Many of the most important tools an electrician will keep in his or her tool bag are hand tools. You probably use pliers and screwdrivers every day. But what about the power tools electricians need to get the job done?
Which power tools do you need, and what brand/model is best? We’ve got you covered with all the info you need to select the best tools for your business.
By the end of this article, you will be ready to:
- Identify the latest top models when it comes to purchasing power tools
- Research the three must-have power tools you need to address many situations
- Discover the ultimate power tool for your business
What are the essential power tools electricians need in the field?
1. Cordless Drills
This may be the single most important tool you purchase. Drills are super handy for quick installation/removal of outlets and switches. Electricians also use them for drilling through walls, floors, even brick and concrete.
Not long ago, electricians were tripping over cords and trying to find an outlet to plug in their drill. Today’s battery-operated drills provide the power you need in a lightweight, ergonomic-friendly unit.
We recommend buying one or more backup batteries that can charge when the others are in use. Most drill sets come with two.
Also consider which materials you are drilling into. Fastening work may just require a lower voltage drill while concrete drilling often requires a hammer/drill combo. Let’s look at several highly rated cordless drills on the market.
- Makita FD07R1 Max CXT: This 12 volt general use drill really packs a punch as far as performance, weight and price point. Weighing in at just over two pounds, this lightweight contender has great reviews. With two batteries, a charger and a tool case included, this is a good choice for routine jobs
- Kobalt 24-Volt Max Brushless Cordless Drill: This heavy-duty drill ranks very well for speed and has a great price point. It only comes with one battery, so you may need to purchase a second.
2. Hammer and Rotary Hammer Drills
Hammer drills deliver a lot of power and are often used for drilling through hard surfaces like concrete or brick. Instead of the normal rotating action of a drill, they operate by thrusting the head of the drill in a hammering motion to break down material.
Rotary hammer drills have more power than standard hammer drills and can switch to hammer mode using a chisel with no rotation.
For both options, some models have an electrical cord while others are cordless.
- Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Drill: The name says it all: Bulldog! This bad boy has a 7.5 amp motor and can be moved into 36 separate positions for any tight angles at a home or facility. It can switch between a rotary hammer, to rotation only, to hammer only. This is a great option if you are looking for versatility!
- WAKYME Demolition Rotary Hammer Drill: An ideal drill for wood, steel, and masonry. This cordless champ comes powered with a 21 volt battery. Its adjustable handle is comfortable and the Advanced Heat Dissipation System extends the life of the tool.
- Makita 18-Volt LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Driver-Drilll: This drill includes Extreme Protection Technology designed to be tough and long lasting. This is also part of the LXT line of cordless tools with interchangeable batteries and chargers
Once you decide which drill(s) to purchase, you will also need a high quality drill bits set. The bits you’ll need will depend on the drill, and some drills will have several bits included.
3. Saws
Saws are essential for electricians in the field. They are frequently used to cut notches when running wire. They can also trim conduit during installation.
There are a wide range of saws, but here are three types of popular power tools for electricians:
- Reciprocating Saw: Also called sawzalls, this is a must when you have to cut conduit, studs or large sections of drywall.
- Spiral Saws: Also known as cut-out tools, these cut quick, accurate drywall openings, which saves time when patching. These are ideal for electrical boxes and ceiling lights.
- Hole Saw kits: These are used for cutting larger holes in walls, floors, and more. They are used in combination with your drill.
Let’s look at top-rated models of each saw type:
- Dewalt 20 Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw: Up to 3,000 strokes per minute ensures you will have the power and reliability to make quick work of any project.
- RotoZip RotoSaw Spiral Saw Tool Kit: This handy tool is powered by 5.5 amps and will make quick work of any cutting job. This tool can be operated with one hand and is lightweight and compact.
- Hole Dozer Milwaukee General Purpose Bi-Metal Hole Saw Set: This 13-piece kit with a creative name has great reviews and is as durable as they come. Cuts through metal, wood and plastic pipe like a knife through butter.
Want the Ultimate Power Tool for your Electrician Business?
There is one other power tool electricians need that we haven’t covered. This one is found on your phone or computer and can truly help electricians on every job.
Power up with reliable electrician service software. Using this tool, electricians know exactly what equipment customers are using, can easily upsell services and quickly take payment onsite.
Explore how the electrician software has the power to transform your business into a success. Book a FREE personalized demo of FieldEdge today!
The Power Tools You Need to Succeed
Today we looked at three types of power tools needed by electricians. You should now have a better idea concerning :
- Which tools are best for the type of electrical work you do daily
- Which models model you need and what features you value
- How electrical service software can power up your business
When you take advantage of these recommended items, you’ll be prepared to take on any electrical job!
