Most handy people have a full set of tools that they use for most purposes. But working with electrical circuits and wires requires a whole separate set of tools that many people don’t have. For the most part, people who don’t have a lot of experience with DIY repairs should avoid working with electricity due to the safety risks that it involves, but if you are an advanced handyperson and know how to stay safe when working with electricity, then you can get into this realm yourself. Before getting started, you’ll need a few crucial tools.


Here are the main ones to have.

  • Wire stripper/cutter: When you’re working with wires, there will be times when you need to cut wires, and you’ll sometimes need to strip away the rubber insulation to expose the end of a wire. For this purpose, you can use an all-in-one wire stripper and cutter, which is usually relatively cheap.
  • Voltage tester: Having a voltage tester is crucial for safety. Many people assume that it’s enough to simply flip the switch to shut off the power to the room, but you can’t rely on this. Some rooms are not wired properly, or there may be an electrical problem causing power to flow into the room even when the circuit is off. Before you ever come into contact with an element that usually has live electricity, be sure to test it with a voltage tester. These tools are very cheap and easy to use, and they can save your life.
  • Electrical tape: When you have to bunch wires together, using any old type of tape won’t do. Electrical tape is specially designed so that it doesn’t conduct electricity, while helps prevent short circuits and other problems when the power is turned back on. Most electricians use electrical tape for one reason or another on practically every job.
  • Needle-nose plier: When working with things like electrical outlets and power switches, you’ll find that some of the wires can be hard to reach. In this event, you’ll want to have some long pliers to reach into any small openings and pull the wires through.
  • Rubber-handled screwdriver: After shutting power off, it’s best to test the voltage from as close to the power source as possible, which usually means removing the plate to an electrical socket or light switch prior to testing. For safety, it’s best to use a rubber-grip screwdriver to remove these plates just in case there is any lingering electrical charge.