Got zapped today - wear your insulated drivers!

Was working on a light switch today and totally forgot my screwdriver has a exposed metal shaft. Hit a live wire and got a nice jolt. Nothing serious but scared the crap outta me. Anyone else have close calls? Do you guys use insulated screwdrivers for electrical work?

Dude, always use the right tool for the job. I've got a set of Wiha insulated drivers that I use for any live work. They're marked with the VDE rating. Also, don't forget to check the insulation for cracks before using - had a buddy ignore that once and got a nasty shock.

Ugh, been there. That tingly feeling is the worst. I second what Hank said - insulated drivers are a must. And for extra safety, I always use a non-contact voltage tester before touching anything. Cheaper than a trip to the ER.

Thanks guys, lesson learned. Gonna invest in a good set of insulated screwdrivers this week. Any particular brand you recommend? I see Klein and Wiha pop up a lot.

Can't go wrong with Klein or Wiha. I use Wiha because they have a nice grip and the marking's clear. But whatever you get, make sure it's VDE rated and tested for 1000V. Don't cheap out on safety gear!