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TOOLS FOR ELECTRONICS YOU SHOULD HAVE 369

Figure 30- 4 Soldering station with adjustable heat
output. This model does not have a temperature
indicator, but you can infer it by adjusting the output to Figure 30- 5 Trio of the most used tools for working
where it just begins to melt solder. Remember that with electronics: a vise or “third hand” (magnifier
different compositions of solder have different melting optional, but handy), flush wire cutters, and wire
points. (Photo courtesy Cooper Tools) strippers.

For routine electronic work, you should get a soldering pencil with a 25- to 30- watt heating
element. Anything higher may damage electronic components. You can use a 40- or 50- watt
element for wiring switches, relays, and power transistors. If you can afford it, opt for a model
with a temperature dial. They cost a bit more, but they’re far more flexible.
See the section “How to Solder,” later in this chapter, for a step- by- step guide on soldering.

HAND TOOLS FOR ELECTRONIC CONSTRUCTION
You need just a few hand tools for electronic construction. The ones described here will fill
your electronic toolbox quite nicely. All of these tools are inexpensive. The first three on the
list, which are among the most used tools for electronic construction, are shown in Fig-
ure 30- 5.

• Flush wire cutters, sometimes referred to as “nippy” cutters. These let you cut off wire
flush with the surface of a circuit board.
• Wire strippers for smaller- gauge wire. Be sure it can handle between 18- and 26- gauge
wire (the higher the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire). Most electronic
hookup wire is 22 gauge. The stripper should have a dial that lets you select the gauge
of wire you are using.
• Solder clamp or vise. The clamp or vise serves as a “third hand,” holding together pieces
to be soldered, so you are free to work the soldering pencil and feed the solder. One with
a built- in magnifying glass is nice. The ones with simple alligator clips are the least expen-
sive, but they do the job.
• Set of flat- bladed and Phillips screwdrivers, including sizes #1 and #0.
• Small needle- nose pliers.
• Dental picks. These are ideal for scraping, cutting, forming, and gouging into things. You
can buy these surplus.

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