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Tools & Gear

Basic Electrical Tools for Your Off-Grid Build

Every off-grid electrical build calls for a handful of specialty tools. Cutting, stripping, crimping, and heat shrinking terminals all call for the right tool for the job — this guide covers exactly what you need and why, so you're not guessing at the hardware store.

🔧 Everything below adds up to under $500 — and most of it earns a permanent spot in your toolbox.

Wire Cutters

Three sizes, matched to wire gauge and workspace
5 inch Diagonal Flush Cutters

5" Diagonal Flush Cutters

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  • Wires 10 AWG and smaller
  • Working in tight spaces
9 inch Diagonal Cutters
  • Wires 6 AWG and smaller
  • Multiconductor wires 10 AWG and smaller
    • For example: 10/2 w/ ground or 12/3
Klein 63030 1 inch Coaxial Cutters

Klein 63030 1" Coaxial Cutters

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  • Wires 6 AWG and larger
  • All multi-conductor wires
    • Specifically multi-conductor wires larger than 10 AWG (6/3 and 6/4, for example)
  • Also used for stripping wire 4 AWG and larger

Crimpers

Matched to terminal type — insulated, un-insulated, and ferrule
Temco Indent Crimper

Indent Crimper

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Ratcheting Insulated Terminal Crimpers

Ratcheting Insulated Terminal Crimpers

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  • Insulated ring terminals smaller than 10 AWG
  • Insulated butt splice connectors
Ratcheting Un-Insulated Terminal Crimpers

Ratcheting Un-Insulated Terminal Crimpers

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Pro'sKit 902-160 Ferrule Crimper

Pro'sKit 902-160 Ferrule Crimper

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  • Trapezoid crimps for square terminals
  • Wire sizes from 2 AWG to 6 AWG
Note: these ferrule crimpers are mostly "Amazon brands" — nothing special.
Wovier HSC8 Ferrule Crimper

Wovier HSC8 Ferrule Crimper

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  • Square crimps for square terminals
  • Wire sizes 6 AWG and smaller
Iwiss HSC8 Ferrule Crimper

Iwiss HSC8 Ferrule Crimper

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  • Hexagon crimp for round terminals
  • Wire sizes 6 AWG and smaller

Wire Strippers

For clean, nick-free conductors before crimping
Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers

Self-Adjusting Wire Strippers

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  • Wires smaller than 10 AWG
  • Sheathing of multiconductor wires like 10/2 w/ ground or 12/3
Klein 11053 Wire Strippers

Klein 11053 Wire Strippers

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Klein 63030 1 inch Coaxial Cutters

Klein 63030 1" Coaxial Cutters

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  • Stripping wire 4 AWG and larger
  • Stripping sheathing from multi-conductor cable larger than 10 AWG (6/3 & 6/4)
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