Tools and supplies needed for wiring.

I have a hidden light bar and some ditch lights coming this week. I have never done lighting myself in my trucks. I can do all the outlet changes and light fixtures at home however.

Just wondering if there is a kit i could buy that has all needed connectors, heat shrink, tools and what not for the job. Or is there a list someone could direct me to? I have new switches I'll use for the dash, not the supplied switches.

Thanks.

 

A good soldering iron.....I prefer my m12 Milwaukee one.
Some basic electrical tools IE a meter, test light, cutters and screw drivers.
Heat shrink is good to have, I prefer either that or the crimp style connectors that have the shrink built in.
And if you’re gonna be mounting lights, you will need some basic hand tools.

 

Basic tools are all you’ll really need.

heat shrink would be used if you solder connections. That would be the best way to go.
Wire connectors come in all sorts of varieties. All will get the job done.

I use a variety of below. Comes in all sorts of configurations.
Single straight
Dual straight
Single T
Dual T (shown)
Super easy to use and have held up for years in my truck. Just note gauge wire when using them.

 

For connections that will get wet I use “marine heat shrink”. Its got water resistant adhesive on the inside.

 

Oh i have an assload of tools, just not a big electrical tool kit. Thanks for the suggestions. I have a big box of overkill coming from Amazon.

Thanks for the suggestions. Even splurged for the better wire stripper over the one i have that's kinda crummy.

 

I've been using this type of wire crimper. The standard type wasn't working out for me. This seems to do a better job.

Capri Tools High Leverage Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper

https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-...Terminal+Crimper&qid=1620646988&sr=8-17-spons

These have been great.

$16 TICONN 250 Pcs Solder Seal Wire Connectors, Heat Shrink Butt Connectors, Waterproof and Insulated Electrical Wire Terminals, Butt Splice (250PCS)

https://www.amazon.com/TICONN-Conne...shrink+terminals&qid=1620646455&sr=8-17-spons

Pack of connectors.

$19 Hilitchi 180Pcs Nylon Insulated Heat Shrink Ring Terminal Electrical Wire Crimp Connectors Set, Yellow, Blue, Red

https://www.amazon.com/Hilitchi-Ins...=heat+shrink+terminals&qid=1620646488&sr=8-20

Heatshrink is an always. I've been preferring the sticky icky.

$12 MILAPEAK 270 PCS Heat Shrink Tubing Kit - 3:1 Ratio Adhesive Lined, Marine Grade Shrink Wrap - Automotive Industrial Heat-Shrink Tubing - Black, Red

https://www.amazon.com/270-pcs-Adhe...=waterproof+heat+shrink&qid=1620646575&sr=8-4

 

Thanks! I actually went nuts and boufht all that stuff and more.

 

You'll be more than fine. As long as you have enough of the right sizes. Haha. I always end up a couple short, then need it right away or the project will get pushed to the side. Then it drives me nuts when it doesn't match. Nice thing when you're in a bind is I've used the 10-12g connectors on 16-20g wiring. The adhesive from the connector + adhesive from the heat shrink have kept it all together very well.

 

how are you guys shrinking crimps

 

I solder almost everything. Then heat shrink, marine heat shrink when appropriate (e.g., exterior).