Whether you’re a jobsite-weary seasoned pro, or a fresh from college newbie, a little assistance and guidance towards the power tools that’ll make your life easier is always welcome. So we’ve decided to look through the best power tools on the market right now and make our suggestions for the kit any self-respecting sparky should have in his/her kit.
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WHAT ARE THE BEST POWER TOOLS FOR AN ELECTRICIAN?
Let’s be honest, it can be easy when we’re feeling flush to load up our shopping basket with loads of new power tools, some of which we might hardly ever used. However, this guide is deliberately limited to the absolute “must have” power tools, which we feel are:
- 10.8v drill driver/impact driver twin pack
- 18v combi-drill
- SDS drill
- oscillating multi-tool
- 10.8v circular saw
- cross line laser
Here are our suggestions for each category.
10.8v Drill Driver/Impact Driver Twin Pack
Unlike chippies, sparkies won’t have a regular use for big drill drivers or impact drivers, that’s why we’re suggesting you go for the lighter, more compact 10.8v versions. Why buy a twin pack? You’re more likely to save a bit of cash in the process.
With all cordless tools, though, battery platform is a key factor. So, whichever platform you’re already currently invested in – 10.8v-wise – it’s best to stick to that. However, we reckon Makita’s new CXT 10.8v tools are well worth considering. You can read our guide to them here.
The range is getting bigger all the time, from jigsaws to trim saws, so owning 10.8v CXT batteries will pay dividends in the future, allowing you to opt for body-only tools, saving money along the way.
Our Pick: Makita CLX202AJ 2 Piece Cordless Kit – SHOP HERE
18v Combi-Drill
You could opt for a 10.8v combi, and there are even twin options that include one, but we’re recommending you step up to 18v for your combi-drill. The simple reason being, while your smaller drill driver or impact driver will be fine for drill small holes and pushing smaller screws, you’re going to need blows-per-minute from time to time for getting through masonry. And there’s no point skimping on power as a result. Again, existing 18v batteries in your arsenal will play into this, so click here to see all of the 18v cordless combi-drills we have in stock right now.
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Our Pick: Metabo SB 18 LTX BL Q I 18V Cordless Brushless Combi Drill with Impuls – SHOP HERE
We particularly like the fact this one comes in a tough carry case with two of Metabo’s well respected 5.2Ah batteries. Couple these with the brushless motor, and you’re going to get loads of runtime without having to even look for your charger.
Additionally, the box contains a quick-change chuck, allowing you to go from combi-drill to impact driver in seconds. The tool’s protected by Metabo’s “Ultra M” system, which means smart charging, a smart motor and Metabo is confident in the quality of the combi-drill that it’s covered by a 3-year warranty, which includes the battery. Finally, a great benefit is the IMPULS mode. To learn more about the tight spots that’ll get you out of, read our report here.
SDS+ Drill
Again, it’s a case of horses for courses. You will encounter jobs where you need to chase masonry to run cables or punch really big holes through brickwork. And again, it’s a case of having the right power tools for the job at hand when you need it.
It’s your choice as to whether you go corded or cordless, but for this guide, we’ll recommend you look at a corded SDS drill. You’ll save some cash, and let’s be honest you probably won’t be using it as often as other tools on this list, so it makes sense to work out a way to save some money.
You can see all our SDS+ corded drills here, and all the cordless versions here.
Our Pick: Hitachi DH24PX SDS Hammer Drill – SHOP HERE
With its 3 modes (hammer, rotary hammer, drilling) it punches into masonry with 2.7 Joules of impact energy and a 7830W motor. In terms of what it delivers with this spec, put a core bit on it and it’ll make holes up to 32mm in diameter.
Oscillating Multi-Tool
These power tools are virtually a pre-requisite these days thanks to their flexibility. There isn’t much you can’t do with them, and they’re ideal for little jobs that other tools are either too much for or too big for.
Obviously it comes down to whether you need cordless or not, and of course the accessories you have with you. Click here to see all the cordless oscillating multi-tools in stock, and click here to see the corded versions.
Click here to see all of the available accessories – always best to stock up!
Our Pick: Makita TM30DZ Multi-Tool – SHOP HERE
We’ve selected another Makita tool for you, the reason being it’s also part of the CXT 10.8v battery range. So, with the above-mentioned twin pack, you get TWO batteries. Use one of the batteries in the TM30DZ when you need it!
It’s also body-only, which is a cost saver for you.
We also chose cordless because we reckon if you’ve got a job that needs the help of an oscillating multi-tool you should be free from cords! You never know when where or when the TM30DZ will be called into action, so just slap in one of your batteries and you’re ready to go.
10.8v Circular Saw
Obviously, your oscillating multi-tool will be able to handle loads of cutting jobs, but there are times when you need to cut through floorboards, for example, to lay cables. In those instances, you want a circular saw. However, you probably don’t need anything too heavy duty or bulky in your kit, as once again, it’s not going to be a tool that you’ll be relying on all day, every day.
Hence, we reckon a 10.8v version will do you just fine.
Our Pick: Bosch GKS12V-26 Cordless Circular Saw – SHOP HERE
The Bosch GKS12V-26 Cordless Circular Saw is one of the smallest professional universal saws you are likely to see but does not compromise on specification. The machine comes with an 85mm blade, integrated hex key, parallel guide and L-Boxx inlay.
Cross-Line Laser
This is an absolute must-have tool for working on large scale lighting systems or when you want to ensure electrical sockets are 100% level. Our tips are to look for a cross-line laser that emits laser lines and dots. The lines will keep things straight and allow you to mark out an entire room for track lighting, for example. And the dots will give you accurate point transfers, perfect again for laying out and planning of electrical fittings.
Our Pick: Dewalt DW088K 2 Way Self-Levelling Ultra Bright Cross Line Laser – SHOP HERE
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This is the successor to the top-selling DW087K cross line laser level and provides superior performance, durability, accuracy and ease of use. Solidly built, this is quick to set up, and with multiple laying out applications, an indispensable piece of kit. Cut down on working time with this super accurate tool. It will pay for itself in no time.
So that’s our suggestions for the best power tools for electricians. What would you add to the mix? Let us know in the comments section below.
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