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

Quote: 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

Quote: 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

shakes · 12-26-2003, 11:49 PM

sears is another good place for meters

frodobaggins · 12-27-2003, 12:33 AM

Extech has a nice True-RMS multimeter for about $80 bucks right now.

SjLucky · 12-27-2003, 01:59 AM

people people
all of you are missing the great tool ever
With this tool you can move mountains
you can Unearth the dead
you can remove and pair of panties with ease
you can drive all most forever
you can do all these thigns and more with BEER

I wouldnt be where I am today if it wasnt for beer. I wouldnt have worked in the places I have worked if it wasnt for beer. (I also wouldnt have to work at Burger King if it wasnt for beer) I wouldnt be able to drive straight if it wasnt for beer.

to my never ending supply of beer I wouldnt do a damn thing

owenjh · 12-27-2003, 08:28 PM

Hoorraaay for beer. I got a wirestripper from lowes which had some crimping things on it it was like $10 not bad for what I use it for.

tom2112 · 12-29-2003, 11:04 AM

I gotta throw this in, since we're talking about tools:
THE GREATEST TOOL IN THE WORLD (except for previously mentioned, beer) IS THE SNAP-ON RATCHETING SCREWDRIVER!!!

This thing is the bomb! It's pricey at $48, but well worth it. I never felt this way about a screwdriver before.

They tried to take it from me at the airport, and I was considering walking from Boston to Pittsburgh rather than surrender my screwdriver! Fortunately for me and my screwdriver I got to check that bag and keep my screwdriver.

You gotta check this thing out. It's no normal screwdriver. www snapon com part number SSDMR4B.

eugenen · 12-29-2003, 12:08 PM

The best most used tool I have is my leatherman wave. Second most is the Cordless drill