Install Tool
Printed From: the12volt.comForum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=143025
Printed Date: May 06, 2024 at 11:48 AM
Topic: Install Tool
Posted By: kreg357
Subject: Install Tool
Date Posted: June 02, 2017 at 7:20 AM
Just thought I'd throw this out there for fellow forum members. I imagine a lot of you are into neat
tools that help us do a better job and make life easier. Here is a tool that I have been using for a few
years that fits the bill.
StripAll TWC-1 Thermal wire stripper
As most of the installers have noticed, over the years the wires are getting thinner and thinner. Did
a new RX350 the other day and the majority of the wires were 26 or 28 gauge. Stripping the insulation
off those wires with standard tools is tough! Nicking the few strands or worse yet cutting a few of
them can cause data reliability issues down the road. This tool does an excellent job of removing the
insulation without harming the wires. It is temperature adjustable for the various types of insulation
found in automotive applications and the blades are very inexpensive and easy to replace ( I'm still
on my first set ).
The down side is the cost. A new one will run upwards of $400 but used ones can be found on places
like EBay for just under $100. I got mine used, as surplus from NASA Houston, and it's worked flawlessly
under less than optimum conditions ( on the road, in the field, in various garages, etc ). If you have
ever had to repair a wire that broke while removing insulation, under the dash, right next to a connector,
this tool will pay for itself in saved time and aggravation. If you looks closely at certain bypass module
WEB sites, the wires in their photos and install guides look like this type tool was used to remove the
insulation.
There are other similar tools like this available. Hakko makes the FT801-31 which looks nice but I
have no first hand experience with it. ( I do like my Hakko soldering iron. )
Always interested to hear what others are using...
-------------
Soldering is fun!
tools that help us do a better job and make life easier. Here is a tool that I have been using for a few
years that fits the bill.
StripAll TWC-1 Thermal wire stripper
As most of the installers have noticed, over the years the wires are getting thinner and thinner. Did
a new RX350 the other day and the majority of the wires were 26 or 28 gauge. Stripping the insulation
off those wires with standard tools is tough! Nicking the few strands or worse yet cutting a few of
them can cause data reliability issues down the road. This tool does an excellent job of removing the
insulation without harming the wires. It is temperature adjustable for the various types of insulation
found in automotive applications and the blades are very inexpensive and easy to replace ( I'm still
on my first set ).
The down side is the cost. A new one will run upwards of $400 but used ones can be found on places
like EBay for just under $100. I got mine used, as surplus from NASA Houston, and it's worked flawlessly
under less than optimum conditions ( on the road, in the field, in various garages, etc ). If you have
ever had to repair a wire that broke while removing insulation, under the dash, right next to a connector,
this tool will pay for itself in saved time and aggravation. If you looks closely at certain bypass module
WEB sites, the wires in their photos and install guides look like this type tool was used to remove the
insulation.
There are other similar tools like this available. Hakko makes the FT801-31 which looks nice but I
have no first hand experience with it. ( I do like my Hakko soldering iron. )
Always interested to hear what others are using...
-------------
Soldering is fun!
Replies:
Posted By: shift_happens
Date Posted: June 02, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Posted By: kreg357
Date Posted: June 02, 2017 at 9:02 PM