Most underrated/undervalued tools

[fargus111111111]

Originally Posted by scott.smith

Vice grips. They can hold together parts while machining, clamp to a small part so you don't have to be close to the machine, stop vibrations on some parts while milling, hold some sketchy prototype parts onto a previous robot, and much more. To me, they are the duct tape of robot building.

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.

[CalTran]

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.

[Marc P.]

Originally Posted by CalTran

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.

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.