| Necessary Tools [message #69192] |
Fri, 26 August 2011 02:49  |
Hannah
Messages: 15
Registered: August 2011
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Chancellor |
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What are the tools that are necessary if we want to do things by ourselves? I'm thinking of buying a toolbox that has all the tools needed when I need to setup or repair things. What tools should be present in that toolbox?
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| Re: Necessary Tools [message #69534 is a reply to message #69533] |
Sun, 18 September 2011 15:14  |
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gofar99
Messages: 1950
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
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Illuminati (5th Degree) |
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Hi Fixing old amps can be both simple and difficult.  I'll do the simple first. Good needle nose pliers, wire cutters, wire stripper, set of socket wrenches in the sizes from 3/16 to 1/2 inch, 25-40 watt soldering iron, some solder (I like .031 diameter 60/40 - has lead) an inexpensive digital volt meter ($25 or so), a de-soldering device (there are many types , the bulb type is probably the least costly and will work OK), standard and Philips screw drivers, for the standard ones 1/8 wide tip for the smallest and about 1/4 inch for the largest, Philips sizes of 0, 1 and 2 ought to be enough, a standard house hold type pliers and you should be set.
To do the job on more than a minimal level I would add the following: A second larger soldering iron in the 60-100 range (old equipment often has soldering to the chassis and more heat is needed), swap the 25 watt iron for a temperature controlled one (several are available for under $40 -see sources below), a temperature controlled vacuum de-solderer (see below, an analog volt meter (about $25), additional screwdrivers in smaller sizes, a set of Allen wrenches (mostly small sizes to get out set screws).
To really do it first class  you need an oscilloscope (could be a PC based one), a signal generator, a better digital meter, and a tube tester. These things can cost a significant amount of $$.
Other things, an assortment of wire and heat shrink insulation
Sources: Many things can be obtained from the local radio Shack, I prefer though Parts Express and MCM on the web. For the temp controlled soldering iron and de-soldering station check Circuit Specialists (also on the web). I got great buys on both from them (about $40 each). Buy at least one extra tip for the iron just in case the model changes. Look for sales and specials on their site. You can often get a free digital voltmeter when you but certain $ amounts. The "freebee" is pretty nice meter and would cost about $25-30 if bought separately.
I hope this helps,
Good Listening
Bruce
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