Automotive wiring kit WITH dispenser box - help needed

[SouthernIllinois]

I am looking for a 6-10 color set-up of 14 AWG wire for the shop.

General use - automotive, side-by-side, and stuff like that.

I really want it in a dispenser box or something that makes it easy to store and use.

It seems like most of the offerings on Amazon are copper clad aluminum and I'm not having much luck looking online for a set-up that comes in a box.

I came across this from a company called Remington Industries.

Just curious if anyone had any feedback on them or any other suggestions.

Like I said, looking of a 6 to color assortment, 25 feet is fine but it really needs to be in a box or some sort of dispenser - I do not want a bunch of loose spools which I know will end up in a tangle in the bottom drawer of a tool box.

 

[rjacobs]

Summit Racing has lots of various spools of wire... sizes and colors... I think everything they sell is copper and not CCA.

Get a rack off of Amazon. There are quite a few depending if you want wall mount or mobile.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Any reason not to build your own box or other dispensor?

 

[LXCam]

Boy aren't you getting ready to open pandora's box. I used to have a performance shop and making this commitment isn't fun at all but once you've paid the price of admission, its so worth having what you need when you need it.

Here's a joint for you:

https://www.wiringdepot.com/store/c...5LHzCELJC_XddqP9p4kSqUgbSNy8m6xBoCQuEQAvD_BwE

I used to buy from here A LOT:

https://www.delcity.net/store/wire-cable/?mkwid=s&crid=431852444559&mp_kw=automotive%20wire&mp_mt=b&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9875628709&gbraid=0AAAAAD-3-fvccWH3taaBBsKYDJxex3P90&gclid=CjwKCAiA64LLBhBhEiwA-Pxgu5Bq4gQF6NinHtB8fMZRSDojjx54G4b37rHTFLC_IKY8prUFVrhMQxoCSx4QAvD_BwE

 

[WildBill]

I am looking for a 6-10 color set-up of 14 AWG wire for the shop.

General use - automotive, side-by-side, and stuff like that.

I really want it in a dispenser box or something that makes it easy to store and use.

It seems like most of the offerings on Amazon are copper clad aluminum and I'm not having much luck looking online for a set-up that comes in a box.

I came across this from a company called Remington Industries.

Just curious if anyone had any feedback on them or any other suggestions.

Like I said, looking of a 6 to color assortment, 25 feet is fine but it really needs to be in a box or some sort of dispenser - I do not want a bunch of loose spools which I know will end up in a tangle in the bottom drawer of a tool box.

We have bought their wire kits like this for work and have no complaints. I believe we got them the cheapest from Zoro.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Thanks for the input.

I just need a little and 25' spools should be adequate.

I really didn't want to spend more than a $100 and some of the more professional kits are expensive.

I did a little more digging around on the inter web and based on Wild Bill's feedback, I went ahead and ordered the basic 6 color, 25' set-up from Remington Industries

 

[finn]

I am looking for a 6-10 color set-up of 14 AWG wire for the shop.

General use - automotive, side-by-side, and stuff like that.

I really want it in a dispenser box or something that makes it easy to store and use.

It seems like most of the offerings on Amazon are copper clad aluminum and I'm not having much luck looking online for a set-up that comes in a box.

I came across this from a company called Remington Industries.

Just curious if anyone had any feedback on them or any other suggestions.

Like I said, looking of a 6 to color assortment, 25 feet is fine but it really needs to be in a box or some sort of dispenser - I do not want a bunch of loose spools which I know will end up in a tangle in the bottom drawer of a tool box.

Interesting comment on the copper clad aluminum wire being common.

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

Caution: I didn’t flunk that course but I certainly didn’t get an A, either.

If my memory is indeed correct, maybe CU coated Aluminum isn’t that bad for some uses. The other consideration is how the Al compares in work hardening performance.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Interesting comment on the copper clad aluminum wire being common.

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

Caution: I didn’t flunk that course but I certainly didn’t get an A, either.

If my memory is indeed correct, maybe CU coated Aluminum isn’t that bad for some uses. The other consideration is how the Al compares in work hardening performance.

I'll be honest - I am just going what I have always been told: avoid copper clad aluminum wire.

I can't vouch for the accuracy of that - maybe urban legend for all I know.

 

[LopezBart]

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

This is true for high frequency AC currents - a "skin" effect. DC currents are evenly distributed across the conductor.

 

[Wrench97]

I have had one of these for years works well holds more then 6 spools.

