How-to-guides- Standard tools

The basics

Most of the tools we discuss here are simple and easy to find.

From sockets to drill bits, being prepared for such things as standard sizes and lengths, will speed up the install.

There may be one or two unique items and are not used as often.

In some cases we will show alternative for some.

Standard and Metric sockets

You should have a variety of 1/4inch sockets to fit the power screwdriver, metric and standard.

The fact is on most vehicles, you will only need the following sizes for "vehicle interior" work.

• 9/32 socket

• 10 millimeter socket

• Philips head bit

1/4 and 3/8 inch socket drivers

If your using stander sockets without the stem as above, you will want to have a 1/4 drive and a 3/8inch drive.

Standard and Metric torx bits

A basic selection of torx bits, are good to have on hand.

These bits are typically used on unique applications, but if you don't have them, it is one of those tools that do not have many alternative for.

As we have mentioned in most of the chapter, make sure you have the right tool because once you get started and require that tool, it is easy to take shortcuts , and possibly jeopardize the entire install.

Philips head bits

This one is pretty easy to figure out!

It is the good old fashion simple Philips head bit.

In most cases you will only need a #2 bit. Again make sure it is of good quality, as the less expensive bits may strip out the heads of some screws.

Be  sure you have a:

• Small

• Medium 

• Large

This is due to the cavity in witch the screw is in.

Many string wheel columns covers will have a long path to the screw, making it difficult to reach without the length.

However when driving screws that are surface mount you will want to use the smallest bit to keep the weight of the pressure applied to the screw driver as close to the center of gravity for the best performance and safety.

1/4 inch drive bit holder

This 1/4 drive bit comes in handy, as the bit is held into place into it's chamber by magnetism,

This makes for easy replacement from on bit to the other.

Make sure you purchase a high quality on as the less expensive ones will typically crack under high torque or the magnet will come out of the chamber.

Flexible 1/4 inch extension

Flex socket extensions are great for those hard to reach places when using a power screwdriver.

This is especially true when replacing speakers in front dashes or rear deck location.

Use caution however when using this tool near any window in the vehicle, as the flex tool will "pop" out of the hands during use and can apply enough force to shatter windshields or rear windows of a vehicle!

Standard drill bits

You should have a variety of good quality drill bits on hand.

Drill bits are not used that often, however there are several application that will require a specific hole size.

Most sizes used in automotive aftermarket electronics are:

• 1/8 inch

• 1/4inch

Multi size drill bit

This one is great!

It is a multi drill bit and great for "boring' out plastic and metal.

It is a bit pricy, but worth every cent.

Electrical Tape

Ahh the well known electrical tape.

This simple product is good to have on hand and when used properly will add that professional look to your installation.

Here goes more of that stuff that sound like a commercial, but we ONLY use one type of electrical tape. it is made by 3m and is call super 33.

It can be purchased at most local home improvement stores.

There is a big difference between the "cheep stuff" and the super 33s.

Cheep electrical tape will dry up and give an inferior bond, causing electrical failure to the project months or years later.

Never thought anyone could say that much about electrical tape ....did ya!

Soldering pencil and solder

The soldering pencil is rarely used.

 It is however, good to have on hand for terminals or connections that cannot be made by the traditional crimping method.

This is usually due to the lack of length on a specific connections or when a wire is broken from a plug and must be soldered directly to the metal part of the connector

Motto Tool

The Dremal or Motto tool is generally used for cutting through plastic .

This can be achieved by placing an 1/8 inch drill bit into the chuck on the Dremal tool.

Simply turn the unit on and make a hole into the plastic you desire to cut.

By moving the tool in any direction, so as to cut the desired shape into the plastic.

Use caution as, this tool spins at a high rate of speed.

Be sure that the chuck is tight, as the bit can "swing" out of the chuck casing injury or damage to the vehicle.

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Window crank and door panel removal tools