolators

Maintain: Keep full sets, check for wear

Pro Tip: Keep one set in your pocket, one in your kit

11. Torque Screwdriver (Advanced, but important)

Use: Correct terminal tension (especially on switchboards)

Maintain: Calibrate every 6–12 months

Pro Tip: Write down your torque settings, some clients will check

Pro Habit Add-On

• Clean your kit every Sunday night

• Create a checklist: wipe, oil, replace, test

• Use a labeled pouch system: cutting, testing, screwing, measuring