• A multimeter measures electrical voltage, current and other factors.Digital Multimeter image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  You can install your own car stereo if you have the right tools to do the job safely and efficiently. Certain of the tools are items that the basic do-it-yourselfer should have in his home or garage; others are specific tools that will need to be purchased at car parts stores or home audio parts center.
  
  

Installation and Removal

• Installing a stereo system requires removing the car's dashboard; in most cases, a screwdriver set will be needed to remove screws that keep the dashboard in place. Angled screwdrivers help you to get at screws that are in awkward positions. A panel removal tools acts as a fulcrum to pry the dashboard away and remove parts from snaps. A clip remover can help to separate interior pieces that are clipped to the frame of the car.
  
  

Wiring

• Wire strippers and wire cutters are necessities if you are planning on crimping the wiring of your new stereo system into your car's electrical system. Crimpers will do the job of bringing the loose ends of wiring together before you place a crimp cap on it. You can also use a soldering gun instead of crimping to attach the electrical wires along with melting plastic and heating up metals to perform cosmetic repairs.
  
  

Box Building and Fitting

• Installing a new car stereo involves creating a wooden box that the stereo sits in. Tools such as a Multi-Scribe allow you to copy the shape and contours of the existing space to be filled by the box. Building the box will require several basic woodworking tools including a saw to cut out the materials, a sander to smooth the edges and a router to create trim panels and moldings. A multi-purpose Dremel tool with multiple attachments for grinding, cutting and filing is also a useful tool in this process.
  
  

Testing Equipment

• You will want to test the strength or existence of a power current when installing your car stereo. A test light will provide you with power readings, although a multimeter checks voltage, current and resistance and is less likely to damage a car's electrical system if used incorrectly. A phase tester will help you determine if you have hooked up the stereo's head unit correctly in order for your system to play CDs. An SPL meter is a useful tool in the fine-tuning of a car stereo's balance, levels and other quality components; it measures the operating noise levels of a car.