These are the tools in 'kits' that you can buy complete from Jameco
Many of these tools are also available at "Radioshack" (and other DIY/hobbyist shops) or maybe around your house
Mix & match to get the best toolset for your project needs and budget!
Let me know if you have any suggestions or corrections,
This is the most basic kit you can go with, and still be able to assemble & troubleshoot basic electronics.
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"25W adjustable" soldering iron (marginal quality) | Xyltronics SUPERPASE 258VL |
Do not get "ColdHeat" or other battery-powered soldering irons: they are not suitable for electronics (check the packaging) and can easily damage your project! |
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Combination "3rd hand" and soldering iron holder |
Elexp 060842 $3.95 + Elexp 060834 $2.95 = $6.90 |
You can either get a third hand tool and, seperately, a sponge/iron holder but this device is OK. |
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60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/4 or 1/2 lb | This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
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Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
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Shear cutters | Cooper Tools "Xcelite" 170M |
Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
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Basic Multimeter | MASTECH MAS830 |
This meter is pretty much your basic meter, comes with transistor testing slots! A good value. |
| Needle-nose pliers | Generic brand |
Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
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Wire strippers | This is the defacto standard issued to all students. But hey, they work! | |
| Total | $50 |
Not including shipping | |
Determined to do a bunch of electronics work? This kit will take you far!
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40W adjustable tempurature controlled iron | Weller WLC100 |
Weller irons are very good quality, this one comes with a stand, temperature control and on-off switch. |
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Small circuit board holder | Panavise Jr. 201 |
Good for small circuit boards |
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Third hand | In addition to the panavise jr. This will always come in handy. I never use the magnifying glass but you can spend an extra dollar for it. | |
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60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/2 lb | This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
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Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
|
Shear cutters | Cooper Tools "Xcelite" 170M |
Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
|
Basic Multimeter | MASTECH MAS830L |
This meter is pretty much your basic meter, comes with transistor testing slots! A good value. |
| Needle-nose pliers | Generic brand |
Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
|
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Wire Cutters/Strippers 20-30AWG | Hanlong Tools HT-5023-R |
A nice upgrade, this can cleanly strip wire in the most common gauges |
| Total | $100 |
(shipping not included) | |
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Adjustable 50W soldering iron (Good quality) | Weller WES51 (digital version is WESD51) or WES50 (older version) |
The best value, this iron will last you a very long time. Auto-off functionality, full temp control. I love it! |
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Large circuit board holder | Panavise |
For larger circuit boards |
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Small circuit board holder | Panavise Jr. 201 |
Good for small circuit boards |
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Third hand | In addition to the panavise jr. This will always come in handy | |
|
60/40 Lead Solder, rosin core .031” 1/2 lb | This is a good general purpose solder. Also look into getting 63/37 solder. Getting a 1 lb roll is only $0.75 more so consider it if you plan on doing a bunch of soldering! Don't buy silver solder (yet) or lead-free solder. You will have a lot of difficulty using it and its not 'less dangerous' |
|
|
Solder sucker / Desolder pump | Extremely useful for when you make mistakes or bridge pins! | |
|
Shear cutters | Cooper Tools "Xcelite" 170M |
Essential, these are fairly inexpensive and high quality. Don't ever use these to cut anything but copper wire (electronic leads). Steel wire, or aluminum will basically destroy them instantaneously! |
 |
Autoranging Multimeter w/Capacitance and frequency meter | Extech EX330 |
This meter has capacitance, frequency, temperature, auto-ranging etc. |
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Fine tweezers | GCP-018 |
If you're doing a lot of surface mount soldering |
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Tip tinner | Kester 83-4000-4010 |
Keeps soldering tips in good condition |
| Needle-nose pliers | Generic brand |
Any needlenose pliers will do. Check around the house, most people have one already for basic repairs. Electronics ones tend to be smaller. |
|
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Wire Cutters/Strippers 20-30AWG | Hanlong Tools HT-5023-R |
A nice upgrade, this can cleanly strip wire in the most common gauges |
| Total | $265 |
(shipping not included) | |