Tools you have bought/desire

coco · 2 February 2023 10:32

Valvebloke:

The time will come when you will need to measure electronic things. A good multimeter or two can be dead handy. Over time I’ve picked up three Fluke 89 Mk IVs (it’s claimed that these were the last Flukes made in the US, before most of the work moved to China and just the final assembly step was carried out in the US). They were all second-hand, obviously - two in perfect working order and one needing some minor case repair.

Durable, safe leads (you’ll be holding them, so they need to be adequately voltage rated) and test prods are important too. I find ones like these https://uk.farnell.com/pico-technology/ta090/sprung-hook-4mm-1kv-red/dp/2748611 are good for heavier duty point-to-point wired circuitry. There are more delicate clips for use on pcbs but they don’t last all that long if you try to use them to hang heavy leads onto, say, octal valve socket tags.

There’s a saying with meters: ‘If it works it’s a Fluke.’

Cheap ones seem to work ok, but The Fluke will last a lifetime (and not blow up when you abuse them). The leads are not great though, I got some Probemaster ones to replace them.

Wayward · 2 February 2023 10:50

Haha, multimeter lead foo!

TonyTheHat · 2 February 2023 10:51

I have the want but not the need.
That little wooden stand…
Heart Eyes GIFs | Tenor

omsoc · 2 February 2023 10:52

Ideal T-Strippers are good and come in various wire capacities.
https://uk.farnell.com/ideal/45-425-341/wire-stripper-t-stripper-0-5-4/dp/3378752
For flush cutting I always buy Lindstrom

coco · 2 February 2023 10:53

I have a pair of the cutters and they are exquisite.

coco · 2 February 2023 10:59

With wire strippers, I find simple is best, my faves are actually a pair similar to this:

https://uk.farnell.com/duratool/6pk-223-f/wire-stripper-cutter-10awg/dp/3125610

Mainly because one you get a feel you don’t really need to adjust them.

I have a couple of pairs of fancy auto strippers and never use them!

coco · 2 February 2023 11:02

It’s more that the Fluke ones break (the leads on both my meters failed in the same way). The Probemaster are more flexible and do have better tips. The Fluke ones are made by Pomona anyway, I think, or at least they appear identical.

thebiglebowski · 2 February 2023 11:21

Teeth

omsoc · 2 February 2023 11:22

Tried that on 50V telephone wire, not nice!!

coco · 2 February 2023 11:33

BobC · 2 February 2023 11:34

Lindstrom nippers reduced by 57 percent via Amazon, bought, so they are in the bag.

Will have a look at Flukes, see if i can get one in the wheelbarrow at work:)

Wire strippers bought. Just pliers to go.

Shall we get onto screwdrivers next

sjs · 2 February 2023 11:34

I tend to use T-strippers

MrKettle · 2 February 2023 11:34

sjs · 2 February 2023 11:36

dont forget a huge set of leads with croc clips

coco · 2 February 2023 11:37

PB Swiss or Vessel. Wera and Wiha also nice for precision screwdrivers.

BobC · 2 February 2023 11:38

That’s a given, i fully expect to be able to use them to complete a working circuit before fixing to pcb…

omsoc · 2 February 2023 11:39

I used all sorts depending on situation, I used to do broadcast wiring (audio/video/control/etc.) and when doing 100s of the same connector it is faster to have things set up for what you are doing especially if it has a solid core where even the slightest nick in the copper can cause failure down the line.

coco · 2 February 2023 11:42

Wera 05134000001 Kraftform Micro Big Pack 1 Screwdriver Set https://amzn.eu/d/8cVHC69

BobC · 2 February 2023 11:42

I shall spend this weekend making a nice wooden tool box for this lot, happy days.

Kevin · 2 February 2023 11:47

Funnily enough I have these arriving tomorrow

https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/wera-073675-12-piece-micro-precision-screwdriver-set/

Probably a bit too general for your use but they do a lot of different sets.

Amazon’s weird random disounting often applies

I still have small long nosed pliers, cutters etc from an RS kit from 30 years ago still going strong, likewise my Fluke multimeter. I have changed the battery in it a few times but it is still working well.