When you start installing, configuring, and maintaining smart devices you start to realize there are some tools that can make the process easier. Sometimes you need to test smart home devices. Sometimes you need tools to build DIY devices. Other times, the right tool makes all the difference between a frustrating install experience and a smooth one. This article will go through the smart home toolkit I use to build and improve my smart home.
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Table of Contents
Multimeter: Essential to the tinkerer’s toolkit
A multimeter is essential for DIY smart home tinkerers. A multimeter is a measuring instrument used to measure voltage, resistance, and current. I use mine often for testing circuit voltages, testing batteries, even testing my car’s battery. Every once in a while I also use it to check to see if an extension cord is working properly.
My new favorite multimeter is the Kaiweets KM601 Digital Smart multimeter (here’s my review). You can buy from Amazon or directly from Kaiweets above and get a 10% discount using the HTH10 coupon code)
- Auto & Manual Mode: The KM601s digital multimeter features a SMART mode that automatically measures voltage, resistance, and continuity. It identifies what you’re testing and selects the optimal range for precise and quick measurements. In manual mode, it accurately measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, continuity, current, capacitance, frequency, diodes, duty cycle, temperature, NCV, and live wires
- Rechargeable & Convenience: With a built-in rechargeable 1200 mAh battery, this smart multimeter allowing for extended use without frequent battery changes. It comes with Min/Max/Average recording for signal fluctuations, an analog bar display; real-time temperature display; low battery alerts; data hold; auto power-off and retractable kickstand for added convenience
- UL certified product designed to safely and accurately troubleshoot a variety of automotive and household electrical problems
- Auto-ranging scales automatically selects correct measurement range and eliminate the need to dial in the correct range when making electronic measurements
Another multimeter I used before I got the Kaiweets multimeter:
Along with these multimeters, I use the following set of leads (which you can also buy direct from Kaiweets and get a 10% discount using the HTH10 coupon code) to make testing various devices easier:
- SECURITY LEVEL AND HEAVY DUTY – It is safe to test CAT III 1000V &CAT IV 600V rated current 10A current, perfectly fits all kinds of multimeters like clamp meters, digital multimeters, table meters
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBLE – With three different connectors that can be replaced: alligator clips, needle probes and mini-hooks, makes the test leads can meet different test needs
Editor’s Note: If you should also check out my review of this circuit breaker finder from Kaiweets as I’ve recently added this to my toolkit.
There are plenty of other popular multimeters on Amazon:
Non-contact voltage testers
Non-contact voltage testers are great for testing if wires inside a gang box are live, and whether or not an outlet is working. Technically, you can use a multimeter to do a lot of what a non-contact voltage tester does, but using voltage testers is much easier and well worth it. I use one every time I install a smart switch, and I’ve used them a few times to troubleshoot outlet and wiring problems. Here are a few I recommend:
Wire stripper/cutter
A good wire stripper/cutter is a must whether you are installing a smart switch, wiring up some LED lights, or making a DIY smart sensor. Being able to easily cut and strip wires makes dealing with wiring projects pretty easy. Don’t skimp on your wire stripper/cutter. They are not that expensive and better ones make a world of difference. Here are some that I recommend:
Smart home test bench
A smart home test bench makes it easy to configure and troubleshoot smart switches, smart relays, smart bulbs, and more. Putting one together is pretty easy and inexpensive. Here are instructions for building the smart home test bench that I use.
Ratchet screwdriver set – It should be in every home improvement toolkit
Whether or not you are putting together a smart treadmill or installing a smart switch, a lot of different types of screws are going to be involved. A ratchet screwdriver set is useful for smart home projects and many other projects around the house. Here is the one I have which is simple and does the job:
- PREMIUM MATERIAL – High strength chrome vanadium steel bits withstand more torque and reduce wear-outs to ensure durability and longevity
- EASY TO USE – precisely machined bit tips guarantee accurate size and chamfered bit ends insert into fasteners more smoothly
Here are some other ratchet screwdriver sets to consider:
Soldering Iron
Once you get comfortable with soldering, your smart home world really begins to open up. I’ve recently used soldering with my LED projects, and with my DIY Garage door opener. Here is the soldering iron that I use (first item in the list) along with some others you might want to consider.
If you get a soldering iron, you might be interested in some magnifying glasses and an adjustable helping hand to help securely hold the items you are soldering. Here are the ones I have:
Heat gun
The finishing touches of a DIY electrical project often involve shrinkwrapping some soldered wires for protection from the elements (and a cleaner look). Here is the heat gun and shrink wrap kit that I use:
Other smart home toolkit odds and ends
Here are some other odds and ends that will round out your smart home toolkit:
- Electrical tape – Sometimes you just need to tape something up quickly. In some cases you can use electrical tape instead of shrink wrap.
- Wire – You’ll need spare wire for DIY sensors, LEDs, and the like.
- Small screwdriver set – For those small, sometimes hard to reach places.
- Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor – Great for finding out how much electricity your devices are using during the day.
Editor’s Note: Tools are only part of the picture. The bigger impact comes from how you design systems that make day-to-day life easier and take some of the thinking off your plate. I go deeper into that approach in my book Life by Design.
Final thoughts
These are the tools I’ve accumulated over the years that make building and maintaining my smart home easier. What tools do you have in your smart home toolkit? Let me know on Twitter or here in the comments!
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Useful article, thank you. Follow up, do you have a recommend actual “tool kit” that would hold and transport all these items?
No I don’t, but I’ll look into. I usually just carry them by hand. I store a lot of my odds and ins in the following containers:
https://amzn.to/3u625xV
and
https://amzn.to/3CEPUvk
Also wondering if you have a recommendation for a cable crimper? For when you create Cat6 cabling jacks? Thanks.
I can’t find mine on Amazon, probably because it is so old but Klein tools have always been good for me -> https://amzn.to/39vUa3z