On to part three of my series of articles on tools for modding; this time itÂ’s the turn of tools for wiring. As this will be my last Saturday for the foreseeable future, IÂ’ll post the fourth part in this series (on Multimeters) on Monday the third.


BTW, part one, which covered power tools can be found here; part two, which covered metalworking tools can be found here.





All in One Crimping / Stripping Tool

Often sold in a set with a variety of insulated terminals, this is the standard, basic tool for wiring operations. This tool, in theory, allows you to crimp both insulated & non-insulated terminals, strip and cut wires. In practice, the only thing it does well is crimp insulated terminals.
Top Tip: unless youÂ’re on a _very_ tight budget, separate tools for cutting, stripping & crimping are a much better bet.
Cost: from 2GBP (3USD)
Example: see item ref D1 here


Crimping Tools for Non-Insulated Terminals

Â… such as the pins in Molex connectors.
Top Tip: Squeeze the “wings” at the end of the terminal together slightly using the jaws on the end of the tool before crimping.
Cost: from 10GBP (15USD)
Example: see item ref MP71 here


Wire Strippers

Though you can strip wires with a lot of different things (your teeth, your fingernails, scissors), you really do get the best results with a proper tool.
Top Tip: buy strippers with all metal construction: they work way better & last longer than the cheaper half-plastic jobs.
Cost: from 5GBP (8USD)
Example: see item ref WST1 here


Wire Cutters

All of the tools mentioned so far will probably have a cutter built in, but in my experience, they tend to give poor results, and/or be awkward to use. Having a tool thatÂ’s been designed for just the one purpose makes thing much easier.
Cost: from 3GBP (5USD)
Example: see item ref 1068 here


Multimeter

Pretty much essential for tracing wiring faults by continuity checking, determining output voltages, and determining the resistance and/or the current drain of small components.
Cost from 6GBP (9USD) (Analogue), or 14GBP (20USD) (Digital)
Examples: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.c...rs/meters.html

Soldering Iron

You can just twist wires together to join them to each other, to LEDs, resistors, etc, but youÂ’ll get a more permanent, reliable joint it you solder them too.
Top Tip: wet a bit of old towel & keep it in a small dish under the tip of the iron when it’s in use to catch any molten drips: solder is tricky stuff – on some surfaces it cools instantly, on others the stuff just keeps on melting/burning through. Make sure the iron is clamped firmly when it’s in use – if it slips off your bench your instinctive reaction may be to grab it … burning human flesh smells like bacon btw – just telling you so you’re not tempted to try & find out for yourself.
Cost: from 8GBP (12USD)
Examples: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.c...soldering.html


Clamps
I’ve already said that you should have your soldering iron clamped down while it’s in use, but for a lot of jobs that’s not practical. In these cases, having the two bits you want to join is the way to go. Clothes pegs, duct tape & tins of beans all make useful stand-ins, but you can’t beat something like a “third hand” tool.
Example: see item ref 8605 here


Butane Gas Lighter
A cheap lighter is actually pretty good for applying heatshrink tube to cables, it’s a lot more precise than using a hot air gun – just don’t linger in one place for more than a second or two.
Top Tip: Buy lots of them, and move onto the next one when it gets hot to avoid burning your thumb when relighting. Put them out of reach of younger fingers when youÂ’re done with them.
Cost: cheapest IÂ’ve seen is 5 for 1 GBP (30c each)


Mini blowtorch
Even more precise than a lighter .. and even higher temperatures too.
Makes a great cigarette lighter too!
Top Tip: Remember kids, smoking is not cool Â… but being able to light up in a force nine gale with impunity whilst all those around you take several dozen attempts _IS_
Cost: from 8GBP (12USD)


Cable Tie Tensioner
This tool automatically tensions cable ties to a preset level & cuts off the excess. IÂ’ve never had hundreds to do at one time, so have never seen the point in buying one.
Cost: from 12GBP (18USD)
Example: see item ref TT20 here

There is this tight modding tool that is called a rotary tool, I have never modded without it, I will let you add the cool little pic

Quote: Originally Posted by RiP13y There is this tight modding tool that is called a rotary tool, I have never modded without it, I will let you add the cool little pic

Are you talking about Dremel-like tools? Can't say I've ever used one of them for wiring ...

I was rude about Dremels in part one

I think he means the rotary coax stripping tool, but I could be mistaken.
Looks like this:

Edit: ok, maybe he was being a smart-arse....... but those coax strippers are quite nice if you have the need for them. Personally I use electricians scissors for cutting/stripping and needle-nose pliers for crimping (at this point)

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