Guide: Tools of the Trade

[Foxtrot9000]

Alright, I figured that since there isn’t a post like this around yet, and I got nothing to do since I have a mean ass hangover, and because I want more rep, I would make this thread all about a bunch of hand tools and there uses.
I am training to be an electrician so I happen to have bunch of tools at my disposal so here we go.

Before I get started, I just want to point out the importance of quality tools. If you bought it from the dollar store then you can’t call it a tool. Quality tools can take a beating and keep on coming. Spending 30$ on a pair of side cutters may sound ridiculous, but they will last you many years. And maybe even your whole life if you take care of them. 30 1$ side cutters will last 30 cuts.

This guide measures the usefulness of each tool with a 3-tier rating scale:
High
If you are putting together your first took kit then this tool is a must buy. Buy all "high" marked tools before others, unless you need specialty.
Medium
These are tool that would be useful to have but are not required
Low
Tools that would merely be cool to have are marked with low.

First of all, let’s look at the average disorganized tool pouch.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/toolbagside.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/toolbagtop.JPG

As you can see, I have tried to cram all I can get into this nifty husky bag. And it works great.
Before I get into the individual tools I would like to ask that you excuse my camera skills and messy room. The off center pics I have to blame on the freight train going through my head.

Alright, so what do we have first?


Electricity Finder Medium

The electricity finder (as I call it) is a useful tool that can tell you if electrical current is present, without direct contact. Depending on what one you buy they can detect current from as little as 9V.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/electricityfindertop.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/electricityfindertest.JPG

I even included and vid to show you it in action. I screwed up a bit though, the first wire I test is the USB cord for my camera (sorry for not showing)

O yeah, the vid is 23megs because im an idiot
video (http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/electricityfindervid.AVI)

Cost: 10$~


Work Radio High

Unless you are one of those people that hates music I would highly recommend having some music playing while you work. It makes the time go by much faster and easier. The on I picked up is actually a sat radio with boom box attachment. Really helps!

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/workradio.JPG

Cost: 20$-150$~


RJ-45 Crimper Low

This little tool is specifically for working on network wires. It has a blade for stripping network wire without damaging the little wires, and it can crimp rj-45 heads(the average network wire head) onto wires. Useful if you do lots of computer related wiring, such as running cables.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/networkwiretool.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/networkwiretoolclose.JPG

Cost: 25$~


Precision Screwdriver Set Medium

These come in handy not that often, but when you need a precision screwdriver there aren’t many substitutes. It is really handy to have a set like this around. Note: when you buy precision screwdrivers, as mentioned above do not buy them from the dollar store. These will not perform nearly as well as a slightly more expensive set.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/precisionscrewdriverset.JPG

Cost: 15$~


Mini Multi-screwdriver Medium

Something like this is not really needed, but it is a good in-between filler for your other screwdrivers. It can out perform a precision screwdriver, and fit in places your main screwdriver set cant.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/minimulti.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/minimulti2.JPG

Cost: 8$~


Big Multi-screwdriver Low

This is just like the screwdriver mentioned above, except bigger. Not really something that you have to have, but again, it comes in handy. And if you can find one like mine where there is an extendable magnet grabber thing in the barrel then you have a tool that comes in real handy.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/bigmulti.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/bigmultimagnet.JPG

Cost: 10$~


Screwdriver Set High

Alright, now here is something that everyone must have. If you were putting together your first tool kit then this would be the first thing you would buy. A good set of screwdrivers is the basis of a tool set. What you should start off with would be a #2 and 3 Robertson(square) a #1, 2, and 3 standard(slot), and a #2,and 3 Phillips(star) at least.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/screwdriverset.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/screwdriversetclose.JPG

Cost: 30-40$~


Tape Measure High

This is another one of those "must have" tools. The tape measure is the base measuring median. For more precision I also suggest a good ruler. The quality of a tape measure is not that important(in case modding at least).

