Tool Talk: Screwdrivers
The one tool that you can never do without when working on electronics is a good set of screwdrivers. Quite possibly the most important screwdriver is the Number 2 Philips, and this is the tool that you want to invest wisely in, otherwise you will find yourself replacing it much more often than you should have to.
Once you have selected a high quality set of everyday screwdrivers, you can find yourself requiring various other less common sizes or types, such as a 00 Philips or a T6 Torx. It is best to purchase these in sets of "Precision Screwdrivers" from a reputable brand. However, it may not always be economical to purchase every single screwdriver you may need, and this is where bit sets come in to play, usually for less than the price of a set of screwdrivers, you can buy a 40 piece screwdriver bit set which will have many of the hard to find bits which makes life easier when you've got some strange piece of equipment sitting in front of you waiting to be cracked open.
Tool Talk: Pliers.
Pliers are one of the many universal tools. They come in many different varieties which include flat nose, long nose and slip joint.
You can also get locking varieties which lock onto whatever you place within their jaws. They can be used for basically anything from forming wire, holding on to something which is hot or cold, cutting cable, and reaching into enclosed spaces to unplug connectors.
Flat Nose pliers, or more commonly known as linesman pliers are incredibly useful if you are working with conduit wire or house wiring, as they general combine sidecutters with strong jaws for gripping and shaping. Again I recommend Klein Tools for these pliers.
Long nose Pliers come in two different variations, straight and bent. Straight are useful for reaching into tight spaces you wouldn't usually be able to get to, and Bent are particularly useful if you are trying to unplug connectors or get around an obstacle.
Slip Joint pliers essentially provide some adjustment to the distance between the jaws, and how the pliers grip onto what you are using them on.
Locking Pliers are useful if you need to hold two things together, or something in place while you solder to it. They are also incredibly useful if you need to remove a screw or bolt which has a stripped head and you can't use conventional methods to loosen it.
Tool Talk: Adjustable Wrenches
A set of Adjustable Wrenches will save you a lot of trouble, especially when you have an unusual fastener you want to loosen, a piece of metal you need to bend straight or if you have a fastener to loosen and you don't have access to the appropriate spanner or socket.
When working on things which have lots of differing sized nuts, an adjustable wrench can save time as you don't need to identify what size spanner you need, you can just adjust the one you're using. You can also use a bigger adjustable wrench as a persuader for bending metal back into shape, simply adjust the jaws to the thickness of the metal and use the wrench as a lever to bend the metal whichever way it needs to go.
Tool Talk: Sidecutters.
A good range of side cutters are invaluable when working with electronics. Without good side cutters many tasks will be much more difficult to perform. I recommend the brand Klein Tools for bigger side cutters and Xuron for smaller flush cutters for PCB work.
A High quality pair should last at least 10 years, with daily use.
As with any tool, buy the best you can afford if you are going to be using them everyday. If they are for occasional use, you may be able to get away with a cheaper pair, but you will find they will go blunt after a while. Stay away from the chromed ones, they are cheap and nasty as manufacturers can get away with using sub par metal by slapping a shiny finish on it.
New method for storing screwdriver bits
I was having a play with some 6mm magnets when I came up with an ingenious method for storing my screwdriver bits
It uses previously wasted space, and gives more space in the screwdriver draw
Month of Tools.
During the month of April I will be doing a series of posts on various tools that are highly recommended for electronics work, with an orientation towards technician work, and hobbyist electronics
Check back on the 3rd of April to see the first post.
***UPDATE*** Posts will be made each Tuesday and Thursday, the series of posts will be called Tool Talk.
A little sneak peek
Here's a little sneak peek of a project I've been working on. Check back next week for another
Automatic Switchover For Battery Backup.
The above schematic is a basic battery backup switchover for device requiring battery backup. It's just how to wire a DPDT Relay to provide the function when switching low voltages. This may not be the most elegant solution, however it does work, and without having to connect mains voltage to any part of the circuit. The leftmost component is the relay coil, which holds the contacts closed when the external power is present.
Z Axis 3d Printer Update
Updated Z Axis, Bearing Will be spring loaded in final design, and larger U channel (Probably 15mm) will be used as a guide for outside rail
My Toolbox
This is my new tool box, with the majority of the tools in it, the only thing I have left to purchase is a set of 1/2" Sockets, to go with the 1/2" ratchet which I am waiting to receive, and a 1/4" ratchet. A rundown of tools in it:
Top Compartment:
6" and 8" Adjustable Wrench
Toledo Analog Dial Caliper's
Ring/Open End Metric Spanners,
Box End Ratcheting Spanners
2x3/8" Ratchets
Metric 1/4" Sockets, 4-8mm
Metric 3/8" Socket's 9mm-19mm
3/8" Sparkplug sockets: 16mm,19mm,21mm
1/4" Sidchrome Ratchet
1/4" Powerbar/Breaker Bar
2x1/4" Extension
2x3/8" Extension
1/2" Sidchrome Tee Bar
1/2" 420mm Sidchrome Extension
1st Drawer:
2x Locking Pliers
4" End Cutters
4" Sidecutters
Irwin ViseGrip Wire stripper
Klein 8" Electrician's Side-cutting Pliers
Klein 8" Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Fuller 4" Long Nose Pliers
2nd Drawer:
Cabac 7pce 1000v insulated Screwdriver Set
Stubby Craftright No2 Phillips and Flat
Precision Craftright Screwdrivers
Standard Bit Set w/ Torx and Hex
Security Bit Set
Ratcheting Bit Handle
Fixed Bit Handle
Metric Hex Keys
T Handle Metric Hex Keys 2mm,2.5mm,3mm
Imperial Ball-end Hex Keys