Install Tools

Q: Do you sell programming tools?

Yes. They're listed here and in Programming Tools , including the Fortin FLASHLINK, iDatalink ADS-USB and Compustar OP500.

Q: Do you ship across Canada?

Yes. Shipping is a flat $10 on orders under $200, and free in Canada on orders over $200. We also ship to the US and worldwide; US orders may be charged duties at checkout.

Panel pullers, wire strippers, crimpers, step drill bits and the other hand tools for car electronics installs, from a first dash cam to a full day in the bay. Build a toolbox for your level or the job in front of you, or start with our picks. Flat $10 shipping in Canada, free on orders over $200.

Panel tools: plastic, nylon or steel

Plastic and nylon pry tools are far kinder to trim than a screwdriver, and they're the right first buy. Nylon is tougher than plastic and lasts longer. A 4140 steel panel puller is slim enough for gaps plastic can't get into and won't bend or break; work it gently on soft trim. Find the clips before you pull, and a door panel puller pops them without snapping them.

Strippers and cutters

The LY-731 strips 10 to 22 AWG and adjusts itself to the wire. The LY-108 does the same job for less, with a manual setting. For amp power cable, the LY-206 cutter takes copper or aluminum cable up to 4 gauge.

Crimpers

Match the crimper to the terminal. The IBFCRIMPER does ferrules from 23 to 7 gauge, the IBLUGT hydraulic crimper heavy ferrules from 8 to 0 gauge with 9 dies, and the hammer crimper 0, 2 and 4 gauge ring terminals.

Drilling and driving

A step drill bit cuts clean round holes in sheet metal and plastic in one bit, for switches and grommets. A skew driver turns screws you can't reach straight on; both of ours fit a cordless driver and are sold without warranty.

Programming tools

Remote starter and interface programming tools, like the Fortin FLASHLINK and iDatalink ADS-USB, are listed here too, and in Programming Tools with the systems they're for.

How the toolbox builder works

Pick your level or the jobFirst install, regular DIYer or pro bay; or stereo, amp, remote starter, sound deadening.
Untick what you ownSwap in the alternatives and change quantities.
Add the rest at onceEverything you kept goes in your cart in one tap.

Our picks to start with

The four we'd buy first. Prices are live.

First tool to buy

LY-TPS5 panel tool set

Five heavy-duty plastic pry and scraper tools for dash and door trim.

Use: Dash and door trim
Size: 5 pieces
Made of: Heavy-duty plastic

Price $29.99

Installer favourite

4140 steel panel puller

A slim steel skin wedge that fits gaps plastic can't, and won't bend or break.

Use: Tight panel gaps
Size: Slim pulling tab
Made of: Heat-treated 4140 steel

Price $39.99

Wire stripper

LY-731 self-adjusting stripper

Strips wire in one squeeze and sets itself to the wire size.

Use: Stripping wire
Size: 10 to 22 AWG
Made of: Hardened carbon steel cutter

Price $34.99

Cable cutter

LY-206 cable cutter

Clean cuts through amp power cable.

Use: Cutting cable
Size: Up to 4 gauge
Made of: Hardened steel

Price $19.99

Every install tool

Panel tools, strippers, crimpers, drill bits, knives and programming tools. Filter by type, brand or price.