It may not seem like your average hand tool, but I keep a small tube of silicone dielectric grease in my toolbox, so that’s close enough. Sometimes called dielectric tune-up grease or dielectric jelly, silicone dielectric grease protects electrical connections and wiring from moisture, salt, dirt, and corrosion. It won’t necessarily provide a better electrical connection (metal-to-metal contact is best for that), but it will protect the connection your electrical terminals have.

Since the heated grips we install here are intended for use in poor weather, it made sense to coat the inside of the wiring harness connections to seal out the elements. In general, you should apply this grease to all electrical connections, both exposed and concealed.

Dielectric grease can be found at auto parts stores and electrical supply houses.

A small half-ounce tube usually runs about $3. RB