Hand-Tools Every Apprentice Electrician Needs

What’s up future sparkies?
My name is Stephen and I love my career as an electrician. This is a fantastic career and one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. If you’re asking yourself if you should become an electrician, the short answer is yes.
In this video I talk about the tools of the trade. In the first half of this video I talk about the hand tools that I always have on me and then transition into talking about tools that are important to have but that I don’t use as often.
The majority of tools I talk about in this video are from Klein Tools. They are basically the standard for hand-tools in the electrical industry. You really can’t go wrong with them. Other tool brands that I mention are DeWalt, Knipex, Milwaukee, Fluke, and Stanley.
Below I have a list of tools that I have and recommend from this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases:
Klein Wire Strippers: amzn.to/33heJ09
Vice Grip Self Adjusting Strippers: amzn.to/32jD4mU
Klein Diagonal Cutters: amzn.to/2RfClN3
Knipex Diagonal Cutters: amzn.to/32l5CMS
Klein Needle Nose Pliers: amzn.to/3hkHZba
Knipex Insulated Cable Shears: amzn.to/2GPmd30
Klein Cables Shears: amzn.to/3mcSssT
Klein 11-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/33hmh34
Klein Conduit Reamer: amzn.to/2RcHSUL
Klein Cabinet Screwdriver: amzn.to/3k3dcld
Klein Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/2Rgjrpi
Stanley Fatmax Tape Measure: amzn.to/2ZsuAI3
Klein Level: amzn.to/3ikLvns
Knipex Channel Locks (7 1/4”): amzn.to/32hqEM8
Knipex Channel Locks (10”): amzn.to/2Zr3T6M
Fluke Tick-Tracer: amzn.to/2FpA2nY
Klein Laser Light: amzn.to/3k7Wyks
Milwaukee Head-Lamp: amzn.to/2Re1Bn5
Klein Hammer: amzn.to/3bMovuW
Klein Lineman’s Pliers: amzn.to/32h6kug
Jab-Saw: amzn.to/35pN3ZH
Magnetic Stud Finder: amzn.to/3bQnN02
Klein Wrench Set: amzn.to/3bKML0N
Fluke 117 Multi-Meter: amzn.to/3ieYJSF
Klein 7-1 Nut Driver: amzn.to/3bNbNw4
Klein Nut Driver Set: amzn.to/3m7xwng
Klein Allen Wrench Set: amzn.to/3bKUvzP
Tin Snips: amzn.to/3bMGqld
What's in my tool belt/ what tools I recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/mad_elect...
Link to my Instagram page:
mad_electrician...
The Mad Electrician Lounge Discord:
/ discord
Thanks for watching!
Cheers!
#electrician #ibew #handtools

[@MadElectrician]

Affiliate link for tools up in description ⚡️

[@dazd64]

Just got accepted into my local for an apprenticeship starting in January! Was ranked 65. Thanks for the videos buddy you helped me kill it!

[@MadElectrician]

Yeah you did! So cool man! I ranked 65 on the list too 🤘🏼 Really glad to hear that these videos helped you out!

[@dazd64]

I was nervous because it was over a zoom call but it didn't matter because I held that confidence and just put everything out there. I can't wait to get started! I'm out of local 640

[@MadElectrician]

Yeah, I bet. I would probably have a little nervous about that too. Right on man! It feels like not too long ago I was in your shoes and just about to start. It will come quick!

[@horsebones727]

Just interviewed yesterday! Felt pretty good, sounds like I'll hear about my rank in January due to the holidays. Congrats!

[@horsebones727]

@@MadElectrician your vids regarding testing and interviewing were very helpful. Hearing back about my rank early January. My fingers are crossed!

[@Xxandross]

17, and thought about going into the army but I’m expecting a child soon so I figured why not look into the trades. Definitely going to apply to my local ibew next year, love the videos man!!

[@terra6084]

Dang man Congrats! im 19 in 5 days, when i was 17 i did a little over 6 months of residential electrical with my dad, starting out with no experience. I loved it, it didnt feel like working at the end of the day from the satisfaction of the "magical" shit you just did and the money haha. cant imagine having a kid anytime soon, too much to handle when im still tryna figure my life out. Glad too see your motivation to be great dad as mine wasnt and made me at 17 lmao. Goodluck!

