Collin’s Lab: Electronics Tools

Technology
Collin’s Lab: Electronics Tools

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I’ve amassed a decent collection of tools since I started working in electronics – some useful & some that seemed useful at the time of acquisition. Not surprisingly, it’s the basic electronics tools that prove indispensable – and the above video gives you my take on what those are exactly. Here’s hoping it helps get a few newcomers properly geared up – and maybe put a smile on the face of a few seasoned solderers.

Oh and do drop a line in the comments listing any vital items/glaring omissions. (Note: I classify multimeters as “test instruments,” not tools, just so ya know)

42 thoughts on “Collin’s Lab: Electronics Tools

  1. Herman Kopinga says:

    I’ve recently built an Adam Savage inspired toolbox (each tool it’s own spot, pick any tool without moving any other and mounted on wheels) for my wood-working tools and feeling really happy with that. 

    I’m curious what you suggest for easy bench-top tool management. The tool-carrier shown in the video looks non-ideal for bench-top use to me, or am I just too picky now?

    1. Joseph Cummings says:

      Try a cheap machinist’s tool chest. I got one at Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/eight-drawer-wood-tool-chest-94538.html (Apologies if external links are not allowed). Out of the box, this thing may seem like junk, but a couple mods and some runner wax later, it’s perfect. 

    2. Joseph Cummings says:

      Try a cheap machinist’s tool chest. I got one at Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/eight-drawer-wood-tool-chest-94538.html (Apologies if external links are not allowed). Out of the box, this thing may seem like junk, but a couple mods and some runner wax later, it’s perfect. 

    3. Collin Cunningham says:

      Agreed – the carrier’s not ideal for benchtop access.  I use it mostly to store larger items.

      A pegboard with hooks is usually a good option.
      The wooden tool chest Joseph points out looks pretty sweet as well.

  2. George Hadley says:

    “Oh and do drop a line in the comments listing any vital items / glaring
    omissions (note: I classify multimeters as “test instruments”, just so
    yaknow)”

    1) Desoldering braid: very handy and useful in many situations where desoldering pumps just don’t cut it, particularly when working at the SMD level (I realize pumps vs. braid is sort of like vim vs. emacs, but still)

    2) Small pump water bottle: Keep your solder sponge nice and damp without having to get up repeatedly to go remoisten it.

    3) Copper Wool Brush Thing (or at least a solder sponge): Mentioned in conjunction with one of the Weller irons, but everyone should have one anyway ;-) Same thing for an iron stand (the small metal things that ship with the solder pencils really don’t cut it)

    4) Safety glasses ;-)

    5) Lighting: Very valuable in a wide variety of cases. I actually find a camping headlamp to be extremely handy.

  3. Nathan Lasseter says:

    I have a £40 Iroda SolderPRO 120 gas-fired soldering iron and I love it to bits. It’s wonderful to work with, and offers an insane freedom to move. I’ve soldered things with it at some bizarre angles.

    I keep a little pot of tip tinner at hand at all times. It keeps the tip in good condition, prolonging it’s life, and for the £8, it’s worth it.

    1. Collin Cunningham says:

      I love tip tinner – def great stuff.
      I ended up with a lot of extra “accessory” items I wanted to include but proved extraneous for this list – you’ll likely see them in a future roundup.

  4. Dan Dahl says:

    Good list of stuff, Since im planning on learning how to make projects on the ardino it could come in handy to have those tools. Just one question, where did you get hat particular multibit screwdriver set/whats it called? Keep up the good work.

    1. Collin Cunningham says:

      Glad you found it helpful!

      That multibit set is the “54 Piece Bit Driver Kit”:
      http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKIF2

  5. John Seaton says:

    Who manufactures that screw driver set you show in the video?

    1. Collin Cunningham says:

      That’s an iFixit set from Maker Shed:

      http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKIF2

      1. John Seaton says:

        Thanks!

    2. Collin Cunningham says:

      That’s an iFixit set from Maker Shed:

      http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKIF2

  6. Andy says:

    Any chance of a text list of the items in this lovely video?

  7. Andy says:

    Any chance of a text version of this lovely list?

  8. Anonymous says:

    Really love the video… GREAT JOB!!! Collin you’re my idol. He rocks!!! Could you make a list of everythingyou found useful. maybe a really long video I admire your work. I’m in 6th grade and wanna be an eletrical engineer just like you or whatever you do. WHERE DO YOU GET ALL THE MONEY FOR YOU COMPONETS, TOOLS, AND MAKER KITS? P.S. You are amazing please write back…

    1. Collin Cunningham says:

      Glad you enjoyed it!
      Video, software, & music making fund my electronics-buying =)

  9. Anonymous says:

    Sence of humor is amazing…

  10. Tendayi Mawushe says:

    Hey Collin,

    Thanks for another great video. I know you have not done one in a while but how about another MAKE presents episode on the concept of Ground. Its different but related meanings can be confusing to beginners and your explanations are pretty awesome.

  11. Tendayi Mawushe says:

    Hey Collin,

    Thanks for another great video. I know you have not done one in a while but how about another MAKE presents episode on the concept of Ground. Its different but related meanings can be confusing to beginners and your explanations are pretty awesome.

  12. kelvinmx08 says:

    I agree with your Blog and I will be back to check it more in the future so please keep up your work.Thanks for the great info… about Safety.

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