The essentials
- Multimeter: test voltage and continuity, and troubleshoot faults.
- Crimping tool: a ratchet crimper for small terminals and a hex or hydraulic crimper for battery lugs.
- Wire strippers and cable cutters: clean cuts and strips mean better crimps.
- Heat gun and heat shrink: seal every lug against water and corrosion.
- Terminals, lugs and fuses: keep a box of common sizes on hand.
- Screwdrivers, cable ties and tape measure for a tidy install.
Spend where it counts
A good crimper and multimeter are worth paying a bit more for. Bad crimps are one of the most common causes of voltage drop and heat in 12V systems.
Gear picks
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