Everything You Need for an Electrical Toolkit

I’m no electrician, but it seems like I’m always tackling some minor electrical project around the house – from installing a new ceiling fan or dimmer switch to upgrading a bathroom sconce or kitchen task light. After hours spent searching through drawers for the right tool or part, I came up with an inexpensive electrical toolkit to make all my wiring projects a breeze!

None of the items will break the bank, and the entire toolkit will set you back around $75, but having a convenient collection of electrical tools and supplies handy is priceless! Here’s how to go about making your own homeowner-friendly electrical toolkit:

Electrical Toolkit Essentials

• Wire Strippers ($15 to $20): A good pair of wire strippers should include a stripping gauge (for removing wire insulation) that fits all the major types and sizes of wire, plus integrated wire cutters, and a needle-nosed pliers type tip for bending the end of wire. For many DIY jobs, this is the only pair of pliers you’ll need. They’re lightweight and great for detail work.

• Wire Cutters ($20): A sturdy pair of wire cutters will save the day when dealing with tough, hard-to-cut wire insulation found in older homes. Most light electrical jobs don’t require a lot of wire cutting, but sometimes you need to cut off a frayed end or strip back some insulation to give you more slack. Look for a fairly large pair with insulated handles that can take on a variety of wire thicknesses.

• Voltage Tester ($10): A noncontact voltage tester is an invaluable tool to see if current is running through a wire. Even though I turn off the breaker, I still double-check with a voltage tester before cutting or working on a wire, in case there’s more than one circuit connected to the box. A voltage tester is also great for troubleshooting when something isn’t working right.

• Screwdrivers ($10 or less): You’ll need both slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers (or a screwdriver with interchangeable bits) for electrical work. A light-duty, inexpensive screwdriver set will do just fine for DIY electrical jobs. Insulated screwdrivers (which don’t conduct electricity) are available, but if you’re careful to use your voltage tester, you shouldn’t need them!

• Fish Tape ($10 and up, optional): A fish tape is only necessary if you’ve taken on an ambitious electrical project that involves pulling or “fishing” wires through walls. The stiff tape is inserted in the wall and out the other end to help guide the wire through. A fish tape isn’t required for simple jobs, like replacing an outlet; but if you ever need one, you’ll really need it!

• Electrical Tape ($3/roll): This stretchy black tape can be used to repair minor nicks in wires, to mark wires for various purposes, and to cover and insulate wire nut connections. Electrical tape also comes in a range of colors for use in marking and distinguishing between wires. You can also use brightly colored electrical tapes to mark your tools so no one walks off with them.