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Electrical Tools

This section is designed to inform you of the many electrical tools used in the trade and what they are used for. Some have very funny names, but don't let that fool you. They are all very important parts of the electrical field and useful for getting the job done right and in a timely manner.

What Is a Fish Tape?
OK, you've heard the term fish tape, but what in the world is that? Actually, it's a great tool that electricians use to pull wire through electrical conduit. A fish tape is a thin piece of steel wire in a flat style that is coiled in predetermined lengths and is referred to as tape.

What are NM Wire Strippers?
Certain DIY projects will have the need for specialized tools to perform the job. The NM wire stripper is just one of those tools. It is designed to not only strip the outer plastic sheathing from NM wire, but also to strip the insulation from the conductor wires.

What are Clamp-on Amp Probes?
Electricians sometimes need to check the amperage on a wire without disconnecting from a circuit feed and clamp-on amp probes are the answer. These amp probes come in either an analog display or a digital display. By simply pressing the button on the side of the tester, the loop at the top opens and can be easily placed over a wire in a junction box or electrical panel. This is an easy way of checking the current value running through a wire at any given time.

What Is a Rotary Cutout Tool?
If you've ever tried to install new drywall over a junction box and had to measure and cut the hole, only to miss the opening all together, then there is a tool for you. The question I get periodically is, "Is there a better way?" Read on to find out.

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