What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

If you have a tank query and you can't find the answer anywhere else, post here. (TIP - Check for answers in FAQ, use the 'search' facility or even check this board before posting here).
Forum rules
If your question is electronics related please post it in one of the relevant boards here: viewforum.php?f=31
User avatar
Verrumola
Recruit
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:02 am
Location: Toronto, CA

What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by Verrumola »

I'm just getting into nitro and electric rc trucks. I have the LST2 and the e-revo 1/16th trucks. Seems like there are 50 tool brands https://mechanicfaq.com/rc-tool-kits/ and all different combo's you can buy. I saw the new 29 piece Integy racers kit, and it looks good for the money if you break down what you are getting by the piece. But I don't want to spend just yet and would rather buy the best like snap-on for automotive use. Are there any veterans out there that are confident in the top brand and most complete selection available. Will I have to buy multiple brands to get the best? In other words like snap-on, mac, matco. Each one seems to have a tool better than the other even though snap-on is clearly the best on average. Thanks for the help. You can't believe how much time I have spent on looking at all the different tools out there. I'm giving up and asking for help. :\
Last edited by Verrumola on Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
43rdRecceReg
Major
Posts: 6295
Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2015 11:38 am
Location: North West Highlands, Scotland

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by 43rdRecceReg »

For scratch building, I find the Trumpeter mini razor saw; the ex-acto precision Razor Saw; Tamiya sprue cutter (plus the little Tamiya kit complete with spanners etc., that comes with their tanks); and the ubiquitous Dremel fulfil most needs. :)
Then again, some of the best tools don't have brand names: no, they're the ones you improvise yourself. :thumbup:
A good set of micro nut drivers also comes in very handy...
Last edited by 43rdRecceReg on Tue Dec 18, 2018 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please"- Mark Twain.
User avatar
HERMAN BIX
Major-General
Posts: 11441
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 12:15 am
Location: Gold Coast,Australia

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by HERMAN BIX »

Hi impact super glue gel, a razor saw, any tool with any name that can remove product with a high speed abrasive, and good lighting ;)
HL JAGDPANTHER,HL TIGER 1,HL PzIII MUNITIONSCHLEPPER, HL KT OCTOPUS,HL PANTHER ZU-FUSS,HL STuG III,HL T34/85 BEDSPRING,
HL PZIV MALTA,MATORRO JAGDTIGER,HL F05 TIGER,TAMIYA KT,HL PANTHERDOZER,HL EARLY PANTHER G,TAIGEN/RAMINATOR T34/76,
HL AN-BRI-RAM SU-85
User avatar
AlwynTurner
2nd Lieutenant
Posts: 2654
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 10:47 am
Location: Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by AlwynTurner »

I agree about the Dremel, it's indispensable. Otherwise apart from the modelling knife which should be best quality, then Aldi sell a variety of screw drivers, spanners etc which are really good and incredible value, especially their small rechargeable screwdriver which with the right bits can be a drill/screwdriver/etc. Good lighting is also essential, I have an anglepoise type LED light with multiple settings and it is totally indispensable.

Alwyn
YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO HAVE A HAPPY CHILDHOOD!

Saladin scratchbuild, Matilda scratchbuild, Churchill scratchbuild, Crusader scratchbuild, M10 Achiĺles scratchbuild, Universal Carrier scratchbuild
User avatar
Son of a gun-ner
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 7547
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 8:49 pm
Location: Lancashire UK

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by Son of a gun-ner »

Well, as you're in Canada, I'm not sure what makes of tools are stocked in your country.

It would however be handy if we knew what types of tools you require.

