Assembling the appropriate tools, equipment, and materials is fundamental for any electrical installation task in Electronics Technology. Mastery of the correct selection and use of these implements ensures safety, efficiency, and quality workmanship in installations, maintenance, and repairs. In Kenya’s dynamic electronics sector, professionals must be conversant with a wide range of tools tailored for different functions, from cutting wires to precise measurements and fixing components. This chapter provides a comprehensive guide to classifying and understanding such tools, enabling technicians to work effectively in diverse settings such as hospitals, universities, and retail electronics outlets.

3.1 Classification of tools

Tools are classified by the job they do: cutting, measuring, fixing, crimping, testing and holding, and special tools for pulling, bending and drilling. Knowing the class of a tool lets an electrician pick the right one for each task, work faster and avoid damaging cables, conduits and fittings. Classification also guides storage, inspection and safe use. This topic describes each class and the tools in it.

3.1.1 Cutting tools

Cutting tools shorten, trim and strip materials used in wiring. A clean cut keeps conductors undamaged and edges safe. Example: an electrician in a building contractor's wiring crew uses a hacksaw to cut conduit, a stripping knife to bare the cable ends and side cutters to trim the conductors.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw that holds a thin blade under tension in a frame. It cuts metal conduit, trunking, rods and metal enclosures. For example, an installer cuts a steel conduit to length before threading it.

• Blade choice: A fine-tooth blade cuts thin tube and a coarser blade cuts thick sections.
• Fitting the blade: The teeth point away from the handle, so that the saw cuts on the forward stroke.
• Use: Hold the work firmly in a vice and cut with long, steady strokes.
• Finishing: File off burrs, so that sharp edges do not damage cable insulation.

Stripping knife

A stripping knife has a short, sharp blade for removing the outer sheath and insulation of cables. It must be used carefully so that the conductor is not nicked. For example, an electrician removes the sheath of a twin and earth cable before dressing the conductors.

• Cutting direction: Cut away from the body and along the cable at a shallow angle.
• Depth: Score the sheath lightly, because a deep cut damages the conductor.
• Safety: Keep the blade sheathed or folded when not in use.
• Condition: A sharp blade is safer than a blunt one, which slips.

Side cutter

Side cutters, also called diagonal cutters, have angled cutting edges for snipping wire and trimming leads close to a surface. Their small head reaches into tight spaces. For example, an electrician trims surplus conductor ends inside a switch box.

• Use: Cut conductors and cable ties flush with the surface.
• Limit: Do not cut hardened steel or live cables.
• Insulated handles: They give protection but are not a substitute for isolating the circuit.
• Care: Keep the edges aligned and free of nicks.

Pliers

Pliers grip, bend, twist and cut. Combination pliers have flat jaws for gripping and a cutting edge near the pivot, and long-nose types reach into narrow spaces. For example, an electrician forms a loop in a conductor end with long-nose pliers before placing it under a terminal screw.

Two types of pliers commonly used in construction and engineering (Source: Workshop Technology Notes For Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering Module)

• Gripping and twisting: Hold and twist conductors together when making joints.
• Bending: Shape conductor ends for terminals.
• Cutting: Cut conductors to length, but never cut live wires.
• Misuse: Do not use pliers as a hammer or spanner, because the jaws are damaged.

3.1.2 Measuring tools

Measuring tools give lengths, right angles and levels so that work is accurate before any cutting or fixing. Poor measurement wastes material and causes crooked installations. Example: a wireman planning a lighting run measures the route with a tape, marks straight lines with a square and checks the fixing with a spirit level.

Tape measure

A tape measure is a flexible steel tape in a case that retracts, used for long measurements such as cable runs, conduit and room dimensions.

• Use: Hook the end on the starting edge and read the mark at the other end.
• Allowance: Add extra length for bends, drops and connections when measuring cable.
• Care: Do not let the tape snap back, since the hook and tape are damaged.
• Reading: Keep the tape straight and taut for an accurate reading.

