Essential Tools for FPV (What's In My Portable Toolkit?)

For a beginner FPV pilot, one of the worst things is crashing and having to end your day early when you're out having a great time. Luckily, if you have the right tools, you can often prevent that from happening. Here's an intro to my portable toolkit and the tools I personally use.
I've also included some links to the products I use. These are not necessarily the highest quality tools out there, but budget options that have worked for me. Some of the tools I already owned, or sourced locally, so I added a "*" for those products. That way you know the product linked is an alternative.
The bag itself:
Hex drivers: tiny.cc/fjdauz
Hex nut drivers:
*Phillips screwdriver: amzn.to/3B4pCm2
*Prying tool (to replace screwdriver): amzn.to/3BdNSSM
Forceps: tiny.cc/0jdauz
*Plyers: amzn.to/3eqsDUf
Tape measure: amzn.to/3rfkBmc
*Phone to Drone Betaflight Adapter: amzn.to/3wKktMJ
*Files: amzn.to/3rfkBmc
ViFly Short Saver: tiny.cc/7jdauz
Battery Checker: tiny.cc/hjdauz
Multimeter: tiny.cc/5jdauz
Soldering Iron: tinyurl.com/3pw7e59p
*Wire strippers: tiny.cc/2jdauz
Flux Pen: tiny.cc/jjdauz
Leaded Solder: amzn.to/3wVa2Gl
Blu Tack: amzn.to/3er669O
Electrical Tape: amzn.to/3xNiGYn
*Double-Sided Tape: amzn.to/36Exahx
Zipties: amzn.to/3z7NgMC
Gorilla Glue: amzn.to/36Exddd
Heat Gun: tiny.cc/vidauz
Heat Shrink: tiny.cc/uidauz
*Hot Glue Gun: amzn.to/36Vqfkh
Hero 9 Replaceable Lens Cover:
GoPro Sticky Pads (ebay): tiny.cc/bkdauz
GoPro Mounts (For Nazgul5): tinyurl.com/4d...
GoPro SD Cards: amzn.to/3ktpiYm
ND Filters: tinyurl.com/a4...
Spare Parts for Nazgul5 V2:
6S Motors: tiny.cc/zndauz
Crossfire antennas: tinyurl.com/k4...
Arms: tiny.cc/ljdauz
Props: amzn.to/3rkbMYf
XT60 connectors: amzn.to/3z4K3gN
Video antenna (analog): amzn.to/3BeTdJx
Video antenna (caddx vista/digital): amzn.to/2VQBs3b
Straps: tiny.cc/ojdauz
Here’s all the gear I currently use:
(links unavailable as of April 11, 2023. Will be back in a few days!)
All of the above are affiliate links! They will not cost you anything extra but will give me a small commission when used!
Want to support my work and get exclusive benefits? Check me out on Patreon!
/ mattpochwat
For business inquiries, feel free to contact me at:
[e-mail]
You can also check me out on Instagram!
/ matt_pochwat

[@MattPochwat]

Just a chill video to get back in the groove of things. More videos coming soon, I promise.

[@aiken1053]

Glad your back with your videos bro 🤙🤙

[@nerdlands6595]

Welcome back!

[@joesvenskason6471]

Take your time no problem

[@TheMisterSpok]

Flux is used to remove oxide film from the parts being soldered. Also it prevents further oxidation during the soldering process. Edit: it also makes molten solder more fluid because it's surface tension can be increased by the oxides, that flux removes.

[@furkanfpv677]

YOU'RE BACK! lets go! you're video's have very good quality, keep the work up! (sorry English isn't my first language)

[@MattPochwat]

thanks man! It's good to be back

[@andyroman8223]

Matt I just wanna say, that your videos absolutly helped me get into the rc hobby. Now, I didn't actually end up doing FPV drones, and instead went down the path of RC planes, but your lipo videos are extremely helpful.

[@DeeJay-gm6qj]

Definitely recommend a lighter instead of that heat gun, does the job just as well

[@primoziskra6394]

True. I recomendet "turbo" lighter. Can burn in any angle and dont make your heatshrink black from soot.

[@Vizr]

@@primoziskra6394 Like a torch lighter? That’s a good call!

[@primoziskra6394]

@@Vizr, yes. Torch lighter and turbo lighter get same results on google.

[@jeffsDad]

You can also just use your soldering iron. Just use part just beneath the tip and be careful.