 

[Jgaz]

No dispenser box but I’ve used this eBay seller twice now with excellent results

Security Measure | eBay

www.ebay.com

 

[fourjeepin]

Didn’t harbor freight have a rack and wire? Checked my notes (aka tool wish list) and found this:

• 400 ft wire + wire storage. $39.99 Harbor Freight. 3384/60360

 

[minytrker]

Boy aren't you getting ready to open pandora's box. I used to have a performance shop and making this commitment isn't fun at all but once you've paid the price of admission, its so worth having what you need when you need it.

Here's a joint for you:

https://www.wiringdepot.com/store/c...5LHzCELJC_XddqP9p4kSqUgbSNy8m6xBoCQuEQAvD_BwE

I used to buy from here A LOT:

https://www.delcity.net/store/wire-cable/?mkwid=s&crid=431852444559&mp_kw=automotive%20wire&mp_mt=b&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9875628709&gbraid=0AAAAAD-3-fvccWH3taaBBsKYDJxex3P90&gclid=CjwKCAiA64LLBhBhEiwA-Pxgu5Bq4gQF6NinHtB8fMZRSDojjx54G4b37rHTFLC_IKY8prUFVrhMQxoCSx4QAvD_BwE

I buy a ton of wiring stuff for the shop from Del City.

 

[b-dog]

No dispenser box but I’ve used this eBay seller twice now with excellent results

Security Measure | eBay

www.ebay.com

I've purchased from them via their website and been happy. Be aware wire without a spool is a bit of a chore to deal with but with small quantities, I've managed.

 

[Jgaz]

I've purchased from them via their website and been happy. Be aware wire without a spool is a bit of a chore to deal with but with small quantities, I've managed.

Yes, I agree with this.
Ive used the source twice when I was looking for a quality product with the largest selection of colors.

I didn’t want the harness I built to look the dash harness on 70’s IH truck. FYKYK

 

[rdoty]

For automotive work you want GXL or TXL (thinner insulation) wire. These have a cross-linked polyethylene insulation that resists heat, cold, automotive chemicals, and abrasion. The GXL spec requires all copper conductors, so you don't need to worry about CCA.

I've been happy with the multi-color kits from Wire Barn. Unfortunately they come in zip tied rolls, not on spools. I haven't found a good source of reasonably priced GXL in smaller quantities on rolls.

 

[Old tool guy]

that resists heat, cold, automotive chemicals, and abrasion.

. Unfortunately they come in zip tied rolls, not on spools.

Do they resist chewing by squirrels?

If you build your own container, you could use a length of 1” pvc pipe for the axel with large fender washers for dividers.

 

[rdoty]

Do they resist chewing by squirrels?

If you build your own container, you could use a length of 1” pvc pipe for the axel with large fender washers for dividers.

GXL resists abrasion but squirrels can still damage it. I only know two ways to handle chewing: (1) Armored cable. (2) Get rid of the squirrels/rats/mice.

Having said that, I suspect you are thinking of the soy based insulation a number of car makers have used that actively attracts chewing rodents. GXL doesn't actively attract rodents.

UPDATE:
Based on feedback I did some more digging into soy. Turns out that soy based oils can be used as a plasticizer in making GXL wire, as an alternative to petroleum based plasticizers. The GXL wire still uses cross linked polyethylene for strength, heat and cold resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. The plasticizers make it more flexible.

While there are a lot of anecdotal stories about soy based GXL wire attracting chewing rodents, I couldn't find any case studies providing concrete evidence.

 

[egdede]

I recall that soy based wiring lawsuits against Toyota and GM have been dismissed due to lack of evidence. The lawsuits didn't have enough evidence to allow a jury to decide the issue.

Geez, use some critical thinking skills and research the topic...pleez

Mice been chewing on wires under dashboards since they have been putting wires under dashboards. Long before soy was used in the insulation.

 

[KenC]

Interesting comment on the copper clad aluminum wire being common.

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

Caution: I didn’t flunk that course but I certainly didn’t get an A, either.

If my memory is indeed correct, maybe CU coated Aluminum isn’t that bad for some uses. The other consideration is how the Al compares in work hardening performance.

I think that electron flow theory only applies to higher voltages and AC current. DC, not so much. Memory may be faulty but that's what I recall.

 

[dscheidt]

Interesting comment on the copper clad aluminum wire being common.

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

That's AC, and it's more pronounced at higher frequency. DC uses the entire conductor. This was one of the arguments in favor of DC transmission lines, but the ease with which AC can have its voltage stepped up and down made it the better choice. Modern power electronics has made AC to DC to AC pretty straightforward and efficient. That has meant that new long distance transmission is often built as DC, because you can transmit the same power with two wires, instead of three, or twice as much for one extra wire. You do need pretty expensive conversion equipment at each end, so it's only big, long stuff it makes sense for.

