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Preparing for your electrician apprenticeship? Well, whether you already have an electrical apprenticeship and you are preparing your tool box for the first day or you are curious about the tools that an electrician uses on a daily basis, check out this comprehensive list of common and essential tools!

Duct Tape: this is an essential for any trades person, as duct tape can be used for almost any purpose.

Measuring Tape: a tape with a lock is best for measuring lengthy objects without an extra person around to help you.

Current Tester: this is an important safety tool. It is used to test a receptacle for electrical current.

Wrench: used for fastening nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

Drill Bits: used to pre-drill for various sized screws.

Electrical Tape (2 colours): different coloured tapes will help you to insulate wires and indicate the voltage level and phase of each wire.

Level: to ensure that various objects that you install are level and straight.

12-inch square: to make sure things are square and also to measure angles, if needed.

Needle-Nose Pliers: used for both cutting and gripping. You will use these to bend, reposition and cut wire.

Nut Drivers: used for tightening nuts and bolts.

Tool Belt: to use while on ladders and in other hands-free situations.

Wire Cutters (or diagonal pliers): used frequently to cut wires.

Wire Strippers: to strip the outer layer of hard plastic that may wrap wires.

Utility Knife and Extra Blades: used for many things including small jobs like cutting tape or chord.

Calculator: to save time and ensure accuracy with calculations.

Notepad: used to schedule jobs, track hours, record phone numbers and take notes.

Pencil: used to write in your notepad and also record measurements or notes on wood or other surfaces you are working with.

Sharpie: used to tag wires, draw diagrams, etc.

Coloured Pencils: used to mark wiring diagrams.

Electrical Code Pocket Reference: to refer to electrical codes while on the job.

Fish tape: to fish wires through walls and pipes.

Ratchet Crimper: to ensure proper pressure when applying terminals or splices.

Lineman’s pliers (or combination pliers): for gripping small objects and to cut and bend wire and cable.

Screw Drivers: for removing and installing electrical boxes, outlet plates, etc.

Drill (with a butterfly bit or hole saw): to drill holes in the wall large enough to fit wires into.

Wire Nuts (or twist-on wire connectors): to fasten two or more electrical conductors together.

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