Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Do not forget the coffee! :D

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Mini-Fridge!

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I'd say coffee/caffeinated beverages are the most overrated.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

There is no replacement for actually sleeping.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I've used a similar kind that also had an adjustable stop for the end of the wire to make the amount stripped off repeatable. They were great. I found them most useful for wires that were very small or for doing the same thing 30 times in a row.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I could not agree more. Through robotics and boys outs I have broken two of them. Next time I am in Portland I walk up and ask for a replacement. Hence why I only buy Leatherman multi-tools.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

YES! and C-clamps, basically anything that can put a strong grip on one or more objects without the use of other tools (except maybe the screw driver now used as a handle for said clamp)

My other one would definitely be the sharpie. It is much better to mark a piece prior to cutting it than to say eh, that looks good, cut it at least 3 times and it still be too short.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

NI Multisim (or equivalent) for a circuit diagram and pneumatic diagram does wonders for midcompetition troubleshooting.

Also, invest in a decent ratchet crimper. Your hands will thank you.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I've never been a fan of multi-tools for robotics. The idea seems nice, but all the tools they come with are never really the right tool you need. I see more people fight with them in haste to use one, but I can usually find the right tool for the job quicker than they can get a "yeah...it'll do the job...if you really try" tool out. I'd really only find maybe the knife to be decently useful, but at that point, just get a nice purpose-built pocket knife.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Then maybe we should come up with a multi tool of attachments useful for FRC. A couple different Allen wrenches, a small wire stripper, a 3/8 socket wrench, a micro screwdriver, and what else?

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Or you could have a toolbox with you at all times. I've, never had an experience where the robot was separated, more that 10 feet or so from the robot. ( Unless on the field ) Both teams I've been apart of has had a "Flight" toolbox, this includes all vital tools, that should be used with the the robot.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I'm aware of a socket that will work on multiple sizes of bolt heads--a Gator socket, I think it's called?--so put one of those in, along with a flathead and Philips drivers, a sharp blade (you can strip wire with a knife, it just takes some practice), and 3-4 really common-sized hex keys. Needle-nosed pliers and a small file should round out the assortment. Maybe a hacksaw-type blade, but if you're using that for cutting robot metal someone will probably hand you a hacksaw.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

Ironically, I agree in a lot of ways. I find myself using the plyers, knives (2x), files (2x) and occasionally the bit driver. So in total 6 out of the 21(?) tools on the thing. Not too many. It's not going to replace real tools. But having a bunch of options all folded nicely into your pocket can be a big help at competition for the quick, less than ideal, fixes and tweaks.

It also depends on the tool a lot. I use a charge tti which happens to have a lot of the tools that I find useful in a pit. The bit driver is nice. We use a lot of 8-32 and 10-32 hardware, and I have a hex insert that has the appropriate sizes for those depending on which way it is inserted. Not as nice as a T handle, but better than finding yourself empty handed.

Knowing when it's to tool to grab is certainly key. I think the excitement of getting to use the new tool may be a bit of what you are seeing. Once that wears off I see lots of people who have a leatherman in their pocket and are smart enough to grab the t handle that is right in front of them.

~DK

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

This is the closest I've seen so far, but 6 pages and no one comes up with Label Maker? Nothing speeds up troubleshooting faster than knowing literally at a glance which speed controller does what, which power/PWM/CAN/sensor wire or pneumatic tube is connected where, and how old motors/batteries/etc are if labeled at acquisition. By far the most handy, versatile, and time saving troubleshooting tool you can get.

Re: Most underrated/undervalued tools
 

I'm that guy that always has two or three sharpies in my pocket (in various colors) because everyone else misplaces them. You'd be surprised just how often they are needed in and out of FRC, and how surprised people are when I seem to produce an endless supply from my pockets.