DON'T USE THESE TOOLS!!! Use These Tools Instead If You're an Electrician

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Most of us who have been in the skilled trades for any length of time, will come up with a list of tools that we really don’t like. That list varies widely from individual to individual, but generally center around the same types. In todays episode of Electrician U, Dustin shows off the tools he really hates in the hopes that it will save someone the time and grief of trying these tools out.

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Before we get into specific tools, the agony of owning/using tools that are awful can almost be summed up in one word. CHEAP!! Do yourself a favor and buy something made by a reputable manufacturer that will perform and will last. As electricians, Klein tools are the most preferred by our trade and are definitely the pinnacle of electrical tools. They are manufactured here in the US, are made with quality materials, and are geared towards the electrician! Whatever your trade is, use the tools that are made for your trade. See what everyone else is using, ask the guys at the supply houses, or do your research. End result- when it comes to stocking your electricians tool belt, get tools that will survive the rigors of being beat up all day and will perform properly. You may pay a little more up front, but will generally make you much happier in the long run!
First up of tools Dustin hates are cheap tape measures. Ones with cheap plastic cases, skinny/flimsy retractable tape blades, or blades that automatically stay extended. You are going to drop your tape measure. Its gonna happen, trust me! Flimsy cases just won’t stand up to any abuse. Skinny blades also are a scourge. When measuring out in the field, many times we are trying to measure distance TO something and need a tape that will stay extended and not flop down at 3’! Magnetic tips are helpful when measuring for electrical items (as many of our materials are metallic in composition), and having something stick to that metallic object comes in handy. Milwaukee and DeWalt make some of the best tape measures around and seem to be the ones most tradesmen (and women) prefer.
Hammers are another item that you should skimp on. Leave a non-claw hammer out of your tool bag. If it looks like the hammer your mom had in the kitchen drawer while you were growing up, leave it there! Instead grab a hammer with a straight blade, one that has a little heft to it (between 22-24 oz. seems about standard) and a metal handle (it will last a lot longer and helps to balance the hammer). Estwing makes quality hammers and are readily available, but other brands like Stiletto make phenomenal products using light materials and are ergonomic in nature. Reasonably expensive, but so worth it!
Screwdrivers should be of superior quality and made with the electrician in mind as it is one of the tools you will have in your hands most frequently. Again, the trade standard seems to be Klein Tools as they manufacture the best hand tools in the electrical industry. Use screwdrivers that have a large cushioned handle and preferably a magnetic tip- at times if feels like we are installing a screw like we would thread a needle and a magnetic tip comes in very handy. Same can be said for your screw gun tips and bit holders. Don’t use the non-magnetic ones. Even though you will spend less, the aggravation you will experience will severely outweigh the dollars you spend.
When it comes to the most common tool for an electrician- the Linesman Pliers- again consider looking towards Klein Tools. Choose a 9” with some type of cushion grip. This is the tool that you will grab most often. Pliers less than 9” have less leverage to assist you cut things and inevitably use it as a hammer (sorry Klein, all of us electricians do, even though you tell us not to!). Choose the pliers with the options you want on it (crimpers, fish tape pullers, etc.).
We hope this has been a good look into the tools you SHOULDN’T buy. Are there tools on your list of tools you hate? Leave us a comment in the comment section and let us know. Please continue to follow Dustin and Electrician U as we are constantly updating our content to assist our followers in becoming the best electricians that they can be.

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