Often times I have been asked by new metermen or meter technicians what Essential Tools they need to buy to get started. They often laugh when I tell them that all they really need to get started is a good pair of lineman pliers and a good flat head screwdriver. The pliers will be used to cut meter seals and wire and the screwdriver will be used to take the sealing rings off the meter bases. Below are my personal recommendations.
Nut Drivers
Beyond good pliers and a good screwdriver, a good set of nut drivers will come in handy. These are used when working on meter bases, when installing CT’s and PT’s. Nut drivers come in a variety of sizes, but the most common nut drivers that are used in metering are 5/16 and 3/8. So, if you can only afford two, those would be the two that I would get. The good thing is that now you can get combination nut drivers that contain a variety of sizes to meet your needs and only have to carry one tool. When thinking about tools for meter techs, the less you have to carry, the better.
Voltmeters
A good voltmeter is also a must. Voltmeters are an essential part of any meter tech’s tool kit. Voltmeters are invaluable when it comes to investigating customer problems. I recommend getting a voltmeter that allows you to check at least volts and amps. Since meter techs are often called upon to check more than just voltage, I would also recommend that you get a voltmeter that tests capacitance as well. This is one that I recommend.
Tool Kits
If you are the kind of person that is just getting started and wants to buy your tools all at once, here is a kit from Klein. It includes everything you need to get started. The big advantage to buying a kit if you are just getting started is that everything you need is already there. The disadvantage is the up front cost to buy everything. I recommend buying a tool kit if you are meter tech who is just getting started. As you gain experience you will figure out what works best for your situation and adjust your tool kit accordingly.
Pliers
Linesman pliers are used to cut and shape metering wire. They can also be used to help pull wire and in a pinch can be used as a hammer, although that is not recommended. Linesman pliers, also called “nines” are the workhorse of the industry. Throw a pair in your back pocket and you will be ready to go!. If you need some linesman pliers then these are the ticket.
Insulated Tools
Of course if you are working in the metering field you are not always going to be working on equipment that is de-energized. As a meter tech some of the tools that you will need should be insulated tools. In fact OSHA requires that insulated tools be used when working on circuits above 50 volts. Below are some of the insulated tools that I recommend.
Insulated Nut Drivers
Above you will see that I listed a set of nut drivers. While these are great you will also need a set of insulated nut drivers if you are going to be doing any kind of energized metering work. Whether you are working on a CT that is enerized or changing out a bad PT you are sure to come across an instance where you are going to need some insulated nut drivers. The most popular sizes you will use are 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″ and 1/2″. So, if you cannot afford to buy them all at once those are definitely the sizes to get.
Insulated Screwdrivers
Just like the insulated nut drivers above, insulated screwdrivers are used to keep you safe when working on energized circuits. If you like the traditional type of screwdriver like I do, then I recommend buying this set. I have personally used this set during my career and they haven’t let me down yet. Alternatively, if you are the type of person who likes to carry less tools, this interchangeable insulated screwdriver set is the way to go.Insulated Pliers
Earlier I mentioned that linesman pliers are the workhorse pliers used by meter technicians. They also have an insulated version.As you can see there are many different tools that you need to be a meter tech. As I find more that I recommend I will update this page.