Budgeted ~$300 for hand tools (side cutter, screwdrivers, etc) What should I get - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: quanttrom
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 06:56:35 pm
content: Hello gentleman,I searched around the forum and there are a lot of discussion on screwdrivers and which one are better, etc etc but I am looking for a nice set or a few sets of hand tools that would fit in my $300ish budget.I am mainly looking to get a nice set of- screwdrivers- wire strippers- side cutters- tweezersAm I missing an essential tool?Which sets/brands would you recommend?What do you have in your lab?Edit: Located in Canada but it is very easy to pick up things from USA.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:58:32 pm
content: For wire strippers, Xcelite SAS3210 (also sold under Embla Pressmaster and maybe some other brands) are pricey but great if you do a lot of wire stripping. You'll still want to have a pair of more conventional strippers such asthese(choose a pair with a suitable range for the wire sizes you typically use--you may need two pairs to cover the full range) for those situations where the automatic strippers won't work.Tweezers--any of the inexpensive steel ESD tweezers available on Amazon--you can get a set of ~6 different size/shapes pretty inexpensively. Make sure you get both curved and straight tip, other tips are optional depending on how picky you are.Screwdrivers--Wiha are probably best bang for buck. Which types you need depends on what you're working on, but one of the basic kits of phillips+slotted should suit most general electronics needs. If you do a lot of repair of phones, laptops, tablets, etc you'll want a good set of torx and maybe hex. Larger sets will quickly consume your entire budget, though, so be prudent about which ones you'll actually use. For larger screwdrivers (ie, #1-2 phillips), we have some Bahco drivers from McMaster at work that are pretty nice. Otherwise, I like Klein screwdrivers which have a more conventional plastic+rubber handle.As far as other tools:--a couple spudgers in various shapes--Xacto knife and blades. Some people prefer scalpels, but personally I prefer the stiffer Xacto blades for things like cutting PCB traces.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 11:26:04 pm
content: Since there isn't a country listed, it is hard to recommend anything. For phillips and slotted screwdrivers, both large and precision, I use Craftsman. Reasonably priced and a lifetime warranty. I have a mix of Craftsman, Hakko and Xcelite pliers, wire cutters and flush cutters. Not high end by any stretch, but works for what I use them for. The Hakko flush cutters are very inexpensive but work great for trimming through hole leads. I would love to have the Wiha set that Shahriar on the Signal Path uses, but I agree with ajb, that set will eat almost all of your budget. I bought a couple of ESD tweezers off of eBay, Vetus TS-11 and TS-15, they are inexpensive and work great. I can hold 0402 resistors without them falling out or shooting across the room. Flea markets are a good source for locking hemostats at a good price, I have them at home and in my toolbag for work.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 11:54:21 pm
content: +1 for cheap tweezer.Sure, some cheap ones will be crap, but my best tweezers were $2 on deal extreme

author: devanno
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:04:14 am
content: I have a collection of "ESD Safe" tweezers from Wiha. They are, as Dave would say, "the duck's guts." But they ARE expensive. Wiha screwdrivers for the small stuff without question. They have both "ESD safe" and just standard screwdrivers. For tiny cutters, my favorites are actually from Empire, resold by Sears in the US.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:19:30 am
content: I would spend the most on the cutters.Get a nice pair for $70-100 and two cheaper ones, one big one small maybe $10-15 each.Dont let other people use the good ones, guaranteed they will pick them up and try to cut a small padlock or something.To get good strippers you need to spend a fair amount too $60-100Cheap manual strippers are ok at a pinch. Cheap brand strippers tend to be pretty useless though.Dont go cheap on the screwdrivers but you dont have to go expensive either. Get a fair set with a goods selection of bits. plus a good quality #2 ph driver and a small +big flat head driver. A selection of small jewelers screwdriver is important too

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:25:46 am
content: Check up the scissors made by "engineer" of Japan. Adafruit sell one of their scissors. I got both type of their scissors. They have other neat stuff too. Those that I bought are all made in Japan but can't conclude are they all made in Japan. Check up surgical knife. Very sharp, and they are made to cut precisely. Surgical clamp (or piler, not sure what is the precise term), can be more useful than long nose piler.Tainwanese hand tools are also good value for money for me.If you have spare left, buy some wire holders by pomona cable hodler, panavise, magnetic bar (for holding tools), etc. The organizer is always important, the most useful tools are those that you make use of, and the precondition is you can find them and keep them easily.I always try to buy set that has the most number of tools like Stantley 200+. For the most frequently used size and type, I can then spoil myself getting the branded.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:27:06 am
content: TheSignalPathBlog has an amazing set of tools. skip to 30:30

