Recommended Installation Tools
The Essentials
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Craftsman Cordless Drill
Unless you want to build your system with just a screwdriver, a power drill is a must.
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Makita Drill Bit Set
From cable passthroughs to custom cabinets, the range of bits all for any customization.
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Stubby Socket Wrench
This socket wrench has dual 1/4 and 3/8 drive heads. The short handle allows it to be used in confined spaces.
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Socket Set
Not only is this helpful for the build, it will be great to have on the road for any maintenance.
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Wrench Set
Helpful for tightening connections and terminals.
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Heat Gun
Necessary for shrink wrapping heat shrink on your connections. See below, we do not recommend a hair dryer for this.
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Cable Cutters
These allow you to cut each cable to the exact length needed.
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Utlity Knife
These can be helpful for many reasons, but can also be helpful for cutting the sheathing off thicker cable.
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Nice to Have
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Klein Tools CL390 Digital Clamp Meter
This is a great tool for troubleshooting. With this meter, you can see the current flowing through each cable contact free. It also includes a digital multimeter, giving it dual functionality. We use this meter in the shop often.
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Etekcity Infrared Thermometer
This is a great tool to check the system under load for hotspots after a build. Hot spots can be a sign of a poor connection or other issues.
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Corded Saw
If you are building out custom cabinets, floors, or any modifications, this allows you to make any custom cuts necessary. Just because a van is an empty shell, doesn’t make it a perfect box.
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Corded Oscillator
This is pretty specific to building some kind of housing around your system. Unless you're also interested in some amount of carpentry you may not need it.
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Allen Keys
STANLEY STHT71839 2pk FOLDING METRIC HEX KEYS: This unit features durable composite construction. The rubber side inserts allow for a secure grip and the chamfered edge helps guide the wrench for a smooth, easy entry of the hex key. It has size markings printed on the hex key body for easy identification. This is a compact, self-storing tool. This tool meets ANSI specifications.
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Hole Saws
Sizes for common components: BMV-712 Battery Monitor: 2-1/16in hole saw Mini on/off switch: 2-9/16in hole saw Master On/off switch: 3-5/8in hole saw Mandrel for hole saws
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Make Your Life Easier
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3M Electrical Tape
It might seem obvious, but having different colored tape will help keep your system organized and well labeled.
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Wire Tie Bases and Zip Ties
Found in our Roof Wire Harness Accessories Kit and included in all solar panel kits and complete solar charging kits, wire tie bases and zip ties keep everything secure, tidy, and out of the way.
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Drill Bit Extension
Very handy to have for undoing cabinetry in hard to reach places.
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Solar Pilot Drill Bit
Can be necessary to penetrate the roof and find a path for the solar run!
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Step Down Bits
A step bit or hole saw is useful when making holes to route wires. These step bits will make a clean hole in thin metal, plastic or wood. A step bit or hole saw is required to drill the output hole in the base of the Zamp C-Box and is also recommended when using the additional "knockouts" on the sides of that box.
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Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable Wrench, Jaw Capacity 1 In., Overall Length 6 In., Chrome Vanadium Steel, Chrome, Cushion Grip, Features SAE and Metric Scale, Standards ANSI, Meets/Exceeds ANSI
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Adjustable Pliers
The Milwaukee Water Pump Pliers feature aggressive V-Jaw geometry for the best fit and strongest hold on hexagonal bolts. An all-metal quick adjust mechanism allows for precise fits on hex bolts. Milwaukee Hex-Jaw pliers incorporate Milwaukee REAM & PUNCHâ„ exposed metal handles and a precision ground plier head for reaming pipe and punching electrical knock outs. They feature slim profile over-moulded comfort grips, which will not peel under jobsite conditions. All Milwaukee pliers are forged for strength and feature rust protection for long life.Specifications: Length: 250mm (10in).Jaw Length: 38mm (1.1/2in).Jaw Capacity: 51mm (2in).Pipe Reamer: 38mm (1.1/2in).Adjustment Positions: 22. Water Pump Pliers 250mm (10in) - 51mm Capacity
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Bent Long-nose Pliers
Really helpful to maneuver small wires into ports or around other wires in small spaces.
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Safety Equipment
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Innova Digital Multimeter
A digital multimeter a must-have item. This meter is easy to use, budget-friendly, and checks all the boxes required of a meter for most installations.
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Klein Tools NCVT-4IR Non-Contact Volt Tester
This tester is for checking if a line is live. It can also check connection temperatures.
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Safety Glasses
Who needs a piece of wood flying in their face when cutting your beautiful cabinetry? Just go watch a few close-call safety glasses videos and thank us later.
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Multi-Purpose Work Gloves
Just because you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, doesn’t mean you shouldn't protect them.
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High-Quality Tools
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Makita Cordless Drill Set
If you want to get something higher quality than the $20 option, but still not spend a fortune, this is the way to go. We keep a whole shelf of these charged and ready to go.
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Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit
This kit combines a clamp on meter and an Auto-Ranging meter. This is great for those looking to install multiple builds.
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Lug Crimper
This heavy-duty lug crimper accommodates 8ga - 4/0 cable and lugs for ease of use on larger jobs.
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Seaward Solar Survey 100 Irradiance Meter
Ever wonder if solar is performing as it should given the current conditions? This meter will do that measurement for you. Simply place the unit on the panel to get the calculations needed.
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Maintenance and Troubleshooting
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Drill
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Multimeter
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Clamp Multimeter
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Socket Wrench
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Sockets
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Adjustable Pliers
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Wrenches
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Screwdriver Set
Temperature Sensor for BMV-712
Support from AMSolar is definitely 5 stars. 1st line of support for Victron equipment provided through distributors. AMSolar likely one of the best when it comes to RVs.
Tom B