Favorite Electronic Tools

There are a few tools that I have been using over the last year while learning more and more about electronics that I would never want to give up. I figured it would be fun to feature my favorite and most useful tools that I use while working on electronics.

#5 - BK Tools Multimeter

When I first started out I used a cheap $15 RadioShack(The Shack) multimeter. This worked fine while just fooling with the basics. Once that broke I got extremely frustrated and decided I needed a good multimeter. The BK Tool Kit 2704B has been a wonderful mid priced meter that I have used at work and in all my electronic projects. This baby even came out to Buffalo with me and was a critical tool in assembly of the Captain of Industry.

#4 - De-Soldering Braid

I just recently picked up De-soldering Braid for the first time, but this stuff is wonderful beyond belief. I had a three pin solder bridge on an integrated circuit that I just couldn't get rid of. One hit of the braid cleared it up right away. When I first started I was stupid enough to try and use a solder sucker. Solder suckers dont work at all. I have since used stranded copper wire to suck up limited amount of solder..but it really doesn't work that well.

#3 - Dremel

My father purchased a #20 Dremel tool for me about two years ago and it has been invaluable when coupled with a cutoff/grinding disk. A Dremel with grinding disk can cut through a silicon circuit board like a hot knife through butter. I have also used my Dremel and grinding disks to cut through metal in several occasions. A must have tool!

#2 - Kester Flux Pen

The Kester flux pen is an invaluable tool that I use every time I do a soldering project. It allows precision soldering in many cases and the flux pen is in a form factor that can easily fit in your pocket. Its easy to wash off with water...for the most part. For those of you that arent familiar with flux, it is a liquid that allows solder to melt at lower temperatures. It also has the effect of making solder be attracted to metal. Flux makes it pretty easy to solder extremely small pins with a big soldering iron tip because the solder sticks to metal much better as long as you dont have too much solder. The reduced heat needed to melt solder also reduces the chances of ruining an integrated circuit.

#1 - Leatherman Squirt multi-tool
By far the most useful tool I have had for work and at home is the Leatherman Squirt multi-tool/jackknife. Its small enough to easily fit in a pocket and has a combination of the best tools for electronics work. The sharp blade works great for cutting and stripping small wire. The pliers are awesome. The screwdriver heads always come in handy. You can use some of the smaller flat heads for phoenix connectors when you have to. The file is great for shaving metal, silicone, epoxy, and anything else you can imagine. Hats off to Leatherman for making a great multi-tool. I never figured I would carry a knife at all times, but this is just a must for wherever I go.