The Right Tool(s) for Fishing Wires Through the Rear Hatch Wire Boot/Loom

[Yellow Dog]

Hi guys, after lurking here for 10 or 15 years, I finally have something worthwhile to contribute.

One of my hobbies is car audio installation. After buying my 2002 SR5, I wanted to install a modern car stereo to enable hands-free cell phone use, and equally important, install a backup camera. Both important safety enhancements, in my opinion. The one obstacle that I struggled with was fishing the backup camera cable through the rubber rear hatch wire boot while maintaining a factory look. I read everything I could find here, on YouTube, and on the wider Web without a completely satisfactory solution. I did find several threads here that were very helpful, and I want to express my thanks to all who contributed.

Finally, after weeks of reading, I happened upon the key search term “automotive wire loom threading tools”, and found this!

CT4526 - 5pc Wire Loom Threading Kit — Neilsen Tools

I used the flexible tool (shown coiled up in the picture) with a little wire pulling lube, and it worked great! I will say that the only place I could find it is from a vendor in England, and I probably paid as much for shipping as for the tool, but worth every penny.

 

[fourwd1]

Wow, wish I had known about those for the last few decades :wow:

They'd be very useful.

 

[trainman605]

These are good tools to have around, but most technicians I have found use a stiff wire like a welding rod and bend it to fit around the corners thought trial and error. Sounds like a lot of work, but it's not, then again some can just figure it out quicker than others. Just tape your other end to the wire rod and pull it back through. This is the way most auto techs do it in the dealerships, don't ask me how I know.

 

[fourwd1]

These are good tools to have around, but most technicians I have found use a stiff wire like a welding rod and bend it to fit around the corners thought trial and error. Sounds like a lot of work, but it's not, then again some can just figure it out quicker than others. Just tape your other end to the wire rod and pull it back through. This is the way most auto techs do it in the dealerships, don't ask me how I know.

Yeah, and a coat hanger will work too.

But sometimes it's nice to have more specialized tools to do a job.

 

[revox92]

Man, that's clever! Thank you for sharing