TOOL TIME . . . . . .Essential tools.

[Anonymous]

• variable wattage/temperature soldering iron
  
  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062751&cp=2032058.2032236.2032313&parentPage=family
  
• wire strippers
  
  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062787&cp=&sr=1&origkw=wire+strippers&kw=wire+strippers&parentPage=search
  
• Needle nose hobby pliers (these are one model, I bought a pair of 6" cresent at Ace instead of these 4")
  
  http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1286442&cp&kw=needle+nose+pliers&origkw=needle+nose+pliers&sr=1
  
• Brad/Tack Hammer (for setting track nails or any other small nail)
  
  http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1290353&cp=&pg=4&sr=1&origkw=hammer&kw=hammer&parentPage=search&searchId=19414710891
  
• Precision screwdriver set
  
  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062783&cp=&sr=1&origkw=precision+screwdriver&kw=precision+screwdriver&parentPage=search
  
  - this is the best one I have found because it gives you so many different tools
  
• Digital Multi-meter
  
  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103176&cp=2032058.2032235.2032305&parentPage=family
  
  - Make sure you get a set of alligator clamps as well so you can clip the test probes to your test areas
  
  http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062227&cp=&sr=1&origkw=alligator+clips&kw=alligator+clips&parentPage=search
  
• Drill - 3/8" chuckless - I prefer DeWalt, but that is preference
• Long Phillips Drillbits - these are a must for securing transformers - I think mine are 12" and I bought them at Lowes... couldn't find them on their site
• #1, #2, #3 phillips screwdrivers
• #1, #2, #3 slotted screwdrivers
• Claw Hammer
• Angle cutters (hobby sized for engine and rolling stock work and 1 regular size for cutting wires).
• non-contact circuit tester
  
  http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=157879-1781-GVD-504AD&lpage=none

I think that about does it for most commonly used tools... I use a lot of these around the house as well so many serve dual purpose (or I have 2 or three of them on hand).

[Jumijo]

To me, the 2 most essential tools are knowledge and a sense of humor. All the conventional tools I've used have just been pulled from my tool box. And I really can't pick any that were "essential" But knowledge is the one thing that moves me forward when I'm in a jam or can't figure something out. I ask a question here and get the right answer much more often than not. When I can't seem to do anything right, a strong sense of humor comes in handy. Otherwise, my train room would have a lot of holes in the walls from things being thrown at a high velocity.

Jim 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Make sure you tell us what you use the tool for as it relates to trains. 

[laz 57]

Cordless Drill,

More POWER AH AH AH.

laz57

[Birds]

• "Flexx Tuff" gloves - keep the hands from being torn up when putting track together
• digital volt-ohm meter - test the electrical connections as I try new layouts
  
• diagonal cutters - crimping tubular track sections tight against the pin
  
• needle nose pliers - various things
  
• 4-in-1 screw driver with two different sized phillips and flat head points
  
• crimper - crimping spade ends onto wires
• wire stripper/cutter

[FJ and G]

The tool I use most frequently is the good old lineman's pliers, wrapped in special insulation to prevent electrical shock (the insulation had to be heated in water to make them slip over). I find myself using these pliers for just about everything: spiking, bending metal, cutting nails (the cutters never seem to dull after years of cutting steel), holding metal that has been heated or needs grinding, hammering, etc etc.

When you first get a pair of these pliers, they are a bit tight and need breaking in. The best way I found to break them in is to heave them repeatedly from a 10 story building onto the pavement.

They are the pliers to the extreme left with the red handles. My friend, who is a telecommunications expert, first introduced me to these pliers. They are from Home Depot and were not cheap (forgot price). Had to purchase the slip over handle covers separately.

 

 

[Buckeye Riveter]

After the post about soldering, the light bulb went off.   How about a listing of your favorite tools you use for anything and everything on your layout.   What specifically do you use the tool for? 

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For example, a tool that I just love is a Phillips Head Screwdriver made in Germany.  It is red and black and the top rotates such that I can keep good pressure on the screw as it is turned.  I use this screwdriver to take apart engines and cars on both the O gauge and G gauge layouts.