Let's dive into the research to identify the best tools for electricians in the UK, focusing on top brands and best value for money. Here are the essential tools and their recommended brands:
Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers
Best Brand for Quality: Wera Kraftform Kompakt VDE Screwdriver Set
Featuring insulated handles, interchangeable blades, and high torque, the Wera Kraftform set is essential for safe and efficient electrical work. Priced around £45 on Amazon UK, it's consistently top-rated by electricians for durability and safety.
Best Brand for Value: Stanley FatMax Screwdriver Set
Known for its ergonomic handles, durable tips, and comprehensive set, the Stanley FatMax is priced around £20 on Amazon UK. It's highly regarded for good performance at an affordable price.
Pliers and Wire Cutters
Best Brand for Quality: Knipex 3-Piece Pliers Set
With high leverage, precision cutting, and a comfortable grip, the Knipex set priced around £80 at Toolstation is trusted for its reliability and quality among professionals.
Best Brand for Value: Irwin Vise-Grip Pliers Set
Offering durable construction, ergonomic handles, and versatility, the Irwin Vise-Grip set priced around £25 on Amazon UK provides good quality at a reasonable price point.
Voltage Tester
Best Brand for Quality: Fluke T6-600 Electrical Tester
Fluke's non-contact voltage detection, field sense technology, and ease of use make it a top choice at around £140 from Fluke UK. It's renowned for precision and reliability in electrical testing equipment.
Best Brand for Value: Klein Tools NCVT-2 Dual Range Voltage Tester
With non-contact detection, dual range capabilities, and a compact design, Klein Tools' NCVT-2 is priced around £20 on Amazon UK, offering dependable performance at a lower cost.
Multimeter
Best Brand for Quality: Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Fluke's True RMS, auto-ranging features, and backlit display make it highly recommended at around £170 on Amazon UK for its accuracy and robust design.
Best Brand for Value: UNI-T UT210E Mini Clamp Multimeter
Offering True RMS, auto-ranging capabilities, and a compact design, the UNI-T UT210E priced around £40 on Amazon UK provides a good range of features at an affordable price.
Fish Tape
Best Brand for Quality: Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape
Klein Tools' high strength, low friction, and non-conductive design make it ideal at around £35 on Amazon UK, trusted for durability and efficiency.
Best Brand for Value: Silverline 427644 Fish Tape
Affordable yet functional, Silverline's 427644 Fish Tape priced around £10 on Amazon UK offers good functionality at a budget-friendly price.
Cable Stripper
Best Brand for Quality: Jokari Allrounder Cable Stripper
Jokari's versatile, ergonomic design priced around £15 at Screwfix is highly rated for efficiency and ease of use among electricians.
Best Brand for Value: Stanley 0-70-450 Automatic Wire Stripper
Stanley's adjustable, lightweight option priced around £10 on Amazon UK is an affordable choice that performs well for basic needs.
Crimping Tool
Best Brand for Quality: C.K. Tools 430036 Automatic Wire Stripper & Crimper
Known for automatic adjustment, ergonomic handle, and durable construction, C.K. Tools' 430036 priced around £30 on Amazon UK offers great value for money.
Best Brand for Value: Silverline 868716 Ratchet Crimping Tool
Featuring a ratchet mechanism, versatility, and low cost, Silverline's 868716 priced around £12 on Amazon UK is a budget-friendly tool that performs well for basic crimping tasks.
Insulated Gloves
Best Brand for Quality: Ansell HyFlex 11-800 Safety Gloves
Popular among electricians for comfort, dexterity, and excellent grip, Ansell's HyFlex 11-800 priced around £6 at RS Components offers a balanced protection and comfort.
Best Brand for Value: Portwest A120 Orange PU Palm Gloves
Portwest's A120 gloves providing good grip, lightweight feel, and affordability at around £1.50 per pair on Amazon UK offer basic protection at a very low cost.
Head Torch
Best Brand for Quality: LED Lenser H7.2 Headlamp
LED Lenser's adjustable focus, long battery life, and comfortable fit make it ideal at around £50 from Halfords for working in low-light conditions.
Best Brand for Value: Energizer LED Headlamp
With multiple light modes, lightweight design, and cost-effectiveness, Energizer's LED Headlamp priced around £15 on Amazon UK provides good illumination and battery life at a budget-friendly price.
Tool Bag
Best Brand for Quality: Veto Pro Pac TECH PAC Service Technician Bag
The Veto Pro Pac TECH PAC offers a heavy-duty, waterproof base, 46 pockets for organization, and comfortable straps. Priced around £250 on Amazon UK, it's highly durable and well-organized, perfect for professional use.
Best Brand for Value: Stanley FatMax Open Tote Tool Bag
Stanley's FatMax Open Tote Tool Bag priced around £30 on Amazon UK offers durability, plenty of storage space, and affordability, making it a practical choice for electricians.
This selection of tools and their respective tool bags ensures that electricians are equipped with high-quality, reliable equipment that meets the demands of their profession. Whether you're looking for top-tier performance or budget-friendly options, these recommendations provide the best solutions for electricians in the UK.