Must have tools for circuit testing bench 12

[machmech]

Hello Folks

I am curious and would like to see a short and simple list,( I will research the options) or ask questions regarding preference if necessary.

Basically, What are your favorite and or must have tools on your work bench? Just in case it is inappropriate to mention name brands (I don't want to advertise or offend anyone) we can refrain from this, Those in the field know what is quality . Although Minimums and maximum requirements are good.

Your input is appreciated

Thanks, Chuck

 

[itsmoked]

Well I happen to hate coffee....

Please pass the animal cookies!

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Warpspeed]

Hates coffee, and bites the heads off animal cookies, hmmm, sounds like an interesting case.

 

[Skogsgurra]

I am not sure if I shall reveal this. You see, smoked is a nice guy and I feel like stabbing his back - but, he doesn't drink beer either...

Does that make the picture any clearer?

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[Warpspeed]

Gasp !! Shock horror !!!

 

[itsmoked]

Heheheheheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hey, I help a buddy make beer. Very interesting.

They roast coffee around here which just frikken reeks!!
It smells like horribly incinerated toast if you've never smelled it.

I love the smell of fresh brewed coffee.

I sure love milk!
And chocolate.
And Ice Cream...

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[machmech]

Kieth could this be true?!!! How does one get by without the Nectar of the God's? Surely skogs is mistaken.

Chuck

 

[itsmoked]

As my late uncle's(liquor manufacturer/distributor) business card read (referring to beer):

[green]"If you don't like our beer tell us! And we'll run it through the horse again."[/green]


That must be why it tastes like it does.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Skogsgurra]

Tell'em Keith. Do you like beer?

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[itsmoked]

Root beer I love and make.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[machmech]

[small]pssst!....Hey skogs....you don't suppose Keith is one of those....well..uhm...you know.....girly men??[/small]

shhh Don't tell Keith I asked!

 

[Warpspeed]

I picture Keith as being more the Arnold Schwarzenegger type. Those animal cookies don't stand a chane.

Dare to be different................

 

[danw2]

I've found getting some enclosures open requires the funny shaped "security" drivers.

So my favorite tool is Harbor Freights' 100 piece security bit set, that includes 100, 1/4" hex drive security bits, only 8 of which are duplicates (4 extra #2 phillips, 4 extra #2 pozidrives) all in a plastic case for $15 regular, $10 on sale.

The only bit it doesn't have, to my knowledge, is the tiny T6 torx size used on cellular phones (my kids bought colored faceplates which require the removal of a tiny torx on Nokias)

Set includes bits:
SAE hex allen (1/16 - 1/4)
SAE hex allen security (5/64 - 5/32)
metric hex allen (1.5-8mm, no 7mm)
metric hex allen security (2 - 6mm)
torx (T8-T45)
security torx (with the bore in the center) (T8-T40)
straight blade screwdriver (metric designations from 3-8mm)
spline drive (M5-M8)
clutch drive (1, 2, 3)
tapered square drive (0 - 3)
3 tine phillips* (1-4)
4 tine offset phillips* (6, 8,10)
2 pin spanner (4, 6, 8, 10)
phillips (0-3)
pozidrive (0-30)
adapters:
male 1/4" hex x magnetic female 1/4" hex
1/4" male hex (fits screwdriver) to 1/4" square male socket drive adapter, one short, one long
Y thingie with 1/4" hex male (don't know what it is)

Highly recommended because all the bits are in one place - the red plastic box.

You can find the set on

http://www.harborfreight.com.

Search for part number 91310. And you can buy another half dozen yellow DVMs at the same time. Like OperaHouse, I've been known drop 'em or to probe 220V on the ohms setting, too.)

Dan

 

[machmech]

Hello Dan

That looks like a really nice set, I have three sets which are equal to this one and paid a lot more money for them.
Thanks for a great tip!

As far as dmm's if I measure anything over 24 v I like to use a cat3 meter I prefer Fluke. Safety is included w/meter.
The low buck meters are nice if you need to monitor many operations of a board at once I suppose.

Chuck

 

[danw2]

I've gotta put this one out here, even though it isn't a tool from a circuit test bench - it's my field service bench - the bench itself.

I do a lot of work in-plant on control panels where there isn't any place to work. So my favorite field service tool is the bench itself.

I need a place to setup and work on a PC so I'm not squatting on the floor or holding the PC while working. Carts are too awkward to carry in a sedan, and trying to scrounge up a cart in someone else's plant for more than a temporary, couple minute hauling of stuff is a toughie.

So I found a portable, folding plastic resin table (or bench, if you will) that's light weight with a top that's 20"x30". I fastened a drawer pull handle on the side at the balance point so it carries easily in one hand. It's maximum height is only 28", a tad too low for a 6'3" guy, but otherwise ideal.

People do ask me if I'll iron their shirts for them when I'm done, because the folding legs make it look just like your Mom's ironing board.

With my portable bench and my folding chair and I'm ready to stare at the logic on the PC screen all day long.

Dan

 

[itsmoked]

Dan For a boring table.. that is pretty cool! I imagine you couldn't live without it after using it a few times.

Might I suggest you bolt two wheels and two casters on it so you can just drag it, luggage style, thru the plant AND it will raise it a few inches.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Skogsgurra]

That table. Greatest tip so far. Have the same problem. Nowhere to put the drawings. Nowhere to put your scope. Nowhere to put your coffee-mug. Nowhere to put those little smart devices that make you and your services so special, Have to make something like that - but it should be less of an ironing board and more of a lab bench. Looks are important. And, yes, Keith - wheels. And a little railing around the table-top so things don't fall off it.

Great tip anyhow. Wish I could give you a PBS (Pink Big Star) but there are only PLS:es available.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[itsmoked]

skogs; I would get the biggest dang ironing board I could find and then hack it. Yes a fiddle around the back would be a good addition!

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Skogsgurra]

Even better; turn the table-top into a flat box where you can keep your things. No need to pack/unpack. I can't wait to get home and just do it. An ironing board is probably a good starting point. Make it more square and add a pair of wheels - plus a handle. Who will be selling this?

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

 

[danw2]

FYI

The graphic of the table above is one of a table I bought - a commercially available plastic resin top table.

I bought it Menards - a building supply chain the midwest USA (IL, WI).

I'm sure they are available elsewhere. The folding table market seems to be moving away from pressed wood fiber tops to plastic resin tops, the advantage being much lighter weight and reduced shipping costs.

It just occurred to me that even office supply houses probably have this same resin top table, because office supply houses have been primary sources for folding tables.

Dan

 

[danw2]

My 2nd favorite tool on bench - Power strip Liberators

You know how all those plug-in-the-wall AC adapters cover over the adjacent outlet on a power strip, limiting how many things you can plug into a power strip?

The Power Strip liberators are very short extension cords that plug into the power strip and leave the adjacent outlets exposed. The model I buy has an outlet on the plug itself, so that I replicate the outlet on the power strip and can still plug in an adapter, or whatever.

There are a couple other styles, flat ones, those without the outlet on the plug. Available from cyberguys.com for a couple bucks each.

Dan