One of the best parts about owning your own electrician side business is that you get to choose what tools and equipment you use. Chances are if you’ve been in this industry for a while, there are some tools that you’re dying to get. As your electrician side business grows, you’ll want to ensure that you have the tools necessary to succeed. Below are tools you should look at as your electrician side business grows.
Pliers
You can never have too many pairs of pliers. You’ll need needle nose pliers for twisting wires together, lineman’s pliers for cutting and gripping wire, channel locks for pulling wires through old walls or ceilings, slip joint pliers for bending hooks into conduit boxes, and vise grips to hold that piece of equipment in place while you work on it. A good set of pliers is an investment in your business, so don’t cut corners when buying them.
Electric Conduit and Pipe Benders
Electric benders for rigid conduits and tubing are a must-have tool used in doing wiring in commercial or residential buildings. Rigid conduits protect the wiring that runs through it, but it’s not as flexible as other conduit options, so you need an electric bender to shape the conduit. As your electrician side business grows, you’ll find that enough conduits will need bending for you to make money back on this initial investment.
Screwdrivers and Nut Drivers
You’ll need to have screwdrivers and nut drivers in both Phillip’s head and straight blade styles. The set of screwdrivers you choose should be an investment in your business, so buy the best quality you can afford. A good set of nut driver bits will also save you time and give you better performance than using an ill-fitting pair of pliers.
Fish Tapes and Poles
A good fish tape is another investment that you should look into as your side business grows. This helps you easily guide wires through new conduits. You’ll need a pole or two for pulling wires through walls, out of ceilings, and up through floors. Add in a few fish tapes, and you’re looking at quite an investment, but it is well worth it.
Labeling Machines
The label maker is an overlooked but handy tool to have around as you build your electrician side business. You can label outlets and light switches and keep them in order on the job site by using a labeling machine. As your crew grows, labels can also help improve organization for everyone. This is another one of those tools that you’re looking to make back on with your business, so purchase the best quality label maker you can afford. You’ll save money in the long run with better labels.
As your electrician side business grows, you’ll be able to invest in new tools and equipment. The tips above are for items that will pay for themselves with improved efficiency on the job site.