AN ELECTRICAL REPAIR TOOL OR TWO YOU'LL NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT
With a screwdriver and an electrical repair tool you may be able and allowed to do repairs or replace certain electric fixtures where you live.
But, building codes in most states and counties prohibit non-electricians from doing any major electrical work because of the obvious safety factor.
For the electrical projects you can do, a wire cutter/stripper (right) is, by far, the main electrical repair tool. If you plan to replace or repair anything electric, this is the tool. With it you can cut, strip, loop, twist, crimp and pinch wires to look like a pro did it!
The second most important electrical repair tool is a pair of insulated needle-nose pliers (lower right). You also should have a set of screwdrivers, electrical tape and a cordless screwdriver or drill.
Its a good idea to keep these half-dozen or so tools together in a convenient place, so why not make an electric tool kit so you don't have to tear the house apart looking for one of these whenever a small electrical problem arises.
A testing tool is different than an electrical repair tool and there are a few electrical testing tools a homeowner should really have. Tools designed to show whether a wire or outlet is hot (live).
To see what's available online, search "electrical repair tool", "insulated needle-nose pliers" or "wire cutter stripper" using the Google Custom Search Box (upper right) and check out the Amazon.com electrical tools and DIY books carousel at the bottom of this page.
• When you can smell something electrical burning. • When you are resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses too often. • When you turn on your air conditioner (or microwave, etc) and the lights dim. • When your lights flicker or randomly go on and off. • When you have too few outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips or extension cords. • When a three-prong plug needs a two-prong adapter. • When a particular breaker clicks off or a fuse blows more than once. • When you have to turn things off to operate certain tools or other things. • When you want to increase the outlets or ceiling light boxes in your home, shop or office. • When you want to add to or increase the voltage (110v to 220v), amperage or number of outlets.
With a screwdriver and an electrical repair tool you may be able and allowed to do repairs or replace certain electric fixtures where you live. 
For the electrical projects you can do, a wire cutter/stripper (right) is, by far, the main electrical repair tool. If you plan to replace or repair anything electric, this is the tool. With it you can cut, strip, loop, twist, crimp and pinch wires to look like a pro did it!
screwdriver or drill. 
• When you can smell something electrical burning.
