The Tools Every Lighting Installer Should Have in Their Garage

By Terry Pritchard

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your DIY journey, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference when it comes to installing aftermarket lighting. From headlights and fog lights to rock lights and light bars, precision, safety, and efficiency are key. Stocking your garage with the right essentials ensures smoother installs, fewer mistakes, and more time enjoying your upgraded ride.

Here are the must-have tools every lighting installer should keep in their garage:

1. Basic Hand Tools

Before diving into specialty gear, make sure your toolbox is loaded with the basics:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) – For interior panels, housings, and connectors.
• Wrenches and sockets – Essential for removing factory hardware and securing new brackets.
• Pliers and wire cutters – Useful for snipping zip ties, stripping wires, and holding connectors in place.

These simple tools are the backbone of any lighting installation.

2. Quality Wire Strippers & Crimpers

Electrical connections are at the heart of lighting installs. A good set of wire strippers ensures clean cuts without damaging wires, while crimpers provide strong, reliable connections for terminals and splices. Don’t skimp here—poor connections are one of the most common causes of lighting issues.

3. Multimeter

A digital multimeter is a lifesaver for diagnosing wiring, checking voltage, and confirming proper grounding. If a light won’t power on, this tool quickly tells you whether the issue lies with the wiring, the switch, or the power source.

4. Heat Gun & Heat Shrink Tubing

Electrical tape works in a pinch, but for long-lasting, professional-grade insulation, heat shrink tubing is the way to go. Pair it with a heat gun, and your connections will be both durable and weather-resistant—a must for off-road and outdoor vehicles.

5. Soldering Kit

For the most secure and permanent wire connections, a soldering iron is worth having in your arsenal. Soldered joints not only improve conductivity but also resist vibration and corrosion better than crimp-only setups.

6. Drill & Step Bits

Sometimes lighting installations require creating new mounting points for switches, brackets, or grommets. A cordless drill with step bits gives you the flexibility to make clean, precise holes in plastic, metal, or fiberglass panels.

7. Trim Removal Tools

Nothing is worse than scratching interior panels or breaking fragile clips. Plastic trim removal tools allow you to safely pop off panels and bezels to run wiring, install switches, or access mounting areas without damage.

8. Zip Ties & Wire Loom

Clean installs don’t just look better—they’re safer too. Keeping wires organized with zip ties and protecting them with wire loom or conduit helps prevent abrasion, heat damage, and accidental snags on the trail.

9. Protective Gear

Don’t overlook safety. Gloves, safety glasses, and even a good headlamp make installs smoother and safer. Good lighting in your workspace is just as important as the lights you’re installing.

10. Wiring Diagrams & Label Maker

While not “tools” in the traditional sense, these are invaluable. Having wiring diagrams handy helps avoid confusion, and labeling your connections ensures future troubleshooting is quick and painless.

Final Thoughts

Installing aftermarket lighting is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your vehicle—but only if done right. With the right tools in your garage, you’ll be prepared to tackle installs with confidence, precision, and a professional finish.

So, before your next project, take stock of your toolbox. The investment in proper tools pays off every time you flip that switch and your lights fire up flawlessly.

Jeepin’ Terry is the  Events & Off-Road Content Specialist for Oracle Lighting. In his spare time, he is the host of the Jeep Life Podcast and co-founder of the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern Pennsylvania, one of the largest Jeep clubs in the state. His obsession with Jeeps started in the 80s with his boss’s big bad blue CJ5. Growing up in the mountains of Tennessee, Terry spent plenty of time on the trails and in the outdoors. His 2017 Wrangler, named Kylo, has been to California and back and everywhere in between, finding trails and adventures everywhere… and constantly asks for more.