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<h1> Basic Tools </h1>
<templatestyles src="Entry_Stylesheet/style.css" />


<h3>Screwdriver / Bits</h3>
== Basic Tools ==
Tools categorized as 'Basic Tools' are essential for a wide range of general tasks and foundational to most projects. They are versatile, commonly used, and often required for basic maintenance, repair, or assembly tasks.


* [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-4-mm-screwdriver-bit?variant=39953684168807 4mm Loose Bits]. Avoid buying their PH or Gamebits. You will also need an 4mm driver handle.
===Screwdrivers and Bits ===
*[https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-4-mm-screwdriver-bit?variant=39953684168807 4mm Loose Bits]: Avoid purchasing their PH or Gamebits. A 4mm driver handle is also required.
* [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-bit-driver-aluminum 4mm Driver Handle]: A durable handle designed for use with 4mm bits.


* [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-precision-bit-driver-aluminum 4mm Driver Handle]. Durable handle for use with 4mm Bits.
===Shims===
*[https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-opening-picks-set-of-6 Plastic Guitar Picks]: Useful for opening devices without causing damage.


* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFV5P9H4 SOONAN 150 in 1 Electronics Tool Kit] I've had my set from them for almost 4yrs. Only bit's I've had to replace are ones I lost. This is the upgraded/updated version. -pbanj
===Tweezers===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mthU7Fv MECHANIC Aax-17]: High-quality precision tweezers.


== Soldering ==
===Solder===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtedT1z MECHANIC HX-T100]: Reliable solder available in various sizes. The 1mm size is recommended for general electronic repairs due to its balance between precision and ease of use. Larger sizes are better suited for tasks involving heavier gauge wires or larger components, while smaller sizes are ideal for delicate or intricate soldering work.


<h3>Shims</h3>
===Soldering Irons===
*[https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/ Pinecil v2 (budget pick)]: Affordable portable soldering iron for use with TS-100 style tips. Note that shipping costs are typically around $25, and that the Pinecil requires a suitable USB-C PD charger.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/item/4000055007842.html KSGER Mini T12 (budget pick)]: Affordable stationary soldering station for use with T12 tips. Note that an [https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/32883134034.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2nld external PSU] is needed for the Mini variant. Recommended is a T12-JL02 tip, which is versatile due to it being a bent, yet small tip.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPYNwq7 KSGER C210 Soldering Station (high-end pick)]: A robust soldering station. Choose "set 5" for the best configuration (includes C210-I+K+IS, a sleep wire, and a solder iron stand).


* [https://www.ifixit.com/products/ifixit-opening-picks-set-of-6 Plastic Guitar Picks]. Used to shim open devices
===Tips and Tip Cleaning===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLwYZXD MECHANIC S One Tip Refresher]: Effective tool for maintaining clean soldering tips. [https://hardware.hacks.guide/wiki/File:Tip_Refresher_Example.png See an example here].


===Flux and Paste===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0HfBVH MECHANIC SD360 Flux Paste]: High-quality and cost-effective flux.
*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00425FUW2 MG Chemicals 8341]: Reliable for addressing corrosion issues.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrODzX1 Kaisi K-2208 Extruder]: Trigger-activated dispenser for flux, paste, or solder mask.


<h3>Tweezers</h3>
===Mats ===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqvzccn RF4 Insulated Silicone Soldering Mat]: Durable and heat-resistant.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLrEKLl RELIFE RL-170]: A simple, thick silicone mat for soldering work.
*[https://www.amazon.com/Building-Electronic-Grounding-Antistatic-Wristband/dp/B0B1ZK26SW Anti-ESD mat]: Starter kit containing a heat- and chemical resistant mat for soldering and a high-resistance plug to ground. Note that you should '''ALWAYS''' use a high-resistance grounding plug with these types of mats and '''NEVER''' connect the mat directly to ground, or you risk getting electrocuted!


* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mthU7Fv MECHANIC Aax-17]. Great tweezers.
===Desoldering===
*https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T8TJG4 MG Chemicals SuperWick]: High-quality desoldering wick with a generous length.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzn3dV MECHANIC R350 Desoldering Braid]: Avoid smaller sizes (e.g., 1mm–1.5mm) as they are prone to breaking.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0RCEUn MECHANIC SR20 Desoldering Braid]: Packaged in a reusable dispenser.
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7Q293KV ENGINEER SS-03 Desoldering Pump]: Reliable manual pump for desoldering tasks.


<h1> Soldering </h1>
===Wire===
Recommended wire sizes for various applications:
*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q7LLTXF BNTECHGO 28awg Magnet Wire]
*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JBQQR38 BNTECHGO 32awg Magnet Wire]
*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PC38CD BNTECHGO 36awg Magnet Wire]


<h3>Solder</h3>
====Solder Mask====
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzzI7H MECHANIC Solder Mask]: Affordable and available in multiple colors.
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGp3yb RELIFE 10ML 3S Quick Dry Solder Mask]: Quick-drying and effective.


* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtedT1z MECHANIC HX-T100] Good solder that comes in many sizes. 1mm is a good size to go with.
====UV Light ====
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804118797123.html MECHANIC L1 Pro UV Light]: Rechargeable UV light. Note that USB PD compatibility can be achieved by adding two 5.1kΩ resistors from CC1 and CC2 to GND.


===PCB Heater ===
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256806551201571.html MECHANIC IX5 Preheating Platform]: Compact and efficient for its price. This heater is particularly useful for preheating printed circuit boards (PCBs) during repair tasks, such as reflow soldering or desoldering components, ensuring even heat distribution and reducing the risk of thermal shock to delicate components.


<h3>Irons</h3>
=== Hot Air===
*[https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPSM0Yn MECHANIC 957DW (budget pick)]: Reliable hot air station.
*[https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005001900973775.html Atten ST-862D (high-end pick)] A higher-end, higher quality hot air station, which homages the Quick 861DW.


* [https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/ Pinecil v2]. Good semi-cheap iron. Shipping for this iron is typically around $25.
==Testing Equipment==
* [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWZTNJK Hantek 2D72 Handheld Oscilloscope (budget pick]: Affordable oscilloscope and signal generator. This device is suitable for testing electronic circuits, analyzing waveforms, and debugging embedded systems. Its portability and built-in signal generator make it ideal for fieldwork or small-scale laboratory setups. However, its bandwidth and functionality is more limited in comparison to a stationary, higher-end oscilloscope.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Siglent-Technologies-SDS1202X-Oscilloscope-Channels/dp/B06XZML6RD Siglent SDS1202X-E or similar (high-end pick)]


==Miscellaneous Tools==
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802834145815.html Device Marking Tape]: Easy to use, leaves no residue.
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPIjNn1 Mechanic High-Temp Resistant Polyimide (Kapton) Tape]: Excellent heat resistance. Choose "400 35M" for optimal performance.
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0pIrEr Exacto Knife]: Suitable for scraping traces and precision cutting.


* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPYNwq7 KSGER C210 Soldering Station]. Good station, go with set 5. You can make a new account and get the new user price.
==Additional Information==
 
The links provided direct you to reputable sources and products known for their quality and performance. Mechanic-brand tools are frequently recommended due to their reliability and [https://hardware.hacks.guide/wiki/File:Mechanic_Patent_Policy.png transparency in manufacturing]. Ensure you choose items tailored to your specific requirements for best results. Additionally, verify the availability of tools and confirm their compatibility with your projects before purchase to avoid potential issues.
<h3>Tips</h3>
 
<h3>Tip Cleaner</h3>
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLwYZXD MECHANIC S One Tip Refresher]. Great for keeping your tip clean ;).
[[File:Tip Refresher Example.png|thumb|center]]
 
 
<h3>Flux / Pastes</h3>
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0HfBVH MECHANIC SD360 Flux Paste]. Good flux, especially for the price.
 
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00425FUW2 MG Chemicals 8341]. Decent on corrosion.
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrODzX1 Kaisi K-2208 Extruder]. Trigger activated extruder for flux, paste, and soldermask.
 
<h3>Mats</h3>
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqvzccn RF4 Insulated Silicone soldering Mat]
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLrEKLl RELIFE RL-170]. Nothing fancy, but it is decently thick.
 
<h3>Desoldering</h3>
 
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T8TJG4 MG Chemicals SuperWick]. Great wick. 25ft will last you a good while.
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzn3dV MECHANIC R350 Desoldering braid]. Another good performing wick. Avoid the smaller sizes like 1mm - 1.5mm, it falls apart.
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrVBAWx MECHANIC R300 Desoldering Braid]. Another of their wicks.
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0RCEUn MECHANIC SR20 Desoldering braid]. Comes in a nice reusable dispenser.
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7Q293KV?ref%20=ast%20sto%20dp&th=1 ENGINEER Desoldering Pump]. It's a decent manual pump that works.
 
<h3>Wire</h3>
 
Some general sizes to keep on hand. 36awg is a good wire for the switch.
 
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q7LLTXF BNTECHGO 28awg Magnet Wire]
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JBQQR38 BNTECHGO 32awg Magnet Wire]
* [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PC38CD BNTECHGO 36awg Magnet Wire]
 
<h3>Trace Repair</h3>
 
<h4>Solder mask</h4>
Both are cheap Solder mask and are available in multiple colors. 
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqzzI7H MECHANIC Solder Mask] 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mMGp3yb RELIFE 10ML 3S Quick Dry Solder Mask] 
 
<h4>UV Light</h4>
 
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256804118797123.html MECHANIC L1 Pro UV Light]. Rechargeable UV Light, Doesn't support USB PD. This can be fixed by adding 2 5.1k ohm resistors. 1 from cc1 to gnd, and the other from cc2 to gnd. The cc pins are the 2 middle pins.
[[File:L1 pro USB-C PD Fix.png|thumb|center]]
 
 
<h3>PCB Heater</h3>
 
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256806551201571.html MECHANIC IX5 Preheating Platform]. Small but does the job, especially for the price.
 
