[sdiy] Nifty tool from Jameco

[Tom Arnold]

On Tue, Dec 06, 2005 at 09:53:49AM +0100, Bart Provoost wrote:
>    Ok, maybe this thread can be completed with other tools like this?

I think thats a good idea.  For the purposes of this kinda list, lets keep
the prices below $20.  Neat tools that you might not otherwise buy but when
you do you'll never live without them again...

>     1. Jameco part 99362CP, IC pin straightener
>     2. Jameco p/n 106884... 1/4 and 1/2 wtt lead forming tool
>     3. heat gun (for heat shrink tubes)
       
         Okay, I'm going to break $20 by a little bit with my suggestion for
#3.  Jameco p/n 150691 is a butane powered ( uses disposable lighters for
cartridges ) heat gun.  This is not one of the mini torches but hides the
flame inside the nozzle.  I prefer it to an electric for the average small
bench jobs.  If I am doing a lot of heatshrink all at once I use an
electric but my average heatshrink job is 4 or so 1" pieces, not large jobs
all at once.

Another tool suggestion is a wire stripper like p/n 161234.  I dont know if
that one is good or not.  I highly recommend getting a good quality version
one.  In the US, look for a US made one ( Orchard Hardware sells a good one
in the locked cabinet on the electrical wire aisle ).  In Europe I'd expect
you'd want a German one.  A cheap version of these strippers just isnt worth
it, but a good version and you'll wonder how you ever stripped wire before.

Trimpot tool.  p/n 153314.  Quality varies a lot.  I had to file the one I
got from jameco just a little.  Why one over a screwdriver?  One end is
cupped.  After I touched it up with a file properly it now fits the trimmer
slot ( we're talking about 20-turn Bourns-type ) and the housing Fits Around
the screw so it doesnt slip off.  I figured for a couple bucks I'd try one
and it was worth it.

Any others?

-- 
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 - Tom Arnold       -  Free Synth DIY webspace http://www.sdiy.org 
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