- Wire Nuts ($2/package): Your electrical toolkit also needs an assortment of wire nuts in various sizes to screw onto the connections of different size wires. Many light fixtures come with wire nuts, but depending on the gauge of your home’s wiring, they may not be the proper size to fit. Having extras on hand in a variety of sizes will save a trip to the hardware store if you come up short.
- Mounting Screws ($1/package): You also need a collection of screws for mounting switches, receptacles, and light fixtures to the electrical box. While fixtures, switches, and outlets often come with mounting screws, they are often too long or short to fit the electrical box. No more rummaging in the garage for spare screws! Look for #6-32 machine screws, and buy a variety of lengths.
- Face Plate Screws ($4/package): It also wouldn’t hurt to pick up a package of mounting screws for cover plates, in case you lose one. They are also sized #6-32, but they’re usually specially packaged with rounded heads in white, steel, or brass to match your decorative face plates. You can also buy an Electrician’s Screw Kit that includes an assortment of face plate and mounting screws ($10).
- Cover Plates ($1 or more each): When replacing wall cover plates (face plates) on switches and receptacles (outlets), go ahead and buy a few extra while you’re at it for future repairs. As I’ve discovered on more than one occasion, even the so-called “unbreakable” cover plates are pretty easy to break, and it can be hard to find a match down the road!
- Container ($0 to $20): The container for your electrical toolkit can be anything from a reused or recycled bucket to a fancy tool box or tool belt. I used an empty dishwasher detergent tub, which has a hinged lid that easily stacks on the shelf where I can find it. To make it easy to spot, I labeled my electrical toolkit with a highbrow piece of masking tape!
Further Information
- How to Identify Electrical Circuits in Your Home (video)
- How to Replace a Single Pole Wall Switch (article)
- How to Install a Dimmer Switch (video)
- How to Install a Programmable Timer Switch (article)
- How to Install a Chandelier and Dimmer Switch (video/article)
- How to Run Wires in Existing Walls and Floors (article)
Having moved into a new home I can see the importance of having a DIY electricians toolkit. I like to do repairs myself to gain handyman skills when I can, so this should help facilitate it perfectly. I’ll have to save this page the next time I’m at the hardware store to pick up the right electrical supplies. Thanks for your post.
Where did you get the photo? The electrical power strip is definitely European (their plugs have round pins)