Hand Tools for Electrical Work
Electrical work requires the use of hand tools. Possessing the correct tools and the knowledge of how to use them correctly and safely is essential in order to successfully accomplish a job. The term electrical work encompasses a variety of jobs which involve the use of a range of different tools. Within that range are a basic set of tools that are used by both apprentice and accomplished electricians alike. It is this set of basic tools that will be introduced in this module. [course outline] Introduction Pliers Design of Pliers Crimpers Guidelines for Use of Pliers Wire Strippers Automatic Wire Strippers Screwdrivers Nut Drivers Crescent Wrench Fish Tape Voltage Detector Digital Multimeter Tool Belt Correct Use of Hand Tools
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Learning Objectives
• Describe how different types of pliers are used for electrical work • List guidelines for the use of pliers • Describe the purpose of a wire stripper • Describe the purpose of a fish tape • Describe the purpose of a voltage detector • List guidelines for correct hand tool usage
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
How can linesman’s pliers be used?
In addition to gripping, most linesman’s pliers can be used to cut wire, help pull fish tape, and apply crimp connectors to wire.
What is a multi-bit driver?
A multi-bit driver is a single screwdriver type handle and shaft that can accept a variety of screwdriver and socket tips. This tool can be used in a wide range of situations, and does not require as much storage space as sets of dedicated drivers.
What is the purpose of a tool belt?
A tool belt is a convenient way to carry tools to a job and a good place to hold them between uses so that unused tools are not laying around to become lost or tripped over.
What are the advantages of a voltage detector?
A voltage detector is a small device that provides a method for determining if there is alternating current voltage on a line. Voltage detectors are compact, they do not require contact with a bare wire, and they are easy to interpret.
How can a digital multimeter be used?
A digital multimeter is a single instrument that is capable of measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
Sample Video Transcript
Different designs of pliers are available for different applications. Lineman’s pliers have a squared-off, snub-nose jaw tip for gripping and holding, and nearer the jaw joint have opposed cutting edges. Some versions have an additional gripping section near the joint which can be used to assist in pulling a fish tape (discussed later), or a crimping device to assist in applying connectors to bare wires. A common use of lineman’s pliers is for gripping and twisting wires together before adding a twist-on wire connector nut. Long-nose, or needle-nose, pliers have extended, pointed, thin jaws that are ideal for working where there are space restrictions or for manipulating small objects. These pliers are useful for bending wire ends to create connection loops.
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