Try square

A try square has a rigid blade fixed at 90 degrees to a stock, and it checks and marks right angles.

• Marking: Hold the stock against an edge and draw a line along the blade.
• Checking: Place it against two meeting faces to test that they are square.
• Use: Mark conduit, trunking and boards for cutting at right angles.
• Care: Do not drop it, because a damaged square gives wrong angles.

Steel rule

A steel rule is a rigid, graduated strip, usually 300 mm or 1 m, used for accurate short measurements and for guiding a marking tool.

• Accuracy: Graduations in millimetres give precise readings for small work.
• Straight edge: It guides a pencil or scriber along a straight line.
• Reading: Look square to the scale to avoid parallax error.
• Care: Keep it clean, dry and free from rust.

Spirit level

A spirit level has liquid-filled vials with an air bubble that shows when a surface is level or plumb.

• Horizontal check: The bubble sits between the lines when the surface is level.
• Vertical check: A second vial shows when a surface is plumb.
• Use: Check the alignment of boxes, trunking, conduit runs and distribution boards.
• Care: Keep the base clean and flat, and avoid knocks that affect accuracy.

3.1.3 Fixing tools

Fixing tools drive and tighten the fasteners that hold fittings, boxes and cable supports in place. Using the correct tool protects both the fastener and the fitting. Example: an installer fixing a surface box to a wall uses a hammer to drive in the plugs and a screw driver to secure the box.

Hammers

A hammer drives nails, pins and clips, and it taps fittings into place. A claw hammer is common for fixing clips, while a club hammer is used with chisels in masonry.

• Use: Strike squarely with the face, and keep clear of cables.
• Grip: Hold the handle near the end for a controlled blow.
• Handle check: A loose or cracked handle is dangerous and must be replaced.
• Eye protection: Wear it when chiselling or striking masonry.

Screw drivers

Screw drivers turn screws of different head types, such as slotted, Phillips and Pozidriv. The tip must match the screw head.

• Fit: A tip that fits without play avoids damaged screw heads.
• Insulated types: Insulated handles and shafts protect against shock when working near live parts.
• Use: Press firmly and turn in line with the screw.
• Misuse: Do not use a screw driver as a chisel or lever.

3.1.4 Crimping tool

A crimping tool squeezes a lug, ferrule or connector onto a conductor to form a firm, low-resistance joint without soldering. A correct crimp is gas-tight and strong, while a poor crimp overheats. Example: an electrician fits crimped lugs on the conductors of a distribution board.

• Matching size: Use dies and lugs that match the conductor size.
• Strip length: Strip only enough insulation to fit the barrel of the lug.
• Crimp: Squeeze fully so that the tool releases, and tug the cable to check.
• Types: Hand crimpers suit small lugs and ratchet or hydraulic crimpers suit large cables.
• Inspection: Reject crimps that are cracked, loose or have exposed strands.

3.1.5 Equipment

Equipment is the larger or more specialised items used to test, hold and shape materials. It improves accuracy and safety on site and in the workshop.

Multimeter

A multimeter measures voltage, current and resistance and tests continuity. Example: an electrician checks that a circuit is dead with a multimeter before starting work.

• Setting: Select the correct function and range before connecting.
• Probes: Use leads with good insulation.
• Voltage and current: Connect across a load for voltage and in series for current.
• Resistance: Measure only on dead circuits.

Stock and die

A stock and die set cuts external threads on conduit and rods, so that fittings can be screwed on. The die is held in the stock, which acts as a handle.

• Preparation: Chamfer the end of the tube so that the die starts squarely.
• Lubrication: Use cutting oil to give a clean thread.
• Cutting: Turn forward and back a little to clear the swarf.
• Care: Keep the die clean and oiled.

Vice

A vice is a clamp that holds the work firmly while it is cut, filed, threaded or bent.

