Electrician Tools List: 45 Professional Tools to Buy in 2025 (With Prices)

Apprentice electrician tool list

Apprentice electrician tool list

Just starting out? Investing in tools for an apprentice helps you build the foundation for your trade. These tools are the basics of what you’ll need to handle everyday tasks like:

• Measuring
• Cutting
• Fastening
• And testing electrical components

Before buying, check what tools your company already provides to avoid unnecessary expenses. With a budget of $181–385 (depending on the brands and types you choose), you can equip yourself with these must-have tools to start your career:

1. Cable cutter ($15–30): Cut, strip, and manipulate electrical wire with a pair of cable cutters so you can make precise cable connections.
2. Cable ties ($5–15): Use cable ties to organize and bundle wires and cables neatly. These ties prevent tangling, reduce tripping hazards, and maintain organized wiring.
3. Crescent wrenches ($15–50): Pick up one or a set of these adjustable wrenches to fasten nuts and bolts in electrical installations.
4. Electrical tape ($1–10 per roll): Apply electrical tape to insulate electrical wires so you can prevent shorts and protect wires from environmental damage.
5. Fish tape ($15–60): A roll of fish tape will help you route new wiring through walls and electrical conduits, providing a path to pull the wire through inaccessible spaces.
6. Multimeter ($30–40): Multimeters measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. You don’t need a high-end multimeter at this point—just make sure it measures AC and DC, amps, and ohms. Most journeyman electricians will tell you this is a tool you’ll use every day.
7. Tape measure ($5–20): Keep a tape measure in your tool bag to measure distances and sizes for all kinds of electrical tasks.
8. Tool belt ($30–60): To keep all these tools in arm’s reach while you work, purchase a tool belt you can comfortably wear during electrical work.
9. Torpedo level ($20–35): You can use any kind of level to ensure accurate horizontal and vertical alignment during installs. But a torpedo level is portable and handy for tight quarters.
10. Socket set ($45–65): Sockets help you tighten and loosen nuts and bolts during installations, maintenance, and repairs.

Tips for choosing tools on a budget

Starting out as an electrician can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality apprentice tools. Here are some tips to help you find affordable tools:

• Buy in sets: Tool sets, such as socket or screwdriver sets, are often more cost-effective than buying the tools individually. Look for sets that include multiple sizes that will cover a variety of tasks.
• Look for sales: Check online retailers and hardware stores for deals. Many stores offer discounts for students or apprentices, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
• Choose trusted brands: Spend your money on brands that are known for durability, even if they’re slightly more expensive. A high-quality tool will often last longer, saving you money over time.
• Consider secondhand: Buying used tools can be a smart way to save. Inspect them for wear and tear to be sure they’re still reliable.
• Borrow or rent: For specialized tools you’ll only use occasionally, consider borrowing from colleagues or renting from a tool shop.

Where to buy apprentice tools

You can find these tools at local hardware stores, or chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which have staff who can guide you on the best options. 

If you prefer to shop online, retailers like Amazon and Harbor Freight Tools offer a wide selection and competitive prices.

If you’re not ready to invest in brand-new tools yet, you could also consider secondhand tools on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

READ MORE: 12 electrician apps to make your job easier

Essential hand tools

At anAt any stage of your career, having a reliable and versatile set of electrician tools is non-negotiable. These tools are essential for handling the day-to-day tasks of:

• Cutting
• Fastening
• Stripping
• Creating secure connections in electrical systems

Whether you’re installing wires, maintaining systems, or making repairs, investing in high-quality tools helps you be precise and efficient. Expect to spend anywhere from $210–835 if buying these essential hand tools new:

11. Coaxial cable crimper ($20–50): This specialized crimper helps you achieve precise, reliable, and water-tight connections in coaxial cable installations with a compression tool, enhancing signal integrity and lifespan.

12. Hacksaw ($10–40): A small-toothed saw cuts through metal pipes, channels, or other hard materials precisely. Choose a hacksaw with an ergonomic handle to reduce strain.

13. Hex keys ($5–20 per set): You’ll find hexagonal screws and bolts often in electrical systems, so keep hex keys (also called Allen wrenches) in your tool bag.

