The Ultimate DIY Home Electrical Kit | You Need This!

I have been building out my DIY electrical kit for about 5 years now in the quest to reduce wasted trips to the home improvement store. I am at a pretty good spot now and can accomplish 90% of my home electrical repairs and improvements without making extra trips which saves a TON of time. Let me know if you think anything is missing and I will consider it for the next upgrade. Thanks!

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[EverydayHomeRepairs]

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[johnblystone]

I also keep a small supply of screws that fit electrical devices. Especially ones that are longer than those supplied with the device.

[trickeh]

A nice alternative (or addition) to the staples are zip ties. They make ones with eyelets that can be screwed down into studs that are UL listed. They can also be used in a pinch as an extra set of hands to suspend something while you work. I've had a few instances where it was a tight space for a hammer, but I was able to get a 90 degree driver inside and use the zip ties as a means to anchor my romex.

[justinforrest]

6/32 and 8/32 fine thread screws are one addition

[ryanwisephoto]

1/2 inch knockout seals are always helpful to keep if you mess up and knockout the wrong hole

[dbdukenukem]

Make it a double sided box so you can add a DVM with clamp meter and/or a non contact voltage detector, and a 3 prong receptacle tester...
PLUS a notepad and pen so if you need to disconnect something that has 6 wires you can write down which terminal each wire color goes to.

[cornpop]

6-32 and 8-32 screw in assorted lengths.

Instead of installing a ground wire in a metal box, I install a ground bar, which allows me to mount all the grounds to a single terminal, all with screw terminals. It works great!

On big tangle boxes, I also include a neutral bar.

I'm not sure how code worthy it really is, but every inspector that has seen these elements in my work seem to love them.

[wojtek-]

I also have extra wall plate, switch/receptacle and light fixture/fan mounting plate screws. All acquired over time, but I assume you could buy them too.

[andrianmonk]

I keep a Klein Tool Triple Tap in my electrical carry box. Comes in handy when one encounters bummed up threads in an outlet box or connector especially in old work.

[mikeking]

I would probably add a few cable ties and a small amount of heat shrink tubing. When making repairs I have seen old work where the wires were stripped back too far. And a few screws.

[jamescrane]

A little of topic but still In the department. Screwdrivers and quick Identifier. Use Color tape to determine which Is which. Between the handle and the tip. In Canada the Robbie’s are black red green and yellow. For prince Philips I use blue. Peace and love beautiful people. I like this video.

[GregariousAntithesis]

I have dedicated old school handle top with two compartments on top accessable from outside for electrical, plumbing, drywall.

[raymondfrato]

I would recommend having an assortment of screws used in common electrical boxes and fixtures including cover plate screws and outlet and switch hold down screws.

[rsla]

Thanks! I am a DIYer with no where near your experience but I also add some ready to use pigtails for any 12 and 14 gauge (white, black, and red). Thanks for all of your advice! I can’t tell you how many times I used your extended wire to test continuity from a receptacle across the room!

[keith]

6-32 and 8-32 screws. use the right screw for the job. no drywall screw hack stuff here!

[jackmason]

Good Morning. I would add a Green wire nut with hole in top to run a ground or something that way the multable ground are together. Jack

[johnforehand]

Nice kit! Mine is very similar but also contains extra screws for outlet/switch cover plates; regular and extra-length screws to secure outlets, switches or fixtures to ceiling and wall outlet boxes; and a small roll of green electrical tape. Also, I do not include the cable staples in my primary kit.

[richardharrison]

You could easily use those adjustable tackle boxes for fishing lures to start your own kits. You don't need to spend a lot on those name brand boxes.

[zartanio]

The best thing I did for my home improvement projects was to make an electrical kit from a 5 gallon hardware store bucket and one of those bucket tool organizers. It has dedicated tools that stay in the pockets, tape, pigtails, all the wago sizes, basically everything you have here. Inside the bucket live a couple outlets, switches, face plates. Being able to decide to replace an outlet and knowing that everything I need is in one grab and go package has made such a difference. Lowers the barrier to a quick project so much.

[anthonygonzales]

I keep a small roll 14 and 12 thhn in my systainers for jumpers.