These are the tools in 'kits' that you can buy complete from Electronics Express
Many of these tools are also available at "Radioshack" (and other DIY/hobbyist shops) or maybe around your house
Mix & match to get the best toolset for your project needs and budget!
Let me know if you have any suggestions or corrections, just post a message on the forums!
This is the most basic kit you can go with, and still be able to assemble & troubleshoot basic electronics.
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"25W adjustable" soldering iron (marginal quality) |
Do not get "ColdHeat" or other battery-powered soldering irons: they are not suitable for electronics (check the packaging) and can easily damage your project! |
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Combination "3rd hand" and soldering iron holder | Elexp 060842 $3.95 + Elexp 060834 $2.95 = $6.90 |
You can either get a third hand tool and, seperately, a sponge/iron holder but this device is OK. |
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60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/2 lb |
This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
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Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
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Shear cutters | Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
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Basic Multimeter | MASTECH MAS830 |
This meter is pretty much your basic meter, comes with transistor testing slots! A good value. |
| Needle-nose pliers | Generic brand |
Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
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Wire strippers | This is the defacto standard issued to all students. But hey, they work! | |
| Total | $50 |
Not including shipping | |
Determined to do a bunch of electronics work? This kit will take you far!
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40W adjustable tempurature controlled iron |
Weller irons are very good quality, this one comes with a stand, temperature control and on-off switch. |
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Small circuit board holder |
Good for small circuit boards | |
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Third hand | In addition to the panavise jr. This will always come in handy. I never use the magnifying glass but you can spend an extra dollar for it. | |
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60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/2 lb |
This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
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Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
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Shear cutters |
Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
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Basic Multimeter |
This meter is pretty much your basic meter, comes with transistor testing slots! A good value. |
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| Needle-nose pliers | Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
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Wire Cutters/Strippers 20-30AWG |
A nice upgrade, this can cleanly strip wire in the most common gauges | |
| Total | $100 |
(shipping not included) | |
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Adjustable 50W soldering iron (Good quality) Weller WES51 (digital version is WESD51) or WES50 (older version) |
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The best value, this iron will last you a very long time. Auto-off functionality, full temp control. I love it! |
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Large circuit board holder Panavise 324 or similar |
For larger circuit boards | |
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Small circuit board holder |
Good for small circuit boards | |
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Third hand | In addition to the panavise jr. This will always come in handy | |
|
60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/2 lb |
This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
|
|
Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
|
Shear cutters |
Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
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Autoranging Multimeter w/Capacitance and frequency meter |
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This meter has capacitance, frequency, temperature, auto-ranging etc. |
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Fine tweezers | If you're doing a lot of surface mount soldering | |
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Tip tinner |
Keeps soldering tips in good condition | |
| Needle-nose pliers | Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
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Wire Cutters/Strippers 20-30AWG | A nice upgrade, this can cleanly strip wire in the most common gauges | |
| Total | $265 |
(shipping not included) | |