Best Electrician Tools Brand Guide

Electricians rely heavily on their tools to perform a wide range of tasks, from basic repairs to complex installations. The choice of tools can significantly impact an electrician’s efficiency, safety, and the quality of their work. Specifically in this article, we will explore the most trusted brands of power tools, hand tools, and multimeters preferred by electricians in the industry. These brands have earned their reputation for producing high-quality, reliable tools that meet the rigorous demands of electrical work.

There are many companies who offer cheap, substandard Amazon/Walmart-quality tools with the word “electrician” on them. But in reality they’re not up to professional standards. Many companies who own hardware stores and depots create their own lines of tools and market them in electrical material aisles, but the quality is far below professional-grade. Buying cheap tools is ok when an apprentice starts out, or when a journeyman just needs a spare tool and it’s all they can find. But as an electrician matures, finding tools that are long-term, reliable, rugged, and time-saving often comes with a higher price tag on a finer tool.

Adding to this, many large established tool brands are attempting to create competitive products in areas where they have no experience. In the last 5-10 years we’ve seen a huge landgrab occur where every tool company is starting to compete to make every tool for every person. Sadly, as nearly every brand you can think of is owned by another multinational parent company, this has become more about maintaining market share and relevancy as new products come up and threaten the space, than it is about designing and developing something that solves a unique problem for the electrician.

Since this is a growing trend extending to the majority of large tool brands, long past are the days of innovation in a single niche, specializing in a certain thing. Nowadays many companies simply watch what their competitors are doing just so they can buy a tool, redesign it, and produce it so they “have one too.” This situation has opened the floodgates for new products that undercut the competition in price. But they lack the same level of care and thoughtfulness in their craftsmanship. The plethora of tool options can be overwhelming, but fear not – we’ve listed out what brands the majority of us are using daily in the U.S. While some brands make a variety of products, we’ve outlined the best in class in each area: power tools, hand tools and test equipment. So, let’s dive in!

Power Tools for Electricians

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a go-to brand for power tools among electricians. Owned by Hong-Kong-based TTI, Milwaukee creates power tools are known for their robust construction, long battery life, and innovative features. People recognize their tools for their sturdy construction, extended battery life, and cutting-edge features. Milwaukee’s extensive range includes drills, impact drivers, saws, grinders, and more. All of which provide exceptional performance and durability on the job.

DeWalt

Electricians worldwide favor DeWalt as another leading brand. Owned by U.S. based Stanley Black & Decker, their power tools earn high marks for ruggedness, reliability, and versatility. DeWalt offers a broad selection of cordless and corded tools that excel in handling various electrical tasks.

Ridgid

Ridgid, also owned by Hong Kong-based TTI, manufactures power tools which have earned respect across the board for their durability and unwavering performance. This brand offers a range of reliable drills, saws, and impact drivers that electricians find invaluable for their everyday work.

Makita

Many praise Japanese-based Makita for leading the way in innovation and showcasing engineering brilliance. Professionals value their power tools because they masterfully balance performance and ergonomics, guaranteeing ease of use over extended periods. While they may not be as rugged as some of their competitors, they do pick up in thoughtful ergonomics and design in a way many of their competitors do not. Plus they’re not owned by a parent company; Makita is just Makita.

Hilti

Though less common in the U.S., Hilti has a reputation for producing high-quality tools designed for heavy-duty professional use. Electricians appreciate these Liechtenstein-made tools for their exceptional durability, power, and precision. Hilti’s product line includes rotary hammers, impact drivers, drills, and fastening tools. All engineered to meet the rigorous demands of commercial and industrial electrical work.

Hand Tools for Electricians

Klein

Klein Tools is a household name among electricians, with a history spanning over 160 years. Being U.S. made, and electrician focused, they offer a wide range of hand tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and more. All designed to withstand the rigors of electrical work. With an impressive lineage of experience in the hand-tool marketplace, many electricians are extremely loyal to this top-of-the-line tool producer. Many even have a saying: “If it ain’t Klein, it ain’t mine.“

Knipex

Many professionals turn to Knipex, a German brand, for its top-tier, precision-crafted hand tools. Their pliers, cutters, and wrenches are a favorite of electricians for their delicacy and precision. As well as their multitude of various tools that function differently than most U.S. brands. Knipex has largely a non-U.S. user-base, though slowly they’re making their move to push their tools into the U.S. market. One thing is for certain though, you don’t hear many people say they don’t like Knipex. Often, once an electrician uses their tools they want to go buy another tool from them.

Stanley FatMax

Though Stanley overall does not specialize in high-quality tools for electricians, they do make tape-measures electricians love. The Stanley FatMax, a sub-brand of U.S.-based Stanley Black & Decker, is revered for its line of robust, heavy-duty fat-blade tape measures that last the test of time. The FatMax offers an incredibly stout blade that can extend from 9-13 feet for use when working above one’s head measuring long distances.

Estwing

Estwing hammers have a reputation for their durability and comfort. Electricians rely on U.S.-based Estwing for their long-lasting hammers. Which are crucial for a variety of tasks, including demolition and new construction. Not only do Estwing hammers last the test of time, their shape and handle-material make them a go-to choice for professionals who use hammers daily.

Greenlee

For over 150 years, U.S.-based Greenlee has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality hand tools relied on by electricians. Greenlee engineers its extensive line of pliers, cutters, screwdrivers, hole saws, and more for top-notch durability, safety, and efficiency on job sites. Most notably are the ratcheting wire cutters, used to cut very large conductors with ease.

Multimeters for Electricians

Fluke

Many professionals consider Fluke the gold standard in multimeters and testing equipment, and for good reason. Electricians trust Fluke for its accuracy, reliability, and durability in measuring voltage, current, resistance, and other critical electrical parameters. Every year this U.S.-based company releases some new line of test equipment that is packed with more features, and more efficiency of use. Earning them the top-tier spot for electrical test equipment.

Ideal

Ideal is another reputable brand that manufactures a range of multimeters and electrical testing equipment. Ideal’s products offer good performance and value for electricians on a budget. While this U.S.-based wire-connector manufacturer has been moving into other areas of tool production, such as benders, wire strippers, lineman’s pliers, etc, they’re well-respected in the multimeter market.

Klein

Klein, widely known for its hand tools, also manufactures a variety of testers and multimeters. Electricians appreciate Klein’s commitment to quality, backed by a more affordable price point compared to some high-end brands. Many of Klein’s meters “do the trick” and are not meant to be the best testers on the market. They actually position themselves as the ‘low cost leader’. Providing access to a plethora of quality-made test equipment at affordable prices for anyone needing a multimeter.

Conclusion

All in all choosing the right tools is essential for electricians to carry out their work safely, efficiently, and with precision. There are many tools available now for electricians. Some offer low cost and low quality while others are quite the opposite. Ultimately, the best electrician tools brand choice depends on individual preferences, specific job requirements, and budget constraints. Undoubtedly, the brands listed above have consistently proven their worth in the electrical industry, earning the trust of professionals worldwide for their quality and performance. As technology continues to advance, it’s worth keeping an eye on emerging tool brands (like Rack-a-tiers and Southwire) and innovations that may shape the future of electrical tools. Check out “What Multimeter Should I Buy?” for more on tools!