Useful tools

[gtr2]

Just a thread for us to share some useful tools we have found for pedal building..

Mine is the cheap desoldering iron available at radio shack..

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062731

It's cheap but effective.  It is really incredible how much easier it is to desolder a part with this.  The build quality is standard rat shack, but for the price it works brilliantly!  No more vacuum pump or desoldering braid for me.

[mjcyates]

I have found that tool to be quite useful as well.

[Mark_McQ]

A MUST. The one tool that will stop you wanting to kill yourself out of frustration.

[jtn191]

thanks, gtr2. I'll look into that one...good stuff like that is what this board is for!
Lord knows in my hands, an "eraser" is just as important as a "pencil"!

And Mark_McQ,
A clamp really is essential. To save money, I've used one of my dad's clamps laying around along with a magnifying glass. I'm pretty careful about how much pressure I put on the boards--but it's worked great so far!

[stecykmi]

Everyone should have a test signal generator of some sort. A signal generator is ideal, but you can build a relatively simple sine(ish) wave generator with a handfull of parts:

http://www.geofex.com/FX_images/q&dosc.pdf

It makes testing circuits WAY easier especially with an audio probe or 'scope.

[eniacmike]

http://parts.digikey.ca/1/1/862297-trimmer-adjustment-tool-acctritob308-t000.html

trimmer adjustment tool. I use one of these for adjusting trimpots and setting set screws. whenever I use jewlers screws on knob setscrews they end up marking up the knob

[pandadandan]

sound analyser - functioning as a simple oscilloscope.
FREE
http://www.sillanumsoft.org/download.htm

I use my Iphone plus an app called Signal Generator by a company called Cateater to output precise signals.

[Mark_McQ]

Stepper drill bit. These are genius for drilling enclosure holes.



And if you have an iPhone, this is a handy app. Probably the one I use the most on my phone, in fact:

http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/id339158729?mt=8

[gtr2]

I've gotta check out those apps!  I've got a step drill bit, quick clamps, and third hands...they all come in handy!

[jstbrowsin]

I highly recommend one of these, as I must have used mine at least once or twice every day since I bought it last year. Every single day. 



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[eniacmike]

Stepper drill bit. These are genius for drilling enclosure holes.



And if you have an iPhone, this is a handy app. Probably the one I use the most on my phone, in fact:

http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/id339158729?mt=8

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365202_200365202
I don't know if you guys have a northern tool by you but these are the cheapest stepped bits I have found and they outlasted my irwin unibits by a long shot. I have probably drilled 100 pedals with the same bit now. 19.99 for 3 bits. I only really use the smaller one, the big one is nice if you want to drill some 1/2" holes for stomps or power jacks but the smaller one goes up to 1/2" too.

[irmcdermott]

+1

I live 40 minutes from a northern tool and i use those bits, as well as their small drill press and both have worked great for me so far!

[redbean]

Mine is the cheap desoldering iron available at radio shack..

It's cheap but effective.  It is really incredible how much easier it is to desolder a part with this.  The build quality is standard rat shack, but for the price it works brilliantly!  No more vacuum pump or desoldering braid for me.

Please forgive my n00b questions: Isn't 45 watts a bit high for working on pedals? How does one keep the device clean? (-- doesn't it fill up with used solder?). How is it working so far, since you posted this?

[bigmufffuzzwizz]

Please forgive my n00b questions: Isn't 45 watts a bit high for working on pedals? How does one keep the device clean? (-- doesn't it fill up with used solder?). How is it working so far, since you posted this?

He seems to like it. I'm gonna get one and i'll tell you what i think about it!

Haven't heard of northern tools but harbor freight is a great family owned hardware store! Right now i have a coupon for a 3 set of those step drill bits for 8.99!! I got a drill press from there for $50. They have lifetime warranty on all hand tools and they have a members club for $25 a year with even more discounts. Great place!

[irmcdermott]

Northern tool is very similar to harbor freight, in my opinion.