# TOOLS & MATERIALS we use **URL:** \ **Category:** DIY STUFF\ **Created:** [August 9, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584 "2020-08-09T16:07:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![devicex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/devicex/32/28_2.png) [@devicex](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/devicex)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/1 "2020-08-09T16:07:31Z")
figured it would be good to list the different tools and materials somewhere all together for a reference .so list what you use , pros / cons maybe where you got the item and possibly alternatives . ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/2 "2020-08-09T16:21:25Z")
For multimeters there’s this topic > [@Multimeter recommendation](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/multimeter-recommendation/716): > > Hey guys I’m building the mfos voltage quantizer, got it built and it’s working but I need to tune the voltage steps to be as close to 0.08333v apart as possible. My cheapo harbor freight $5 meter is not cutting it. There seems to be a vast gap between the cheapos and the $600+ Fluke meters. I’m a tool guy and take care of them so don’t mind getting quality that will last but that seems a bit much. What do you guys use? Or what would you get now If you needed a new one? As of now I’m leaning t… ---
**Author:** ![analogoutput](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/analogoutput/32/29663_2.png) [@analogoutput](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/analogoutput)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/3 "2020-08-09T16:22:23Z")
And for scopes > [@Looking for a cheap oscilloscope](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/looking-for-a-cheap-oscilloscope/1099): > > Hi, I am currently looking for a cheap scope to do some trouble shooting. I have seen some people use a DSO150 or similar but from what I understand, they are rather limited(?). A friend of mine send me a link to the [FNIRSI-5012H](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33021370646.html), which he researched a bit, but did not buy (he got a usb scope in the end). But then I found some harsh critique in this video: [[EEVblog #1260 - $70 100MHz Oscilloscope?] ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIH48bIUU00) But I don’t really understand most of the points he makes, I have only used a scope f… ---
**Author:** ![devicex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/devicex/32/28_2.png) [@devicex](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/devicex)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/4 "2020-08-09T17:02:17Z")
CRIMPING TOOLS > **[Amazon.com: IWISS Mini Micro Open Barrel Crimping Tools Works on AWG28-20 JAM,...](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078WNZ9FW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)** > > Buy IWISS Mini Micro Open Barrel Crimping Tools Works on AWG28-20 JAM, Molex, Tyco, JST Terminals and Connectors: Crimpers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases I have found these to work well . ---
**Author:** ![devicex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/devicex/32/28_2.png) [@devicex](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/devicex)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/5 "2020-08-09T17:07:59Z")
> **[Seeed Studios TOL01241P Digital Storage Oscilloscope, Nano v3, 105 mm x 53 mm x...](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CFJCFR0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)** > > Seeed Studios TOL01241P Digital Storage Oscilloscope, Nano v3, 105 mm x 53 mm x 8 mm Size: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific I have one of these , but admittedly I have very limited use with this unit but it seems ok and it fits in your pocket . and of course it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a bench model. ---
**Author:** ![Bitnik](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/bitnik/32/274_2.png) [@Bitnik](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Bitnik)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2020, 1:17pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/6 "2020-08-10T13:17:07Z")
There’s a thread for [panel labelling and decorating techniques](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/panel-labeling-and-decorating-techniques/1550). ---
**Author:** ![sebastian](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/sebastian/32/39_2.png) [@sebastian](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/sebastian)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2021, 5:45pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/7 "2021-07-18T17:45:14Z")
Old thread, but I wanted to share that my old skate tool works surprisingly well for Panel components! The fit is not perfect but a huge improvement from my previous practice of using pliers (and scratching the panels and hurting my fingers!) 🙂 ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/5/5dbc8935226ddd91c380f093bf03d882a135390c.jpeg) Processing: E08ACF85-7D3A-4713-9504-C1A8FF79B8E2.jpeg… ---
**Author:** ![Jos](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/jos/32/151_2.png) [@Jos](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Jos)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2021, 7:55am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/8 "2021-07-31T07:55:23Z")
I came across these desoldering needles a while ago and have used them a few times since. They come in handy now and then and I thought you might like them. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/b/8/b8990bae86d943bf7c7ebcf6e266f651a298e8d4.jpeg "Desoldering needles demonstration") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_5HgsIGb2E) ---
**Author:** ![TimMJN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/timmjn/32/15227_2.png) [@TimMJN](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/TimMJN)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2021, 12:01pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/9 "2021-08-02T12:01:37Z")
Show me your weird test cables! Here’s the one I use for dialing PSU’s: ![IMG_20210802_135307655](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/d/dbf392320e7b666b61ded176ce5f34c76196eeaf.jpeg) Jack to banana made from an old guitar cable, useful for connecting modules to the scope and function generator (through a banana to BNC adaptor): ![IMG_20210802_135337285](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/1/18da062c4a6afb0132b4648156bcc301967ddc1b.jpeg) mini-USB to banana powers Arduinos from the benchtop PSU: ![IMG_20210802_135405348](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/6/6bc269f8698b5fb783bfeead8dbce74a67a3f389.jpeg) Also, here’s a breadboard fitted with extra power rails, Eurorack/Kosmo power connector and jack sockets (disregard other half-assed contents 🙂 ): ![IMG_20210802_140319713](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/2X/7/70dbea28af99e771c966cb7f41ed4eef20357061.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![TimMJN](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/timmjn/32/15227_2.png) [@TimMJN](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/TimMJN)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2021, 8:18pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/11 "2021-08-11T20:18:12Z")
Made a few of these debugging plugs: nothing but a 1k resistor and a bipolar LED inside. Useful for quickly visualising output signals! ![2021-08-11 22.04.19](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/8/a/8a2197648118859b74b710311e7cbe7fab7140e2.jpeg) ![2021-08-11 22.04.40](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/4/d/4d92ab719156421ce21ac4fb16001523fee539fd.jpeg) ![ezgif.com-gif-maker (4)](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/a/3/a3b9ef55241d073618d2a82e4ae1b591c9d8a90a.gif) ---
**Author:** ![devicex](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/free1/user_avatar/lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/devicex/32/28_2.png) [@devicex](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/devicex)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 2:00am UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/12 "2021-08-17T02:00:15Z")
![20210816_2154301](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/4/5/45bd814a4ad5fc6634b7da05e4b12763e47f8573.jpeg) ![20210816_2155011](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/d/7/d7f5133bd2bc8469c89fb6ea003729157bf7044d.jpeg) took a couple deep sockets out of the mechanics set , rapped gaffe tape around them for grip . seem to be working great no slips no fuc\*\*ed up face panels . though I will probably be bitching the next time I go to work on the car and can’t find the sockets I need . ---
**Author:** ![Farabide](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecc23a/32.png) [@Farabide](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/u/Farabide)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://lookmumnocomputer.discourse.group/t/tools-materials-we-use/1584/13 "2024-08-30T17:41:27Z")
Spudger time! I keep a little box of phone and 'puter tools; keyboard key lifters, cleaning tools and rack shims etc. All together they cost pennies and save a lot of faff and fhumbnails. ![IMG_20240830_181847](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/free1/uploads/lookmumnocomputer/original/3X/3/7/37262fc520c653bd4cd6b0088b3ac22608271fd3.jpeg)