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 01:38:50 am
content: I second Wiha; won't buy a set though. I have a place in town where they sell the whole line and I just pick a tool when I need it.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 07:52:31 am
content: Quote from: george graves on January 13, 2015, 12:27:06 amThe majority of those Wiha screwdrivers are useless. The handle is too small to get any torque on the typical sized screw you'd use them on. I ended up selling a whole lot of mine on ebay, keeping only the smaller drivers in that form factor. I prefer C.K. Triton screwdrivers for anything bigger than PH0/PZ0 etc.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 04:49:52 pm
content: Those tool sets are first world problems. Hardly anyone really needs all that shit. I'd hate having to sort through 100 screwdrivers and a dozen plier/cutters just to find the one I use all the time.What I'd get:Wiha insulated 6 pc electricians driver set ($35)Electrical screws are different than wood screws and Wiha drivers are excellent. Well worth the investment. You will love them for home electrical work if you do that.A small set of small Philips, common and torx drivers (I see no need to go crazy on this. A few quality small drivers will be fine. The small Wiha drivers in the set above usually fill the bill for anything but trimpot size screws.Xuron flush cutters ($8 on Amazon. These have been fine for me and what I've seen on most production lines. The $50 cutters may be nice, but aren't necessary)http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IBSFAI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1421167142&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40Ideal wire strippers ($41 on Amazon)http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RFSWF8/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1There are lots of wire strippers, most of which are crap. Ideal makes quality, and it's what you'll see on good manufacturing lines. The Stripmasters don't nick wires and always cut clean.High quality smooth duckbill pliers for straightening leadsSmall needle nose pliersFine tweezers ($5 on Amazon)Crimpers. If you need to build connectors, coax cables, etc look for these. Once again, Amazon is a decent source since you can read the reviews on the low cost variety.Home Depot has long bar magnets for $10 that are perfect for holding your tools.Save the rest for test leads. Order a bunch of DIY banana plugs and test clips and some nice, silicone wire and fab up what you need. I even have dedicated banana to breadboard leads. I can't stand shitrigged test leads. They're just a major hassle and as bad or worse than not having the perfect screwdriver for the job.

author: amiq
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 08:32:54 pm
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on January 13, 2015, 10:52:08 amThat tray is really nice, anyone know where to get one?

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 09:50:37 pm
content: i use Lindstrom 7890 needlenose pliers and 8140 mini side cutterscouldnt be happier, real high precision and craftsmanship,and Wera screwdrivers

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 02:03:35 am
content: First off, where are you located?It's impossible to get you good links without this. To make this easier (eliminate the "where are you" question all the time), you can set your country in your user profile. Once done, that will display your nation's flag under your ID.Screwdrivers= Wiha (all kinds of possibilities; System 4 for the less common stuff, and a few dedicated drivers for the most used are really nice makes for an economical solution of decent quality for most screw types).Cutters= Tronex (rebranded under Excelta's 5 star line),Schmitz cutters*, Erem, Swanstrom, Ideal-Tek, or Lindstrom.Pliers=Schmitz pliers* (I like teeth for my needle/snipe nose), Wiha, Swanstrom, and Erem. Short snipe, long snipe,both with teeth, flat nose, and round nose (latter two for lead bending).Wire Strippers= Pressmaster Embla or Ideal Stripmaster (45-092 is good for 10 - 22AWG)Tweezers= Ideal-Tek (rebranded as Lindstrom), Erem, Dumont, VOMM (rebranded as Wiha); on the less expensive side, Vetus (Chinese, but appear to be decent); basic set would be a #5/super fine & #7/curved tip, but not all brands use the same numbering schemeYou'd be able to do this with your listed budget in the US, but barely, and that's by mixing in quality used tools where possible. Good deals on used cutters and tweezers come up regularly enough, you can get lucky (cutters more often than tweezers).* Direct order from the manufacturer (they rebrand for others, such as CK Tools and NWS for example). They take PayPal, shipping is reasonable, especially if you order multiples, and currency conversion is inexpensive (~2% with a linked bank account, ~4% using a linked credit card). Shipping times were quick to the US (~11 days for my order).

