Installing a DIY alarm system is a good and inexpensive way to safeguard your home. A home alarm system can protect your belongings, thus giving you total peace of mind. Alarm systems can be categorized into three types: hardwired alarm system, wireless alarm system, and hybrid alarm systems. The cable of the hardwired alarm system is normally concealed in conduit or ceiling cavities. Whereas the wireless alarm system lacks wiring. The hybrid systems will have wires in parts, but not to all components of the system. Whether you prefer a hardwired alarm system or a wireless one, using the right
wire installation tools and supplies is important. Thus, having a DIY alarm installation toolbox of your own makes alarm system installation simpler and faster.
DIY alarm installation tools range from simple tools to specialized electronic tools. To help you out, here are 14 alarm installation toolbox must-haves:
1. Screwdrivers
Your alarm installation toolbox should contain Philips head and flathead screwdrivers, which are used to tighten screws. Screwdrivers are available in various blade widths, sizes, and thicknesses. DIY installers must keep various types of screwdrivers handy to tighten and mount different types of screws. Your screwdrivers should fit your hand perfectly. Moreover, the screwdriver handle must be long enough to fit your palm. To achieve a tight grip, choose a screwdriver with a handle that offers a lot of friction and is not slippery.
2. Nutdrivers
Nutdrivers, which are used to tighten nuts and bolts, are somewhat similar to screwdrivers. However, the difference is that nutdrivers contain a socket for hex-head screws, compared with the screwdriver that contains a blade. A nutdriver can tighten and loosen nuts and bolts even in narrow spaces.
3. Wrenches
Pliers are often used to fasten machine nuts. However, to do this, you must simultaneously have a firm grip on the nut, maintain firm pressure on the handle, and apply turning force. This is a difficult task. Thus, a wrench is used to make it easier to fasten machine nuts by making it so that the tool holds the nut; only requiring you to provide the turning force. One of the most common alarm installation tools is the adjustable open-end wrench. It is used to fasten equipment to brackets. You also need a pipe wrench if you are working with a conduit.
4. Hammer
To properly install your home alarm system, you need a decent hammer. A hammer is needed to drive in staples, hangers, or wire rings. A good hammer for installing an alarm system is that one made of steel. The hammer handle should be made of rubber to protect you from shock and to provide you a better grip. You can also use a hammer to tap electrical boxes into position.
5. Staple gun and wire staples
Wire staples keep the wires of your alarm system in order. Wire staples also prevent wires from accidentally being pulled out of an electrical box. A staple gun is needed to drive metal staples into your wall. If you do not have a staple gun handy, you may use a claw hammer to drive in wire staples.
6. Saw
You may need different types of saw when installing your alarm system. For instance, you will need a hacksaw if you are working with an armored cable or a conduit. On the other hand, a keyhole saw is needed to cut small pieces of wood and to cut keyholes in wood.
7. Pliers
Every alarm installation toolbox should contain pliers. These are used to hold nuts, wires, and other objects. Pliers come in different sizes and shapes, and their handles come in insulated and uninsulated types. Pliers with insulated handle prevent electrical shock and provides good grip. Make sure that the handle of the pliers are long enough to fit your hand. Short-handled pliers put too much pressure on the part of the hand with fat, which may lead to damaged blood vessels.
8. Solder and soldering iron
Solder comes in various types and sizes. The most common solder alloy is the “60/40” solder, which contains 60 percent lead and 40 percent tin. This type of solder allows the safe soldering of heat-sensitive equipment. As for the size, the best size will be 30 gauge. Soldering iron is used to heat metal solder. For convenience, you may opt for a cordless soldering iron instead of an electric one. The cordless type is powered by batteries and enables you to move from place to place without hassle. However, the downside of the cordless soldering iron is that its battery does not last long. So consider buying an electric type if you are planning to solder many connections.
9. Extension cord
If your tools are not cordless, then you need to have an extension cord handy to power your alarm installation tools. Nonetheless, even if your tools are cordless, you will still need power to recharge the batteries. Choose an extension cord with multiple outlets for convenience.
10. Electrical tape
Wires that carry current are insulated. However, if you strip away the insulating material, you may cause a short circuit. To prevent this, you need to use electrical tape. Electrical tape is used to provide insulation to electrical wires. For added protection, make sure to wrap the electrical tape twice. Also, ensure that the covering is tight to improve the effectiveness of the tape. If you decide on buying a large stock of electrical tape, remember to keep them in a sealed container until use to maintain its effectiveness.
11. Wire strippers and wire cutters
Some use a razor blade or a jackknife to strip the insulation from wires. However, it takes a lot of practice to cut through insulation without damaging the nickel wire. For convenience and to save time, you can use a wire stripper to remove insulation from wire. Diagonal cutters, which are commonly called “dikes,” are used to cut wire. However, these cutters are not suitable to cut hard metals because it will only damage the cutter. Some multipurpose wire tools also stand both as a wire stripper and as a wire cutter, thus saving space in your alarm installation toolbox.
12. Tape measure
A tape measure is needed to know the amount of wire you will be needing for your alarm installation project. You also need a tape measure to determine the distance of the wire from your wall.
13. Notebook and pen
Instead of memorizing all the measurements, you can use a notebook to jot your notes on. Of course, add a pen to your toolbox for taking notes.
14. Safety goggles and mask And last but not the least, remember to add safety goggles and mask to your toolbox. To ensure your safety, always use goggles when hammering wire staples and wear a mask when working around insulation.
Installing a
DIY alarm system is an excellent way to safeguard your home. It can protect your belongings, thus giving you peace of mind. Keep in mind these 14 alarm system toolbox must-haves when installing your own home alarm system.
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