Starting over after the LA fires - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 03:11:26 am
content: Hey all,An often posited question is "What tools & equipment would you buy if you were starting over?". Well the Eaton fire took our home and everything in it so it's real life for me now!I am a Mastering Engineer working with artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish etc. So needless to say I lost a ton of audio equipment, 7 guitars and books etc. Relevant to this forum however is my bench and tools...Given my current workload I won't be rebuilding anything like what I had, I just don't have the time (or space) I used to for electronics but I would like to get the solid basics in place and replace the 30 years of tools I had accumulated with quality new tools.A quick summary of what was lost - 5 Multimeters (Fluke 179, Keysight 34465, 34410), 2 scopes (Tek and Iwatsu), Instek LCR, Prism dScope Audio Analyzer, 6 bench PSUs (HP x 3, Tek x 1, Eico x 1, and one other tube PSU), 2 x Metcal irons and so many hand tools and audio parts.Anyhow, the crux ... I want to start by buying a new tool case and new hand tools.I loved my Wiha screwdrivers, what are some of your favorite brands forCuttersPliersHammerAllen & torq wrenchesPrecision screwdriversNut driversI'm going to buy slowly and high quality and hopefully these will last me the next 30 years and to the end of my life! Any input welcome.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 03:20:35 am
content: I should add there seem to be more and more counterfeit tools around, so another question iswhereto buy that you trust?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 03:45:23 am
content: Quote from: ruairi on January 23, 2025, 03:20:35 amAt least in Europe, Amazon (itself as a seller) usually has very competitive pricing when it comes to the tools. Its search sucks though and promotes all sorts of Chinese shit, so I usually select tools somewhere else and then find on amazon. Consider Wera, knipex, Weidmuller tools. IMHO Wiha is only good at screwdrivers, a few other tools I bought were not up to the price asked.QuoteConsider this Wiha/Xiaomi collaboration.https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Screwdriver-Household-Magnetic-Aluminum/dp/B093XWZ1K9It's excellent even for semi-professional amount of work and has very high quality bits. Buy original only, there are clones of it which are garbage.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 03:53:53 am
content: Cutters: Klein Tools (mine is a D275-5)

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 05:49:54 am
content: Sorry to hear that. We have friends and colleages in Altadena and Sierra Madre and while they were dislocated and their neighborhoods trashed, all their houses didn't burn somehow. I hope you are safe and have found accomodations, also I hope your insurance comes through. I'm glad you're here to tell us about it!Just a couple of thoughts on your replacement scheme. If there's stuff you really liked and are used to--perhaps your screwdrivers and Metcal soldering stuff, etc, then just replace it. Other stuff where you don't have strong preferences, don't be afraid to experiment and shop around. Some stuff from China is pretty good, which is fortunate since most of it comes from there now anyway. I have Snapon, I have Knipex and I have Harbor Freight. All of them have good tools and some not-so-good tools or ones that aren't worth the money. So don't be afraid to visit Home Depot or Harbor Freight. Of course there's Chads Toolbox as well.https://chadstoolbox.com/As for the specifics you asked about:Small cutters-- I like the inexpensive Hakko flush cutters (they have 3 sizes) and for larger cutters Knipex.Pliers--Knipex, $nap-on,Hammers--I don't even think about those although I have a few nice ones from Home Depot.The rest--I'd probably look at Harbor Freight or Chad's. I got a nice Wera insulated driver set from Chad's that have somehow become my main bench screwdrivers.For your test and bench electronic equipment if you decide you want to replace what you had and don't want new stuff, post what you are looking for and some of us can look in our closets.

author: Njk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:43:05 am
content: That's quite a loss. But California fires is not a new thing. It happens yearly. What type of houses there are? Is there some kind of fire-proof basement or bunker where the owner can evacuate all the belonging? I think the first item is to create a plan for how to prevent it from happen again, or this can repeat next year

