Maybe this could be cool to do at the end of each year. I know I like to see tools people use. Try to keep it more towards DIY audio stuff.
I'll start with something pretty simple that I didnt think too much of when purchasing them but now I can't go without. I have used everything to tighten pedal hardware and while this falls into the line of "nice to have".....for me it's now a "must have"
https://lovemyswitches.com/rocket-sockets-pedal-building-socket-set/
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
Do homemade tools count?
(https://i.imgur.com/esIAnCZ.jpg)
I made this in January and it's been great. Before I made this, I was using my breadboard and the in/out/ground/power of boards kept falling out, it was an overall pain. That's my favorite of this year, hands down.
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
I got that same solder sucker because of a thread this year. I also love it. I had a cheap one, this one really improves building.
This center punch has been a game changer for me:
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/Ef4spO.jpg)
Quote from: Bio77 on December 22, 2020, 09:19:17 PM
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
I got that same solder sucker because of a thread this year. I also love it. I had a cheap one, this one really improves building.
Same here. It is super fantastic. I also got a Chip Quik flux pen and life is good.
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
I just got this recently also and completely agree - its a game changer
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2020, 08:00:34 PM
Maybe this could be cool to do at the end of each year. I know I like to see tools people use. Try to keep it more towards DIY audio stuff.
I'll start with something pretty simple that I didnt think too much of when purchasing them but now I can't go without. I have used everything to tighten pedal hardware and while this falls into the line of "nice to have".....for me it's now a "must have"
https://lovemyswitches.com/rocket-sockets-pedal-building-socket-set/
I've seen those around, but never did a deep dive to find them. Thanks for posting. They are on their way.
Quote from: HootyHoo on December 23, 2020, 03:26:05 AM
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2020, 08:00:34 PM
Maybe this could be cool to do at the end of each year. I know I like to see tools people use. Try to keep it more towards DIY audio stuff.
I'll start with something pretty simple that I didnt think too much of when purchasing them but now I can't go without. I have used everything to tighten pedal hardware and while this falls into the line of "nice to have".....for me it's now a "must have"
https://lovemyswitches.com/rocket-sockets-pedal-building-socket-set/
I've seen those around, but never did a deep dive to find them. Thanks for posting. They are on their way.
I almost got those too. But I went with a set of the color-coded, chromed, deep sockets from my local store.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/sockets/14-in-drive-metric-color-coded-deep-socket-set-10-pc-67868.html
(https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/7/67868_W3.jpg)
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 03:41:43 AM
Quote from: HootyHoo on December 23, 2020, 03:26:05 AM
Quote from: peAk on December 22, 2020, 08:00:34 PM
Maybe this could be cool to do at the end of each year. I know I like to see tools people use. Try to keep it more towards DIY audio stuff.
I'll start with something pretty simple that I didnt think too much of when purchasing them but now I can't go without. I have used everything to tighten pedal hardware and while this falls into the line of "nice to have".....for me it's now a "must have"
https://lovemyswitches.com/rocket-sockets-pedal-building-socket-set/
I've seen those around, but never did a deep dive to find them. Thanks for posting. They are on their way.
I almost got those too. But I went with a set of the color-coded, chromed, deep sockets from my local store.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/sockets/14-in-drive-metric-color-coded-deep-socket-set-10-pc-67868.html
(https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/7/67868_W3.jpg)
I have sockets, but was looking for something to take the risk of scratching the surface out of play. I like those though.
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
Well dammit, can a brother get a link?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The issue with sockets/nut drivers is the beveled inner edge and thin hardware, they'll slip. I've gronnd down the ends on nut drivers so the inner face is flat and will grab onto the nuts. Those plastic rockets look to have no inner bevel.
My Engineer solder sucker and deburring tool are old and i'd get them both again if the need ever arose. Had to put a new piece of tubing on the sucker recently and discovered you need to use a piece only as long as allows the plunger to just come through.
