Electrical Tools I Cannot Live Without

4. Wire-Bending Philips Screwdriver

Klein Tools makes a Philips screwdriver for electrical work that has three key features: 1.) A non-slip, cushioned grip, 2.) a Philips head that seems almost impossible to strip (I've tried), and 3.) a side rod that juts out parallel to the screwdriver shaft, allowing you to bend wire into U-shapes.

5. Electrical Current Detector

This one is the real life-saver. The electrical current detector is a slim, pen-size, AA battery-powered device that does only one thing: tells you if there is electrical current in the wire. I clip mine on my shirt and use it all the time when taking on electrical projects.

6. Cable Ripper

Romex cable is covered in thick, tear-proof plastic coating. The way to access the wires inside is to use a cable ripper, which creates a linear cut down the length of the cable. It's not the smoothest cut, but it's enough that you can rip apart the rest of the coating with your hands and get to those wires.