Overview
This lecture introduces common electrical tools, explaining their main types and specific functions for handling electrical work safely and efficiently.
Screwdrivers
- Screwdrivers are made of steel and used to tighten or loosen screws with slotted heads.
- Standard (flat) screwdriver has a wedge-shaped tip for single slot head screws.
- Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip for cross slot head screws.
- Stubby screwdriver is a shorter version for use in tight spaces, available in both flat and Phillips types.
- Allen screwdriver or wrench is designed for driving screws with hexagonal slots.
Hammers
- Hammers are used for driving, pounding, or pulling out nails in electrical work.
- Types include claw hammer, mallet (rubber head), and ball peen hammer.
Pliers
- Pliers are metal tools with insulated handles for cutting, twisting, bending, holding, and gripping wires.
- Combination (lineman's) pliers grip, hold, and cut wires or cables and can handle small nails.
- Side cutting pliers are for cutting fine, medium, or large wires and cables.
- Long nose pliers are used for cutting and holding fine wires, reaching tight spaces, and making terminal loops on copper wires.
Wire Stripper & Electrician's Knife
- Wire stripper removes insulation from medium-sized wires (gauges 10-16).
- Electrician's knife is used to remove insulation from wires and cables in both low and high voltage lines.
Other Electrical Tools
- Portable electric drill makes holes in metal sheets and concrete walls, with chuck capacity from 1/4 to 3/8 inch.
- Saw is used for cutting metal conduit and armored cable.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Screwdriver — Tool for turning screws; comes in flat, Phillips, stubby, and Allen types.
- Pliers — Gripping and cutting tool; includes lineman's, side cutting, and long nose variations.
- Wire stripper — Removes insulation from electrical wires.
- Electrician's knife — Hand tool to remove wire insulation.
- Portable electric drill — Handheld machine for drilling holes in various materials.
- Saw — Tool for cutting metal conduits and cables.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the tools discussed and identify their uses.
- Practice identifying each tool and matching it to its function.