Quote from: jimilee on December 23, 2020, 04:35:36 AM
Well dammit, can a brother get a link?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Digikey has the solder sucker.
dave
Quote from: jimilee on December 23, 2020, 04:35:36 AM
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
Well dammit, can a brother get a link?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Adafruit is the cheapest but they are out of stock. They also sell them thru Digikey. It's an Engineer SS-02
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1597
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/1597/7244942
Mouser is out of stock at the moment too.
Mouser #:485-1597
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Adafruit/1597/?qs=%2Fha2pyFaduhNmwFKKfs2J%2FHLOOd68059wtAZ0EOXOc0RnaRI5wF5xQ%3D%3D
Need to take a look over at Digikey.
I like the rocket sockets just cuz they're cool. You can't over tighten stuff and they don't scratch enclosures (which is pretty much my calling card).
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 04:42:04 AM
Adafruit is the cheapest but they are out of stock. They also sell them thru Digikey. It's an Engineer SS-02
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1597
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/1597/7244942
I suspect digikey is going to be out of stock soon, too! I just ordered one, thanks for the tip.
Jameco has them too.
https://www.jameco.com/z/VTD5-Velleman-6-4-Long-Manual-Aluminum-Desoldering-Pump-Red-_2131160.html?CID=MERCH
Quote from: HootyHoo on December 23, 2020, 05:33:12 PM
Jameco has them too.
https://www.jameco.com/z/VTD5-Velleman-6-4-Long-Manual-Aluminum-Desoldering-Pump-Red-_2131160.html?CID=MERCH
Nope, sorry, that's not the same one
I can't emphasize enough that the tabs on the plastic Rocket Sockets are what make these things great
While regular metal sockets work fine, you can't apply the same torque with your hand as you can with these
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 05:45:18 PM
Quote from: HootyHoo on December 23, 2020, 05:33:12 PM
Jameco has them too.
https://www.jameco.com/z/VTD5-Velleman-6-4-Long-Manual-Aluminum-Desoldering-Pump-Red-_2131160.html?CID=MERCH
Nope, sorry, that's not the same one
Sorry, didn't catch that you were looking for a specific make.
Quote from: mattc on December 23, 2020, 05:17:11 PM
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 04:42:04 AM
Adafruit is the cheapest but they are out of stock. They also sell them thru Digikey. It's an Engineer SS-02
https://www.adafruit.com/product/1597
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/1597/7244942
I suspect digikey is going to be out of stock soon, too! I just ordered one, thanks for the tip.
Back when i bought mine the options were Adafruit and Amazon with Adafruit being the far better option even with shipping to Canada. Plus they had some other cool hard to find bits for the order.
Quote from: gordo on December 23, 2020, 02:01:29 PM
Need to take a look over at Digikey.
I like the rocket sockets just cuz they're cool. You can't over tighten stuff and they don't scratch enclosures (which is pretty much my calling card).
The socket rockets look to be just the deal for using inside a populated chassis and tighteneing RCA jacks , always a challenge make do job with everything i have available.
I use nut drivers or where room permits that ESP wrench to tighten nuts on enclosure and to prevent scratching finished enclosures took transparency film and cut holes based on the the size of the various common hardware nuts we see. Cut the transparency into individual strips and when i need to tighten a nut i can slip the appropriately sized strip around the nut to be tightened, it rests on the enclosure surface protecting it from the metal nut driver.
To cut the holes in the transparency, another tool you didn't know you needed, an Olfa Circle Cutter, very handy.
(https://www.tenaquip.com/images/large/p/pa700.jpg?1538429551)
Maybe this will show, but maybe it won't, i can see it.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_6085_zps8fad7bff.jpg)
dave
I use heat shrink tubing
Quote from: davent on December 23, 2020, 06:11:10 PM
To cut the holes in the transparency, another tool you didn't know you needed, an Olfa Circle Cutter, very handy.
(https://www.tenaquip.com/images/large/p/pa700.jpg?1538429551)
Maybe this will show, but maybe it won't, i can see it.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_6085_zps8fad7bff.jpg)
dave
You are correct. Now that I know it exists, I do need it.
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 07:46:47 PM
I use heat shrink tubing
Good idea. That's going to happen here soon, thanks!
