February_2022 - 51

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Thexton
Manufacturing
Wire Insertion
Tool Kit
Reviewed by Lou Fort, lead technician at
K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana.
THE REVIEW:
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did
you use this tool for?
A: I used the tool to pop a hole in a floor
pan grommet on my own 2007 Tacoma
for a planned camera install. The Thexton
tool made the punch quick, painless, and a
very clean hole. I have also experimented
with a bunch of different styles of crimps.
My favorite is the non-insulated crimp.
Q: Have you used a previous version
of this tool?
A: Yes, but they are self-made tools.
The tools that I have made don't have
handles and I have been using vacuum
hoses whereas Thexton's kit has handles
and use rigid plastic tubing.
Q: How did the tool function as far
as saving you time?
A: It didn't for me only because I have
been using a set of self-made tools for years
that are similar. However, there is a huge
time saving difference when doing this
type of work using a kit like this.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the tool?
A: There really isn't any set up.
Although, some may consider deciding
on the size and length of tubing needed
as part of the setup.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: I found the Thexton 926 Wire
Insertion Tool Kit easier than the tools
that I made.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: The kit comes in a nice, hard plastic
clear case. They didn't skimp with the case
locks either, they are top shelf.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: No, a manual wasn't included.
However, the instructions are on the back
of the label that can be easily read once the
lid is opened.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The handles on the tubes and the
rigid plastic tubing that you can crimp! It
had never occurred to me to use plastic
tubing. It's not something we have used
much of, or had around the shop, for it to
have crossed my mind.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to the tool?
A: Instead of a hard plastic handle, I
would suggest a more modern soft one.
Also, having a split shaft version or to
include some split tubing and heat shrink
in the kit. This would make running
performed end wires securely and safely
through grommets.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: Thexton's Wire Insertion Kit is a
rock solid 10. The handles are comfortable,
and the inclusion of plastic tubing
was an eye opener.
LOU FORT has worked in the
automotive industry for 47
years and is the lead technician
at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg,
Indiana. Throughout his career,
he has worked for Ford, GM,
and Chrysler dealerships, but the majority of
his time has been spent on the independent
side. Fort holds an associate's degree in applied
science, along with a year spent studying
Mechanical Engineering.
*Note: This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
www.VehicleServicePros.com FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS 51
The Thexton Wire Insertion Tool Kit, No. 926, is ideal
for installing wires for audio electronics, aftermarket lighting,
alarm systems, remote start, and more. The long steel
tube provides enough access to feed wires through the
other side of the firewall. With a sharp point and solid
handle, the tube allows the user to easily pierce through
firewalls, rubber grommets, and panels. The 3/8 " tubing
comes with a 35-degree bend for more direction and
control of the pull-through wire. In addition, the supplied
tubing lets the user feed the tubing through the tool, allowing
technicians to crimp the new wire onto the pull-through
tubing, eliminating electrical tape bunches and messes.
109
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February_2022

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