Storage |
Roll Cab & Chest
 |
Most installers start with this combination and add an intermediate
chest and/or hang on boxes. Mac, Matco, and Snap-On will take trade-ins when you're
ready for a larger roll cab and/or chest. Most will even take Craftsman. |
| Storage Cabinets |
Ideal for storing and securing larger tools and equipment,
reference material, small templates, supllies, etc. |
| Wall Cabinets |
Often equiped by the shop; good for reference materials,
supplies, small to medium size tools, etc. |
| Other |
Some workbenches will provide additional storage for larger
tools and supplies. These are often built by the installers to meet the needs of the shop. |
| Accessories |
For storage there's a bunch. Socket & Wrench Racks, Dividers,
Magnetic Holders, Cases, etc. Craftsman, Mac, Matco, Snap-On, etc. |
| |
|
Hand Tools |
| Combination Wrenches |
Metric: 4mm thru 19mm
SAE: 7/32'' thru 1½'' |
| Nut Drivers |
Metric: 4mm thru 14mm
SAE: 1/8'' thru 5/8'' |
Sockets
 |
Metric: 4mm thru 19mm; standard and deep
SAE: 7/32'' thru 1¼'' standard and deep.
Impact SAE: 3/8'' thru 1 1/8''
Impact Metric: 10mm thru 19mm
Other Sockets: Three Wing #2; Torx set T8 thru
T45; Phillips #'s 2, 3;
Flat Tip ¼'' thru ½''
Drive Tools ¼'' thru ½'' including extensions,
various ratchets, drivers, & accessories |
| Wratcheting Boxed End Wrenches |
Metric: 8mm thru 19mm
SAE: 5/16'' thru 13/16'' |
| Folding Wrench Sets |
Torx T9 thru T40
U.S. Hex: 5/64'' thru 7/32''
Metric Hex 1.5mm thru 6mm |
| Adjustable Wrenches |
Various lengths up to 14'' |
| Torque Wrenches |
Ranges: 30 lb. in. thru 300 lb. in. |
| Flat Tip Screwdrivers |
Mini set, electronics set, Mmini, Stubby, various tip widths and overall lengths up to 24'' |
| Phillips Tip Screwdrivers |
Tip sizes #0 thru #3; Electronics set; Mini, Stubby, various lengths up to 24'' |
| Pozidriv Tip Screwdrivers |
Tip sizes #1 thru #3; Stubby to lengths up to14'' |
| Torx Tip Screwdrivers |
Sizes T8 thru T30 |
| Ratcheting Screwdriver |
Magnetic ¼'' drive; Stubby & Standard |
Pro Skewdriver
Set |
Stick with the "Pro" model.The driver detaches from the handle and
can be used in your cordless drill. Includes a complete set of hex shank bits,
extensions, and case. |
| Screw Starter |
Combination Flat & Phillips tip; 9'' length |
| Slip-Joint Pliers |
Various lengths up to 10'' |
| Lineman's Pliers |
8'' to 10'' in length |
| Adjustable Joint Pliers |
Lengths up to 16'' |
| Needle Nose Pliers |
Various sizes; lengths up to 8'' |
| Cutters (pliers) |
Various sizes; lengths up to 8'' |
| Vise-Grips |
Various jaw types and lengths |
| Retaing Ring Pliers |
1/8'' to 3 ½'' Shaft / Bore diameter; various tips |
| Aviation Snips |
Set of Straight, Left, & Right. |
| Terminal Crimpers |
Snap-On model PWC29 or equivalent |
| Strippers |
Snap-On model PWC6 or equivalent |
| Baterry Terminal Crimper |
Snap-On model YA9484 or equivalent |
| Cable Crimpers |
For Motorola and BNC connectors |
| Hemostats |
Straight and Curved jaws |
| Scissors |
Fiskars or equivalent; various sizes |
| Knives |
Putty Knife, Utility & Mini w/blades; Folding Knife |
| Files |
Set should include Flat, Round, Half Round, Joint, and more. |
| Automatic Center Punch |
Snap-On model YA805A or equivalent |
| Prybars |
Wrecking Bar and 22'' Pinch Bar |
| Miniature Pick Set |
Snap-On model ASA204A or equivalent |
| Hacksaws |
10'' or 12'', Mini, & Jab Saw |
| Tapered Reamers |
Set of reamers tapered from 1/8'' to 1'' |
| Wire Brushes & Scrapers |
Hand Scratch Brush; ½'' & 1''Hand Scrapers |
| Hammers |
Claw, Ball Peen, Dead Blow, Rubber Mallet |
| Chisel Set |
Flat, Starter Punch, etc. |
Measuring
 |
Compass, Tape Measures, Squares,
Steel Rules, Straight Edges, etc. Available from most art supply centers. |
