best tool set - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: peterthenovice
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 03:35:56 pm
content: I am trying to make a list of the best tools you can buy with out going higher than 1000 usd. I would love your opinions on these tools.http://www.amazon.com/gp/wishlist/1DVQ3QC9XSULT/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_wlhttp://countycomm.com/edckey.html

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 08:18:15 pm
content: Are you looking for the best regardless the price, or the best you can afford?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 08:35:00 pm
content: It looks like you are listing the best things you can find on Amazon within your comfort zone for price. Is that what you want us to comment on?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 09:38:41 pm
content: Well I can say that you might want to consider these multimeters instead of the EX330. Dave got a good one in his review but the general experience of many people with the Extech EX series is not that good.http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/37xra.htmhttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-270.htmhttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-530.htmhttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm257/portable-digital-multimeters/brymen/#or from Frankie/iloveelectronics here on the forumsThe above if you have a better budget for the meter than $50. If won't ever measure anything more than the insides of equipment, keep the probes out of wall sockets and power distribution panels, etc, then there many others multimeters to look at depending on what you want to spend and what you want to measure and to what accuracy. You might consider the Uni-T UT61E for example.All the hand tools you have there seem reasonable but you might find a full size multitool like a Leatherman Wave a much more useful too than the mini-champ. A maglight looks sexy and is a great flashlight, until you need both hands free to work on something. It is better to get a good head lamp like this one:http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Headlamp-Electric-Blue/dp/B000MWFL6E/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1373492251&sr=8-9&keywords=black+diamond+headlamp

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2013, 10:56:52 pm
content: I'd ditch the flush cutter. These get dull after 2 cuts. Better get a 125mm cutter like this one:http://www.electricians-direct.co.uk/electricians-tools/knipex-tools/knipex-pliers-and-knipex-cutters/32020-knipex-125mm-fully-insulated-diagonal-side-cutter.html

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 12:07:52 am
content: They get dull if you use them on the wrong thing! You need flush cutters for knipping off component leads on things. Those cutters are more suited to heavy wire and electricians work.

author: cthree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 12:30:21 am
content: Is this individual tools for < $1000 or a toolbox full of tools for under $1000? I'm confused. Tools under $1000 is not really much of a challenge.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 12:34:08 am
content: Even when cutting component leads they get dull. I have seen many flush cutters from all kind of brand but they all are an utter waste of money. Remember many leads are made from steel! The way the cutting surfaces are shaped on those flush cutters makes it impossible to create a long lasting cutter. If the metal is too soft it will form around the object. If the metal is too hard its brittle and will crumble into pieces. I have the cutter from the link I posted for over 20 years now and it still cuts wires no thicker than a hair. Although I must admit I also have the 2 larger sizes which I use for thicker wire, thick leads or to snip away pieces of metal.

author: peterthenovice
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 12:34:49 am
content: a tool box full of tools

author: cthree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 12:37:17 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on July 11, 2013, 12:34:08 amI don't think your experience is typical.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2013, 07:33:03 pm
content: The Klein stripper/cutter would be a problem IMHO in tight spaces, even if it stays sharp (think removing dead components from a populated board before desoldering the remaining leads).I'd recommend going with a good set of separate strippers and cutters (would last you a long time if treated properly).Examples:Ideal Stripmaster 45-092 (http://www.amazon.com/IDEAL-45-092-Stripmaster-Stripper-No-10/dp/B000Q8SCT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373569823&sr=8-1&keywords=ideal+stripmaster)Erem 622N cutters (http://www.amazon.com/Erem-Magic-Diagonal-Small-Cutter/dp/B000B6347E/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1373569904&sr=1-8&keywords=erem+cutter)Plenty of others that could fit this recommendation/get you started, so no need to feel that these are the only ones to consider, depending on what you want & budget.I've picked up a lot of top quality stuff from eBay at good prices (tweezers & cutters, and T&M gear in particular <most of it used, but not all>). Takes a lot of patience, but occasionally a good deal does come along, so grab them if at all possible.Another trick that helped me a lot on costs, was by finding out the actual tool manufacturer and buying them with that label instead. One extreme case I did this, was to order my pliers directly from Schmitz in Germany (rebranded as NWS's yellow handled ESD electronics cutters or CK Tools for example). Ended up paying ~$27 each IIRC in the end by combining everything I wanted in a single order (flat rate shipping). Got exactly what I wanted (they offered styles the rebranding companies didn't), and saved more than $100 in the process. So worth the effort IMHO.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 06:24:47 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on July 11, 2013, 12:07:52 amThe 125mm side cutters are not suitable for heavy wire. Their overall size is equal to flush cutters.