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 02:39:59 am
content: Quote from: 3roomlab on January 13, 2015, 05:07:28 pmDon't worry, you shall outgrow the tool set fast. As the set is normally quite economical, when you get to use one of the odd-ball tool, it has paid for itself (considering the hassle and time to locate one). Also, you can T-loan these out but not your precious favorite. At least, this is what I wish :-)E14 Singapore selling the Duratool magnetc bar set at a good price. Can be a filler for your next free delivery requirement.Don't throw those short heat-shrink tube away, with the magnetic disc or cube, you can make your Sharpie, or pen, to stick to magnetic bar, or metal drawer.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 05:30:11 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on January 14, 2015, 02:03:35 amThis entire post is solid!

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 06:14:58 am
content: I believe the absolute best value for money when it comes to cutters are Knipex 78 61 125 which can be bought for as little as 12€ (new, genuine).As for tweezers, Xytronic makes really nice ones. I have some from OHM and IdealTek, but I find myself using Xytronic 7-SA most of the time.Precision blade: scalpels are the best. Handles and blades are cheap, can be bought without problem, are made of high grade stainless steel, blades are standarized and are usually of superb quality.

author: SteveyG
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 03:20:04 pm
content: Quote from: Flump on January 13, 2015, 09:50:37 pm+1 on the Wera screwdrivers. IMO these are superior, but it depends on the OPs location as Wera has more presence in the EU.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 09:20:58 pm
content: I'd buy what I need right now and let the collection grow. I recommend spending the money on real tweezers (=from a good brand). A 7SA style tweezer is ideal for handling SMT components. What I'm missing is a set of crimpers for ferrules and spade connectors.Regarding flush cutters: in my experience they are a complete waste of money. Many component leads are made of steel which will kill the cutter in no time. The edges are just too fragile; I went through a lot of these.I have been using a small (125mm) side cutter like the Knipex 70 06 125 for more than 20 years for cutting leads and it still cuts the finest wires (there is also a Knipex also has a version with tougher edges: 77 02 120 H). I have side cutters in 3 different sizes for various jobs and use the one most appropriate for the job at hand.Another hint: I have moved to using Torx screws. These are much easier to handle than flat or Philips/Pozi drive screws.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 10:34:22 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on January 14, 2015, 09:20:58 pmPerhaps thePressmaster Mobile Crimp Toolwould be of interest.FWIW, it has the largest number of die offerings I was able to find, and it's a reasonable compromise between cost & quality for hobbyist or field work IME (dies begin in Taiwan, finish grinding/machining in Sweden).Quote from: nctnico on January 14, 2015, 09:20:58 pmAre you referring to the grind/bevel on the blades (bevel, semi-flush, full flush) or something else about them?Quote from: nctnico on January 14, 2015, 09:20:58 pm+1I chase down far fewer screws with Torx.

author: Nerull
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2015, 02:12:15 am
content: My favorite general purpose tweezers, for anything except very fine SMD, are these:They are not cheap, but my day job puts them through a lot of abuse and they last forever when other tweezers - including the same shape made with cheaper steel - bend out of shape.Lindstrom makes some that are almost identical, if you use a shop that carries those. I'm sure others do as well, but I haven't used them.A fine set of tweezers is also nice to have, but be gentle with them or you'll ruin them quickly. Few things are more annoying than trying to pick up tiny passives with bent tweezers.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2015, 03:17:44 am
content: Here are the mandatory Ebay search items. Click free shipping and Buy it Now then sort by lowest price + shipping first. You do need some disposable tools, don't use a Wiha as a prybar (please). This stuff is super handy and it amazing what you can find on Ebay.23# Blade Scalpel (make sure you get the handle and scalpel usually 3-4 bucks)flush cutters (crappy cutters for doing those jobs cutters should never do 3-4 bucks)smooth forceps (So handy 20 bucks)dental picks stainless (6 bucks each)cell phone opener (spudgers galore spend 10 bucks and get a lifetime supply)