14. Knockout punch set ($50–400): Use a punch set to create holes in electrical boxes or panels when you need to create additional wiring paths.

15. Reamer drill bits ($10–20): This drill attachment creates burr-free holes in electrical boxes and panels so you can protect wire insulation from damage during pulls.

16. Screwdriver set ($10–30): Purchase a screwdriver set with flat-head, square tip, and Phillips driver heads so you can handle screws across all types of electrical components. Look for insulated handles that protect you from electric shock and arcing.

17. Splicing connector ($5–50 per pack): Use a splicing connector to join a large number of wires securely. It acts as a docking station that creates stable electrical circuits.

18. Utility knife ($5–50): Keep a razor knife around to cut cables, wire insulation, and other materials neatly.

19. Wire crimper ($20–35): Use this hand tool to connect electrical wires, affix connectors onto cables, or securely join two pieces of metal.

20. Wire stripper ($10–50): You’ll need wire strippers to remove the insulation from electrical wires safely and without damage.

21. Pliers set ($65–90):

• Channel lock pliers to turn and hold nuts and bolts, or to stabilize objects during work
• Lineman’s pliers for cutting, bending, and gripping electrical wires during installations and repairs
• Diagonal pliers for cutting wire neatly without much and removing pins within an electrical component
• Long nose or needle nose pliers for bending, cutting, and repositioning wires in tight spots
• Chain pliers to pull chains, fixtures, pipes, and fittings

Where to buy hand tools  

You can find these tools at well-known hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which often carry a wide range of trusted brands.

Online, Amazon offers competitive prices and fast delivery, while Harbor Freight Tools is budget-friendly. For high-quality specialty tools, check out the Klein Tools and Milwaukee websites.

Power tools

Power tools are a vital part of any electrician’s toolkit for a variety of tasks. They’re designed to handle heavy-duty jobs, like cutting, drilling, and testing electrical systems. And those jobs would otherwise be time-consuming using just hand tools.

Investing in reliable tools for electricians not only saves time but also enhances safety and accuracy. Depending on the types of projects you work on, a full set of electrical power tools can cost between $395 and $1,155. Here’s what you might need:

22. Angle grinder ($25–105): Angle grinders help you cut, grind, and polish materials smoothly for installations.

23. Circuit breaker finder ($25–50): This identifies which circuit breaker corresponds to a specific outlet or circuit.

24. Hammer drill ($70–150): These drill into hard materials like concrete or masonry, ensuring secure anchor placements for electrical installations.

25. Heat gun ($25–60): Heat guns provide controlled, directed heat to help you shrink or manipulate materials. And you can make secure, insulated connections.

26. Impact driver ($50–160): Impact drivers provide higher torque than drills, which help you drive screws efficiently—even into dense materials—without stripping screw heads.

27. Power crimper ($100–300): This crimper uses electricity to conjoin two pieces of metal or ductile material by manipulating their shape, so they hold each other securely.

28. Power drill ($20–80): You’ll use a drill to create holes, bore, fasten, and more—it’s a must-have power tool. Look for a drill with adjustable torque and speed settings, or even safety features like electric brakes.

29. Power saws ($30–130 each): Use a reciprocating saw or a jigsaw to create detailed cutouts in panels or drywall; a circular saw for long, straight lines; and a hole saw for round holes.

30. Receptacle tester ($5–15): Plug one of these into an electrical outlet to check that the outlet is wired correctly.

31. Voltage tester or detector ($20–35): This device detects the presence of electrical currents in any circuits or components—both to test them and to prevent electrical shocks during electrical work.

32. Wire tracer ($25–70): Use this to trace the path of an in-wall or underground electrical cable and locate where it ends.

Where to buy power tools  

You can find these tools at major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which offer a wide selection of electrician-grade equipment. Amazon has competitive prices, fast shipping, and customer reviews to help you choose.

Specialty stores like Grainger and Acme Tools carry professional-grade tools for electricians. For budget-friendly finds, Harbor Freight Tools often has great deals, while eBay and Facebook Marketplace are excellent for secondhand options. 

