Basic electrical tool kit — what do I need?

StreetCreeper said:
Great info, I'll be scrutinizing it soon. Quick question, any brand preferences or brand/type soldering iron that I should look for or stay away from? I'm not a tool snob by any stretch, but I do hate wasting money on junk. So I'd rather pay a little extra for a tool that I won't have to keep replacing.
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That's a tough question to answer, it really depends on what you are going to use it for. In general the options are:

Soldering gun
+ relatively inexpensive
+ put out a lot of heat
- not very precise

Soldering iron
+ relatively inexpensive
+ fairly precise
- not a lot of heat

Propane/butane soldering torch
+ portable
+ often can also be used as a heat gun for heat shrink
- have to refill them

Soldering station
+ very precise
+ good heat regulation
- expensive


If you are going to do other electronic work, such as small circuits, I would get the soldering station. You can get a nice one for about $100. This is what I use. Weller and Hakko are good brands

If you are using this for automotive work then any of these options will be ok. I'd go with something from a major brand like Weller or Hakko, and would probably look for 40w or more. You want something that can solder wire up to 12g, above that you'd need a torch.

You'll also need some accessories such as either a foam or a metal tip cleaner, metal is a bit easier since you don't need to keep it damp.

https://www.amazon.com/Hakko-599B-0..._SR278,320_&psc=1&refRID=P5661FMAWD1RSPAN4BRE

And you'll need some solder. The standard is 60/40, which is probably the easiest to use. But, this has a lot of lead in it so you need to make sure you wash your hands after use and avoid breathing the fumes.

https://www.amazon.com/Alpha-AT-316..._SR108,160_&psc=1&refRID=P5661FMAWD1RSPAN4BRE

There are also lead free options.

https://www.amazon.com/Aven-17555LF...id=1471327599&sr=8-5&keywords=non+lead+solder

- Matt
 
As someone who wrangles wires for a living, I'd like to second what everyone else has said about strippers and crimpers. Cheap ones can make life rough.

I'm a big fan of the high leverage crimpers from Klein (posted earlier) over the combination stripper/crimpers, but if you're going to go with a combo set, get good ones like Klein or Greenlee.

https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-195...1471363089&sr=8-10&keywords=greenlee+stripper

I'd also highly recommend picking up a pair of precision side cutters like these:

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Too...471362842&sr=8-2&keywords=lead+cutting+pliers

These are perfect for cutting zip ties. The tail on a zip tie will slice you like a razor blade if it's not cut off close enough to the head, and these are perfect for that.
 
Here's what I got in my 4 drawer tractor supply tool box.



Top drawer

*Klein mm400 multimeter/temperature reader
*20g, 18g, 12g extra wire
*Solder
*3M electrical tape, different types, moisture and temperature resistant ( stop and don't use cheap electrical tape, just look at OEM tape. Still sticky after yeaaaaars)
*Alligator clips
*Extra switches 20amp rated.



The 3rd drawer has my screw drivers and pliers , wire strippers.

*Klein pliers
*Snap-On strippers and crimpers in one ( best shit no lie )
*Home Depot solder
*Other stuff.





Last drawer is dedicated to t-taps and other stuff....

*20-12g female and male connectors ( 3M, Home Depot quality )
*20-12g weather resistant but connectors ( 3M, Home Depot quality)
*T-taps any size you need
*4g wire but connector
*fuses
*wire nuts
*grommets
*marine and standard shrink wrap
*add on fuse, in line fuse.
Much more

Other drawers hold my wrenches , Allen keys, sockets , hammer and much more

Little tool box for $40 holds almost everything I need.
 
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