tools

Hey Guys, I was wondering if some of the pros on here can tell me what tools you guys use for your installs. I am by no means a pro, but I find the right tool for the job always makes things easier. DMM? What/how do you use your DMM to test wires? I have the standard DMM but I find the probes are too big and I usually fashion a small wire into a probe. Is there a better way? Is there a probe that will test wires without penetration? I have seen them for VAC but not VDC. Soldering iron. What brand and model? A special tip? I have the cheap 5 dollar special and it is difficult to say the least to properly heat the wire to get the solder to melt. I usually have to help it by melting a little on the tip of the iron. Strip tool. Anything special? What one works for you best? Any other cool tools in the box? As always, thanks for your time. I really appreciate it.

I bet you'll get lots of good replies to this post! As for me, I paid extra for a Fluke probe set for my DMM. Some of the probes have *tiny* needle tips. You could never tell I poked & tested that wire. Soldering iron -- my best investment was a butane iron. Wireless AND very high heat. I'll never go back.

This is the butane iron I use, the UT300. I find the right-angle (gun-style) design to be most convenient.

Meter: Fluke 179 + bed of nails probes + hook meter probes Wire cutters: CHP cutters for wires, Xcelite cutters for zip ties Wire strippers: CHP 28-20 gauge (good for toyota ignition wires/ civic door lock wires, Xcelite 18-12 gauge ignition wires on other vehicles. Xcelite self-adjusting wire strippers for bench prepping. Soldering Iron - Mac Tools ST115 Solder - Kester low melting solder Misc: NT Pro A-1 Red Dot knife, Dewalt 20V brushless impact + mac tool bits, Mac tools ratchet screwdriver kit SBDR123SA, 6-18mm sockets. Always use 3M super 33+, 88 or Scotch 700 (home depot) when in a pinch. thats all I have ever keep on hand for any install I've ever done. Mind you i haven't had to use my tools recently since starting med, but money well spent. Invest in your tools so you have them for a lifetime. I know many installers that use one self adjusting wire strippers; nothing wrong with that, you just need to find what works best for you. It took me years and various tools to find what worked best for my needs.Ted

2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School

Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries

Compustar Expert

I got a spare set of multimeter wires, cut off the leads & attached alligator clips. I use it regularly to clip onto the vehicle ground. In a pinch you can use a utility razor knife to probe wires quickly... Like this: Here's the piercing probe I use to test wires, bought it from eBay several years ago! http://www.ebay.ca/itm/CP7865-NEW-SUNPRO-2-WAY-TEST-PIERCE-OR-PROBE-FOR-MULTI-METERS-USA-u-/191132688610 Some trim-removal tools; assortment of non-marring on the left & push clip removal / general purpose tool on the right. This is more of a supply item rather than a tool, but I use a hefty (I think 18") zip tie for fishing wires. The rest are just basic everyday tools anyone would have.

I use a Fluke 77 meter...had it for years and it's auto ranging, min/max etc which comes in handy...but these meters are expensive and this is how I make a living...but most inexpensive meters will do the same thing. Solder Iron - weller pro - s3 tip...it's adjusting temp and reasonably priced... I have lots of tools, and this is because my shop does many different things...but I have to say that a good pair of mini side cutters and a decent electrical tape are your secret weapons...I was taught how to use side cutters to do everything strippers can do and they fit in my pocket...I use Temflex by 3M for tape still stretchy I. Cold weather...love it! As for expensive screw drivers and such I don't bother anymore...I've lost more tools in customer cars than I care to think about...yes perhaps in absent minded or just really busy but it does happen! Everyone is different but I recommend you find what works for you before go spending a ton of money...have fun! Solder, tape, repeat!

Forgot to mention the large zip tie, pry tools that yellow cake mentioned. His trick with the knife works very well, used it a few times when i didn't want to switch back and forth between probes. btw, shark mobile suggested Temflex. Unfortunately its not something that can be bought from big box stores. Only electronic places (in ontario) order this type of tape such as robert thibert, staub, automobility, importel etc. I've tried looking for it elsewhere, but no luck. as I mentioned, tools can be used more than just installations, that's why I buy good tools that will last. Using a big beach towel ensures you loose no tools. Find what works for you. start with a good set of cutters and wire strippers, see what works best. I know among most installers, this is by far the most commonly used strippers. To each their own Ted

2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School

Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries

Compustar Expert

nothing fancy for me: super 33 tape weller soldering iron LED shop light panel removing tools basic Fluke meter chair on wheels ! good kneeling cushion ! plastic housing razor knife good printer to print out wiring info coat hanger to run wires through firewall

I like PRDjr165's list.    He just mentioned the most important item.  A good kneeling pad.  For the amount of time you spend on your knees working under the dash, it's probably the most important tool. 

A few things not mentioned :

A vehicle Check-In sheet.  While not a tool, it could save you some headaches with unscrupulous customers.

A Scan Tool / Code reader & reset.  Can be used during vehicle check-in and just in case a code pops up...

A hi-LUM "headlight".   Leaves your hands free and provides plenty of light to differentiate wire colors under the dash.  Here's a in-expensive one.

http://www./itm/Bright-300-Lumen-LED-3-Mode-Zoomable-Headlight-Headlamp-Head-Torch-Lamp-Light-/360962333979?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item540b081d1b

Soldering is fun!

Try using a milk carton as an alternative to the kneeling pad. a carton is just the right height to comfortably sit/work. kreg, i should send you my seats It's hard to find actual free time, but somehow I use my downtime on the12volt when in the emerg haha. Could only imagine the cost of shipping a seat Ted

2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School

Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries

Compustar Expert