What are your must have parts when doing a install?

[bigaudiofanatic 10+ year member]

I am not talking tool wise. Just like what is in your bag something like ring connectors, screws, tape exc. What do you guys always have or always find yourself needing to get.

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[AlterEgo99 5,000+ posts]

LOL! This doesn't just relate to car audio for me as whenever I start ANY project, I am running back and forth to my workbench 1,000 times to grab something I forgot, be it a tool or something like a ring terminal, butt end connector, zip tie, electrical tape, etc. Drives me nuts. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif

 

[Falcons 5,000+ posts]

Always can never find the electrical tape.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Wire hold down....dunno what the they are actually called.

Pretend a circle with a screw down part. Keeps wire from moving about.

 

[J31Rob 5,000+ posts]

- 3M electrical tape (the rest is junk)

- Mechanical wire strippers

- Crimps for butt connects/terminals/etc

- Heat shrink for connects

- Patience

 

---------- Post added at 02:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:42 PM ----------

 

Always can never find the electrical tape.

..and this. **** is never where you put it last.. so I have a stock pile in my glove box. LOL

 

[gpgtp]

Soldering iron, heatshrink, etc.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

I bring a supply of a bunch of extra stuff for installs. Ring and spade terminals in just about all the sizes from 0-22g, same with butt connectors in 22-10g sizes, m and f disconnects for 22-10g, electrical tape, zip ties, wire ties downs, screws, drill bits, heat shrink tubing, small screwdrivers, I'm still probably forgetting something.

 

[groundpound4200 5,000+ posts]

I always run out of ring terminals and wire that matches.

 

[bigaudiofanatic 10+ year member]

Always can never find the electrical tape.

Dude....you have no idea how much I can relate. Start with 3 rolls end with 1 or two and can never find them.

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

I always lose my electrical tape as well.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Electrical tape sucks. The constant temperature swings its exposed to makes the adhesive turn to gunk after awhile. Heatshrink is superior in every way.

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

Electrical tape sucks. The constant temperature swings its exposed to makes the adhesive turn to gunk after awhile. Heatshrink is superior in every way.

^^^^ good advice, i agree.... I dont use anything but heat shrink and butt connectors when messing with wiring. They have big packs at radio shack with all sizes, just dont forget to slip it on before you make the connection. Then hit it lightly with lighter, plus it looks super clean

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

i stocked up on all install accessorys wire and terminals for every gauge and every style so the only problem is finding the electrical tape although i usually keep 10 rolls around i always loose them lol.

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

- 3M electrical tape (the rest is junk)

^^^^ This has been true for the 40+ years I've been using black tape. Nothing else compares.

And don't forget to bring the beer and CD case to the install.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I keep these stocked with a wide variety of terminals. I have separate kits for heat shrink, capacitors, resistors, inductors, etc. large tackle boxes with removable bins work great. I do a lot of work on location so I have to be mobile. The top part of the tackle box has my soldering station and associated tools.