Tools for installing alarms?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum 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=23025
Printed Date: September 07, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Topic: Tools for installing alarms?
Posted By: Focusedonsound
Subject: Tools for installing alarms?
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 8:40 AM
This maybe a stupid topic to discuss but being that most of you guys do this stuff day in day out its a lot easier to ask the question before making the attempt and knowing what to expect before it happens. So with that said What tools do you find yourself using Screwdriver set
Soldering Iron
crimping tools
Plyers
What other tools / and such should I have at my finger tips so that I don't have to stop for an hour and go and find a tool or something else while installing an alarm. Thanks for the help
Nick
Replies:
Posted By: HamiltonAudio
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:18 AM
basically all the tools u'll need to disassemble parts of the cars interior to get at wires, triggers, etc. will also need a drill to get thru the firewall and screw down the siren. don't forget a good meter as well for probing wires, as well as the tools you've mentioned above. there is really no right vs. wrong...its just about having what you need to get the job done (whatever that may be) b
Posted By: Focusedonsound
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 10:06 AM
I forgot about the multi meter. I am just trying to prepair myself to do this install so that I have everything I need.. There is nothing worse than having to stop what you are doing to run to the store to only find out that they don't have any instock. So im trying to be perpaired...
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 12:52 PM
....Stop for an hour??? How far away are your tools?? Bring ALL the tools you have and you won't have to move away from the car, how's that? It's hard to say exactly what you'd need because every vehicle is different. Hamilton pretty much summed it up......figure out what it will take to disassemble and go from there.
Posted By: Focusedonsound
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 1:01 PM
yes an hour is a bit of an exageration however what I am getting at is that I want to have all the tools before hand and if I don't have them to go out and purchase them before hand. However living in new jersey we may have stores every 5- 10 mins away but with the traffic by the time you get there get back its easy a 30-40 min trip. So yes bring all the tools is the obvious answer but I just want to make sure I have everything before hand ... I don't want to have to run out and purchase something that I should have from the begining.
Posted By: cpgoose
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 1:59 PM
Wire stripper, electrical tape, zip ties, razor blade....just to name a few more.
go jersey:-) ------------- Q: What's the best nation in the world?
A: Donation! Donate to the12volt.com
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 4:08 PM
Nick, all I can say is.....don't crash into me on those NJ roads! I'm always in a hurry too. ;-) Really, only time will tell you exactly what you need to be prepared for everything. PM me...if you're local i'll help if I can.
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 6:05 PM
*One good working brain, with an ounce of common sense.*
THESE ARE NOT TOOLS, BUT ARE THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR INSTALLATION GO ALOT SMOOTHER.
1. Proper wiring diagram with location of connection points for the specific vehicle in question. Read over the user and installation manual several times to become familair with the programming sequence(s).
2. Draw out on paper as to where each component will be, and do a dry fit, to ensure proper placement. Varify all drilling points on both ends to ensure structual safety is met, and damages to the interior are eliminated.
*Measure twice, cut once*
3. Always install the unit(s) with enough strain relief / service wire, for future trouble shooting and removel.
4. If you install any trigger pins, keep them away from water path ways and use a star washer to ensure proper grounding.
5. Running your extra wire through the engine bay should follow as closely to the factory OEM wiring. When this is not possible, use wire loom to protect and shroud the connections, keeping away from any heat and water path ways, and of course any moving parts. Use the proper multi-color guage wire for all area's, zip tieing every 12" or taping.
6. Siren: Mount the siren as high as possible avoiding high heat area's and water path ways. Each siren has a
dust cover, taking a few moments to drill (3) 1/8th drain holes will ensure many years of service life.
Again with any grounding point, ensure a star washer is used on any exterior connections points. The use of this $0.03 part promotes current transfer, and inhibits rust formation from affecting the contact point. It is the difference from a one year install, to a 10 trouble free years of service.
Applying dielectric grease to the area will also inhibit moisture, and promote current transfer. Small details such as these are what makes an install a also rand, vs a steller install.
Taking the time to install the siren in the inner fender area, opposed to the engine bay ensures protection, and louder sound penetration due to reverberation and echo effect.
7. If the unit is not fabricated with screw down PJ connectors to the alarm CPU. Ensure that you secure the wiring terminals with what ever method that will prevent the PJ's from being pulled apart.