| Door Panel Removers |
Trim Pad, Window Clips, Door Handles; Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Hook Tool |
Snap-On model CP3B or equivalent |
| Battery Terminal Cleaners |
Top and Side Post Cleaners;
Snap-On models BTC3 and BTC10 or equivalents |
| Clamps |
C-clamps, Bar clamps, etc.; various lengths and sizes |
| |
|
Pneumatic Tools & Accessories |
Air Saw
 |
Makes converting older metal 2 shaft openings to DIN openings
a breeze; assortment of blades; Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Air Hammer |
Bits should include: Sheet Metal Ripper, Double Bladed
Panel Cutter, Scraper, Flat Chisel, etc. Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Die Grinder |
Some installers choose this over an electric rotory tool (Dremmel).
Various bits; Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Nibbler |
Although not neccessary, this can expedite many speaker installations.
Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Drills |
3/8'' & 1/2'' Straight and Right Angle models;
Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Shears |
Rated for 18 gauge mild steel;
Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
Air Ratchets
 |
1/4'' and 3/8'' Drives; Ideal tool for removing seats and other
heavy nuts and long bolts with fine threads. Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Glue Spray Gun |
Great for shops and installers that do a great deal of upholstery work.
Many models work well. |
| Blow Guns |
Restricted and Non-restricted models; Various Tips;
Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Pressure Gauge / Inflator |
Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Impact Wrench |
Rated at 300 lb.ft. or better. Chicago Pneumatic,
Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Spray Gun |
All purpose spray gun with cup; Chicago Pneumatic, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| |
|
Portable Power Tools & Accessories |
Cordless Drills
 |
Straight and Right Angle Reversable models; 3/8'' or 10mm;
9 Volt System or higher; Should have extra batteries and charger. DEWALT, Snap-On,
Makita, Black & Decker, etc. |
| Power Drills |
3/8'' Straight & Right Angle; 1/2'' Straight; Reversable models; DEWALT, Makita,
Black & Decker, Snap-On, etc. |
| Drill Bits / Hole Saws |
Cobalt and High Speed Sets: 1/16'' to 1/2''
Uni-Bits: #1 & #2
Wood Bits (spade): up to 1''
Hole Saws: Wood & Metal; up to 6'' |
| Rotory Tool |
Dremel,
Moto-Tool, or equivalent; assortment of bits |
| Heat Gun |
Black & Decker or equivalent |
| Hot Glue Gun |
Assortment of Glue Sticks; Craftsman, Black & Decker, or equivalent |
Routers
 |
Many shops will provide at least two routers and one router table.
Most installers that do custom woodworking on a regular basis should have their own routers
and a variety of bits. DEWALT, Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, Black & Decker, etc. |
| Circular Saw |
7¼'' model; Mainly for rough cuts; Makita, Skill, DEWALT, Black & Decker, etc. |
| Sabre Saw/ Jigsaw |
Rotating Handle; Metal & Wood cutting blades; Makita, Black & Decker,
DEWALT, Bosch, etc. |
| Belt Sander |
3'' X 21'' model; Variable Speed; Assortment of Sanding Belts; Bosch,
Black & Decker, Makita, Skill, etc. |
| Palm Sander |
1/4 Sheet model; DEWALT, Makita, Black & Decker, etc. |
| Soldering Irons |
Cordless & Corded Station w/ Adjustable Temperature Control;
Various Tips; Solder; Solder Sucker; Weller, Portasol, etc. |
| Extension Cords |
3 Prong; Various Lengths; UL Approved |
| Outlet Strips |
Overload Protection; UL Approved |
| Lights & Flash Lights |
Flourescent Drop Light, Free Standing Lights, Flash Lights in various sizes.
Many installers choose a flashlight that works with the same batteries as other cordless tools.
