A working electrician’s tool list spans pliers, screwdrivers, strippers, testers, and power tools, with exact requirements varying by trade classification and employer.
For the full breakdown, see our best Electrician Tools guide.
Whether you are starting an apprenticeship or equipping a service van, the right electrician tools list starts with hand tools that survive daily abuse, then adds the meters and power tools the job demands. Union locals publish their own lists, contractors specify their own brands, and every electrician learns which tools earn their space in the bag. This guide walks through the categories every working electrician carries, with realistic price ranges so you know what to budget.
The Hand Tools Every Electrician Carries
The core of any electrician tools list is the hand tools you reach for on nearly every job. Industry sources like IBEW Local 113’s published tool list group these as the foundation: lineman’s pliers, long-nose pliers, diagonal cutters, channel-lock or gas pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and a voltage tester. Around those basics, you will also find a level, tape measure, hacksaw frame, files, adjustable wrenches, Allen or hex keys, a flashlight, a knife, and a chalk line for layout work.
Many lists add a hammer, chisels, a plumb bob, a center punch, a keyhole saw, pipe wrenches, a tri-square, and the current NEC codebook. Apprenticeship programs often spell out exact requirements, and some manufacturers publish their own recommended lists with specific model numbers.
Testing and Measuring Gear You Cannot Skip
Beyond hand tools, a complete electrician tools list includes the meters that keep you safe and confirm your work. A non-contact voltage tester is the first line of defense for verifying power is off, while a multimeter handles continuity, resistance, and voltage readings for troubleshooting. For service work, a clamp meter measures current without breaking the circuit, and a receptacle or GFCI tester quickly validates outlets.
Utility knives, fish tape for pulling wire through conduit, a conduit bender for making accurate bends, and insulated gloves round out the practical essentials. The exact combination depends on your role within the trade. IBEW classifications like Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, or VDV Technician each have different expectations, so check your local’s list and your employer’s requirements before spending.
What Real Electrician Tools Cost
| Tool Category | Common Examples | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lineman’s pliers | Klein J2000-9NE or D213-9NE | $50–$70 |
| Side cutters | Klein D248-8 or Knipex 70 02 160 | $30–$50 |
| Adjustable pliers | Knipex Cobra 10 or Klein D502-10 | $40–$90 |
| Wire strippers | Klein 11055 or Klein Katapult | $25–$50 |
| Multi-bit screwdriver | Klein 32500 11-in-1 or Milwaukee 48-22-2103 | $25–$35 |
| Utility knife | Milwaukee Fastback | About $25 |
| Drill/driver | Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL or DeWalt DCD800B | $150–$300 (kit-dependent) |
| Impact driver | Milwaukee 2853-20 M18 FUEL | About $200 (bare tool) |
| Multimeter | Fluke 87V or Klein MM700 | $150–$500 |
| Clamp meter | Klein CL800 or Fluke 378 FC | $200–$500 |
| Voltage tester | Fluke T6-1000 or Klein ET600 | $200–$300 |
| Receptacle/GFCI tester | Klein RT250 | About $20 |
Building Your List the Smart Way
References & Sources
- IBEW Local 113. “Tool List.” Provides the union-referenced hand tool list and notes role-specific expectations.