Tools
Good tools are CRITICAL!
When I first started in RC, I tried to use the tools I already had laying around the house from DIY home improvement projects and 1:1 car modifying. Some of that works - but I quickly found a lot of tools that I needed specifically for RC work.
The video here shows you even more tools - but below are the highlights.
Magnetic Trays
These are a surprising first-buy if you don’t have them already!
There are a lot of LITTLE screws and nuts on RC cars…and they are easily knocked off the workbench and lost during maintenance.
These cheap trays keep your screws contained so you don’t spend all of your time looking for them on the floor!
Shock Pliers
You will be VERY tempted to not buy these. I didn’t buy them for years myself - and I ruined multiple shocks in the process.
The usual shortcut is to put a paper towel around the shock shaft and use standard pliers…but one wrong move and you have ruined that shock shaft…which costs more than these pliers.
Bonus: they also help with pesky ball ends, screw lengths, and more!
Hex Drivers
These are one of those MUST-BUY tools!
99% of the screws on your RC will be hex hardware, and they are SMALL. Using standard hex keys will result in rounded screw heads…we have all been there and done it.
Enter MIP. They make precision tools that last a long time and fit those screw heads perfectly.
These are the speed tips - which allow you to use either a hand driver or electric driver.
Electric Screwdriver
This pairs wonderfully with the MIP drivers above.
The first time you use this to assemble a set of beadlock crawler wheels, you will realize it is 100% worth the $$.
Thread Locker
Threadlock is the key to your sanity. :)
Nothing ruins your crawl, bash, or drift day like standing around looking for a lost screw for 30min.
This blue thread locker is strong enough to keep your screws where they belong, but weak enough to ensure you can still take them back apart when needed.
A MUST for every workstation!
Soldering Station
This single tool is the one that unlocks the most FREEDOM in the RC hobby.
Need a different connector on your battery? DONE.
Need a different connector on your truck? DONE.
Need to wire a new ESC or motor? DONE.
No going to a buddy’s house, no going to the hobby store, no paying for cheap adapters that may cause a fire.
Soldering isn’t hard and it unlocks a lot of potential in the hobby.
Lubricant
There are certain times when lubricating your driveline is really helpful.
I don’t see it so much as a wear reduction - but more of a rolling resistance improvement and water proofer.
I use this Udder Butter on my gears to give me that small piece of mind and help my vehicle roll that much smoother.
Digital Calipers
When you are serious about tuning your vehicles or designing new parts - dimensions are key.
A good set of digital calipers isn’t expensive and allows you more precision in your setup and design.
Conformal Coating
Want to play in the water? Whether rain, pond, or creek - getting your RC in the water can be a blast…as long as your electronics are prepared.
Many vehicles come with a receiver box to keep the receiver dry…but some don’t.
Coating your receiver board in this conformal coating provides a waterproof coating to keep your electronics working even when submerged!
I keep this handy on the workbench for any new builds that need it. Good bye bulky receiver boxes!
Pit / Hauler Bag
I avoided buying one of these for YEARS…but when I finally did, I never looked back.
Whether racing, crawling, or drifting - this bag always follows me.
Large enough to carry at least one vehicle + charger + batteries + camera equipment + tools + spare parts…it is my one-stop for travel.
The only watchouts: does it fit in your 1:1 car and do you expect to fly with it? I keep thinking I want to get something that will be airplane carry-on sized, but haven’t found one yet.