The OTC Wire Loom Threading Kit, No. 4462, saves time and hassle when servicing or adding electronic components to a vehicle. It allows new wire to be threaded into existing looms without cutting tape or zip ties, fed through grommeted holes in panels and bulkheads or even building a new wiring harness. The kit simplifies adding wiring within the protection of existing looms with a clever grouping of wire fishing tools for the automotive technician, speeding up general repair and replacement, or the addition of gauge packs, sound systems, vehicle security and camera systems. The pigtail tool assists when building a new harness. Three wire pulling tools in 15’’, 10’’ and 5.5’’ lengths are included for common applications. The Grommet Insertion Tool captures the wire for placement through grommets in the vehicles firewall or other bulkheads or panels – so it can be pulled through from the opposite side.
The review
Having three lengths of wire pulling tools within the OTC Wire Loom Threading Kit proved beneficial as Barry Hoyland, owner of Vehicle Service Solutions of California (VSSCA) in Camarillo, Calif., installed new wires into existing grommet and looms in various vehicles.
“I like the various lengths of wire pullers,” Hoyland says of the 5.5”, 10” and 15” options, adding the grommet tool is very useful too.
Hoyland said having multiple lengths allow technicians to use the proper tool for each specific job. “Using a tool that is too long or short adds time to the task.”
“The grommet tool and the pigtail tool allow the technician to install wires into an existing or new loom – or grommet – easily without removing existing wires, retainers or tape,” he adds.
Hoyland had never used a previous version of this OTC tool, which came packaged in an organized, molded tray. However, no setup was needed and all of the tools were easy to use, according to Hoyland.
“No manual or instructions are included,” he says. “(But) I think they would be useful for many technicians that are not familiar with this type of tool.”
Hoyland believes adding the ability to link an extension could be useful for longer wire pulls.
“Adding another grommet tool with the ability to use larger gauge wire would be a great benefit,” Hoyland adds. “A larger set of holes in the pulling tools would be a benefit to allow pulling larger gauge wires.”
With these possible improvements in mind, Hoyland rated the OTC Wire Loom Threading Kit 7 out of 10.
“The tools are useful, but the lengths and wire gauge sizes do not meet all needs,” Hoyland explains.
