Essential Tools For Newbies?

[MrChef]

Oh just thought of another simple one that you likely already have. You mentioned removing track pins. Well a simple household push pin or tack does the job easily with a little persuasion from a small hammer. I've since spent money on pin punches. But the simple almost free tack gets the job done.

[Finius]

Thanks all, some really useful and helpful suggestions here - the suggestion of a readily available pint is definitely welcomed!

I’m currently away from my PC, but once back at home, intend to update my post with all of the items suggested so far in case anyone else would find it useful.

As a follow up question, would anyone be able to recommend any good books or resources for learning more about RC electronics (and indeed about electronics in general). I’m considering picking up Electronics For Dummies, just to help enhance my knowledge, but would love to hear any additional suggestions!

[Tiger6]

Wouldn't bother to be honest, you need some pretty specialist knowledge and tools to be able to diagnose and fix failed control boards.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Finius: three cheers for your idea to make a list of all the tools recommended so far! I think that would be a great contribution to RCTW--one to which we can refer as others join.

[MrChef]

Finius: three cheers for your idea to make a list of all the tools recommended so far! I think that would be a great contribution to RCTW--one to which we can refer as others join.

I suspect he already started following a list.

He got a pint
Got a spinny thing (lazy susan)

Placed the pint on the spinny thing to admire it and promptly spilled it
Got the paper towel and used up his saved patience sopping up a spilled perfectly good pint,

and called it a night.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

No, the pint was not on a lazy Susan; Finius was spinning.
I always use a spare track pin of the right size, sometimes shortened to reduce the chance of bending. Mr. Chef: where did you get pin punches so small and strong you could hammer out track pins?

[MrChef]

Mr. Chef: where did you get pin punches so small and strong you could hammer out track pins?

Home depot.

They said they were hardened Chinesium but I rose to the occasion and bent the smallest one just thinking of using it as a toothpick.

I'm sure they sell better ones for automotive applications that would work better or the same.

I saw others at Wallymart but they didn't seem thin enough. Home depot was in the same mall complex as Wally so it was just a hop skip and a jump.

[tankme]

I have a watch repair kit that has some tiny little wire type punches that I use on my tracks with that little hammer. If the tracks are small enough you can use the watch pin press tool.

[Finius]

First post updated - will keep adding to / amending as replies come in etc.

Question re: the pints, is mead an acceptable tankers beverage? It doesn't normally go in a pint glass, but I'm more than willing to make an exception (or three).

[jarndice]

Finius: three cheers for your idea to make a list of all the tools recommended so far! I think that would be a great contribution to RCTW--one to which we can refer as others join.

If you scroll back a few pages on the Hints & Tips page you will discover pretty much the same list that has been compiled here.
There is very little new on the Forum whtch is why it is such a rich source of reference.