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Hi, I’m Mena.
Since I started working on electrical job sites, something has stuck with me: “never skimp on tools.”
Forcing work with cheap tools makes your hands tired, causes more mistakes, and at worst creates a risk of electrocution. On the flip side, having the right tools means work flows smoothly and fatigue is less than half.
In this article, I introduce the tools electricians actually use on the job, curated by category. I’ve focused on proven items that work from exam prep through real-world practice — only tools I’ve personally used and thought “this is good.”
Choosing Tools as an Electrician | Safety and Efficiency Are Everything
[Never skimp on insulated tools] On electrical job sites, work on live circuits (live-line work) sometimes occurs. The basic rule is to choose insulated tools rated to JIS standard 1000V AC. An electrocution accident is something you can never take back. The insulated tools are not where you cut corners on tool budget.
[Efficiency tools change how much you get done in a day] The precision of your VVF stripper and crimping tool changes work speed by 3–5x, in both exams and real work. A stripper in particular is a tool that should end “the era of stripping by hand” as soon as possible. On a job site where you handle 100+ wires in a day, tool precision directly translates to preserved physical energy.
Top 11 Field Tools for Electricians | Curated Items from Exam to Practice
① VESSEL Electric Screwdriver Ball Plus 220USB-P1
メナSince I started using this, the wrist fatigue is completely different. The USB charging is a subtle but real lifesaver — being able to charge from a power bank on site is genuinely convenient.
| Type | Rechargeable electric screwdriver |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Max torque | approx. 0.5 N·m |
| RPM | 220 rpm |
| Weight | approx. 155g |
VESSEL’s Electric Screwdriver Ball Plus has a unique design that adds electric functionality to a manual screwdriver. Rather than fully electric tightening, the final torque can be controlled by hand feel — reducing stripped screws from over-torquing.
USB-C charging means you can charge from a power bank, which is perfect for job sites. Cordless and compact, it’s stress-free even in tight spaces. Comes with a Phillips bit so you can use it right away — a big plus.
One caveat: it’s not suited for high-torque tasks (like screwing into thick boards). Think of it strictly as a “screw-driving assist tool” and use it accordingly.
② VESSEL Ball Grip Insulated Screwdriver No.200 +2×100
メナVESSEL’s insulated screwdriver — the grip feel is just fantastic. Even after long work sessions my hands don’t hurt. Having this makes live-line work a little less scary.
| Type | Insulated screwdriver |
| Standard | JIS 1000V rated |
| Size | +2×100mm |
| Grip | Ball grip |
VESSEL’s ball grip series has been a long-time staple among electricians. The insulated version No.200 adds 1000V insulation performance while keeping the same grip feel.
The rounded ball grip fits naturally in the palm, reducing “can’t get full rotation” frustration even when working in tight junction boxes. Combined with the high-precision Phillips tip that resists cam-out, tightening outlet screws feels impressively smooth.
The downside is the body is slightly heavy. Using it all day can tire your hands. In that case, combining it with the Electric Screwdriver Ball is the recommended approach.
③ HOZAN VVF Stripper P-958
メナThe P-958 is virtually the standard among electrical exam takers. I’ve heard many times “you’ll fail the exam without this.” It holds up perfectly in real work too.
| Type | VVF stripper |
| Compatible wire | VVF 1.6mm, 2.0mm |
| Function | Sheath + insulation strip in one pass |
| Strip length lock | Yes |
| Compatibility | Second-class Electrician exam approved |
HOZAN’s P-958 is the defining VVF stripper designed for use in the Second-class Electrician practical exam. It handles 2.0mm and 1.6mm VVF solid wire, stripping the outer sheath and insulation in one operation.
Particularly outstanding is the “depth lock function.” With a fixed strip length, you can strip to the exact dimension required in the exam consistently, wire after wire. Once you get the feel for it, you can strip each wire in 3–4 seconds.
On real job sites there are moments where “a bit more force is needed,” but with practice that’s no problem. A single tool that carries you from the exam through real-world work.
④ HOZAN Wire Stripper P-960
メナMetric-size wire compatibility matters on the job. You’ll run into trouble with products that only support inch sizes. The P-960 has you covered on that front.
| Type | Wire stripper |
| Compatible sizes | 0.5–3.3mm² |
| Standard | Metric sizes supported |
| Function | Insulation stripping with length stopper |
HOZAN’s P-960 is a wire stripper handling 0.5–3.3mm². It supports metric-size wires, covering most of the wire sizes used at Japanese electrical job sites.
