I’d NEVER Buy this New Electrical Multi-Tool

This is one of the hottest new tool gift items for the 2025 holiday season – a wiring multi-tool for cheap. Let’s talk about it.

A reader asked about this new “multi-function electrician’s pliers set.” My first reaction is the same as my lasting one – “ugh.”

At first glance, this new multi-functional wiring tool looks to have it all – pliers, wire cutters, wire stripping loops, wrench cutouts, a cable strippers, cable wire separator, voltage detector, screwdrivers, crimping jaws, and more.

Saker has it on their website for $30, which they say is 50% off right now. The more you buy, the more extra savings you get.

I found one on Amazon for $17, and with some more searching I found another one on Amazon for $12. I found a listing on Walmart where it’s $10.

I’ve seen a pattern where gimmicky tools are hyped-up on social media and sold directly at inflated pricing, and it looks like that’s what’s happening here.

The tools look identical, so no, $30 is not really 50% off.

You can fold it up and shove into a pocket, as long as you don’t mind the multiple sharp protrusions. That hook-shaped cutter looks like it’ll tear up your pocket, and maybe even your leg.

Wait a second. That cutting hook doesn’t appear in any of the other product images. Not only that, a bunch of features seem to have completely disappeared from the tool. The tool they’re actually selling is larger – so much for “folds compactly.”

Frankly, it does look interesting, but that’s the hook, where you start to think “hey, that could be useful.”

“High quality chrome vanadium steel prevents rust and corrosion.”

One seller has it as a “folding tester screwdriver and wire strippers,” and they used an abundance of really bad AI images.

The “electricity test function” part that really bugs me.

“Press and hold the pliers to…” – I’m sorry, what? “Contact with the live wire,” they say.

“Continuity detection.” HUH?

“Voltage tester function for emergency use only.” “Beware of electric shock.” “When using, the palm must touch the sensing plate at the end of the handle.”

This screams “BAD IDEA” to me.

Poking around energized electrical wires with a contact-required voltage tester? NO, NO, NO.

The same tool is all over social media, Amazon, and other online marketplaces right now.

I wish I were exaggerating.

I’m actually a bit horrified at the thought that unsuspecting users might think it’s safe to use a conductive contact tool to test for live voltage. If you’re in an electrical box, you might be the tiniest movement away from a severe shock – or worse.

The folding multi-functional wiring tool shown above looks janky at best, but also potentially dangerous. Actually, I think it’s really dangerous.

It’s a good thing some of the sellers provide safety information. Here’s what one of the Amazon listings says in the product description:

Integrated voltage tester pliers with clear indicator lights and audible alerts. Ensure safe operation during live electrical work, preventing accidents effortlessly.

And here’s what it says in one of the image graphics:

Non-insulated tools, do not work with electricity with stylus function, only emergency use of the use of the palm of the hand to contact the end of the sensor piece of the head of the non-insulating body / careful electric shock.

“Ensure safe operation during live electrical work.” NO NO NO NO.

“Only emergency use of the use of the palm of the hand” – yes, so that you don’t severely injure yourself, potentially start a fire, or worse.

Ergonomic dual-layer, non-slip grips provide reliable shock protection on live circuits – so you can work confidently without fear of electrical hazards.

NO!!

Going back to a Saker page that I’m guessing you land on after clicking on social media posts: “makes electrical work safer.”

You know what makes electrical work safer? Turning off the circuit breaker and ensuring that the wiring is de-energized.

They have a FAQ. “Is it safe to use?”

Absolutely. The handles are non-slip and partially insulated, providing a secure grip and added safety while working with electrical components.

Okay, here’s another one on Amazon.

The device provides real-time LED feedback on safety conditions, powered by an intelligent system with accurate voltage detection

You’ll have “real-time” feedback when you accidentally bridge the tool across live-voltage wires.

Am I overreacting? I don’t think so. Something’s wrong some sellers advertise that the voltage detection is for emergency use only with the palm of your hand while others advertise that the tool provides “reliable shock protection on live circuits.”

I would NEVER buy this tool. Please be careful. I think everyone would be smart to avoid it too.

You can get multi-functional wire strippers at Amazon. At the cheapest, I’d buy an Irwin wiring tool for under $13 after coupon – or something better – and a brand-name non-contact voltage tester. You can buy a well-regarded Klein tester at Amazon for around $20. Home Depot also has a Milwaukee tester for $20.

Thanks to JoeM for the heads-up about this abomination.