Pry tool: Small flat screwdrivers are a bit sharp, and easily scratch plastic. Available at auto parts stores and specialty tool stores. A mutation of a screwdriver, fork and pry bar, used to remove panels, and pulling snaps off. Panel removal tool: Another must have tool for any installer. You can make your own hook by grinding the end of an old screwdriver, then bending the end after getting it red hot with a torch. Available at specialty tool stores such as Sears. Hook: Used to pull panels and components, bend the tabs on DIN radio rings for installation and removal. Available at car parts stores and specialty tool stores.
CAR STEREO TOOLS PRO
The famous Skewdriver Pro comes even with attachments and bits and is available for about $30 at most mail order catalogs such as Parts Express and Crutchfield.ĭoor handle clip remover: Usually a piece of flat metal with an open hole that goes behind the window crank and pushes the clip out. Most common brands are DeWalt (personal favorite) and Makita.Īngled screwdrivers: Ideal for getting in tight corners, where normal screwdrivers will not fit. Good power screwdrivers/drills start at around $100. It is highly recommended to get a good quality 9-volt or higher screwdriver. Most have reversible rotation, variable speed, and clutches to control torque. Power screwdrivers: Will save you a lot of time, especially if you do installs on a regular basis. Sets available from Sears and other stores from $50 up to $1000 or more, depending on what you get. Mechanic’s tool set: Will be needed to remove screws, nuts, bolts, etc. Available at Sears, some hardware stores and most electronic supplies stores such as Radio Shack. Use it on sensitive electronics where a test light could damage car electronic modules. Multimeter: Used to check voltage, current, resistance, etc. Available at hardware stores, tool trucks, Sears, catalogs, even dollar stores. Try to get the best you can afford ($1 – 30). Test light: Used to test for power (be careful not to use it on sensitive electronics, or you might fry your car’s computers). It is highly recommended that you spend the extra money and get a high powered model (100W and above) Can be obtained pretty much at any hardware store, electronics store, or Sears for about $30 – $50. Can also be used for “plastic surgery” (melting plastic) and heating up metals. Soldering gun: Not only used for soldering. Available at any electrical supplies store, or hardware store. Just tape up the alarm or stereo wires you want to run to the “fish” wire and pull. Cut in different lengths, it can be used to pull wires under carpet and through firewalls. Get a good Professional-grade crimper ($15 – $30) from any reputable mail order catalog such as Parts Express.įish wire: A piece of home electrical solid core wire (insulated). “Automatic” strippers and other more complicated models just tend to be to big end cumbersome to use in the cramped spaces of a car.Ĭrimpers: A basic tool all installers should have. The simple adjustable strippers are the best kind. Spend the extra couple dollars and get a good set ($15 – $20). Strippers: Used to remove insulation from wires.