DIY: Make a Test Light (Video)

Anything automotive in nature, be it Nissan or one of those "other" manufacturers.

Moderator: volvite

ProStreetDriver
Posts: 37
Joined: Thu Jul 15, 2010 3:04 pm

DIY: Make a Test Light (Video)

Postby ProStreetDriver » Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:05 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbzBFyn6V2c

Video tutorial on how to make a cheap and easy temporary test light. If you have all the materials laying around, you should even be able to make this for free! This test light can be used to determine if you are receiving power at a certain area. This is a 12V application. The test light is unable to determine how much power an area is getting, but you will see if there is a drop in voltage if the light is dime or not as bright when it is connected directly to the battery.

Tools/Supplies Needed:
-wire strippers
-electrical tape
-12V light bulb (tail light, brake light, marker light, reverse light, etc)
-2 12" lengths of wire or 1 double molded 12" length of wire

Procedure:
-find an appropriate light bulb for the application, mine came from the tail light
-cut a length of wire to the appropriate size using the wire strippers
-strip the casing off the wire on each end, 1/8" to 1/4" in length of bare wire exposed
-using the electrical tape, secure on wire to the side of the light bulb casing which is the negative contact
-using the electrical tape again, secure the other wire to the bottom contact of the bulb which is the positive
-add extra electrical tape if needed
-test light on battery to ensure it works


User avatar
JAHBLESSINGS
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1400
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:36 pm
Location: 90 DEGREES FLORIDA

Postby JAHBLESSINGS » Wed Apr 30, 2014 5:37 am

with a test light being so cheap. why would anyone want to make one. they are in the dollar store.

User avatar
eieio
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1841
Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:42 am
Location: Prescott, Az.

Postby eieio » Wed Apr 30, 2014 8:00 am

but if you do want to make one, solder works much better than tape

ProStreetDriver
Posts: 37
Joined: Thu Jul 15, 2010 3:04 pm

Postby ProStreetDriver » Sat May 03, 2014 9:39 am

JAHBLESSINGS wrote:with a test light being so cheap. why would anyone want to make one. they are in the dollar store.
That is true, but what if you needed one in a pinch and the stores weren't open ;)
eieio wrote:but if you do want to make one, solder works much better than tape
This was just intended to be for temporary usage and I know everyone does not always have access to the a soldering iron.

Thanks for the input though guys! :)


Return to “General Automotive”