• Mounting: Fix it firmly to a strong bench.
• Clamping: Use soft jaw covers to protect finished surfaces.
• Support: Support long pieces so that they do not bend.
• Care: Oil the screw and keep jaws clean.

Insulation resistance meter

An insulation resistance meter, often called a megger, applies a high test voltage and measures the resistance of insulation in megohms. A low reading shows an insulation fault.

• Isolation: Switch off, disconnect equipment and discharge the circuit before testing.
• Test voltage: Choose a voltage suited to the circuit rating.
• Reading: Compare the result with the required minimum value.
• Safety: Do not touch the conductors during the test, since the voltage is high.

Earth resistance meter

An earth resistance meter measures the resistance between an earth electrode and the general mass of earth. A low value gives a good path for fault current.

• Probes: Drive two test spikes into the ground in a line from the electrode at the specified distances.
• Connection: Disconnect the electrode from the installation before testing.
• Reading: Take the reading and compare with the permitted value.
• Repeat: Test again if the reading is unstable or varies with soil moisture.

Clamp meter

A clamp meter has jaws that close round one conductor and measure its current from the magnetic field, without breaking the circuit.

• Single conductor: Clamp one conductor only, because a whole cable gives a zero reading.
• Range: Start at a high range and reduce as needed.
• Safety: Keep fingers behind the guard and avoid bare conductors.
• Extra functions: Many also measure voltage and resistance.

Pipe bending machine

A pipe bending machine bends conduit smoothly to a chosen angle without kinks, using formers and levers.

• Choice of former: Select a former that matches the conduit diameter.
• Marking: Mark the bend position with the allowance for the radius.
• Bending: Apply steady pressure, and check the angle against a template.
• Result: The bend must be smooth, so that cables can be drawn in without damage.

3.1.6 Others

Other tools help to draw in cable, shape conduit and make holes. They support the main installation work. Example: a wiring crew uses a draw wire to pull cable through a conduit, a bending spring to shape a PVC bend and a drill to make fixing holes.

Draw wire

A draw wire, or fish wire, is a stiff but flexible wire passed through a conduit to pull cables back through it.

• Use: Push it through the conduit, attach the cable, and pull it back.
• Attachment: Bind the conductors firmly to the hooked end.
• Care: Avoid sharp kinks that make it jam.
• Cleaning: Wipe it clean after use.

Bending spring

A bending spring is a close-wound steel spring that fits inside a conduit to stop it from kinking when it is bent by hand.

• Choice: Pick a spring that fits the conduit size.
• Use: Insert it at the bend position, bend over the knee or former, and twist to remove it.
• Heat on PVC: Warm PVC gently before bending.
• Care: Keep it clean and free from rust.

Drill

A drill makes holes in walls, metal and boards for fixings, cable entries and boxes. Electric and battery types are both used.

• Bit choice: Use masonry bits for walls and metal bits for steel.
• Marking: Mark the hole position and start slowly to prevent the bit from walking.
• Safety: Wear eye protection and check for hidden cables and pipes.
• Care: Keep bits sharp and the chuck clean.

Chapter Summary

This chapter covered the classification of tools used in electrical installation, including cutting tools such as hacksaws and pliers, measuring tools like tape measures and spirit levels, fixing tools including hammers and screwdrivers, as well as specialized tools like crimping tools and various equipment such as multimeters and pipe bending machines. It emphasized the importance of proper use, care, and maintenance to ensure tools remain efficient and safe. Identification of materials was discussed, highlighting essential components like cables, consumer control units, switches, and conduits. The chapter also addressed the specifications of tools, equipment, and materials, focusing on factors such as tolerance, make, size, and class to ensure suitability for specific tasks. Reuse and disposal methods for materials were explained to promote sustainability and compliance with safety standards. Additionally, the preparation of a Bill of Quantities was introduced to aid in planning and resource allocation. Finally, the chapter concluded with guidance on listing and assembling the necessary tools, equipment, and materials, alongside effective inventory management practices including stock taking and record keeping.