 

[Copymutt]

Been using a 3’ stick of 1/2” EMT sandwiched between 2 heavy duty window shade brackets for decades. The rolls just appear when ever a garage sale pops up. Just converted all the dash lights in the 57 3100 to LED. Put everything on connectors left over from copiers.

 

[PCustoms]

I've fixed and unfortunately wired my share of things done with cheap wire, not worth it anymore.

Used to have access to marine wire scraps, lots over oversized circuits or funny colors over the years. Now when I need something I just buy marine wire, usually Anchor, by the spool.

I have a couple material racks in the back of the shop, the spools are on a dowel or emt set into the brackets. Usually I just pull off the spool right there, but can take a spook or re-arrange a "stick" if needed.

 

[Cobra5150]

Didn’t harbor freight have a rack and wire? Checked my notes (aka tool wish list) and found this:

• 400 ft wire + wire storage. $39.99 Harbor Freight. 3384/60360

CCA wire

 

[reader2580]

Mice been chewing on wires under dashboards since they have been putting wires under dashboards. Long before soy was used in the insulation.

I had squirrels get inside the dashboard of my motorhome. The only wires that got chewed were some wires I added. I was darn lucky none of the factory wiring was chewed up.

 

[fourjeepin]

CCA wire

Ahh, thanks for the education. that’s one of the many reasons I avoid that place.

 

[JJ Quick]

I would stick to TXL type wire.

 

[cpakalolo]

Interesting comment on the copper clad aluminum wire being common.

Makes me think back to a college physics or EE class I took just after the middle of the last century, where there was a comment or statement made that the bulk of activity occurring as electrons are excited when electricity is ”flowing” through a wire happens at the extreme outer circumference of the strand, and the center core‘s main function is to hold the strand together.

Caution: I didn’t flunk that course but I certainly didn’t get an A, either.

If my memory is indeed correct, maybe CU coated Aluminum isn’t that bad for some uses. The other consideration is how the Al compares in work hardening performance.

You are mostly right. The higher the frequency, the more it travels through the outer skins. Some cables are not cables at all. Look at a cell tower. Those cables are corrugated copper tubes coated in vinyl. They are not even smooth. The walls are crinkled so the current leaves the conductor and skips along the ridges with less resistance yet. One of the reasons that a stranded conductor has less reactance.

 

[dave*99]

You are mostly right. The higher the frequency, the more it travels through the outer skins. Some cables are not cables at all. Look at a cell tower. Those cables are corrugated copper tubes coated in vinyl. They are not even smooth. The walls are crinkled so the current leaves the conductor and skips along the ridges with less resistance yet. One of the reasons that a stranded conductor has less reactance.

The walls of those cables (often Heliax manufactured by Andrew) are corrugated to provide flexibility. The alternative construction is hardline microwave cable. Hardline (smooth tube jacketed coax) has slightly lower losses than Heliax, but has poor or no flexibility especially in larger diameters. You can look up the loss tables for coaxial lines of different construction types. Hardline and Heliax provide significantly lower loss than flexible coaxial cable.

Current does not skip along ridges.


Heliax cable:

 

[Firebrick43]

I am looking for a 6-10 color set-up of 14 AWG wire for the shop.

General use - automotive, side-by-side, and stuff like that.

I really want it in a dispenser box or something that makes it easy to store and use.

It seems like most of the offerings on Amazon are copper clad aluminum and I'm not having much luck looking online for a set-up that comes in a box.

I came across this from a company called Remington Industries.

Just curious if anyone had any feedback on them or any other suggestions.

Like I said, looking of a 6 to color assortment, 25 feet is fine but it really needs to be in a box or some sort of dispenser - I do not want a bunch of loose spools which I know will end up in a tangle in the bottom drawer of a tool box.

I have used Remington hook up wire boxes like that for smaller diameter wire, 20 gauge for wiring low amp circuits in CNC machines. It had excellent quality insulation.

I would assume their 14 gauge wire is the same.

In larger sizes I have been buying more recently from CustomConnectorKits.com. They cut it by the foot with no minimum so I calculate out what I need to make a harness, in length for each wire, what color/gauge, and order it. Plus I normally am using connectors as well and it comes in a bag all cut and ready to start assembling in a day or two.

 

[jhelrey]

McMasterCarr

 

[BurtEggley]

an all thread rod with pair of nuts and washers at each end will work to hold on most loose spools. Personally I just toss mine in a bankers box then pull out what I need as I need it. Whole car rewiring is best done by having someone build a whole loom. There are places that have them by car model. Or one can get a big board, put nails in, and build their own loom.