The Top 10 Automotive Electrical Tools You Need for Working on Vehicle Wiring & Electronics

Summary

In this video, Justin from Summit Racing highlights the top 10 essential tools for automotive electrical work, catering to both beginners and seasoned mechanics. The list starts with a basic test light and powered circuit tester, progressing to multimeters for voltage and continuity checks. Key hand tools like wire strippers and crimpers are discussed, alongside a soldering iron for durable connections. Supporting tools include helping hands for soldering, heat guns with heat shrink sleeves, and electrical tape for insulation. Finally, test leads are showcased for pre-connection tests and mock-ups. This guide emphasizes the importance of using the right tools to ensure efficient and safe electrical repairs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Test lights are essential for checking fuses, light sockets, and ensuring reliable 12-volt power from your battery. If it lights up, you have power; if not, there's a problem to diagnose.
• 😀 Powered circuit testers, like the Power Probe 3, go beyond basic testing and also tell you voltage levels, identify power or ground issues, and even feed power into a circuit for testing purposes.
• 😀 A multimeter, while seeming complicated, is vital for diagnosing electrical issues like continuity and voltage testing. It helps detect parasitic draws or ensure the alternator is charging properly.
• 😀 Using the right hand tools is crucial. Wire strippers ensure clean wire insulation removal without damaging the wire, which prevents bad connections.
• 😀 Wire crimpers are essential for creating reliable electrical connections. Using pliers or hammers isn’t recommended, as a proper crimp ensures long-lasting, secure contacts.
• 😀 Soldering irons and solder are important for making strong electrical connections. While soldering takes practice, it results in excellent, permanent joins when done correctly.
• 😀 Helping hands are invaluable for holding wires in place during soldering and other tasks, reducing frustration and improving precision.
• 😀 A heat gun and heat shrink sleeves are necessary for insulating soldered or crimped joints, preventing shorts, and offering added protection against corrosion.
• 😀 Electrical tape remains an important tool for insulation, sealing connections, and providing flexibility for various electrical tasks that don't require shrink sleeve.
• 😀 Test leads are useful for testing circuits before making permanent connections. They're particularly helpful for mocking up accessories or troubleshooting, but they can’t handle high currents.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a test light in automotive electrical work?

A test light is used to check for reliable 12-volt power in circuits, such as fuses and light sockets. It helps determine whether power is flowing through a circuit and can guide troubleshooting if there is no power.

How does a powered circuit tester like the Power Probe 3 differ from a basic test light?

The Power Probe 3 not only acts as a test light but also displays the voltage in the wire, and indicates whether the circuit is supplying power or ground. It also features a rocker switch to feed power or ground into circuits, making it more versatile than a basic test light.

Why is using a multimeter important in automotive electrical diagnostics?

A multimeter is essential for checking continuity and measuring voltage. It helps identify open circuits, check battery voltage, and detect parasitic draws or charging issues with the alternator.

What are wire strippers used for in automotive electrical work?

Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation from wires without damaging the wire itself. This ensures a clean and secure connection when installing connectors or splicing wires.

Why is it not recommended to use pliers or a hammer for crimping electrical connections?

Using pliers or a hammer for crimping can result in unreliable or weak electrical connections. A proper wire crimper, like the Summit Racing ratcheting crimpers, ensures a solid and consistent connection, which is especially important in automotive environments where vibrations and moisture are factors.

What is the purpose of soldering in electrical repairs, and why is it preferred in some situations?

Soldering is used to create strong, permanent electrical connections by melting solder to bond wires together. It's preferred for its durability and reliability in situations where crimping might not provide the best connection, especially in high-vibration environments like vehicles.

How do helping hands improve the soldering process in automotive electrical work?

Helping hands are tools designed to hold wires and components in place while soldering. They prevent mistakes and make it easier to solder accurately by keeping the parts steady during the process.

What role does a heat gun play in electrical repairs, and why is heat shrink tubing important?

A heat gun is used to shrink heat shrink tubing around soldered or crimped connections to insulate and protect the joint from moisture and corrosion. It also helps ensure that the joint is secure and prevents short circuits.

When should electrical tape be used instead of heat shrink tubing in automotive electrical repairs?

Electrical tape is used when heat shrink tubing cannot be applied, such as in tight spaces or when flexibility is needed. It serves as a flexible insulator and can also be used for other tasks like organizing wires or preventing abrasion.

What are test leads used for in automotive electrical work?

Test leads are used for testing electrical connections before performing permanent repairs, such as soldering or crimping. They are also useful for mocking up circuits or checking components before installing them. However, they are not suitable for high-current applications like testing a starter motor.