[@thedarkenigma3834]

Good luck.

[@jjsifo1]

I am 70 . 15 years in Avionics and flying here and there along with automotive mechanic then finally 25 years maritime surveillance flying.The trades were plans B and C never failed me when Pilot jobs were scarce.Go for the trades !

[@smellydot1233]

That cup is one of the essentials

[@MadElectrician]

You are wise beyond your years. You're hired. ☕️⚡️

[@carlosarceo94]

Im actually going to join this trade and I know I made the right decision doing so! Great content by the way Stephen keep it up 🙌🏽

[@MadElectrician]

Right on man! It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life and I think you’ll feel the same way! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about anything along the way. ⚡️

[@carlosarceo94]

Well do man I most definitely will 👌🏽 Thanks a lot Stephen!

[@breed187]

I started being an electrician in my late 20’s and for a long time I felt like such in idiot not doing it right after high school. Best trade ever

[@JstPeachy2011]

Stumptown is my favorite!! I'm stoked to see a channel from Portland. I'm waiting to get into an apprenticeship, so I'll be binging your videos

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks Meghan! I’m really glad to hear that my channel can be useful for you! I’m assuming that you’re from Portland too? And no kidding, Stumptown is what’s up! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions on anything 👍🏼

[@FishFind3000]

22:30 I have a baby pair of channels that I use for the same thing. I lost my pair for a while and it was such a pain to do 1/2emt without them. Had to beat the rings tight with a chisel… I mean screwdriver.

[@theyedinak]

Nice video! I'm an electrician but I like to see what other guys are using. I like the tip about the automatic wire strippers for luminarie mc. I use my razor knife and strip it how you would with Romex. Also the magnetic ball stud finder. I just use my level or a bar magnet I keep in my pouches to keep random screws together. For wrenches you should check out the husky 4 in 1 ratchet wrench. Comes with 2 wrenches but 8 sizes between them.

[@kitkat12326]

Ugh, thank you so much for all of these videos.

[@savagesurpreme7856]

Bro I love you channel man you teaching me a lot

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks man! Encouraging comments like this are what keep me going! Happy to hear that you’re enjoying it and learning from it! ⚡️

[@ricardovarajr]

2nd week of bootcamp for IBEW local 11 Los Angeles. 🤘🏽⚡️

[@ricker76er]

Thanks for the tips. I just got accepted to local 369’s apprenticeship and they gave me a tool list. Good to know that there may be future purchases, which isn’t bad since I love tools.

[@MadElectrician]

Congratulations! It’s my pleasure! I’m a tool nut myself and love getting new tools. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying the videos ⚡️

[@IKisuay]

Hey I’m starting my apprenticeship in a week at local 369, and was curious if I can get the tool list before hand. Idk if they give out a list this year or not, and I don’t want to show up empty handed

[@ricker76er]

@@IKisuay just ask the office and they should provide one. It's pretty basic for an apprentice. They used to sell kits, but I would advise against the Klein kit. About the only thing I have kept using from it is the lineman's pliers. Everything else in that kit is on the cheap side.

[@ramellje]

Just finished my interview and waiting on my rank! Super pumped to join the trade

[@MadElectrician]

Right on Jeffrey! Let me know what you ranked when you find out! ⚡️

[@help2750]

What were you ranked?

[@anonymousperson4363]

Channellock is a name brand. Those pliers you displayed are tongue-and-groove pliers and there are various companies that make them (Knipex mentioned) and Channellock makes other types of pliers.

[@MadElectrician]

That’s true! Everybody I’ve ever worked with just calls tongue and groove/ water pump pliers “channel locks”. Much like many people also call lineman’s pliers “Kleins” even though it’s also just a brand name. It’s just what I’ve become accustomed to saying, but you’re correct that it’s technically just a brand name. Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@FishFind3000]

Same with skid steer = bobcat Tissue = Kleenex

[@jennifermadrosen6909]

Love this!!

[@ES-yc1tp]

thanks for showing some of the uses for the ones of us who don';t know them

[@jhoanrivero7885]

Thanks for the recomendation.

[@jermainebishop9626]

Thanks man these are super helpful!