author: rogerggbr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 09:37:12 am
content: Side cutters - I like the NS04 & 06 (Japanese). Available on Amazon and various other online sellers. Good luck.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 11:15:45 am
content: For pliers lindstrom would be my choice just for there longevity.The pair sitting here are more than capable of cutting 10mm t+e even though there nearly as old as me,and certainly haven't had an easy life.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 04:54:40 pm
content: Quote from: ruairi on January 23, 2025, 03:11:26 amI like Wiha for smaller screwdrivers and nutdrivers, but I recently made the jump to Pozidriv by picking up the two smallest 1/4" hex drivers made by Wera, and am very happy with them because they hold a standard 1/4" hex bit tightly without slack. I attached the photograph below to show their scale.https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051464001-Bitholding-Screwdriver-Non-Magnetic/dp/B003GDIQIQhttps://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051464001-Bitholding-Screwdriver-Non-Magnetic/dp/B003GDIQJ0I do not like Xcelite drivers anymore because they changed the plastic cases and now they break too easily, and replacements are not available.QuoteI suspectTektonhas the best cutters and pliers for a low price.Knipexmight have the toughest small cutters and pliers. They give the best specifications anyway including for cutting piano wire.I would also considerWiha,Klein, andWilliams.QuoteI like Bondhus L-keys, especially the ones *without* ball ends, although I have both.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:06:08 pm
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on January 23, 2025, 05:49:54 amGreat info thanks. I definitely have a preference for having a much smaller collection of tools but keeping them higher quality, though like you I've had good luck with Hakko etc over the years

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:06:56 pm
content: Quote from: Njk on January 23, 2025, 07:43:05 amThank you! I'm not really interested in talking about the big picture here, it would just devolve.I'd love to keep it on topic.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:08:19 pm
content: Quote from: David Hess on January 23, 2025, 04:54:40 pmGreat info re Wera, thank you! Have had good luck with Bondhus keys too, tanks for the reminder there

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:14:47 pm
content: Regarding non-electronic-specific tools, like drivers, wrenches, etc., consider Ace brand or Craftsman tools, available at a lot of Ace stores. (Stock varies from store to store. Ace isn't a chain: it's a cooperative that independently-owned stores buy from.)I worked in an Ace hardware store, and some of the Ace brand tools are pretty damn good. And Craftsman was still pretty high quality as well (this was ~7 years ago at this point). Craftsman is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker, but the tools seem to be made in the same plants with the same quality.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:21:56 pm
content: You already know Metcal soldering tools are second to none, stick with that. If I lost everything, the first items on the list for replacement would be a good handheld multimeter (Fluke probably), a couple good HP/Agilent power supplies, and a Metcal soldering/desoldering station. The rest would come over time as needs arise or as deals were found. I'd want at least one 4ch scope soon enough, and for some of the projects I like to do, I'd want to replace my Panasonic (National) VP-7722 audio analyzer with the same or something similarly capable.I hope your insurance company plays nice. I've always wondered how they might handle my substantial hoard of "stuff" including TE. Many of us "collect" TE but are they actually "collectables" and subject to the limits written into most policies for those? How would they value my LeCroy scope which was ~$30k new in 2002 but cost me maybe ~$1k five years ago?

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 07:33:06 pm
content: Quote from: macboy on January 23, 2025, 07:21:56 pmAs low as possible, one would presume.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 08:33:19 pm
content: Quote from: macboy on January 23, 2025, 07:21:56 pmIndeed, this sounds like where I'll start too. A new Fluke or maybe EEVBlog handheld, a bench PSU, a scope, and a Metcal. I used to work with Prism Sound so hopefully replacing my dScope should be a little more pain free than it would be for most people

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 08:47:38 pm
content: I will add a few great tools/brands I've discovered in the past two years that you may want to consider:Xuron pliers and cutters: amazing tools for working with small parts, great value for the moneyGyro screwdrivers: the Miniware ES15S is excellent for small electronics and parts, and there are many more models and brands available nowThermal cameras: 256x192 res small handheld units and USB-C dongles for phones are readily available under $250 and are useful for many purposes including electronics repair and home inspection

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 08:56:34 pm
content: Quote from: nidlaX on January 23, 2025, 08:47:38 pmXuron and Gyro both new to me, thank you. I won't need a thermal camera in the new setup, I could have used one when I was doing way more tech work but never splurged.

