The tools you can't get through FRC build season without?

**AllenGregoryIV** · December 31, 2018, 11:11am

What are the tools you can’t get through FRC build season without (or wouldn’t want to)?
I asked another question on Facebook and here are the answers. I tried my best to compile the best bits of the conversation and remove duplicates, etc but I probably missed some stuff.

Allen Gregory

Milwaukee Aviation Snips - Cuts Lexan, sheet metal, etc.: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Straight-Cutting-Aviation-Snips-48-22-4030/202950858
Makita 12V Reciprocating Saw - I haven’t had to hack saw anything in a long time: https://www.amazon.com/Makita-RJ01W-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Recipro/dp/B0076R6UOA
This rivet gun is nice for tighter spaces than the other two handed ones - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0XSI9T/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The best multimeter I’ve ever had. Fluke 325: It was only $185 when we bought it a few years ago. - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0091EXB2A/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_5
Clamp on DC current isn’t as useful as it used to be now that the PDP can read current but it’s still very handy when prototyping.
Aliexpress stuff
Flush Cutters - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs-Nipper-Hand-Tools-Practical-Electrical-Wire-Cable-Cutters-Cutting-Side-Snips-Flush-Pliers-Mini-Pliers/32789342938.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.0WltB2
Cheap Phillips bits - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-Magnetic-Anti-Slip-Electric-Phillips-Screwdriver-Bits-Set-Ph2-50mm-Single-Side-Power-Tools-Hex/32804511434.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3kNlER
Electrician Scissors - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/LAOA-5-5-inchFree-Shipping-146mm-Multi-Purpose-Household-Electrician-Scissors-Cutter-Knife-Tool/32509428035.html
Ferrule Crimper - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/HSC8-6-4B-MINI-TYPE-SELF-ADJUSTABLE-CRIMPING-PLIER-0-25-6mm2-terminals-crimping-tools-multi/1255129214.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.jpZ6ae
I mentioned this in the other thread but it’s worth repeating and I just bought a 1/2" one as well. Annular cutters are awesome for making good holes quickly and they aren’t that expensive. Use them with a 3/4" collet or a drill press chuck big enough for a 3/4" bit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Steel-Dragon-Tools-1-1-8-x-1-HSS-Annular-Cutter-with-3-4-Weldon-Shank/253208736032?hash=item3af46ab120%3Ag%3At-IAAOSwNZtZv3kV
the groovelock pliers are definitely the best slip joint pliers I have ever used. IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set, 8 Piece, 2078712 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GR37WU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mdFbAb5BSREY9
Awesome cheap precision screwdrivers. Way better than the cheap silver ones a lot of people have. Stanley 66-052 6-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OYGV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DfFbAbNRJX50Q
We got this Arbor Press over the summer for around $200 with one of the MSC free shipping and 30% off coupons.
It’s the cheapest press I could find that will do 1/2" Hex broaching in one stroke. https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/00231290
½” Hex Broach - http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-2204.htm
Another thing we bought last year was a powder coating setup for a few hundred dollars its much nicer than spray paint. http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-original-diy-powder-coating-gun-starter-kit.html

**K. Verdeyen **

We were basically banging rocks together until Justin Ridley took pity on us and showed us the Dark Soul Chain Breaker. http://www.davesmotors.com/DarkSoul-25-Chain-Breaker-Tool-3466.html

B. Simons

My favourite hex key set: https://www.mcmaster.com/#5361a5/=1a6o7ck
This heavy duty riveter: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-riveters/heavy-duty-17-1-2-half-inch-hand-riveter-with-collection-bottle-66422.html

A. Spears

Center Punch and transfer punches
Portable bandsaw with table mounting option https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660083_200660083

**E. Morrison **

We use a Dewalt DW328 with a stand from Swag Offroad, been our best tool since 2016
Clecos! I’m always amazed how many people don’t know what they are. We don’t do sheetmetal but we use a TON of versaframe and they’re great for that too.

C. Cash

Pneumatic air riveter. We go through two or three per season and just get brand new ones under the harbor freight replacement plan.
https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/riveters/14-in-air-hydraulic-riveter-62685.html
RAGE3 miter saw. Absolutely cannot imagine a season without it.

