Tool Review: Thexton Manufacturing Wire Insertion Tool Kit, No. 926
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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.
*Note: This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
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.