author: Geoff-AU
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 10:28:08 pm
content: Quote from: ruairi on January 23, 2025, 03:20:35 amBuy from somewhere with a trustworthy supply chain (this is a subjective judgement).I trust Digikey/Mouser. I trust the local hardware store, or any large chain. I don't trust online grey markets (Amazon, ebay, etc) - the marketplace is huge but the individual vendors are infinitely fungible and there is no accountability.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 23, 2025, 10:32:17 pm
content: Quote from: Geoff-AU on January 23, 2025, 10:28:08 pmThat's why I buy items susceptible to counterfeiting from Amazon itself, not marketplace sellers.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 01:15:33 am
content: Quote from: Analog Kid on January 23, 2025, 07:14:47 pmLowes also carries Craftsman.QuoteThe Craftsman hand tools seem the same, but they no longer have their pass-through or universal socket sets, and I assume their newer tools from before they were sold. Their power tool quality dropped before they were sold and I have no idea what it is like now; I switched to Milwaukee after a particularly poor Craftsman hammer-drill.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 01:46:30 am
content: BTW I highly suggest this Wera screwdriver kit.https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver-33-Pieces/dp/B000NI7RRSIt lacks smaller flat bits, square drive and imperial hex bits but otherwise in addition with xiaomi/wiha kit I mentioned it covers basically all the rest of screws you may stumble upon. Bits are of excellent quality as well.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 02:15:04 am
content: Quote from: Geoff-AU on January 23, 2025, 10:28:08 pmTheir prices have been coming down for many volume/production tools.Quote from: ruairi on January 23, 2025, 08:56:34 pmXuron serve two lucrative markets: aerospace, and jewellery (including hobby) and span cheap to moderate but don't let the lack of "top end" pricing fool you into thinking they are lesser tools. All excellent value and "off the shelf" at many retailers. Highly counterfeited as the assembly/shape is rather simple but the grinding tolerances and hardness + surface finishes are where they differentiate themselves from other similar looking tools.Setting up a toolbox from scratch, the following would be highly recommended:485 (have the 450 but never needed the finer option)21759200 (or 9250 if smaller is the preference)170-IIF (through hole lead eating monster)if working with kevlar reinforced cabling then add in the "for purpose" 9180Having all sorts of other tool brands and models floating around, those are the ones that get used 99% of the time by myself.

author: nidlaX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 03:54:37 am
content: Quote from: Someone on January 24, 2025, 02:15:04 amI have the ESD safe 450AS Tweezer Nose Pliers and the 9180 High Durability Scissor (which I deem "all purpose"). They're an absolute joy to use for all sorts of fine work like post-processing 3D prints. The superior heat treatment absolutely makes a difference. The jaws have almost no deformation after hundreds of cuts and plies, whereas cheap knockoffs might only last a few dozen uses. And I say the 9180s are "all purpose" because they're so versatile and are good at cutting so many materials in addition to Kevlar.Can you tell that I love these things?

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2025, 11:45:19 pm
content: Appreciate the continuing insights here team, thank you

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2025, 01:00:46 am
content: Quote from: macboy on January 23, 2025, 07:21:56 pmLikely it isn't even covered at all. Check your insurance policy where it comes to test equipment.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2025, 01:02:53 am
content: Quote from: wraper on January 24, 2025, 01:46:30 amWera makes good tools. Typically I buy hand tools from Knipex, Wiha or Wera.

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 04:29:09 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on January 25, 2025, 01:02:53 amAll noted!

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 09:04:14 am
content: Quote from: wraper on January 23, 2025, 10:32:17 pmI know this only from reports from germany, and these reports are also a couple of years old, so Amazons practices might have changed.In the past, Amazon often did "single binning", where the same article, regardless to which seller (including Amazon) it really belongs, is put into the same stocking bin.There where a couple of tests with Samsung mobile batteries that where bought from Amazon. From Amazon directly (sold and shipped by Amazon), from the official Samsung Amazonstore (shipped by Amazon), and various third party sellers that also used Amazon for fullfillment. They bought twelve batteries, and *all* where fake.So i would be very careful when buying from Amazon, even when the articles are "Sold and Shipped by Amazon".

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2025, 09:29:27 pm
content: Last question for everyone... toolboxes?What are we liking for a portable toolbox. I had a black pelican style one I like but it was a gift and I have no idea what brand it was!

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2025, 09:45:13 pm
content: The traditional machinist's toolbox:However, they're quite expen$ive new, so my suggestion is to look for a used one somewhere.I especially like the old wooden ones (not so much the phony Harbor Freight clones).

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2025, 11:40:05 pm
content: Quote from: Analog Kid on January 28, 2025, 09:45:13 pmI like this style for home, but for moving around I prefer a briefcase/pelican type. My best tools often go between my studio and home, and some other studios.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2025, 01:07:41 am
content: I have a couple of machinist toolboxes, but keep most of my tools in various small tool bags like the Amazon small and large ones:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0788C34VB?ie=UTF8&th=1For handheld test instruments like multimeters and my DE5000 LCR meter, I like the Nanuk 910 which is less expensive and flatter than the comparable Pelican case:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BP8URVS?ie=UTF8&th=1