Recommended Tools & Parts
If you’re building a 12V/24V wiring system, the biggest difference between clean + safe and constant troubleshooting is usually the basics: good crimps, correct fusing, and the right wire.
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Essentials (start here)
1) Wire + protection
- Primary wire (TXL/GXL/SXL automotive wire) — choose the right gauge using the calculator, then buy quality wire.
- Loom / split braid / heat shrink — for abrasion protection.
2) Fusing + distribution
- Fuse block (clean + serviceable): Blue Sea 5026 (12-circuit fuse block)
- Assorted fuse kit (ATO/ATC and/or MIDI/MEGA depending on loads)
- Fuse holders (quality matters — avoid brittle, no-name holders)
- Bus bars / distribution blocks for clean power routing
3) Crimping + terminals
- Ratcheting crimper: IWISS/iCrimp interchangeable-die ratcheting crimper set
- Heat-shrink ring terminals (marine grade): Ancor heat-shrink ring terminals (adhesive-lined)
- Heat-shrink butt connectors (marine grade): Ancor heat-shrink butt connectors assortment
- Adhesive-lined heat shrink
4) Measurement + troubleshooting
- Multimeter: Klein Tools MM400 digital multimeter
- Clamp meter (nice-to-have for current draw)
5) Power control (optional but nice)
- Battery disconnect: Blue Sea Systems 6006 m-Series battery switch
High-intent “by project” recommendations
Winch wiring
- Heavy gauge cable + properly sized fuse/breaker
- Proper lugs + a crimper that can actually crimp large lugs
Inverter wiring
- Correct gauge for continuous loads
- Proper fusing close to the battery
- Lug crimper for big cable: iCrimp/IWISS battery lug crimper (8–1/0 AWG)
Lighting / light bars
- Relay + fuse + correct gauge for run length
What to avoid (common failure points)
- Cheap fuse holders that melt or lose tension
- Undersized wire chosen from “amp only” charts (ignores voltage drop)
- Random mixed terminals/crimpers that don’t match
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