Electrician Essentials

Feb 12, 2025
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I have an odd question to ask seasoned electricians, what tools do you usually bring and how do you bring and manage them in one go? What I mean is, how do you compact your essentials?

I’m just curious myself because I’m planning to be one and I don’t want to miss any essential tool or equipment that is why I’m having this curiosity right now.
 
There’s only so much that you can bring, right? It depends on you, on what you do, but you can always rent or buy if you need some special tools in the job. Most likely, I would bring a core set of hand tools, cordless drill, and a meter.
 
Pliers, screwdrivers, voltage tester, and wrenches are my go-to. If I need something of a heavy-duty tool, I’ll contact anyone from work before bringing the tools or equipment with me.
 
There’s only so much that you can bring, right? It depends on you, on what you do, but you can always rent or buy if you need some special tools in the job. Most likely, I would bring a core set of hand tools, cordless drill, and a meter.
I was a backpack guy until I realized that I can rent tools from rentals.
 
I’m also a backpack guy, here’s what’s always inside of my backpack – wire strippers, set of pliers, a fully charged tester, and headlamp. These are my “basics” stuff that always in my travel bag wherever I go.
 
As a long time electrician on out-of-town jobs here’s some of my main takeaways.
  1. Bring compact hand tools such as pliers, cutters, testers, and some multi-bit screwdriver for daily use. Plus, some cordless hand tools and batts.
  2. Choose a backpack or tool bag that is lightweight and is soft-sided. Make sure that it can fit in tight spaces like attics.
  3. If you need big tools or consumables, buy them near the site, search for them online and have a back up store if it is closed.
And the most important tip, always label your belongings – there’s always someone who watches your tools, might as well mark them or lose them.
 
As a long time electrician on out-of-town jobs here’s some of my main takeaways.
  1. Bring compact hand tools such as pliers, cutters, testers, and some multi-bit screwdriver for daily use. Plus, some cordless hand tools and batts.
  2. Choose a backpack or tool bag that is lightweight and is soft-sided. Make sure that it can fit in tight spaces like attics.
  3. If you need big tools or consumables, buy them near the site, search for them online and have a back up store if it is closed.
And the most important tip, always label your belongings – there’s always someone who watches your tools, might as well mark them or lose them.
I always use a color red tape on my tools, sometimes carved my initials on them, marked them enough so that anyone could tell from afar that it’s my tool.
 
I’m also a backpack guy, here’s what’s always inside of my backpack – wire strippers, set of pliers, a fully charged tester, and headlamp. These are my “basics” stuff that always in my travel bag wherever I go.
Do you have duplicates? How about main kits?
 
I suggest that you buy some lock for your toolbox and bed cover for your truck, if you’re not flying but driving. It will keep everything dry, without moist. Long trips can be a pain in our tools.
 
I suggest that you buy some lock for your toolbox and bed cover for your truck, if you’re not flying but driving. It will keep everything dry, without moist. Long trips can be a pain in our tools.
I once had tools stolen from my truck because I don’t have any lock or whatsoever. Biggest regret.