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/tapemeasure.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/tapemeasureout.JPG

Cost: 7-30$~


Wire Strippers Medium

How else are you going to get at that sweet sweet coppery inside? A good pare of strippers are paramount in your quest for modding greatness. Shown here are the manual strippers. Not as used in case modding, but still a good tool. Most modders use auto strippers which I will be mentioning farther down. Again, the more money you spend on your strippers the cleaner and easier the job will be. I ****ed around with cheap-o strippers(no pun intended) for far to long before I finally saw the light.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/strippers.JPG

Cost: 18$~


Side cutters High

Although they are usually only used for cutting wires, a good expensive pair of side cutters can cut through many other things(plastic, thin metal, misplaced zipties.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/sidecutter.JPG

Cost: 30$~


Mini Standard(slot) Screwdriver High

I put high priority on this because of its high odd-job usefulness, and its low cost. This little tool is one that you will find many uses for. And if you don’t have on it will be something that you never think of but need a lot.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/ministandard.JPG

Cost: 3$~


Flashlight Medium

A good little flashlight is always something useful to have on hand. As you can see mine came with a protective rubber tip which im sure has saved the bulb more then 1 time. You may have also noticed that I wrapped the end in electric tape. This is for when you need 2 hands and a flashlight(tapes a lot easier on the teeth)

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/flashlight.JPG
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/flashlight2.JPG

Cost: 12$~


Bolt cutters(that what I call em' at least) Low

I know what you’re thinking when you look at that pic, "man whys he got that up it the most useless tool on the planet". And I agree, this thing sucks. However, I have found a use for them. Bolt cutters. If you look closely at the picture you will see a series of holes just above the handle. These are common sizes for bolts. Your bolt just a bit too long? Screw it into the right hole and squeeze. Ta-da, a shorter bolt!

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/boltcutters.JPG

Cost: 5$~

[Foxtrot9000]

Grips Medium

Another one of those "useful to have around" tools. A good big pair will give you considerable grabbing power. Useful for bending and pulling.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/grips.JPG

Cost: 15$~


Needle-nose Pliers High

These are extremely useful, especially when we are talking about the world of small electronics. A must have.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/needlenose.JPG

Cost: 20$~


Prier Standard(slot) Low

Basically just a real big slot screwdriver, good for prying stuff among other things.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/prierstandard.JPG

Cost: 5$~


Hammer Medium

Everyone needs a hammer at some point in their life. If you don’t know what it’s used for then please disconnect and burn your computer, then go back to your cave.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/smallhammer.JPG

Cost: 5-60$~


Zip-Ties High

A computer modders best friend. These can be used for all kinds of things. The most popular being for cable management.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/lockties.JPG

Cost: 3$~


Auto-strippers High

These useful tools come in two variants, which I will refer to as in-line and split versions. The auto stripper is just like the manual stripper except it does all the work for you. It is defiantly the most favored in the modding community.

In-line
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/autostripper1.JPG

Split
http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/autostrippers2.JPG

Cost: 5-30$~


Stubby Multi Screwdriver Medium

This is the best bang for your buck when it comes to stubby screwdrivers. The stubby is something I consider a must have, only because it is one of those tools where nothing else short of a hammer will do.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/stubbymulti.JPG

Cost: 8$~


Wrench Set Medium

These are good to have around for when you need them. And they usually come in packs giving you everything you need for relatively cheap. They come most commonly in 3 different sets. Imperial Allen wrench, Metric Allen wrench, and Torx wrench.

http://www.gelfandnet.com/pics/tools/allenandtorxwrenchset.JPG

Cost: 14$~



Ok, that ends my guide for now. I will add to it as I get feedback and think of more things. If there is anything that you dis-agree with of that you think should be changed then post about it!

[Foxtrot9000]

[Reserved for furthering the guide]

[Foxtrot9000]

o common, if you guys dont like it at least say it sucks =P

[Bucko]

I like it.
Good guide for those that don't have much and need some ideas.
For me I have it all and more, but then my tool box is huge from the days that I worked as a mechanic and I haven't stopped buying since. I would easily spend $2-3000 on tools a year.

[DaveW]

I +repped you for the effort. It's a good idea, but most people think in terms of what they can do with the tools they have. These all seem to be computing tools, and not so much modding tools too-why not follow up with some of that? :)

-Dave

[nil8]

"Network Wire Tool"
They're called crimpers, for crimping the ends on network cable.

They're vital for anyone who does their own cabling or work involves running cable.

I've found a racheting screwdriver with bits to be much better and more useful than a traditional screwdriver set, and it takes up much less space as well.

[Foxtrot9000]

alright! these are exactly the responses i was looking for! again everyone has there own preferences, so i just started with what i had on hand.


