As a homeowner, it's essential to be prepared for minor electrical repairs and maintenance tasks that may arise. While major electrical work should always be left to the professionals, having the right electrical tools and supplies can save you time, money, and hassle when dealing with small issues.
10 Must-Have Electrical Tools and Supplies
Whether you're fixing a loose outlet or replacing a light fixture, here are some must-have electrical tools and supplies to keep in your toolbox.
1. Voltage Tester
A voltage tester is a crucial tool for checking whether electrical circuits are live before beginning work. It helps ensure safety by detecting the presence of voltage in wires, outlets, switches, and fixtures.
2. Screwdrivers and Pliers
Both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are essential for loosening and tightening screws on electrical panels, outlets, switches, and fixtures. Investing in insulated screwdrivers is advisable for added safety when working with live wires. Additionally, needle-nose pliers are handy for gripping, bending, and twisting wires during electrical installations or repairs. They can also be useful for reaching into tight spaces.
3. Wire Strippers
Wire strippers remove the insulation from electrical wires, allowing you to connect or splice them safely. They come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges.
4. Wire Nuts
Wire nuts, also known as twist-on wire connectors, are used to safely secure and connect electrical wires. They come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges and are essential for securely joining wires.
5. Electrical Tape
Electrical tape insulates and protects electrical connections, preventing shorts and hazards. It's also handy for temporarily securing wires or labeling them for identification.
6. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters, or diagonal pliers or side cutters, are used to cut electrical wires cleanly and precisely. They are essential for trimming excess wire during installations or repairs.
7. Circuit Tester
A circuit tester, also known as an outlet tester, checks the wiring of electrical outlets for faults such as reversed polarity, open ground, or open neutral. It helps ensure that outlets are wired correctly and functioning safely.
8. Flashlight
A reliable flashlight is essential for illuminating dark areas when working on electrical projects, especially in attics, basements, or crawl spaces where lighting may be inadequate.
9. Circuit Breaker Finder
A circuit breaker finder helps locate the correct circuit breaker controlling a specific electrical outlet or fixture. It simplifies the process of identifying and shutting off power to specific circuits for maintenance or repairs.
10. Safety Gear
Lastly, always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes when working with electricity.
By keeping these essential electrical tools and supplies on hand, you'll be well-equipped to handle common electrical tasks around the home safely and efficiently. However, if you're unsure about any electrical work or encounter complex issues, it's best to consult a licensed electrician to avoid accidents or damage to your property. Safety should always be the top priority when working with electricity.
Where to Buy Your Electrical Supplies
Electrical supplies and parts should be high grade and quality to keep your home safe. But where can you buy quality, long-lasting electrical supplies? Consider the following tips when selecting your electrical supply store.
1. Check hardware stores that offer more choices compared to others.
Choose an electrical hardware store where you can check out all the other parts needed so you won’t forget any items you must buy.
2. Consider buying in stores with knowledgeable staff.
Talking about electrical parts and materials is quite technical when looking for items you need for your home. Having a specialist or people who can assist you is very helpful and important. Stores with accommodating staff will put you at ease when picking the right materials to purchase.
3. Don’t be afraid of online shopping.
Nowadays, most stores offer online stores as well. Most legitimate websites have their own pages containing the choices and variety of their electrical products. Make sure that their website gives complete details of the items you need to purchase. For example, on simple screws and electrical boxes, check for the detailed sizes and dimensions so you could check which size you need for your assembly.
Shop Tashman Home Center Today!
Are you looking for a one-stop shop for all your electrical tools and supplies? We have you covered! Stop by Tashman Home Center today or shop online for a wide variety of electrical supplies. We pride ourselves on our great selection and are always happy to help our customers with whatever they need.