<h3>Hot Air</h3>
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPSM0Yn MECHANIC 957DW]
 
<h1>Testing Equipment</h1>
 
*[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWZTNJK Hantek 2D72 Handheld Oscilloscope]. Decent handheld Oscilloscope and generator for the price.
 
<h1>Misc</h1>
 
*[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256802834145815.html Device Marking Tape]. Doesn't leave residue on the device, and peels off very easily.
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPIjNn1 Mechanic High-temp Resistant Polyimide(Kapton) Tape]. Really good Kapton tape. Make sure you select "400 35M" for the color.
 
* [https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0pIrEr Exacto knife]. Good for scraping traces and cutting stuff.
 
 
<h1>Extra Info</h1>
 
<h3>From pbanj</h3>
The "a.aliexpress" links are from the mobile app. I've found they give people less issues so I've replaced all of them. They're to Good stores and most are the direct product I bought. The ones that aren't the direct ones, are to the item from a store I've bought from. You may notice the Mechanic brand is recommended a lot, and not just by me. This is because they are very open with their patents, and everything that I and others have gotten with the mechanic branding has been great. The few issues are mentioned with the items.
[[File:Mechanic Patent Policy.png|frame|center]]

Revision as of 01:36, 14 January 2025

Basic Tools

Tools categorized as 'Basic Tools' are essential for a wide range of general tasks and foundational to most projects. They are versatile, commonly used, and often required for basic maintenance, repair, or assembly tasks.

Screwdrivers and Bits

  • 4mm Loose Bits: Avoid purchasing their PH or Gamebits. A 4mm driver handle is also required.
  • 4mm Driver Handle: A durable handle designed for use with 4mm bits.

Shims

Tweezers

Soldering

Solder

  • MECHANIC HX-T100: Reliable solder available in various sizes. The 1mm size is recommended for general electronic repairs due to its balance between precision and ease of use. Larger sizes are better suited for tasks involving heavier gauge wires or larger components, while smaller sizes are ideal for delicate or intricate soldering work.

Soldering Irons

  • Pinecil v2 (budget pick): Affordable portable soldering iron for use with TS-100 style tips. Note that shipping costs are typically around $25, and that the Pinecil requires a suitable USB-C PD charger.
  • KSGER Mini T12 (budget pick): Affordable stationary soldering station for use with T12 tips. Note that an external PSU is needed for the Mini variant. Recommended is a T12-JL02 tip, which is versatile due to it being a bent, yet small tip.
  • KSGER C210 Soldering Station (high-end pick): A robust soldering station. Choose "set 5" for the best configuration (includes C210-I+K+IS, a sleep wire, and a solder iron stand).

Tips and Tip Cleaning

Flux and Paste

Mats

  • RF4 Insulated Silicone Soldering Mat: Durable and heat-resistant.
  • RELIFE RL-170: A simple, thick silicone mat for soldering work.
  • Anti-ESD mat: Starter kit containing a heat- and chemical resistant mat for soldering and a high-resistance plug to ground. Note that you should ALWAYS use a high-resistance grounding plug with these types of mats and NEVER connect the mat directly to ground, or you risk getting electrocuted!

Desoldering

Wire

Recommended wire sizes for various applications:

Solder Mask

UV Light

  • MECHANIC L1 Pro UV Light: Rechargeable UV light. Note that USB PD compatibility can be achieved by adding two 5.1kΩ resistors from CC1 and CC2 to GND.

PCB Heater

  • MECHANIC IX5 Preheating Platform: Compact and efficient for its price. This heater is particularly useful for preheating printed circuit boards (PCBs) during repair tasks, such as reflow soldering or desoldering components, ensuring even heat distribution and reducing the risk of thermal shock to delicate components.

Hot Air

Testing Equipment

  • Hantek 2D72 Handheld Oscilloscope (budget pick: Affordable oscilloscope and signal generator. This device is suitable for testing electronic circuits, analyzing waveforms, and debugging embedded systems. Its portability and built-in signal generator make it ideal for fieldwork or small-scale laboratory setups. However, its bandwidth and functionality is more limited in comparison to a stationary, higher-end oscilloscope.
  • Siglent SDS1202X-E or similar (high-end pick)

Miscellaneous Tools

Additional Information

The links provided direct you to reputable sources and products known for their quality and performance. Mechanic-brand tools are frequently recommended due to their reliability and transparency in manufacturing. Ensure you choose items tailored to your specific requirements for best results. Additionally, verify the availability of tools and confirm their compatibility with your projects before purchase to avoid potential issues.

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