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An Electronic Toolkit - Best Hand Tools For All Occasions

An Electronic Toolkit - Best Hand Tools For All OccasionsAn Electronic Toolkit - Best Hand Tools For All Occasions

What Should Make Up Your Electronic Toolkit?

A common question we always seem to come across in the industry is "what are the best hand tools for an electronic toolkit?"

With a wide variety of tool variations, it can be tough to decide what makes it into the tool kit of an electronic technician. They need hand tools that fit the bill for precision, versatility and ergonomics.

We are going to answer this question with neutrality and delve into the types of tools that you should consider, and not the brands that you should buy from.

Check out this guide to help you optimise your tool kit!

 

Wire/Cable Cutters & Pliers

A good set of wire cutters or pliers should be the first tool you place in your electronic toolkit. They are essential in almost all jobs you will undertake.

These tools are used primarily to cut wires, or to twist, grasp or straighten them.   

Through your work, you will likely be cutting through a large number of wires and cables. These tools feature a steel blade that will make these tasks effortless.

We recommend looking for models with an ergonomic handle for easy and safe use. And if you are an electrician who works around live cabling, we recommend a VDE set for extra protection.

Pliers come in a variety of types such as needle nose pliers, side-cutting pliers and reaming pliers which are specifically used for tightening locknuts, fittings, and caps.  

Precision Screwdrivers

Another essential tool to add to your electronic toolkit is the screwdriver. This tool can be used to loosen and fasten various screws (although you knew this, no doubt).

Not all screwdrivers are the same, with different head shapes for different applications. Rotational force (or torque) is used once the head is inserted into the corresponding screw.

VDE sets can be purchased, which feature insulated handles and are designed to provide electrical resistance. These are perfect for those working around live wiring.

As previously mentioned, the heads of the screwdriver, or driver bits, are the way to differentiate between each of the tools. Finding the ideal screwdriver for you depends on the shape of the screws you are trying to tighten or loosen. These include Slotted, Philips and Pozidrive (to name but 3).

 

Listed below are these 3 types of screwdriver:

Slotted (Flat Head Screwdriver): The slotted screwdriver has a flat-bladed tip used to turn, fasten, or loosen screws and bolts. These are suitable for slotted screw heads. 

Philips Screwdriver: This screwdriver tip is designed to be used with a Philips-head screw. This screw will have a cross. It has slightly tapered flanks, a pointed tip, and rounded corners.  

Pozidrive Screwdriver: The tips of pozidrive screwdrivers have parallel flanks, a blunt tip, and additional smaller ribs at 45° to the main slots.  

 

You can purchase these tools individually or in a screwdriver set.

Alternatively you can buy a hand screwdriver with a selection of interchangeable bits. The interchangeable screwdriver is a good choice if you are looking for a tool that is compact and can be carried around in a pouch or clip belt. 

Hex Keys

Hex keys are also commonly referred to as Allen keys or Allen wrenches. Their name comes from the hexagonal fixings that they are applied on.

You can find hex keys in four different types: straight hex keys, folding hex keys, L-shaped keys, and T-handles. They are often available to purchase in an Allen Key Set or individually.

Our recommendation would be to purchase a set for the best value for your money. This also gives you a wider range of choice, specific for different applications you may need to undertake. These tools are small, compact and a very useful tool, taking up minimal space within your electronic toolkit.

Spanners

If you often loosen nuts, bolts, or other fixings, you will most definitely need to include a spanner in your toolbox.  Bolt and nut vary in size, so getting a spanner for the correct fitting is essential.

Common types of spanners include Adjustable spanners and Open-ended spanners. 

Adjustable spanners: Designed for flexibility, with a movable jaw. Their key role is to attain a firm tightening or loosening grip on multiple sizes of fastener.  

Open-ended spanners: The head of an open-ended spanner has two jaws that form a U-shaped profile with two parallel flat sides. They are very versatile hand tools. 

Tweezers

If you work with components or any other kind of nano/precision application, tweezers will be ideal for all your handling needs. They are an invaluable staple of your electronic toolkit.

Manufactured and ergonomically designed to sit comfortably between your thumb and forefinger, they aid in picking up components and other small objects that are too fiddly to do so by hand.

You can purchase tweezers with a range of different heads, such as bent, flat or even wafer. That way you can ensure your tweezers are optimal to your application. For example a tweezer with a bent or curved tip will be perfectly suited to working on crowded PCBs where space is limited.

Tweezers should therefore be a staple in every electronic toolkit!

Wire Strippers

No electronic toolkit would be complete without a trusty and reliable pair of wire strippers. Soldering technicians, electricians, mechanics and many other professions use wire strippers regularly throughout their work.

Sometimes referred to as cable strippers, these tools remove the insulation from a wire, exposing the copper wiring inside. It is a safe and damage free way of exposing the wiring.

Generally, each wire stripper will come with a varying series of holes, known as wire gauges. This will allow you to strip the exact diameter of your wire optimally. Once the wire is placed in these holes, a quick squeeze is needed before the tool severs and removes the insulation to your desired length.

Electricians and other technicians often need to replace, repair or even solder this wiring, so wire strippers are a valuable addition to your electronic toolkit!

Bonus Tool: Torch

A bonus tool that you may not have considered. Professionals such as electricians can often find themselves conducting work in dark confined spaces, where light is in short supply

LED powered torches are typically preferred as they are lighter in weight and effortless to transport but still provide adequate illumination.  

To Conclude:

When you are in the market for professional tools for your tool kit, carefully assessing the requirement for each tool will be key in ensuring you end up the best possible result. Having the above in your toolkit will mean that you are never caught short, no matter the task that you are undertaking.

For any assistance in finding the tools for you, give our experts a call and we can ensure you make the most optimal choice. Call 023 8065 0065 or email [email protected]

We stock some of the leading tool brands such as Wera, CK Tools, Piergiacomi and more!