Makita, DEWALT, Black & Decker, etc. |
| |
|
Safety Equipment & Information |
| Eye Protection |
Safety Glasses; There are many types to choose from.
Get a pair that fits comfortably and wear them! |
| Ear Protection |
Ear plugs or domes. These will protect your ears from ringing
and prevent head aches when using loud power tools. Wear them! |
| Gloves |
Heat Insulated; Available in different sizes. |
| First Aid Kit |
This should be a complete kit that meets or exceeds OSHA standards.
Keep it fully stocked. |
| Paint Spray Respirator |
With additional cartridges and prefilter pads. Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Willson, etc. |
| Personal Information |
You should provide your employer and/or fellow employees
of any special health conditions you may have, including blood type and people to contact
in case of emergency. |
| |
|
Stationary Tools & Equipment |
| Air Compressor |
5 HP Motor, 30 Gallon Tank or better. Many shops will
have larger models and outlets in various locations throughout the shop.
Hoses, Couplers, Adapters, Oil, etc. |
| Table Saw |
10'' with a High Quality Fence; Unifence;
Run-off Table; Delta or equivalent. Most often provided by the shop. |
Router Table
 |
Many custom shops will provide at least two routers and one table.
Installers should have their own routers including
an assortment of bits, attachments, and templates (jigs) saved from previous installs. |
| Radial Arm Saw |
10'' model; Many installers will use this instead of
a table saw when possible. Usually provided by the shop. Delta or equivalent |
| Drill Press |
14'' or larger; Variable Speed; Tilting Table; Delta or equivalent |
| Band Saw |
14'' or larger; Variable Speed; Tilting Table; Delta or equivalent |
| Dust Collection System |
Primarily for woodworking shops; Many will
include a central vacuum system with inlets throughout the shop. |
| Work Benches & Tables |
Often constructed by the installers to meet the specific needs
of the shop. Materials should be provided by the shop. |
| |
|
Test Equipment |
Digital Multi Meter (DMM)
 |
A must for today's vehicles. If you're still using a test light,
throw it away! Although this cost much more than a test light, it is far less
expensive than replacing a BCM or any other sensitive electronics in todays automobiles.
These are necessary for readings a test light can't give you.
Fluke
model 70 Series II or better. |
| Real Time Analyzer (RTA) |
Audio Control
SA-3052 or equivalent with Pink Noise Generator, 175 dB Microphone, SPL Meter, etc. |
| Speaker Phase Tester |
Your ears should be the ultimate phase testing tool, but
a 1.5 volt battery with test leads can help you find those out of electrical phase. |
| Oscilliscope |
2 Channel, Dual Trace, 20 Mhz or better;
B&K Precision, Hewlett-Packard, Tek, etc. |
| Signal Generator |
Aids in tuning box ports and locating speakers out of acoustical phase. |
| Hydrometer |
Snap-On model THX117 or equivalent |
| Battery & Alternator Tester |
Snap-On model YA271 or equivalent |
| Power Supply |
30 to 50 Amps Continuous or better; Test Bench should also include
Speakers, an Amplifier, Head Unit and Various Cables & Connectors.
Astron or equivalent |
| |
|
Miscellanious Tools and Accessories |
| Battery Charger |
400 Amp Boost; Variable Slow Charge |
| Floor Jack |
2 Ton Capacity or better. Available at any auto parts store. |
| Jack Stands |
Heavy Duty; Adjustable. Available at any auto parts store. |
| Fender & Seat Covers |
Not needed to complete any installations, but often used
and recommended by professionals.
Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Creeper & Stool |
Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Tap and Die Sets |
Metric and SAE; Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Fish Tape / Wire Snake |
And other materials such as antenna masts, welding wire, etc. |
| Hood / Trunk Tool |
To hold those broken and weak lids that won't stay open on their own.
Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Radio Removal Keys |
An assortment for as many brands of radios as possible. |
| Tool Magnetizer |
For magnetizing screwdrivers, etc.; Craftsman, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. |
| Universal Lock Out Kit |
This should never be necessary for any install, but you never know when
a customer, salesperson, or some other installer may lock the keys in a vehicle. Every shop
should have one! Available from Mac, Matco, Snap-On, etc. |
| Other tools seldomly used may not be listed. |
