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I Get Excited Over The Dumbest Stuff

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by John A. Shows, Jan 10, 2008.

  1. Jan 11, 2008
    GaryArf

    GaryArf New Member

    Baxter Mn.
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    Oct 17, 2006
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    45
    And one thing that most of us forget on the trail or trying to diagnose electrical problems a can of WD-40 for water displacement. (it's the only thing it's good for)
     
  2. Jan 12, 2008
    bergy9

    bergy9 Jeep Maffia, CJ 5 Chapter

    Lincoln City, OR
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    Jul 2, 2007
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    184
    I had the same idea last night while working on my Jeep. I am using a Plano Stowaway Utility Box type for my electrical connectors, shrink tube(s), zip tie's, ect. I figured with the size vs a tackle box I could save space when I put a tool kit together when I am out four wheeling.
     
  3. Jan 23, 2008
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

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    Assorted bulbs
     
  4. Jan 23, 2008
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Inexpensive battery terminal puller. The two jaw type. Stuck on terminals can be a pain to remove and easy to crack the battery if not careful. All good comments above. Some odds and ends of light sockets are handy as well... Nickmil
     
  5. Jan 23, 2008
    LMGOLDSTEIN

    LMGOLDSTEIN 2 MANY HOBBIES

    CALIFORNIA
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    Dec 21, 2006
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    Continuity tester. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere.
     
  6. Jan 28, 2008
    schardein

    schardein Low Range Therapy

    Success, MO
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    Aug 11, 2003
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    553
    I got a tiny multimeter at radio shack. Not as good as a full size one, but great for throwing in the tool bag for at the junkyard. Great for testing things like bulbs to ensure they are good before you pay for them.
    I also get the occasional snap together connector at the junkyard. Just snip it out of the harness with enough on both ends to splice it in, or buy the new connectors for a really clean installation. Some better auto places have them, like NAPA. Junkyard is also a good place for plastic split loom. Just make sure the yard you are going to is cool with that.

    I also keep a couple weaving or knitting needles in my electrical box. Why? They are great for removing the "lock in" connectors on OEM plastic connectors. I'm sure they make "real" tools for that but I've never seen them. The knitting needles work perfect for it.
     
  7. Jan 28, 2008
    wagatu

    wagatu Sponsor

    Albuquerque, NM
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    46
    Nail file and a little bit of sandpaper for cleaning connections
     
  8. Feb 4, 2008
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    Nov 27, 2006
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    2,793
    one of those multi-tools and a pocket knife, unless someone already mentioned them. I was sorta skipping along in my reading.:coffee:
     
  9. Feb 6, 2008
    grouperboy

    grouperboy n00b

    Tallahassee-North...
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    Feb 4, 2008
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    I need one for all the electrical stuff, and one just for all the paint stuff- assorted guns, air lines, tape, masking paper, stir sticks, can openers, sandpaper, wire wheels, you get the picture...I have a paint store in my shed now.
     
  10. Feb 7, 2008
    DKillam

    DKillam Sponsor

    San Angelo, Texas
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    Oct 31, 2005
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    Lighter to shrink tubing. For those of us that don't smoke it's a pain to stop what you're doing to look for a lighter or match. :rofl:
     
  11. Feb 26, 2008
    Dabblin

    Dabblin Barn fresh 67 cj5

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2005
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    63
    Not just any small wenches. The special wenches used on electrics, 3/8, 5/16, 11/32.
    Or is that 38-24-36? Probably sockets off a 1/4 drive ratchet. Maybe deepreach the kind that would be handy in taillight stud nut removal, or nut tightening to secure the ground on a glass tub.
    A mirror? to look for loose wires behind the dash.
    Big wenches tend to sit on their box all day and grip about broken jeeps.
     
  12. Mar 3, 2008
    ffdave

    ffdave New Member

    East Dixfield, Maine
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    Jul 25, 2007
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  13. Mar 6, 2008
    w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Port Orange, FL
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    Nov 6, 2002
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    4,275
    A tiny multi meter is great to have on hand, I've picked 2-3 of these up on eBay for under 10 bucks each.
     
  14. Mar 11, 2008
    dvmbrad

    dvmbrad Member

    Frankfort, KY
    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2004
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    53
    How about some small safety pins; I use them to push through a wire as a test point for my meter.
     
  15. Mar 11, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I like the design with the permanently attached leads in the lid. Not so great for the bench, but ideal to carry along.

    Include an extra battery in your kit.
     
  16. Mar 11, 2008
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Seems expensive - I bet you're paying a lot for the box.

    Get a good crimping tool - I think they have Klein at Home Depot or Lowes (I know they do at Sears).

    I'd suggest you buy bulk connectors from Mouser Electronics - buy once from them and you'll get a catalog every 2 months for years. Just buy the types and sizes you need - for automotive, you don't need very many push-on or ring connectors. You can buy plain metal uninsulated butt and ring connectors and use heat shrink if you want - that's a better repair than an insulated butt connector. Also, a cheap heat gun is the best way to shrink tubing; I have the $20 Grizzly from Amazon (also available in lower wattage for $15). Useful for many other things too.
     
  17. Mar 30, 2008
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    You might put a small bic lighter in there for your heat shrinks. Be careful tho. You can set the old wire insulation on fire much faster than the new wire.
     
  18. May 15, 2008
    hspencer

    hspencer New Member

    Greensboro N.C.
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    Mar 11, 2008
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    5
    I do alot of marine wireing and the only connectors I will use are made by Ancor. I use the heat shrink connectors. They make a kit that includes a stripper, ratcheting crimper (will not release untill completly crimped), a mini torch for heat shrink, and lots of butt and ring connectors all in a nice organized box. You can find them at West Marine and Boaters World both have online shopping.
     
  19. Jul 16, 2008
    LMGOLDSTEIN

    LMGOLDSTEIN 2 MANY HOBBIES

    CALIFORNIA
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    Put a box cutter (knife) in there along with a pencil and a flashlight, a small maglight will do fine. Also, some post-it type of paper. That way you can mark and identify wires by wrapping them in a tape backed paper. This way you won't lose track. The pencil and paper are for drawing schematics, again to keep track of the wires and their colors. -G
     
  20. Aug 6, 2008
    mtndewmaniac66

    mtndewmaniac66 Down to Earth!

    Vernal, Utah.
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    May 25, 2006
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    178
    There is a lot covered here, I will try my $.02 worth though.
    Heat shrink tubing of various gauges,
    Klein or equivalent automatic strippers, (I prefer those especially when one hand is tied up).
    Spark plug wire terminal crimps,
    Multi meter tester, one that covers, dc, ac, ohms, watts, diode,
    Assortment of wire in varying colors in the most common gauges,
    Wire grommets and clamps,
    Wiring schematics on what ever you are working on, (especially on conversions)

    I hope this is helpful.:)
     
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