8. Proper fusing is paramount in any installation. Technically it is suggested that you fuse any power souce within 18" of the power souce. In real life you will want to fuse the line to as close to power source as humanly possible.
The closer the fusing to the source, the more wire that will be protected from burning.
9. If you intend on having a alarm system, invest the time and money for a hood lock. No, power = No sound & protection. Implementing layers of support and back up will ensure you more time to react.
10. Make your vehicle stand out. Using a combination of OEM horns or air horns with the alarm siren will draw more attention. Using high impact strobe lights that are mounted in the four corners of the vehicle along with the standard parking lights also draws more attention then the stardard issue.
11. Do not simply rely on the starter inhibit of the alarm system. Use and implement a ghost switch, along with a physcial contact point to immobolize the 4 key starting components.
Starter / Ignition / Fuel pump or fuel relay / ECU
They can be anything from a fuse, switch, relay, mag key, to jam direct contact points.
12. The chassis ground plane is one of the most important things that needs to be addressed. Using multiple ground points to the battery, and installing a trailing chassis ground strap will ensure electrostatic build up, will be bled off.
13. Security is a life style, and the alarm is only another part in the greater plan to ensure damage / theft is minimized.
DON'T ADVERTISE - PARK SMART - BE AWARE - AND RUN STEALTH...
If you live and breath these four phrases, 90% of your problems will not be there. I can tell you this because I have lived and worked in probably all the gutter area's in NYC, LA, and CA . . .
So take it for what its worth.
Planning + Imagination + Intergration + Common sense = Higher possibility of retrieval and lower damages.
Regards
EVIL Teken . . .
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 8:21 PM
Teken] wrote:
DON'T ADVERTISE - PARK SMART - BE AWARE - AND RUN STEALTH...
If you live and breath these four phrases, 90% of your problems will not be there.
Absolutely correct.
As far as tools. For most jobs you will need zip ties, DMM, soldering iron/solder, drill, crimpers, tape, and a razor ( personally I think most wire strippers are a waste of money). Misc picks will help too. The other neccessities that will cover most vehicles include a 7, 8, and 10 mm nut drivers and sockets, 15, 20 and 25 torx bits/drivers, and a panel popper. ------------- Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: NaughtyLMnky
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:08 PM
One thing I always forget when I go on the road is a way to get wires through existing grommets and door boots. Usually I just use some heavier guage solid wire.
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:11 PM
A good supply of resistors, relays, and extra wire also helps.
-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:25 PM
NaughtyLMnky wrote:
One thing I always forget when I go on the road is a way to get wires through existing grommets and door boots. Usually I just use some heavier guage solid wire.
All I have ever used is a broken GM antenna to fish the wire through. Then again I have a fishing tool as well, but only because I believe you should have the proper tool for the right job.
LOL, but the antenna gets more use, and it was free. Its all about the McGyver in all of us.
Regards
EVIL Teken . . .
Posted By: NaughtyLMnky
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:27 PM
I used to use an antenna too, but I lost it along the way. I just junked a car I should have taken it off of it before hand ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:34 PM
I'm laughing with you guys! Had a fish tape since '87 and used it a total of ONCE! My trusty old custom bent wire coat hanger has served me more than its share of duty. LOL! I think for Christmas I'll splerge and buy a NEW wire hanger. hahahaha
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:34 PM
LMAO...  And all this time I thought I was the only cheap Bastage in da house ! 
Posted By: NaughtyLMnky
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:36 PM
It took some courage for me to post that I was using wire.
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:37 PM
Wait, I just thought......BUY IT??? Who the Hell would BUY a hanger???? I'm goin' down to the cleaners and STEAL one! LOL ! ! !
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:39 PM
 LOL
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 18, 2003 at 9:40 PM
Actually, I could just take one from the closet, but then my shirt would have to stay on the floor. HA!
Posted By: Focusedonsound
Date Posted: December 19, 2003 at 11:01 AM
Hey guys, Thats exactly what I was looking for. For me who is attemting an alarm install for the first time. It pays to be prepaird and have everything there for the install. (at least thats what I think) Where can I pick up some diodes? Does radio shack sell them? Thanks for the help!
Nick
Posted By: wiretapper
Date Posted: December 19, 2003 at 11:34 AM
Yes, you should be able to get them from Radio Shack. They can order them if not in stock. You can start with IN4004 1amp and go from there.
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