**V. Pham **

Something simple, but gets very handy: a rubber mallet. Could never build a robot without one.

N. Coussens

Clevis and air rivet gun cannot be stressed enough. Also never enough Allen key sets for when students inevitably use them. Quality diagonal cutters. Also just a brass cylinder is super useful whenever you need to bang on something but don’t want a mallet. Put a counterbore into one end of the brass cylinder and it’s really nice for when you need to tap on the outer race of a bearing or something.

**
B. Leverette **

Garnet Squadron got one of these (or similar) in a Bosch tool donation. If you’re in the ecosystem, the extra charger and power distribution is nice. And so is the music. Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite AM/FM Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XPRYS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2ZsbAbMF3X25E
And for all y’all talking clecos. Now you know when the kids weren’t serious about cleanup! http://m.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/clecokeeper.php

**R. Stockton **

These flexible socket extentions are amazing when paired with a Milwaukee electric screwdriver and a hex driver bit for tightening bolts in hard to reach places. https://www.mcmaster.com/#85255a13/=1a6tlqd

J. Zondag

Right angle Dewalt drill. This is a must have. https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCD740B-20-Volt-Li-Ion-Right/dp/B007ML7DHS
I love these clamps for sheetmetal setup. http://www.eastwood.com/pinch-weld-clamps.html

P. Francis

You have no idea how many times I’ve come across snap ring grooves that were created by some bastardized lathe tool. These save so much time.
http://www.thinbit.com/products/groove_n_turn/index.html

J. Chong

Yes, I know you can use a screwdriver, but the tool is angled just right to get into the PDP with very little space. WAGO 210-658 OPERATING TOOL, 3.5 X 0.5 MM, SHORT ANGLED https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJL89O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k3BbAb5YTBV9M
We have one or two of these: https://www.mcmaster.com/#6024a6/=1a718s1 They really help keep kids from really breaking something
Oh! This! https://www.andymark.com/Cable-Tie-Gun-p/am-2592.htm

J. Killian

There are a couple: first this…https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MPIO72/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And most most important this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCODIA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I. Rife

Kant twist are fantastic for clamping sheetmetal.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kant-Twist-Cantilever-Clamp-401/40842778
A photo tacometer for measuring roller and belt speeds. Probably one of the best kept secrets. https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photo-Laser-Tachometer-Contact/dp/B001N4QY66
Ok, this one might get some haters, but I love a sharp, quality, step drill for sheet metal work.

R. Oakley

two things dark souls #25 chain break and locktite glue stick
https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-37643-Medium-Strength-Threadlocker/dp/B0053ZNMDE
http://www.davesmotors.com/DarkSoul-25-Chain-Breaker-Tool-3466.html

**Mike_Marandola** · January 1, 2019, 5:01pm

A few of the non obvious tools:

-RAGE4 chop saw - Much faster and cleaner cuts than a bandsaw. I wouldn’t use this without changing to a blade made for aluminum.

-Bessey 90 degree clamp - Great for quickly fastening corners. Worth $20

-A quality label maker

-1-2-3 blocks - Use them for mill setups, holding small parts, and much more. They are too cheap to not have.

-Swivel deburring tool- Use for deburring long straights and inside curves of metal and plastic. I prefer Noga

-Automatic center punches - Husky is ok because of the warranty but you can easily get Starrett punches on eBay for under $20 shipped.

-Self adjusting wire stripper

**InFlight** · January 1, 2019, 5:01pm

Cold Saw for nice accurate cuts.

Lathe with Quick Change tool post (BXA)
+1 on correct grooving tool

Klein off set 3/8 & 7/16 reversible box wrench ( covers both #10 and 1/2 inch nuts)

6 inch calipers, 1 inch micrometer, 6 inch 16R rule

**Brian_M1** · January 3, 2019, 6:15am

Think ya meant 1/4"

Now that im here ill add some:

These are great for when you drop E-clips, shaft collars and just about anything other than plastic or aluminum inside your robot or boxtube - http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/telescopic-magnetic-pick-up-tool-6-25-in-0586833p.html

For welding or just holding a piece to something when you dont have a vice, vice grips work really well - http://www.irwin.com/tools/brands/vise-grip

Lastly, these are basically the only wrenches we use, they are small, and really good for basically anything, since the ends are capped you dont have to worry about aligning the wrench on the nut - https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1000785826.html?eid=PS_GOOGLE_HD+|+PLAs_Shopping+|+Tools_Tools_pla-97392280612&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwMr9n5S91wIVgbjACh3N6wNEEAQYAiABEgKljvD_BwE

**tjf** · January 1, 2019, 5:01pm

I’ve sworn by these snips, they were very good in d̶e̶s̶t̶r̶o̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ tearing down field zip ties at our local offseason.

