Tools to make the job easier?

[chromesphere]

Hi all,

I've been building pedals for a couple of years now, and there doesnt seem to be any sign of slowing down.  I don't build for sale, just for myself.  

I've lately been trying to think of ways to speed up the process, make it easier, or just a 'better way'.   2 things i have bought recently that have helped with the process (and i highly recommend):

Led tester - about 5 bucks on ebay, makes testing leds, checking the color of led's, and checking the brightness (depending on the resistor value), much easier.  Heres a link if you havent seen one before: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370445639526&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Drill press vice - unfortunately the one I bought doest fit 1590bb face up, it fits everything else i need it for though and makes PCB drilling a much easier task.  Well worth 15 dollars!  If you dont have one, go check one out!

So i'm wondering, if you guys have recently bought a tool or gadget to help you with the pedal building process, or something you use that you just couldnt do without? Drilling painting, soldering, any part of the process, i'm interested to hear!

Paul

[electrosonic]

Deep sockets, you just need a few sizes, for pots, jacks and stompswitches. Saves time, and you don't slip and scratch your new paint job.

Andrew.

[chromesphere]

Ahhh!  And theres the keyword: deep.  I have a socket set, but the size that fits the pot nuts is too short.  Good tip!  Never thought of that...thanks!

Paul

[phector2004]

I bought a cap tester kit for about 10$

Very useful for caps without the traditional 103, 104 etc markings. WIMAs used to leave me scratching my head with their complicated codes, but now I just plop the capacitor in, and it gives me its value.

[chromesphere]

Hey phector.  Was it a multi-meter style cap tester?  Usually im ok working out the values (when they are marked properly), converting them etc, but an actually tester would be a good idea (to double check before soldering / avoid stuff ups).  Particularly when you somtines get ones which havent been printed onto clearly...good idea!
Paul

[.Mike]

One of my favorite, cheapest tools is... a clothes pin. Actually a few of them.

Not only are they great for holding a board or wire or component off your work surface, but my favorite use for them is for lead bending. If you disassemble one, you can put a resistor in one of the grooves and bend the leads down the side. Perfect 0.4" spacing every time-- at least with the clothes pins that I have.

Mike

[phector2004]

Hey phector.  Was it a multi-meter style cap tester?  Usually im ok working out the values (when they are marked properly), converting them etc, but an actually tester would be a good idea (to double check before soldering / avoid stuff ups).  Particularly when you somtines get ones which havent been printed onto clearly...good idea!
Paul

It's this one actually: http://www.jyetech.com/Products/CapMeter/eCapMeter.php

Has a strip of 6 sockets to test different caps, but there are extra pads on the board for you to add your own leads. Didn't have an extra set, so I didn't bother.

You'd be surprised how far off ceramics can be 

[.Mike]

It's this one actually: http://www.jyetech.com/Products/CapMeter/eCapMeter.php

I picked up the same one here. Love it. Super easy build, and works great.

The price has gone up 86% since I bought mine in Nov '09, though!

Mike

[chromesphere]

hmmm, im thinking for a bit extra, i can get a multimeter that has capacitance tester inbuilt.  I think they are on ebay for about 18 AUD.  Still, a capacitance tester is a good idea.  Clothes peg.  Have to try that mike!  I'm usually using an alligator clip from my helping hands but a clothes peg sounds easier!  So many good ideas...!!!

Paul

[jasperoosthoek]

Get yourself a good step drill bit on ebay. Makes drilling enclosures super easy!

I have got a good cable stripper. Made in the USA. I guess that means something . It's at work now. Everyone uses it.

[smallbearelec]

Please check out my shopping guide for tools:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/Tools/Tools.htm

and encourage others to do so. All of this stuff is available from the Stock List, including a 1/4" ratchet that is comfortable in the hand:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=863

and a Nut Starter:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=1059

I will be getting the 10mm deep socket for nuts on 16mm pots...

I want to be known as a source for specialty tools, so have gone out of my way to find wholesale sources. We just recently got the whole Dremel line, so pls think of SBE when you need bits and pieces.

Regards
SD

[chromesphere]

+1 on the step bit suggestion.  Im still not sure how i managed using drill bits and a hand drill.  Not to mention how unsafe it was 

[deadastronaut]

my latest little helper is a 'reamer'...very handy for widening metal holes....some parts / led bezels/toggles /.. can vary in width....just saves getting the drill out again for a simple job...

[Skruffyhound]

I have a cap meter on one of my DMM's, but it doesn't go as high as the kit mentioned above, so I still use the kit for high value electrolytics and as a cross reference for the DMM.

[jasperoosthoek]

And if you consider a cable stripper then watch out:

NOOO:


YES:

http://www.mbelectronics.com/view.aspx?id=402

This is thing is absolute genius, love it. Take that from someone who learned to strip cables with scissors, hobby knives and pliers from age 10 and who is rather good at it. 

[KazooMan]

I recently got a thermal wire stripper.  It is fantastic!

[Hides-His-Eyes]

how much was it?

[robmdall]

If you like the 'third hand' type holder you will fall in love with this - http://www.micromark.com/4-Arm-Holding-Jig,7173.html

One of the handiest tools in my arsenal.

[jefe]

how much was it?

Good question. Thermal stippers have always been a bit too pricey for me. Also, where did you get yours, KazooMan?

[davent]

Binocular magnifier, invaluable!

http://tinyurl.com/45vrm7c

Brass wool- solder cleaning pad.

http://www.rpelectronics.com/sr-460-soldering-iron-tip-cleaner-with-stand.html

dave