I like it.
Good guide for those that don't have much and need some ideas.
For me I have it all and more, but then my tool box is huge from the days that I worked as a mechanic and I haven't stopped buying since. I would easily spend $2-3000 on tools a year.

i know how you feel, my father is a renovator. hes half retired now and i inherited all of his tools. name any tool and i got 2 =)


I +repped you for the effort. It's a good idea, but most people think in terms of what they can do with the tools they have. These all seem to be computing tools, and not so much modding tools too-why not follow up with some of that? :)

-Dave

hah, i know what you mean about a lack of modding tools, but i wanted to start off with the basics. not to mention that this thread took about 2 hours from start to finish.
another thing.... i don't own a dremel..... (please don't stone me)
i do plan to further it asap thanks to the feedback.


"Network Wire Tool"
They're called crimpers, for crimping the ends on network cable.

They're vital for anyone who does their own cabling or work involves running cable.

I've found a ratcheting screwdriver with bits to be much better and more useful than a traditional screwdriver set, and it takes up much less space as well.

there is an actual name for them, yes they do crimp, but so do about 100 other tools.

as for the ratcheting screwdriver, you are right. they do take up a lot less room but i have never grown to like them. and, on all the jobs iv worked on i have never seen one carpenter, electrician, plumber, or anyone else ever using a ratcheting screwdriver. i find there is just no replacement for a good quality set. but then again i just compared a hard working environment to the fragility of computer work. ill chalk it up to preference.

[nil8]

If you want to get specific about it, it's a set of rj45 or ethernet crimpers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888005

I agree about racheting screwdrivers for most jobs, but they seem to work fantastically well with computers. The magnetic tips help tons. I definitely wouldn't use one on my truck.

[Foxtrot9000]

If you want to get specific about it, it's a set of rj45 or ethernet crimpers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16899888005

I agree about racheting screwdrivers for most jobs, but they seem to work fantastically well with computers. The magnetic tips help tons. I definitely wouldn't use one on my truck.

yepp, i kicked my ass and did the footwork the same time i posted that reply.
in fact, its already updated. thanks tho!

[b4i7]

....dremel?

[Omega]

For modding, I'd say you'd need:

Dremel
Drill
Files (round and flat)
Pop-rivet gun
Wire strippers
Sandpaper

[Drum Thumper]

For modding, I'd say you'd need:

Dremel
Drill
Files (round and flat)
Pop-rivet gun
Wire strippers
Sandpaper

I would add holesaws and drill bits of various sizes to the mix as well.

And I'd also add a soldering gun, either cold solder or the contemporary hot soder.

And the solder of course.

+ rep for the guide!

[Foxtrot9000]

thanks for your input!
ill update a lil more this weekend i promise

[FPMachine]

EXCELLENT! as I am just starting to build and mod and well get tools this is a great guide for me thanks for putting it together.

[Canadian Eh?]

+rep 4 Effort and help 2 teh n00bs

[haha49]

I like it.
Good guide for those that don't have much and need some ideas.
For me I have it all and more, but then my tool box is huge from the days that I worked as a mechanic and I haven't stopped buying since. I would easily spend $2-3000 on tools a year.

thats nothing i know people that spend more then that on a box to hold the tools... 15,000 for a snap on box.. and he gets a new one every year as he gets more and more tools and needs the room... and they are all snapon everything is.. and it costs alot for snapon..

[Spawn-Inc]

For modding, I'd say you'd need:

Dremel
Drill
Files (round and flat)
Pop-rivet gun
Wire strippers
Sandpaper

you forgot bondo, duck tape, and most important Mcgiver style thinking


I would add holesaws and drill bits of various sizes to the mix as well.

And I'd also add a soldering gun, either cold solder or the contemporary hot soder.

And the solder of course.

+ rep for the guide!

cold solder?? as in cold heat?? that thing is total ****...


thats nothing i know people that spend more then that on a box to hold the tools... 15,000 for a snap on box.. and he gets a new one every year as he gets more and more tools and needs the room... and they are all snapon everything is.. and it costs alot for snapon..

15k is for the box and tools... bloody 200 for 6 screw drivers....

[AJ@PR]

Very nice guide! w00t w00t :)

[godhammer]

Looking through your list, I didn't see anything to cut case windows and the like. Some people will argue for Dremel, while others will say that snips are better, and still a third party will claim that Drano works wonders. However, for all of my aluminum cutting needs, I head to my local commisioned machine shop (you should have one nearby if you live in a decent sized city) and hire them to use a laser cutter or an abrasive waterjet machine to do all my cutting. It rarely costs more than $100 for a whole hour of cutting (which is WAY more than you should need) and the cuts are perfect.