Electronic Tools Quiz

Overview of Common Tools for Working with Electronics

Specialized tools have evolved for the electronics industry, some modified from common hardware store types and others designed from the outset to fulfill a specific need.
For basic electronics work, common hardware tools are sufficient and odd-ball tools can be avoided.
A selection of catalogs from companies such as Digikey and Mouser can provide ideas of available tools.
Screwdrivers should include a basic selection and miniature/specialty screwdrivers for disassembling electronics.
Pliers should include specialty pliers with narrow tips, needle-nose pliers, and lineman’s pliers for bending large-gauge wire and cutting screws and small bolts.
Specialty cutters are available for trimming component leads on a PCB, including flush cutters, diagonal cutters, and end cutters.
Wire strippers made specifically for stripping wires are recommended over using pliers or other tools, including manual and automatic wire strippers.
Crimping tools are essential for working with crimped terminals and come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from simple plier-like tools to aerospace-grade ratcheted devices with interchangeable crimping parts.
Socket drivers and hex wrenches are necessary for working with socket-head screws and bolts, and it's recommended to have both ANSI/ASME and metric sizes.
Clamps are useful for exerting pressure to hold something, including alligator clips and hemostats for holding parts in place for soldering or adhesive work.
Various types of clamps can be used for electronics work, including miniature C-clamps and plastic spring-loaded devices.
For dealing with metal, the C-clamp is often a good first choice, and smaller sizes are recommended for a toolbox.
A small vise is useful for holding parts steady while working on them, and can be purchased in a variety of sizes and styles.Essential Tools for an Electronics Shop
A lightweight bench vise with padded plastic strips on the jaws is useful for delicate items and electronics work.
PanaVise is a brand that offers a model 300 base and a model 301 vise head for electronics work.
A compact workstation with a soldering iron holder, circuit board holder, and heavy base can be created using a PanaVise model 315 circuit board holder with a model 300 base.
Heavy-duty vises like the one shown in Figure 1-22 are suitable for bending metal or hammering out a stuck steel alignment pin but require a permanent location.
Rotary tools are versatile and come with a selection of speeds and attachment options, making them useful for cutting small square holes in a plastic box, trimming a printed circuit board, and drilling holes in a PCB.
Miniature cut-off disks, sanding drums, and cutting tips are the most useful attachments for rotary tools.
Small bench grinders like the one shown in Figure 1-26 are handy for shaping the tip of a screwdriver, taking the corner off a bracket, or cleaning up the edge of a piece of aluminum or clear acrylic.
A right-angle grinder like the one shown in Figure 1-27 is useful for cutting small-diameter metal extrusions and tubing, removing the end of a machine screw or bolt, and slicing up an aluminum chassis.
A small drill press is essential for drilling holes for screws, switches, LED indicators, or connectors to create a clean, precise hole.
A hand-held electric drill is handy for quick holes, drilling out a rivet, or driving in a screw, and a battery-powered type is recommended.
Sets of drill bits in various sizes are widely available, but low-cost drill bit sets contain bits that will not stand up to extended or heavy use.
A tap and die kit is handy to have around for creating threaded holes or special-purpose threaded shafts, but it must be used with care to avoid damage to the tools.Essential Tools for Electronic Projects
Step drills make the process of step-up drilling easier and are best suited for soft materials.
Tweezers are invaluable for working with small parts that needle-nose pliers won't hold safely or reliably.
A decent soldering iron or a soldering station is essential for working with electronics, and cheap soldering irons should be avoided.
A true stereo microscope is best for working with surface-mounted components, but low-cost options can be found.
Workspaces are crucial for storing and using tools, and a good toolbox and workbench are essential.
A minimum set of tools for electronic projects includes screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, wire strippers, lineman's pliers, hex wrenches, sockets, soldering tools, a drill, drill bits, and a good set of files.
Surplus or second-hand tool shops can be a great source for tools at low prices, but they may need to be cleaned or adjusted before use.
A good set of tools can make all the difference between success and failure in electronic projects.
The use of step drills should be done with caution, and a drill press is recommended to prevent injury.
Magnifiers and microscopes are necessary for working with surface-mounted components and protecting eyesight.
Soldering stations for surface-mount work can be expensive, but a good station with a fine tip and appropriate temperature can handle many SMT tasks.
Industrial-grade workbenches can be expensive, but repurposed metal furniture or DIY overhead shelving can be low-cost alternatives.