Definitely Rocket Sockets for me. Well worth the $15 or whatever it was.
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 07:46:47 PM
I use heat shrink tubing
Genius! You just found a use for the large heat shrink tubes I've been saving for years. ;D
Quote from: jimilee on December 23, 2020, 04:35:36 AM
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
Well dammit, can a brother get a link?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use a cheap solder sucker with some high temp silicon tubing from work on the tip. I also cut a notch for the iron tip so I lose no suction. A drop of flux and I can get it all. That's why my pullout game was so strong on the dandy horse build.
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 07:46:47 PM
I use heat shrink tubing
I use the same harbour freight colored deep sockets and have the colors memorized, they are the best 6 dollars I spent in a long time. This is such a great idea I'm gonna have to try it.
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Thewintersoldier on December 23, 2020, 09:11:20 PM
Quote from: jimilee on December 23, 2020, 04:35:36 AM
Quote from: EBK on December 22, 2020, 08:19:11 PM
These are the tools I bought in 2020:
(https://i.imgur.com/It4jzTvl.jpg)
a deburring tool and a solder sucker.
The solder sucker has been a life changer for me. Before I got this, desoldering often involved burning the heck out of things while using copper braid. Not fun. This is simple. Heat the solder, push the button, and the solder is gone. 8)
The deburring tool is nice too. Saves some time cleaning up drill holes. Not life changing, but helpful.
Well dammit, can a brother get a link?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I use a cheap solder sucker with some high temp silicon tubing from work on the tip. I also cut a notch for the iron tip so I lose no suction. A drop of flux and I can get it all. That's why my pullout game was so strong on the dandy horse build.
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
I love the idea of cutting a notch. I gotta try that
Quote from: Aentons on December 23, 2020, 08:02:27 PM
Quote from: davent on December 23, 2020, 06:11:10 PM
To cut the holes in the transparency, another tool you didn't know you needed, an Olfa Circle Cutter, very handy.
(https://www.tenaquip.com/images/large/p/pa700.jpg?1538429551)
Maybe this will show, but maybe it won't, i can see it.
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc305/davent/IMG_6085_zps8fad7bff.jpg)
dave
You are correct. Now that I know it exists, I do need it.
I've actually determined that I need a circle cutter too. If we keep this thread going, we will eventually all have identical tools. ;D
Another trick I have is I like using the little harbor freight clamps for holding boards while I solder because they have the quick release trigger and have the handles that stick out so I can hold them down with my arm or wrist. I can also clamp one to another to hold them at weird angles.
Quote from: Aentons on December 24, 2020, 05:09:48 PM
Another trick I have is I like using the little harbor freight clamps for holding boards while I solder because they have the quick release trigger and have the handles that stick out so I can hold them down with my arm or wrist. I can also clamp one to another to hold them at weird angles.
I like that, a never ending search for options to hold boards without spending lots of money.
dave
Quote from: davent on December 24, 2020, 05:18:20 PM
Quote from: Aentons on December 24, 2020, 05:09:48 PM
Another trick I have is I like using the little harbor freight clamps for holding boards while I solder because they have the quick release trigger and have the handles that stick out so I can hold them down with my arm or wrist. I can also clamp one to another to hold them at weird angles.
I like that, a never ending search for options to hold boards without spending lots of money.
dave
That's genius.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This was my best buy, use it all the time now.
https://www.banggood.com/ProsKit-SN-390-Adjustable-PCB-Holder-Circuit-Board-Soldering-and-Assembly-Clamp-Holder-p-1104160.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search
I also have a big PCB assembly rack, but it is a pain to keep hauling it out for pedal PCBS
https://www.mantech.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?Item=72M0807
I, too, got the Rocket Sockets this year. I highly recommend them!
I need to get a de-burring tool. Right now I just use a too-big drill bit to get that stuff.
Had this for a long time but it's invaluable well beyond this hobby, reminded of it recently by a query at diystomp...
May be a hens tooth search but snap one up if you find one.
(https://i.imgur.com/lvVHs16l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/CqSORpEl.jpg)
dave