n00b looking to get some tools

**souljetta** · 12-25-2003, 04:21 PM

So im pretty new to electronics and what not, and im looking to get some good newbie tools to start off. Im looking to get a good solder pencil and solder (no more butt plugs!), and a good wire stripper (no more razor blade!), and perhaps a tool to test voltage in a circuit.

Any reccommend any online sites or chain stores to pick these tools?
I know i can use google, but im looking for peoples favorites stores

**deadweasel** · 12-25-2003, 04:28 PM

Butt SPLICE! SPLICE!!

Good place to get the basics is at a Radio Shack. That is, if you live in the States.

**Sh0cker** · 12-25-2003, 04:33 PM

as deadweasel said: Radio Shack would be a good place to check
also http://www.allelectronics.com if you buy stuff online.

**Seraph** · 12-25-2003, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by souljetta

good wire stripper (no more razor blade!), and perhaps a tool to test voltage in a circuit.

Isn't that what teeth are for? They are insulated too. I once stripped a 50V AC wire with my teeth. Needless to say I forgot to turn it off. Bit, teeth insulated the electricity, but as soon as my tongue touched the wires, I lost feeling in my tongue for the next few days. i could eat all the hot sauce I wanted then.

Kids, don't do it at home

**deadweasel** · 12-25-2003, 04:48 PM

Holy crap! Yeah, that will give your tongue immortality! I stripped a live phone wire with my teeth once, and touched it with the tongue. Instant buzz factor! Not as bad as the 50v, but holy crap was my tongue numb for a couple days!

**shakes** · 12-25-2003, 08:31 PM

radio shack is a good place to get beginner multimeters and solder irons... however i would go to home depot or lowes to get a wire stripper.

if you've got the money to spend, get a fluke meter and a weller soldering iron. good stuff.

try to get a meter that reads voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and a diode tester.

**eugenen** · 12-26-2003, 04:19 PM

I do the teeth stripping as well. I stripped a wire on the ring generator for a 911 equipment shelf (80v 30hz) set there bouncing up and down until I was able to knock the cord loose.

**tom2112** · 12-26-2003, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by eugenen

I do the teeth stripping as well. I stripped a wire on the ring generator for a 911 equipment shelf (80v 30hz) set there bouncing up and down until I was able to knock the cord loose.

A guy I worked with got some 220v 60hz to his right hand. He crapped his pants instantly. If it wasn't a near-death experience it would have been hilarious.

OK. It was hilarious anyway!

On another subject: don't bother buying a Fluke meter - they're expensive. They're worth it if you're planning to spend a lot of time working on delicate electronics. But for auto install and carputer use, a no-name digital multimeter will do just fine. I've got a Fluke at work, and a Radio Shack at home.

For wire strippers get the good ones, not the cheap ones:

**tom2112** · 12-26-2003, 08:45 PM

Also: don't buy the $19.95 digital multimeter at Radio Shack. It is a peice of crap. I bought one for a small contract job. It was so bad it had trouble checking continuity. There are decent meters that aren't Flukes. I can't think of any brand name right now, though.

Here's a link:
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...0BL&type=store