Check manufacturer websites like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee for quality power tools.

Cordless vs. corded power tools: Which should you choose?

When selecting electrician tools, one of the decisions you’ll face is whether to go cordless or stick with corded power tools.

Each option has pros and cons, so think about your specific needs and budget as you build your kit.

	Pros	Cons
Cordless	• Unmatched mobility, allowing you to work in areas without access to outlets • No cords mean fewer tripping hazards and less setup time • Ideal for tasks in tight spaces or outdoor job sites	• Batteries need frequent recharging, which can cause delays on larger jobs • Often more expensive due to the batteries and chargers • May not match the consistent power of corded models for heavy-duty tasks
Corded	• Consistent power for extended use without worrying about battery life • Often cheaper upfront than cordless equivalents • Ideal for demanding tasks that require maximum torque or speed	• You’re tethered to an outlet, which can be inconvenient on job sites without accessible power • Managing cords can be a hassle, and they can create safety risks like tripping hazards

Safety tools

It’s a must to invest in proper protective equipment—you can’t complete a job when you’re hurt or when property is damaged. Budget $217–445 for these safety tools to protect yourself and your customers:

33. Cut-resistant gloves ($7–25): Pick heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions while handling wires and other sharp objects.

34. Electrical hazard boots ($50–120): These specially designed work boots protect you from electric shocks while working on live systems.

35. Flame-retardant work shirt ($80–100): Most workwear stores carry flame-retardant shirts that prevent the spread of flames and protect your skin from burns.

36. Hard hat ($15–30): Protect your head from falling objects and low-clearance hazards on construction or renovation sites.

37. Hearing protection ($10–35): Earplugs and earmuffs protect you from loud noises from power tools that can damage hearing over time.

38. High-visibility vest ($10–20): Wear a reflective vest so you’re visible to others, even if you think you’re visible without it. It’s especially important on job sites with heavy equipment or low lighting.

39. Knee pads ($20–40): These provide cushioning and reduce stress on the joints during installations or repairs.

40. Respirator mask ($15–50): This mask filters out dust, fumes, and other particles in the air, and it’s especially useful in poorly ventilated spaces.

41. Safety goggles ($10–25): Whether you’re soldering, drilling, or connecting cables, safety goggles are a must. Protect your eyes from flying sparks and debris.

Where to buy safety tools  

You can find these tools at major home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot, which stock a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE).

For a broader selection of professional-grade gear, check out online retailers like Amazon, Grainger, and Acme Tools. 

Workwear specialists like Carhartt and Duluth Trading Company have flame-retardant shirts and high-visibility vests, while Red Wing has electrical hazard boots.

Common electrical hazards and how safety tools help

You’ll face different risks on the job, but having the right tools and safety equipment can reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. Here are some typical hazards and the tools for electricians to mitigate them:

• Arc flash: An arc flash releases intense heat and light that can cause severe burns and eye damage. Wear flame-retardant work shirts and safety goggles to protect yourself.
• Electrical fires: Faulty wiring or damaged circuits can spark fires. Use circuit breaker finders to isolate circuits, and heat guns to handle systems safely without overheating.
• Electrical shock: Coming in contact with live wires or circuits can result in serious injury. By using insulated tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and wire strippers, you’re putting a barrier between you and the current.
• Flying debris: Drilling, cutting, and grinding can create sparks or send debris flying. Safety goggles and cut-resistant gloves will shield you.
• Hearing damage: Loud noises from your power tools can damage your hearing. Earmuffs and earplugs help prevent long-term damage.
• Slips and falls: You’ll likely work on uneven surfaces and in tight spaces, so there’s always the risk of slipping or falling. Knee pads provide stability and protect your joints.

READ MORE: How to run a successful electrical business

Business management tools

Tools that streamline your quoting, scheduling, and customer service are just as important as crimpers and multimeters.

Consider these business management tech tools that help you win electrical jobs and keep customers happy:

42. Electrician invoice generator

Jobber’s electrical work invoice generator lets you create and download a professional invoice that you can send to your customers in minutes.

Simply add your company and client information, job details, and pricing, then download your invoice as a PDF that’s easy to send to clients.