[@MadElectrician]

Glad to hear that Jermaine! Sorry about the poor audio quality in this video. Someday I might re-shoot this with my newer setup.

[@OscarRodriguez-wt3nb]

Great video would of liked a close up of all tools but thank you!

[@Mozzer482]

Don’t forget Electricians scissors (snips) for cutting mule tape,pull string, labels etc Thanks

[@bluejay6229]

honestly you need more subscribers lol very informative and helpful

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! I’m happy to hear that people are finding this information to be helpful!

[@savagesurpreme7856]

@@MadElectrician bro your under rated this one video gave me more information than anything I found else where

[@lazerlinec1770]

Using the wire stripper to shorten screws wow I'm pathetic about to be 40 didn't know this trick.I don't deserve to be called a man! AMAZING VIDEO Thank You!

[@jdiazpdx]

if youre in the IBEW use whats on your tool list, stick with it; and get good at using those tools.

[@MadElectrician]

I agree. Anything above and beyond the tool list should be provided by the company you work for anyways. ⚡️

[@mrbobthebuilderss]

Great video. Would love to see the bags you use to carry all your tools around in.

[@MadElectrician]

Thank you! I actually plan on putting together a video sooner than later on my sustaining set up. I’ll do a walk through of my tool cart, tool bag choice for sustaining work, and my tool bag for bigger jobs.

[@FCES_Electrical_Sol]

Veto !!!

[@MadElectrician]

I would love to get a Veto tool bag at some point! They’re a bit on the spendy side but from what I hear they’re well worth it! Do you have a veto bag?

[@FCES_Electrical_Sol]

@@MadElectrician Veto TECHOT-MC Compact open tote & Veto pro pac MC Tech bag.

[@FCES_Electrical_Sol]

@@MadElectrician but surprisingly my favorite is my husky bag , large mouth , i like it better than both Veto, it its sang near my EDC tools hand tools , impact, hammer drill, oscillating tools meter (clamp) fluke, but its just so heavy but when I'm in a government building I rough it out.

[@elc2k385]

Thanks, man

[@MadElectrician]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@quentinikuta9422]

great content

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks Quentin!

[@christopherparker1823]

A conical burr grinder for your coffee beans would be a great start 😏

[@Paul-pp2hp]

😆 definitely

[@MadElectrician]

Noted 😂

[@antoniojones1356]

Tht buzzing sound on the electrical room lol

[@MadElectrician]

I know 😂😂 This video was terrible quality. I’ll make a newer version soon. My channel has come a long way from these humble beginnings 😂

[@vinnykurnizi7131]

The humming of the transformers is soothing

[@MasonSmith289]

I didn’t even notice the hum until you said anything

[@Blkmermaid823]

I noticed you that one of your tape measures the klein tools was in metric. Have you used metric while doing some jobs? And if so how did it go? Was it hard to convert imperial to metric? And with metric did jobs go a little faster?

[@shanen.6210]

Cutting screws with your strippers messes up the strippers in my experience. I like to use a heavy duty pair of strippers to cut screws so the light weight strippers don't get messed up.

[@MadElectrician]

I definitely messed up my strippers for a while cutting screws. It's weird though because they eventually started working fine again and now I haven't had any issues cutting screws. I was a little scared to do it again though after they got messed up the first time.

[@illestofdemall13]

@@MadElectrician I messed up one by cutting stainless steel 6-32 screws.

[@MadElectrician]

Yeah, that’ll do it 😢

[@illestofdemall13]

@@MadElectrician That stripper went into the backup pile and I got another new one. Still works, just harder to open and close.

[@danielhady3021]

Just use your 420s as a reamer. One less tool to carry or you can use your Kleins to ream as well.

[@MadElectrician]

Definitely not a bad idea! I’m really like having my reamer, but I’ve used those in a pinch and they’ve worked great 👍🏼

[@vinnykurnizi7131]

I just realized we have the same coffee maker.... nice

[@Alex-jo2oi]

What’s the biggest size of mc you cut with your Knipex Cable Shears? I tried with 12/2 Lumin and it barely wanted to cut it. I even put a small dent in the blade.

