Electrician Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

When you talk to electricians, tools become a sort of sacred thing. Everyone has their favorites. Still, we have swayed more than one journeyman by placing a new tool in his hands. Our electrical tool reviews aim to reveal what electricians think about new products coming to market.
Our hands-on electrical tool reviews take things like press tools and metal hole saws and find out if they work faster than existing products. Manufacturers are quick to make claims, but testing those claims is what helps Pros and know if a tool can cut it in the field. Our Pro electricians work with us to determine whether or not new tools are accurate, ergonomic, and/or just plain helpful.

Klein Tools Illuminated LED Fish Rod Tips Preview

Klein Tools Illuminated LED Fish Rod Tips Preview

So check this out – Klein Tools just released an illuminated fish rod tip for its line of fish tapes (Cat. No. 56119). It features a bright white, omni-directional LED that can be used to illuminate the area when fishing above ceilings, in attics, through walls, in crawl spaces and under raised floors. What’s great is that this is an inline accessory, so it has a threaded base and tip that can allow for either a hook or bullet nose attachment to be connected. The ends are also both tapered so it shouldn’t create any issues or additional drag when pushing and pulling through conduit or other open spaces. And we thought glow rods were handy…

Porter-Cable PCE201 Corded 4.3-amp Impact Driver Preview

Porter-Cable PCE201 4.3-amp Impact Driver Preview

Porter-Cable is addressing the problem of needing the power of a cordless impact drivers, but for extended-use applications. They launched the 1/4-inch Hex 4.3-Amp PCE201 specifically to give tradesmen an option in the workplace. This impact driver is designed for deck builders, steel roofing installers and other tradesmen who complete numerous fastening applications in challenging workplaces (but who have easy access to power).

Channellock Code Blue Tongue & Groove Pliers 430CB Review

Channellock Code Blue Tongue & Groove Pliers 430CB

Channellock’s brand new Code Blue Tongue & Groove Pliers (430CB) are rugged, durable, and possible most important of all – familiar. These aren’t new tools so much as old tools made even better. And that’s what you want in a good hand tool. People aren’t quite so interested in a whole new way to use a tool, disrupting the comfortable feel they’ve developed over decades of use – they just want something that feels right and lasts a long time. Channellock seems to have delivered just that with its Code Blue line of Pliers.

Channellock Code Blue Long Nose Pliers 318CB Review

Channellock Code Blue Long Nose Pliers 318CB Review

Channellock pliers have been a staple of many tool bags for years. Their signature blue “dipped” handles are easily recognized and have served the trades well for decades. This year, Channellock released a new line of tools it’s calling “Code Blue” which, ironically is one of the hospital terms for someone in cardiopulmonary arrest. I don’t think anyone will have a heart attack over these tools, but the new heavy duty Long Nose Pliers (318CB) may be just the thing if you’re looking for a new pair of rugged pliers.