The high-precision blade strips only the insulation cleanly without nicking the conductor — a satisfying feeling as a craftsperson. A length stopper for consistent strip length makes uniform work easy.
For work focused on thin wire, the ENGINEER PA-14 series is also an option. But for overall versatility, the P-960 is superior.
⑤ HOZAN Electrician’s Knife Z-683
メナSecond-class Electrician exam compatible model. The blade is solid, and the feel when peeling the sheath off VVF cable is satisfying. The folding design is easy to carry — a bonus.
| Type | Electrician’s knife |
| Blade length | 62mm |
| Style | Folding |
| Lock mechanism | Yes |
| Compatibility | Second-class Electrician exam approved |
HOZAN’s Z-683 is an electrician’s knife approved for use in the Second-class Electrician practical exam. The folding blade is highly portable, fitting in a tool belt pocket without getting in the way.
The blade material has sufficient sharpness, and stripping the sheath off VVF cable doesn’t require excessive force. The blade lock mechanism also reduces the risk of the blade accidentally extending.
The downside is that sharpening is needed over time. When the edge dulls you’ll need to sharpen on a whetstone — but that also means it’s a tool you can keep using for years.
⑥ Fujiya All-Purpose Electrician’s Pliers FA106
メナFujiya’s electrician’s pliers are comfortable to grip and non-fatiguing. Loop-making finishes clean in one shot. Since “fast and clean” is everything on the job, these pliers are invaluable.
| Type | All-purpose electrician’s pliers |
| Overall length | 195mm |
| Functions | Loop-making, cutting, insulation stripping, grip work |
| Compatibility | Second-class Electrician exam approved |
Fujiya’s FA106 is all-purpose electrician’s pliers covering loop-making, wire cutting, insulation stripping, and grip work. Designed for use in the Second-class Electrician practical exam.
The loop-making function is especially well regarded. The VVF solid wire conductor can be bent to the specified loop diameter cleanly, producing beautiful connections to screw terminals. “Whether the loop is clean” is a grading point in the exam, so this precision matters.
That said, some say “every function is mediocre.” Its cutting edge is inferior to dedicated nippers, so for serious wire processing work it’s recommended to also have separate nippers.
⑦ Knipex High Leverage Diagonal Cutters 160mm (7002160)
メナKnipex nippers “never lose their edge” — that’s the real value. Cheap nippers are dead after six months, but Knipex stays sharp for years. They end up being better value in the long run.
| Type | Diagonal cutters (nippers) |
| Overall length | 160mm |
| Material | Special steel (chrome-moly) |
| Cutting capacity | VVF 2.0mm compatible |
| Brand | KNIPEX (Germany) |
Germany’s KNIPEX high leverage diagonal cutters are a beloved standard for electricians. The special steel blades and precision fit deliver sharpness and durability in a completely different class from domestic budget models.
160mm is just the right size for work inside distribution panels and cutting bundles of wire. Cutting capacity is high — VVF 2.0mm cuts easily.
The price is higher than domestic nippers. But some tradespeople have “used the same blades for over 10 years” — the durability is that exceptional. Looking at long-term cost-effectiveness, it’s a thoroughly justified choice.
⑧ HOZAN Crimping Tool P-738 — For Ring Sleeves, JIS Certified
メナThe P-738 is the real deal with JIS certification. The ratchet mechanism means it always fully crimps — a safety design. That incomplete crimping is physically impossible feels like a pro-grade feature.
| Type | Crimping tool (for ring sleeves) |
| Standard | JIS C 9711 certified |
| Function | Ratchet mechanism |
| Compatible sizes | Small, medium, large sleeves |
HOZAN’s P-738 is a JIS C 9711-certified crimping tool. With a built-in ratchet mechanism, the die won’t open unless you squeeze to completion with the specified force — a safety design that prevents “weak crimp” accidents.
Compatible with small, medium, and large dies, covering almost all ring sleeve sizes used in typical electrical work. The grip is not too thick and comfortable to hold, with a well-balanced design that doesn’t fatigue even after a full day.
If you want something lighter for the exam specifically, consider the P-77 (next item). For real-world continued use, the P-738 lasts longer.
⑨ HOZAN Crimping Tool P-77 — Second-class Electrician Exam Compatible
メナThe P-77 is what many people choose for exam prep. Lighter and more compact than the P-738. The difference in fatigue over two hours of the same repetitive exam tasks is significant.
| Type | Crimping tool (for ring sleeves) |
| Feature | Lightweight compact design |
| Function | Ratchet mechanism |
| Compatibility | Second-class Electrician exam approved |
The P-77 is a more compact and lightweight design than the P-738, a model specialized for use in the Second-class Electrician practical exam. During two hours at the exam venue, tool weight affects concentration. The lightness of the P-77 makes a subtle but real difference.