[@anibelramos4403]

So weird to see your pliers (Linemen’s/Klein’s) not being a everyday carry. I’m IBEW Local 3 3rd Second apprentice, and it would def be ranked number 1 on the list. Most old school journeymen don’t use strippers to strip wire, just their pliers, not to mention it’s the only thing we use to splice the wires. What do you guys use to splice? Also, our Local doesn’t supply tools, wish that they did. We have a tool list we have to buy/own for our first day starting as a apprentice.

[@MadElectrician]

Oh wow. See, that seems strange to me 😂 I guess it’s really just what you were taught. I actually did carry around my lineman’s pliers every day for about a year and I really enjoyed using them. Eventually though, I decided try using my diagonal cutters, needle nose, and strippers more. And what I’ve personally found is that it’s nice not having the extra weight of the lineman’s pliers on my person at all times and that I can do almost everything that I could have done with my linesman’s with my other tools I carry. There are definitely some situations where my lineman’s pliers come in handy. For splicing I generally just use wire nuts. There have been quite a few times recently where I had to crimp on some fork terminals to wires so I used the build in crimper on my linesman’s. Worked like a charm. That’s a bummer that they don’t supply free tools. Something I’ve learned after making these videos is that every local is pretty different as far as what they provide. I guess we’re pretty fortunate here to have the tools provided.

[@jimmyjenkins5744]

@@MadElectrician so you don’t pre twist your wires before you make your splice. You let the wire nut twist them for you huh? I hate that. You can’t guarantee a good connection. Specially if there’s 4 or more wires your splicing together. 2 I can understand not using linesman but anymore then that you should def pre twist your wires

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Jimmy! Yes, I actually do still pre-twist my wires together, just not with my lineman’s. I’ve become pretty accustomed to doing it with my hands or even with needle nose pliers (since I always have those on me) instead. I agree, it’s a good idea to always pre-twist. 👍🏼

[@bradbuchanan9326]

You should get a pair of Klein’s Hybrid Pliers. They’re a miniature version of Linesman’s Pliers only they have more functions.

[@hey_robert]

Check out Rack-a-tiers I’ve really been diggin them

[@MadElectrician]

Oooo. I’ll definitely have to check those out. One of these days I plan on making a better version of this video without the loud transformer humming in the background.

[@realrojo7145]

Yea just grab a pair of the klein hybrid pliers. Those and a 11 in 1 can handle a lot of tasks

[@MadElectrician]

I've thought about getting a pair of those! Might have to pull the trigger on them.

[@realrojo7145]

@@MadElectrician you can't go wrong. I have 3 different pair and the gray and black handle ones are my favorite

[@camoc89]

My tradesman told me not to get wire strippers for at least two years until I can master stripper cable with pliers, so I haven't got me a pair yet.

[@joed7274]

Klein Tools! American made!

[@MadElectrician]

Love me some Klein Tools ⚡️

[@fmphotooffice5513]

(Audio, audio, good audio! Very important. Noise becomes really annoying especially with long videos. Invest in a lav microphone.) Regards.

[@dja711]

What are the smaller Klein shears? @ 9:10

[@lynx911able]

I was genuinely afraid you were going to stick that metal measure tape where you really shouldn't..😭😁

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for worrying for me 😂

[@jolyonwelsh9834]

So much for the skills gap. There is no skills gap in the electrical trade. You might want to tell Mike Rowe that.

[@justink7269]

Side cutters are different than diagonal cutters

[@errolthompson3828]

The camera need to be closer so that we can get a better view of the tools

[@wookie138]

Do you think a 90.67 on the interview would be enough to get in?

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Nikki! Thanks for watching and the question. Here at local 48 we are given ranks based off of our interview scores, so it’s not so much the score that matters but more so our rank on the list. I imagine that anything above 90 is a great score. Do you know what your rank is on the list or if your local does a ranking system?

