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Necessary Tools [message #69192] Fri, 26 August 2011 02:49 Go to next message
Hannah is currently offline  Hannah
Messages: 15
Registered: August 2011
Chancellor
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?
Re: Necessary Tools [message #69521 is a reply to message #69192] Sat, 17 September 2011 10:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Siren is currently offline  Siren
Messages: 20
Registered: September 2011
Chancellor
I am hoping someone enlightens us, too. I am trying to put a toolbox together for my significant other, and I want to make sure the essentials are in there. He is quite a handyman, but his storage unit was broken into, and all his tools stolen. I am not sure where to begin, toolwise, and hope to fill the box with useful tools and not junk.
Re: Necessary Tools [message #69524 is a reply to message #69521] Sat, 17 September 2011 11:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Christy is currently offline  Christy
Messages: 21
Registered: September 2011
Chancellor
I am going to say a handheld soldering iron, and a router or circular saw are indispensable and overlooked tools. I am not too sure what else might be needed. Handymen, step in and advise us women.
Re: Necessary Tools [message #69526 is a reply to message #69524] Sat, 17 September 2011 21:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 1895
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, It kind of depends on what you want to do. Just electronics, just speakers, home repairs, cars..... Give me some ideas on your needs and I'll see what makes sense. I have do all those and more and because of it have just about any kind of tool or test equipment in existence. Smile We can certainly narrow it down a bit to essentials though.

Good Listening
Bruce
Re: Necessary Tools [message #69533 is a reply to message #69526] Sun, 18 September 2011 11:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Siren is currently offline  Siren
Messages: 20
Registered: September 2011
Chancellor
I am not sure what areas Hannah needs tools for, but I need general tools. I also need ideas on tools for fixing amps and such. My boyfriend likes to buy and fix up old amps. Thanks a ton, for any suggestions.
Re: Necessary Tools [message #69534 is a reply to message #69533] Sun, 18 September 2011 15:14 Go to previous message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 1895
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi Fixing old amps can be both simple and difficult. Confused 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 Smile 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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