Used to trace wires by ear, now I use a toner set after a dumb mistake

Back when I started five years ago, I thought I could follow avionics bundles just by wiggling them and listening for clicks. Took me three hours to find a bad pin on a 737 overhead panel, and I still got it wrong. Switched to a cheap toner and probe set from Amazon for $40 after that. Last week, I traced a whole bundle of wires on a Gulfstream in 20 minutes flat. Has anyone else had a moment where you finally gave in and bought the right tool?

3 comments

3 Comments

taraross1mo ago

Heard a buddy say he used to do the same thing until he clipped the wrong wire and caused a five thousand dollar repair. Smart switch on your part.

leehall1mo ago

Toner is a no brainer for the money. Time is worth way more than forty bucks in this trade. Cheap lesson if you ask me.

foster.jordan1mo ago

Oh man, I can totally relate to that. I did the exact same thing when I was starting out. Thought I could save a few bucks by using my multimeter and wiggling wires, and I ended up chasing a ghost for damn near a whole Saturday. When I finally broke down and bought a proper toner, I felt like an idiot for waiting so long. It's one of those tools you don't think you need until you absolutely need it, and then it pays for itself in one job. Plus, it saves you from the headache of second-guessing yourself every time you make a connection. Best $50 I ever spent, no question.

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