[@alexsanoff585]

Did you pick to be placed in a hospital for your apprenticeship or was that randomly assigned? Seems like a mellow, calm environment to learn the trade.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Alex! It’s definitely an awesome place to learn. It’s like being a service electrician but having a home which is really cool. I didn’t start out at the hospital but I did request to be sent there. I had just finished a job with the company I still work (about a year into my apprenticeship) and they asked if there was any particular job sites that I wanted to work at next. I mentioned the hospital that I’m currently working at now and they were able to make it happen for me. I was super lucky as a first year apprentice to get to decide where I wanted to work. Now, three years later, the big job I was working on at the hospital is over and everyone else who was working on the project got sent out to other jobs. My general foreman kept only two people for sustaining work, and I was fortunate enough to be one of them. ⚡️

[@dakotagarcia3772]

Did you just refer to conduit as "pipe"?

[@MadElectrician]

All the time 🤘🏼 Most people I work with just simply refer to conduit as pipe.

[@superiorlongboards]

Put Aaron in your videos haha

[@MadElectrician]

Haha! Do you work with him?

[@superiorlongboards]

@@MadElectrician I worked with him for a little bit when I was at Stoner. I'm Mill plain now journeyed out about a month ago 😎

[@MadElectrician]

He said you were a really cool dude and that he enjoyed working with you. Right on man! He said you would probably be journeyed out now. Aaron is going into 6th term next month.

[@skyleergorman5325]

cutting mc with cable shears? mmmm ok

[@MadElectrician]

Absolutely! I do it all of the time. Never done that? The shears cut right through the aluminum sheath (just like they cut through copper or aluminum conductors) and it cuts like butter. Works great 👍🏼

[@jragadio]

Too noisy. But great content

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for the feedback! I figured. I think it’s time to invest in a mic to cut background noise.

[@ricardovarajr]

Do you carry tin snips on you daily?

[@WeMe83]

No disrespect but you don’t need 38 mins to go through a hand tool list for electricians. I didn’t watch but I’m sure the video is very informative.

[@MadElectrician]

You’re absolutely right. It’s actually an older video of mine and I would do things much different now. I’ll probably be making a much more condensed and higher quality version this year. I appreciate the feedback! ⚡️

[@benjamins7229]

In my opinion every apprentice should be rotated through the contractors throughout their apprenticeship. It’s important that everyone have a clear understanding of the “Brotherhood” part of the IBEW. Staying with the same contractor for a whole apprenticeship isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can expose apprentices to unacceptable and frankly, wormy behavior. I don’t have a problem with guys who stay at the same place for a long time. However, I do think that the rates of worminess increase versus the length of time employed. I know some guys who have worked for the same contractor for years, and they’re absolute solid brothers, but they’re the minority. Apprentices need to be exposed to the true brotherhood behind it all, they need to understand that if we don’t stand up together then we’re done. Nobody is better than anybody else. Yes, some people are dumbasses and some people are dickheads, I get it. But what does brotherhood mean to you?

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

YES YOU ARE CORRECTED, HOWEVER CRONYISM IS VERY POWERFUL ! the worms rule !!! brother brother at the HALL on the job ????

[@benjamins7229]

@@abcdef-kx2qt what are you talking about dude? You high or something? If giving up your integrity and the value of brotherhood is worth it to you, have at it. Not part of what I represent, and if being a contractor-first scab is what you’re saying, then you are what’s wrong with our union. Trampin ain’t easy

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

@@benjamins7229 : i hate cronyism, brother ! that is wormy. gypsy living is not worth the EFFORT $ RE READ EVERY THING IS SAY FOOL. i am for US not THEM ! BEWARE BE PREPARED ! FURTHERMORE DON'T BE A VOTE BLOCK !

[@benjamins7229]

@@abcdef-kx2qt sorry for the misunderstanding brother. I agree. I am 100% for this union and our brotherhood and way of life. Wormy shop hounds and backstabbing rats have no place in our union but they are here. How do we deal with them?? Our way of life is dying, big jobs are getting worse and worse. Incentive pay, no more perdiem, cons across the country are pushing for removal of double time, it’s gotten bad, and more members are being worms. Brotherhood is a rarity in our world today.

[@JCanslerXx]

I bet this guy has a Knipex toothbrush too

[@MadElectrician]

Just wait for my, “How an Electrician Brushes Their Teeth” video.

[@miki4758]

He knows what is No1 electrician tools

[@denvercharlebois699]

Your voice lol.

[@MadElectrician]

Not a fan?

[@denvercharlebois699]

@@MadElectrician No I love your content man

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks man! I meant of my voice though 😂