Chapter 1. The Toolbox
To build anything, large or small, using the right tools makes a huge improvement in the quality of the finished product. The right tools will also speed up the process of building, minimize wasted materials, and reduce operator fatigue and stress. Sounds pretty important to have the right tools, doesn't it? You're right! This chapter shows you which, out of the zillions of tools, are the ones to use for building electronic circuits.
Basic Tools for Building Circuits
You'll be pleasantly surprised to find that you don't need a giant set of fancy tools to do excellent work! In fact, you may have most of them already and a couple of additional acquisitions are all that's needed.
Mechanically speaking, you'll need squeezers, cutters, turners, pokers, holders, and hole makers. That's pretty simple, isn't it? Of course, there is an incredible variety of available tools. I'll list the basic items you really need, ways to upgrade them, and some optional tools that are handy but not necessities. Then you go shopping!
Tip
Buy the best tools you can afford — always! Then take care of them — always! With care, tools will last a literal lifetime. The author's toolbox has perfectly functional and often-used tools that are 40 years old or more. Avoid bargain-bucket and no-name tools. An all-in-one tool is handy at times, but is no match ...
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