“Not just for the exam” — it works fine in real work too. But for long-term use, the P-738 gives a more durable impression, so for serious job-site work the P-738 is the safer choice.
⑩ HIOKI 3481 Voltage Tester with LED Light
メナHIOKI’s voltage tester is highly reliable — reassuring to use. The LED light means it’s easy to use even in dark spaces around breakers. One tool for both voltage checking and lighting is subtly useful.
| Type | Non-contact voltage tester |
| Model | 3481 |
| Measurement range | AC 90–600V |
| Function | LED light included |
| Brand | HIOKI (Hioki E.E. Corporation) |
HIOKI’s 3481 is a non-contact voltage tester covering AC 90–600V. Simply hold it near a cable or terminal to detect live voltage — notifying you with LED and sound. No contact needed, so it works through insulation covering.
With an LED light function, it also works in dark junction boxes and above-ceiling work. “Being able to check voltage while illuminating” is more useful on the job than you might expect.
One note: false readings can occur near fluorescent lights or high-frequency equipment. When in doubt, making it a habit to follow up with a multimeter for two-step confirmation is good practice.
⑪ HIOKI 3288-20 Clamp-On AC/DC HiTester
メナHIOKI’s clamp meter — made in Japan, high precision. Being able to handle both AC and DC is convenient on site. With more solar-related work coming in, being able to measure DC current is a real help.
| Type | Clamp meter |
| Model | 3288-20 |
| Measurements | AC/DC current, voltage, resistance |
| Function | Continuity check included |
| Brand | HIOKI (Hioki E.E. Corporation) |
HIOKI’s 3288-20 is an AC/DC dual-compatible clamp meter. Measuring not just AC but also DC current makes it applicable to solar power systems and battery storage installation work.
It also handles voltage, resistance, and continuity checks — a single clamp meter that covers a significant range of measurement needs. Made-in-Japan brand HIOKI’s quality delivers stable measurement precision, another point of confidence.
The downside is the price is on the higher side. For beginners, starting with an analog tester is also an option (available for around ¥2,000 with sufficient precision). For real-world work with lots of measurement tasks, this is where the 3288-20 shines.
How to Choose Electrician’s Tools | 4 Points for Getting It Right
[1. Safety first — choose JIS-certified insulated tools] Insulated screwdrivers and insulated pliers must always be JIS-certified (1000V rated). No-brand low-price products have no guaranteed insulation performance, and there is a life-threatening risk in live-line work.
[2. Distinguish between exam and real-world needs] For the Second-class Electrician practical exam, tools “specialized for the exam” may be advantageous in some cases (especially crimping tools and VVF strippers). However, exam-only products may have inferior durability for real work, so for tools you’ll use long-term, choosing pro-grade is the standard approach.
[3. Prioritize brand credibility] VESSEL, HOZAN, Fujiya, HIOKI, and KNIPEX are brands with a wealth of real-world track records. Voltage testers and measurement instruments in particular depend on measurement precision, so choosing from proven brands is strongly recommended.
[4. Minimum kit] To work on electrical job sites as an electrician, “insulated screwdriver, VVF stripper, electrician’s pliers, crimping tool, voltage tester” is the minimum five. A rechargeable electric screwdriver and clamp meter are smart additions once your workload increases.
Electrician’s Tools FAQ
Q. What tools should I prepare for the Second-class Electrician exam?
The minimum tools needed for the practical exam are “VVF stripper (P-958), electrician’s pliers (FA106), crimping tool (P-77 or P-738), electrician’s knife (Z-683), and screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead).” The VVF stripper and crimping tool in particular directly affect your score, so don’t cut corners — choose the proven standard options.
Q. Can insulated tools be visually distinguished from regular tools?
Yes. Insulated tools have grips coated in highly visible colors like yellow, red, and orange, with “1000V” marking and a lightning bolt symbol (VDE certification, etc.) printed on them. When purchasing, always choose products with this marking. Inexpensive products may lack this marking.
Q. What is the difference between a clamp meter and a multimeter?
A multimeter (tester) requires direct probe contact with the wire to measure, while a clamp meter measures current non-contact just by clamping around the wire. The clamp meter’s main advantage is measuring current in a live wire without cutting the circuit — ideal for checking load current and leakage on the job.
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