Obviously makes like snap on, and the British equivalent Britool are right at the top.
Kamasa are also very good, I believe they're Japanese.
For measuring, Mitutoyo are most excellent, and slightly cheaper than the American and British equivalent.
For drill bits, taps etc, Dormer is one of the best.
Most things made in Germany.
Nothing made in China.
Mick - The grit in the underpants of life!
Always happy to spare the bytes
Apparently my mind works in mysterious ways :think:

TOTM needs YOU :thumbup: support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
User avatar
jarndice
Colonel
Posts: 8399
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:27 am
Location: the mountains of hertfordshire

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by jarndice »

No list of tools for our hobby would be complete without a set of Needle Files I use the Drapers 12 piece set number 4884/12C/Stock number36325,
Probably the most under-rated tool I own but one of the most used is a Pin Vise, Essential is the only word for it.
A decent small Machine Vise is always handy and if you buy a Dremel and I recommend that you do I suggest you buy the complimentary Dremel Tool Stand.
A Rolson and a Draper Tap and Die set are valuable additions if you want to bolt your builds together instead of relying on glue.
You will find yourself accumulating many and various bits and pieces along the way such as finger nail abrasives that your Lady uses and Plasticard, I use 1mm and 3mm sheet, shop around for the best deals also Duct/Duck Tape and Double sided tape,
Don't forget a soldering iron and if you are going to solder Photo-Etch then you need something like a "Nimrod Solderpro-50k 4 function butane gas torch" as well as a pot of "Fryolux Paint" The one complementing the other,
In truth you will never stop acquiring tools as you enter ever deeper into this hobby. :lolno:
Last edited by jarndice on Tue Dec 18, 2018 1:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I think I am about to upset someone :haha:
User avatar
Son of a gun-ner
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 7547
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 8:49 pm
Location: Lancashire UK

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by Son of a gun-ner »

Lindstrom for cutters and pliers.
Bahco for adjustable wrenches.
I believe the above have joined into one company now.

Soldering irons, I prefer Weller.

Eclipse for hack saws, both junior and normal size.
Starrett, basically anything they make, like pin vices, measuring equipment etc.
Estwing for hammers.
Marples for chisels carpentry tools.

All depends how much money you can take out on a second mortgage lol
Mick - The grit in the underpants of life!
Always happy to spare the bytes
Apparently my mind works in mysterious ways :think:

TOTM needs YOU :thumbup: support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
User avatar
Son of a gun-ner
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 7547
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 8:49 pm
Location: Lancashire UK

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by Son of a gun-ner »

Oh, and Bahco for files, one of the best makes on the market with a handle already attached.
If they do needle files, they too would be amongst the best make
Mick - The grit in the underpants of life!
Always happy to spare the bytes
Apparently my mind works in mysterious ways :think:

TOTM needs YOU :thumbup: support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
User avatar
Son of a gun-ner
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 7547
Joined: Sun May 07, 2017 8:49 pm
Location: Lancashire UK

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by Son of a gun-ner »

Swann Morton for Scalpels and blades.

Exacto are pretty good as far as modelling knives go.

Winsor & Newton are very good paint brushes.

I'll shut up now :{
Mick - The grit in the underpants of life!
Always happy to spare the bytes
Apparently my mind works in mysterious ways :think:

TOTM needs YOU :thumbup: support YOUR TOTM competition, I'm doing my part, are YOU?
User avatar
jarndice
Colonel
Posts: 8399
Joined: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:27 am
Location: the mountains of hertfordshire

Re: What are the absolute best tools you can buy?

Post by jarndice »

If you have an electric drill and a drill stand or a Dremmel or similar with its matching drill stand you do not need a separate Bench Grinder, The Dremmel stand allows the drill to be rotated through 45 degrees,
With a stone in the chuck you can preset the speed and working with 1/16 scale parts that need work the Dremmel should be able to easily deal with the challenge.
What I like about the Dremmel is it is a Multi-Tool.
I recommend looking through the catalogues of not only Dremmel but Proxxon , Ryobi and all the other makers of small electrical multi-tools for a view of what "Add ons" they have available that change the tool into an electrical tool-box.
I think I am about to upset someone :haha:
Post Reply

Return to “General Questions”