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After 28 years working professionally around electricity and electronics, here are the 'must have' tools I would recommend for the average handyman.

1. A multimeter (Volt-Ohm-Ammeter), and learning how it is used. Some may say this is an unnecessary luxury for the handyman, but I would disagree with that. These have come down in price (around $20) to the point that their benefit far outweighs their cost. This is the tool that allows the average person to check, BEYOND ANY DOUBT, that the circuit they are working on is de-energized, and this alone is worth many times the price. Also, I would recommend the multimeter over simple probe-type 'circuit checkers' because of the functionality gained at a modest increase

in price over the cheaper alternative.

2. Diagonal wire cutters, also called "dics" (NOT "dykes"!, even though that is how it is pronounced). Buy a midrange pair or better; cheap ones rust easily, dull quickly and are hard on the hands. Some better pairs have a crimping tool built into the area behind the pivot joint.

3. Electrical tape. They're all about the same, although if you buy 3M then you know it insulates properly. When using, remember that 'length is more important than thickness'. What this means is that most amateurs think they are doing a good job by wrapping a connection 8 or 10 times around (thickness), but commonly make the mistake of not covering past the *ends* of the exposed wire far enough, with the also common occurrence of a joint becoming exposed when the wire is pulled or moved a little bit. Electrical tape is rated to 600V per thickness, so it is better to use that 'extra' amount to cover at least 1.5" or more past the exposed wire, than to wrap it around and around so many times. Also, make sure to pull the tape tight while you are wrapping.

4. A good razor knife. Some folks like 'dedicated' wire-stripping tools; I use them occasionally myself. But day-in-and-day-out I prefer a sharp razor knife, for several reasons. First, a razor knife can strip any wire that wire strippers can, and it is useful for other things - fewer tools to tote. Second, I find I am much less likely to nick a wire I'm stripping when I use a razor knife: I can 'feel' it better. Third, the razor knife is only a blade change away from being fully sharp; a wire stripper has to be replaced when it gets dull. Fourth, it is cheaper, and to me is easier on the hand. Fifth, A razor knife can be used to slit wires and cables, and strip large cables (like your car's

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