They’re also sold by Adafruit and probably some other vendors fairly cheaply.

**s_forbes** · January 1, 2019, 5:01pm

A bench vise that’s bolted to a workbench.

**AllenGregoryIV** · January 3, 2019, 6:15am

I bought this one about 4 years ago, it’s still working well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009AGG4DW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We’ve also used these sometimes as well. Come in handy at events.
https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H3245-6-Inch-Vise-Brake/dp/B0000DD4UW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510633890&sr=8-1&keywords=vise+break

**RobotsQ** · January 1, 2019, 5:01pm

Maybe I’m taking this question too literally and not revealing some hidden gem, but narrow Vice Grip/locking pliers are maybe the most used gripping tool in our shop.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-6-in-Locking-Pliers/50040978?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA--ToolsAndHardware--PliersAndWrenches-_-50040978:IRWIN&CAWELAID=&kpid=50040978&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1106&k_clickID=c4f12679-f874-4709-b123-297e0cff57cd&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbCTm6a91wIV1brACh1NMQb9EAQYAiABEgJC-PD_BwE

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**artdutra04** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

High Torque Allen Keys:

These have a modified hex profile that makes them incredibly resistant to stripping - even on tiny sizes of ball end versions. I’ve been using these almost 10 years now, and have yet to strip one. I’ll never buy regular hex keys again after using these.

**bobbysq** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

This horizontal bandsaw. It cuts down long metal tubes and has been for the past 5 years.

**connor.worley** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

My computer (13" rMBP)

**Richard_Wallace** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

+1 for Allen’s arbor press.

We use an ammeter (50A) frequently, to find friction so we can fix it.

**Nate_Laverdure** · January 3, 2019, 6:15am

Does this work well in practice? Seems like the 1/2" hex broach is nearly as long as the “max working height” of the press, which would only let you broach thin stuff.

**droswell** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

Powerpole Crimper:

Powerpole terminals and ends:
https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors

Ferrule Crimper & Ferrules:

**AllenGregoryIV** · January 3, 2019, 6:15am

So far yes, the first inch or two of the broach goes into a half inch hole with only light pressure. You could start it in a lathe with no real danger to your bearings or for quick stuff you can start it by hand then press the rest of the way on the press. We drilled a hole in our workbench to allow the broach to fall through.

I’ve also heard heard of team’s boring the press to allow the broach to fit inside it for a an inch or two and keep the broach straight. We haven’t done this yet though.

**AndreaV** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

A simple set of nail clippers from anywhere is by far the best thing to cut off excessive zip tie length, the concave blade leaves a rounded edge.

**MonroeM** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

A few essentials:

Kant-Twist Clamps
http://clampmfg.com/kant-twist/

Deburring Tool
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/05750997

Red Sharpies
https://www.target.com/p/sharpie-174-super-permanent-markers-fine-point-red-12-per-pack/-/A-15765068#lnk=sametab

**Nate_Laverdure** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

Tenryu Alumi-Cut miter saw blades (example)

Lenox DIEMASTER 2 band saw blades with 14/18V tooth set (vendor)

Bright finish HSS screw machine length drill bits, in bulk quantities, stored in a Huot dispenser cabinet.

**sanddrag** · January 3, 2019, 6:15am

Why would you ever leave any edge on a cut zip tie? Does anyone in industry seriously use nail clippers for cutting zip ties? I think not. Flush cutters used by competent operators is where it’s at.

**Marcus_Q** · January 1, 2019, 5:02pm

TS100 Soldering Iron. You can power it off a FRC battery in a pinch. If you think it’s too small for heavy gauge wire, you’d be mistaken. It’s even replaced my Hakko soldering station.