Electricians own and carry a large number of tools. Carrying a vast collection of single-purpose tools can create storage issues and reduce mobility, making it harder to move efficiently around the job site. Consolidating multiple functions into a single multiuse tool helps streamline storage and improve agility. When time is money, it’s more efficient to use tools that have more than one function.

Screwdrivers and nut drivers

It is easy to see the benefit of a multitool screwdriver because there are so many kinds of screws. Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Klein Tools’ model 32500 is the industry go-to for multibit screwdrivers. This 11-in-1 tool offers the most popular types of tips, with No. 1 and No. 2 Phillips, 3/16- and ¼-in. slotted, T10 and T15 TORX, and No. 1 and No. 2 square recess. To further expand on this tool’s versatility, it has ¼-, 5/16- and 3/8-in. nut drivers.

Klein Tools 11-in-1 screwdriver

Klein Tools also produces a nut driver that combines several single-use tools into a multiuse platform. The model 328091 9-in-1 combines nearly every nut driver that might be needed into one streamlined package. It includes each of the following sizes, which are color-coded for easy identification: 3/16, ¼, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, ½, 9/16 and ¾ in. 

Extremely versatile, it comes equipped with a pass-through handle that allows it to slide onto a threaded rod to tighten the nuts. Rounding out the features are spring coils that hold nuts and bolts in place within the socket and a hex lug on the tool’s shank, which can be used with a wrench to assist in loosening stubborn nuts or bolts.

Klein Tools 11-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver

For those looking to really maximize the efficiency of a multiuse screwdriver, Klein Tools offers a ratcheting-type screwdriver/nut driver. Its 32500HDRT model offers several of the same 11 features as the standard 11-in-1 screwdriver but replaces the T10 and T15 TORX with a larger T25 TORX. It also adds a ½-in. standard nut driver. 

The screwdriver’s ratcheting action enables a faster and more efficient installation of fasteners over a standard screwdriver. In addition, the tips are rated for impact use and the three smaller nut drivers are equipped with a ¼-in. shank that allows them to be easily inserted into an impact drill.

Pliers

Pliers can be used for many applications. Many electricians use lineman’s pliers with fish tape pullers or crimping dies and needle­-nose pliers with a No. 12 wire-­stripping hole in them. But companies such as Southwire, Carrollton, Ga., have added versatility by adding more options in a single tool. Southwire’s S7N1HD 7-in-1 multitool long-nose pliers combine several tools into one package. The long-nose pliers portion is expanded by adding a bolt spanner for small nuts, wire strippers for No. 10–14 solid or No. 12–16 stranded wire, scissors to cut cable sheathing and shears for cutting 6–32 and 8–32 screws. The tool’s slim nose allows it to be inserted into ½- through 1-in. EMT conduit for reaming.

Southwire S7N1HD 7-in-1 multitool long-nose plier

For those looking for pliers with a more robust head, rather than a needle-nose one, Klein Tools offers a hybrid that includes several upgrades to the traditional lineman’s pliers. Model J215-8CR Hybrid Pliers have a larger knurled head (although not quite as large as standard 9-in. lineman’s pliers), which helps with grabbing and twisting wires, something that would be a struggle with needle-nose pliers. The tool has integral wire strippers for 10–14 solid and 12–16 stranded. It also comes equipped with shears for 6–32 and 8–32 screws and built-in crimpers for noninsulated connectors, lugs and terminals. The handles feature Klein Tools’ Journeyman grips for more comfort and durability versus standard handles. Considerably lighter (about 5 oz.) over standard 9-in. Journeyman series lineman’s pliers, these have gained considerable popularity over the past few years.

Miscellaneous tools

Picking accessory tools that have multiple functions can also help to streamline work. Virtually every electrician has a torpedo-­style level used to ensure accuracy of installed conduit, panel cans and, frankly, anything metallic. Rockford, Ill.-based Greenlee’s L97 mini magnet laser level offers all the standard features  in a good torpedo level—strong magnets, multiple vials (vertical, horizontal and angled) and a compact size. However, the company has taken it a couple steps further by adding features not normally present on a standard torpedo level.

Greenlee L97 mini magnet laser level

First, the level has a built-in laser that projects the level line up to 80 yards. This is helpful when lining up the tops of several panel cans on a wall or projecting the location of conduit runs. It also has a knurled screw that attaches the level to the end of a piece of conduit. Using the level when bending conduit ensures that bends stay in line, reducing the chances of “dog legs.”

Greenlee produces hand benders that can bend multiple sizes within a single shoe. The 844A dual-shoe hand bender has all the same features as standard Greenlee benders—angle markings on both sides, reference markings (arrow, star, 3-point saddle notch) and multiplier markings—but it has two saddles in one footprint. This means it only takes one tool to bend ½-in. EMT, rigid and IMC as well as ¾-in. EMT.

Greenlee 844A dual-shoe hand bender

Every electrician carries a knife to open boxes of materials, strip insulation from wires and cables, and sharpen pencils. Milwaukee Tool, Brookfield, Wis., offers several types of construction knives, including the Fastback 6-in-1 folding utility knife. It expands on the Fastback line by adding a fold-out ¼-in. bit holder with reversible No. 2 Phillips and 1/4-in. slotted bit. It also features extra blade storage in the handle, a wire-stripping notch on the blade end, a built-in bottle opener and a lanyard hole. 

Milwaukee Tool Fastback 6-in-1 folding utility knife

Other considerations

It is worth mentioning that multiuse tools are not necessarily meant to replace every single-use tool set, but rather to supplement them. Many multiuse tools are larger and heavier per unit than their single-­use counterparts. While extremely convenient, if used for an extended period, multiuse tools can defeat their original purpose. For instance, if a task requires 5/16-in. fasteners, and you would be installing them all day, then a 5/16-in. nut driver would be a more appropriate tool to use.

Additionally, multiuse screwdrivers and nut-drivers specifically have issues of their own that require attention. The interchangeable tips and the mechanisms that hold them in place tend to wear out with use over time. That makes the tips more prone to falling off. It is common to reach for the screwdriver only to find that the tip has gone missing. One way to circumvent this issue is to put the tool in a pouch with a solid bottom.

Price point can also be an issue when considering multiuse tools. While cheaper when compared to an entire set of single-use tools, multiuse tools can be expensive. A single Phillips screwdriver can typically be purchased for $10 or less, while a multiuse screwdriver made by the same manufacturer will easily cost double. Having said that, several manufacturers offer multiuse tools at a much lower cost. Generally speaking, however, what you gain in dollar savings, you are forced to give up in another area—usually quality.

Conclusion

Multiuse tools are available from almost all major tool manufacturers. By considering which tools you most use, the areas you want to consolidate and how much you want to spend, you can streamline your tool kits and be more efficient by carrying less.

Greenlee / Klein Tools / Milwaukee Tool / Southwire