[@the.bry.guy8208]

You have helped and are still helping me get into FPV hobby so big thanks

[@Justin1387]

I haven't even watch the video yet and I know I'm going to like it and learn something new! Your production value is amazing! Everything is well thought out an planned. All the information is concise and honest. Thank you for helping me along my learning path, and I look forward to what the future holds in store for you!!!

[@MattPochwat]

Thanks, I try!

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Extra prop nuts and a cleaning cloth for your camera lenses and fpv goggles. Oh and battery straps can be useful like zip ties if needed for a temp reinforcement. RDQ always sends them with every order.

[@MattPochwat]

Interesting, I've actually never lost a prop nut. Wouldn't you notice that a prop isn't spinning before the nut came off?

[@shadowofchaos8932]

@@MattPochwat changing out a prop that broke and i dropped the nut in long grass. Never found it.

[@jonahwillis]

You should learn all the different features of your multimeter, and make a video showing the different ways to check your quads. It would definitely help me because I don't know how to use them very well. :)

[@VijitChandna]

Check the continuity testing video by Joshua bardwell

[@nerdlands6595]

Great!! I also carry lighted magnifying glasses (usb rechargeable) for tight work... And a phone charging brick for USB type things (which has 2 18650's which can power my goggles). My toolkit is a home toolkit as well, so I don't have to remove and store the current project on the bench to work on drones. Also, substitute a lighter for the heat gun for me. Liquid Electrical Tape has been a godsend, but never brought it to the field. Oh, and lens wipe cloth.

[@avasianfpv]

Glad to have you back, Matt! I’m shocked at how much you can fit in that bag! You had me checking off items in the first half and then you kept going😂 the heat gun and camera stuff blows my mind

[@keikocgz]

Glad to see you're back. Your videos really helped me get into the hobby 5 months ago. Thank you and hope Canada gives you clear weather for more fly time. I prefer bringing more compact and lightweight tools so I use my bike tools mostly. Will definitely get a portable solder gun like that one.

[@gawwel_]

Good quality videos wanna see more!!

[@stewpidazole]

Welcome back Matt. Nice job on the video. One thing that I always have is a toothpick or cocktail stick. When you need to clear dirt out of a motor or move/tweak a wire…there is nothing better for the job. Metal around electrical is hazardous.

[@Eskevar125125]

Glad to see you’re back doing videos! All these tips you have given have made it so much easier getting into the world of FPV.

[@mason8997]

Welcome back Matt! I always look foreword to your take on the happenings in the world of FPV!

[@AlbertoValencia]

Man, hope all is good your videos are amazing !! Thank you for everything you’ve taught me

[@yakfpv9747]

Good to have you back man!

[@carboncubss]

Welcome back to Canada, happy to see you making videos again!

[@ShitPilotFPV]

Portable butane soldering gun. Has removable tips that give it secondary function as a heat gun and it's compact

[@ATN007]

I guess someone probably already told you, but a lighter for your shrink wrap, and the soldering iron where you dont want open flame :)

[@peicou]

"a knife" casually bought in tower knives in Japan. Pretty nice!

[@MattPochwat]

Haha I bought it on the internet YEARS ago. I honestly don't know much about it!

[@filipdabrowski780]

Welcome back home from a fellow Canadian. Can’t wait for more content.

[@JustABeeInFPV]

As a side note you don't have to use a heat gun for heat shrink, a small blowtorch works well too. Source: have an uncle who is an electrician and constantly uses heat shrink.

[@tomasprochazka6198]

Or just a lighter O_o I didn't get the heat gun, especially when it's that big.

[@Jonnymule]

I'm a beginner and just bought my first soldering kit, you are right....LOL I'm practicing on everything I can before I try it on something that cost money. It didn't come with a flux pen, I will be getting one......See, your video just helped a newbie. You accomplished you r mission. 🤟

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

Check out "Daniele Tartaglia" on here. He has tons of simple short little videos with super useful soldering tips. Im newer to the soldering world myself and he has helped me tons.

[@Jonnymule]

@@crisnmaryfam7344 Thank you so much! 👍

[@AndrejendrA]

welcome back, you've been missing.

[@deebeez7923]

Another great video bud. If you’re near Toronto let’s go flying!

[@deckyrizkiadi]

Welcome back. I am still your channel viewer. I store an old tooth brush and wet wipes in my pouch to clean my quads after each flying.

[@MrCaracolor]

I do the exacte same thing with all my toolkit. But in my case i manage to have all my emergency tool, part, dji-headset, controler, drone battery, charger, power socket, ... exepte the drone and the gopro i let secure on the mount. My little bags look a lot like yours and i only use a lighter instead of a heat gun. It's always possible to find a hairdryer if you need one (my girlfriend have one so that's enought) And i use a leatherman multi-tool it's my life saver.

