After some recommendations for tools for electrical work: - crimping tool for uninsulated terminals - decent wire stripping tool (is one of those tools that automatically strips it worth a go?) - soldering iron What do people recommend? Any other tools I might need that I’ve not thought of? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Bit on crimpers I've used here... http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/need-to-do-electrics-solder-or-crimp.71839/
Stripping, I use the orangey thingies (that are quite old now, but you can still get them). Work very well. Soldering: my trusty 50W Weller, which is about 150 years old, but there are loads of (mainly Chinese) soldering irons around. 50W should do you.
Cheers mate. Yeah the name Weller rings a bell. I need to tidy up the Engine bay wiring, planning to chop out the diagnostics wiring (will fit an LED where the box sat) and need to re heatshrink some sections too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wellers are pricey, but worth it IMHO. They go on forever (mine's from the early 80s). Spares are readily available.
I'd recommend a gas powered soldering iron..quite a few out there and can be used on the side of the road.. I think mine is a draper .. Edit... Just checked and mine is draper...had it for years and works a treat: http://mccormicktools.co.uk/draper-...pFLkBTL_5zg42seVCwlEHcGsJfcMod-xoCVCkQAvD_BwE
I bought something similar to these ( not these ecact ones ) and must admit haven't looked back there brilliant I keep them in a box with all the connections I could ever need its great having one tool for everything . As for soldering irons a gas one is good as it frees you up from cables. But you have the pain of buying changing the cartridges. I have a 240v one and to be fair it's way better than my gas one but the gas one I have is great for soldering awkward to reach connections if you carnt do them out of the vehicle . Wire Stripper, Blusmart Self-Adjusting Automatic Wire Stripping Tool with ProTouch Grips AWG24-10(0.2~6.0mm²) - Multi Tool Stripper, Cutter and Crimper (Orange with Gray) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01I4L8A9E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_qvHsAbBW0P85J Sent from my SM-J500FN using Tapatalk
A reasonable multimeter drapers do a good one that does volts and current AC and DC with a dwell meter. You cannot best a good test lamp with crocodile grips on either end, good for checking live circuits, setting timing on distributor and for finding short circuits. If you are joining wires use bullet connectors not those awful scotch lock things. Where possible solder terminals rather than crimp.
A decent ratchet crimp tool with wide jaws will make a nicer, more reliable, crimp than the usual cheap ones. I bought this one, and it does a good job and should last forever: https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/insulated-terminal-crimping-tool-standard-duty.html
Yep, bought my Weller in about 1975, from a market stall selling off time-expired GPO kit. And the only bit of it which is original is the handle, the outer sleeve and the cable clamp. ... Like the classic Grandfather's axe. I have a 240 volt Antex 25 watt in the bus with an inverter which I use for running repairs. And I have ordered a TS100 smart soldering iron off Banggood.com which is between 17 watts at 12 volts and 60 watts at 24 volts, which also works off LiPo batteries or laptop mains supplies. A while back I got a ratchet crimp tool off eBay for £10 by shopping around. For wire stripping I use either the 'gap between two front teeth' orange metal style (used to use my own front teeth until I smashed the top three out on my pedal bike). And heatshrink sleeving with glue makes the joints waterproof.
A nice pair of Lindstrom cutters, Weller 45W soldering iron 60/40 tin lead solder, radiospares ratchet crimp tool, a selection of heatshrink and longer than I care to think of using them. Works for me
My Weller was "liberated" from a secure NATO site, which gives you some idea of how good NATO security was. Like yours, I think the only original bits are the case and transformer - all the rest has been replaced over the years. Might push the boat out and treat myself to a new sponge. Absolutely. None of this lead-free business. I'm fully leaded
