Whether you are a first-year apprentice stepping onto your first job site or a licensed sparky running your own crew, having the right tools is essential.

Poor quality pliers, unreliable testing equipment or non-insulated screwdrivers can slow your work & create serious safety risks.

At Industrial Shed we stock a wide range of professional electrician tools from the brands Australian sparkies trust. Our team can help you build the right tool kit for your trade, experience level & budget.

We are not just a tool retailer. Our staff understand the demands of electrical work & the importance of reliable equipment.

From VDE insulated tools rated to 1000V through to cordless power tools & electrical testing equipment, you will find everything you need at our Somerville store on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Apprentice Essentials: Your First Year Tool List

Starting an electrical apprenticeship is exciting, but building your first apprentice electrician tool kit can feel overwhelming.

You do not need to purchase everything immediately. Focus on the core tools used every day by experienced electricians.

Insulated Screwdrivers (VDE Rated)

A set of VDE insulated screwdrivers rated to 1000V AC is the most important purchase for any electrician.

A basic starter set should include:

• Phillips #2
  

• Flat 5.5mm
  

• Flat 4mm
  

Brands such as Wera, Felo & Knipex offer excellent options designed for daily use.

Never use standard screwdrivers when working on electrical equipment.

Side Cutters (Diagonal Cutting Pliers)

Quality insulated side cutters are used constantly for cutting wire & cable.

A 160mm to 180mm pair is ideal for most electrical tasks.

Knipex & NWS produce high quality cutters with hardened blades designed to last through thousands of cuts.

Combination Pliers (Linesman Pliers)

A pair of insulated combination pliers around 200mm is essential.

They are used for gripping, twisting & cutting conductors during installations.

High leverage designs reduce hand fatigue during repetitive work.

Long Nose Pliers

Long nose pliers are perfect for working in tight spaces, forming wire loops around terminals or retrieving small components.

A VDE rated pair between 170mm & 200mm works well for most applications.

Cable Strippers

A reliable automatic wire stripper speeds up installations & produces clean cable strips without damaging conductors.

Brands like Knipex & Jokari produce popular models used by electricians.

Multimeter

A dependable digital multimeter is essential for electrical testing.

At minimum your meter should measure:

• AC voltage
  

• DC voltage
  

• Resistance
  

• Continuity
  

Look for CAT III or CAT IV rated meters from reputable brands such as Fluke, Kyoritsu or Uni-T.

A multimeter is both a diagnostic tool & an important safety device.

Non Contact Voltage Tester

A non-contact voltage tester allows electricians to quickly confirm whether a circuit is live.

These compact tools are often carried in a pocket for quick safety checks before working on equipment.

Tape Measure & Torpedo Level

A 5m or 8m tape measure & a compact torpedo level are essential for marking installation positions & keeping conduit runs straight.

Stanley & Milwaukee produce reliable options designed for jobsite conditions.

Tool Belt or Tool Pouch

A quality electrician tool belt or pouch helps keep essential tools accessible while working on ladders or in roof spaces.

Look for pouches designed specifically for electricians with slots for pliers, screwdrivers & tape measures.

Levelling Up: Tools for the Qualified Electrician

After completing an apprenticeship, most electricians expand their tool kits to include more specialised equipment.

Cable Cutters

Large cables require dedicated cable cutters capable of cutting conductors up to 70mm² or larger.

Ratchet style cutters from Knipex or Klein make clean cuts with minimal effort.

Crimping Tools

Professional crimping tools are used for installing lugs, ferrules & connectors.

Ratchet style crimpers ensure consistent & secure connections every time.

Fish Tape & Cable Pulling Equipment

Running cable through walls, ceilings & conduit is easier with a reliable fish tape.

Steel or fibreglass models from brands like Superrod & Klein are widely used across the electrical trade.

Advanced Testing Equipment

Qualified electricians often use specialised testing tools including:

• Insulation resistance testers
  

• Loop impedance testers
  

• RCD testers
  

• Multifunction installation testers
  

Fluke & Kyoritsu are widely recognised brands in Australia for professional testing equipment.

Cordless Power Tools

A quality cordless system is essential for electrical work.

Common tools include:

• 18V cordless drill drivers
  

• Impact drivers
  

• Reciprocating saws
  

• Right angle drills
  

Milwaukee's M12 range is especially popular due to its compact design for switchboard work.

SDS Rotary Hammer

An SDS rotary hammer drill is used for drilling into concrete, brick & masonry.

These tools are essential for installing conduit clips, switchboards & cable supports.

Choosing the Right Brands

High quality tools improve reliability, safety & productivity on the job.

Knipex

German engineered pliers widely regarded as the industry standard.

Their VDE insulated tools are used by electricians worldwide.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee produces powerful cordless systems including the popular M12 & M18 ranges.

Their tools are designed for professional trade use.

Wera

Wera screwdrivers feature ergonomic designs that provide excellent grip & control.

Their VDE insulated screwdrivers are widely used by electricians.

Fluke

Fluke produces professional grade electrical testing equipment.

A Fluke multimeter is considered one of the most reliable instruments available.

Klein Tools

Klein has a long history supplying tools specifically designed for electricians.

Their pliers, cutters & tool storage products are built for demanding jobsite use.

Safety: Essential for Every Electrician

Electrical work carries inherent risks, making safety equipment & proper tools essential.

Always use VDE rated insulated tools when working on or near live circuits.

Select CAT III or CAT IV rated multimeters for accurate & safe electrical testing.

Wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, insulated gloves for live work & hearing protection when operating power tools.

Inspect tools regularly for damage.

Cracked insulation on tools or damaged testing equipment should be replaced immediately.

Maintaining tools properly helps protect both the electrician & the worksite.

Shop All Electrician Tools

Explore our full range of electrician tools & equipment.

• Insulated Hand Tools

• Cordless Power Tools

• Testing & Measurement Equipment

• Cable Management & Installation Tools

• Safety Gear & PPE

• Tool Storage & Tool Belts
  
  

Visit our Somerville store for expert advice or browse our range online.

Whether you are starting an apprenticeship or upgrading a professional tool kit, Industrial Shed provides the tools, brands & support you need.