[@KAROLINAPOCHWAT]

Welcome back Matt :) Looking forward to your Made-in-Canada 🇨🇦 content!

[@TwentyThrill]

Bro no way, I am Italian but I live in Korea now, thank you for your content, I hope I can effort all the gear once back home ;)

[@TheMisterSpok]

Glad you're back. It's been a long time you haven't published any new videos.

[@lawrencemartin8205]

Awesome video man. Welcome back.

[@verald9922]

good to see you back matt enjoying your videos like always waiting for the next videos

[@ThomasAndersonFPV]

When a videographer goes FPV, haha, our Gear suspension looks similar :') Tight and packed. Since every one gives their addition. I use an electrical hand screwdriver. Less space, more bits!

[@hebro7172]

The quality of your video’s is amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@MattPochwat]

thanks!

[@WiZardDrift]

well today was my first flight with the nazgul 5 hd thanks to you! and yea first thing that broke was the battery strap. I had to minor crashes that only loosed a prop haha, but thanks to you man I got up and flying!

[@rueda82nd]

Instead of that huge heat gun you can use a lighter

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Lighter is my first choice. Then a butane torch if its windy.

[@MattPochwat]

Amazing... These are the kinda tips I need!

[@robingeib7644]

@@shadowofchaos8932 I always use a jet lighter. These are perfect in every condition.

[@PeugeotL-vd2le]

Lol probably stupid but I just use a soldering iron

[@robingeib7644]

@@PeugeotL-vd2le Does it generate enough heat or do you touch the heat shrink? If yes i dont think its good for the tip. But if you dont use the tip it should be okay :) But yeah better then nothing :)

[@Jim_Mundy]

Tremendous video Matt Thanks! So much good information!

[@anthonyrowlett9621]

Good job explaining why you have these items in your toolkit. I'm taking notes. Lol

[@ScoFish]

For as good as this video was I still don't know where to start haha... thanks for the content!

[@ChrisLeeX]

For the heatgun, if you're just shrink tubing, you can use a bic lighter, or a butane iron (Portasol)

[@vincentquintal1]

yes! And an other option is also to use your soldering iron

[@themaker6]

you can use the flame from a lighter to do the heat shrink.

[@Josh-gj1up]

He is BACK! Amazing video quality mate! You should come over to the UK!

[@MattPochwat]

You guys got any good spots?

[@Josh-gj1up]

@@MattPochwat Yea there are a few nice seaside spots for cinematic shots. Struggling to find many bando's though but i'm only a few months into FPV so still out hunting for new spots :)

[@peternguyen3732]

Welcome back!

[@thisunnanayakkara4703]

dam man i have waited for your next video impatiently now finally its here 😀🙌

[@ChainsawFPV]

I bring so much crap with me when I go to fly. Lol. Never need any of it. But I kno the day I don't bring it, I will need all of it! Damn this hobby. Can never win!

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

A note on soldering equipment. You get what you pay for. However you dont need a top of the line soldering iron to do WAY more than you would ever need to do on a drone. The little USB style one he shows here is actually pretty good. There many different versions of it floating around, Louis Rossmann did a review on one he was sent and compared it to a 300$ Hakko professional soldering set up. When it comes to solder flux and other expendable materials like this, do not cheap out. Cheap solder will have you messing around with it and keeping heat in places you should only be heating for a second or two. MUCH more potential to screw up your rig or drone with cheap solder. Its just not worth it to save all of a couple bucks. Also - Louis Rossmann and Daniele Tartaglia are great places to look for professional soldering advice.

[@verona1pirate]

ive seen marine electrician with a heatgun that was a torch and the flame reflected off a plate and hit the heat shrinnk with hott flame air :p most people in the marine electrical field just bring lil torches for shrink wrap and butt connnectors... thanks for all your videos foreal.

[@toms2oo8]

Personally just use the non-tip part of a soldering iron for heat shrink. Might be more useful than carrying around a huge heat gun or using a lighter. Dunno if it can damage anything though to be honest.

[@doctoor]

What is a better fpv drone the emax tinyhawk 2 freestyle Or the Eachine novice III I have alot of drone experience but I dont have any fpv drones and I'm looking to buy my first one

[@ClarkDroneFilms]

8:40 I've been mounting my GoPro facing backward on the nazgul I do it at the front, because the mount needed is is just the same as the top. With a big enough angle the back props are out of view pretty easily. There's also some GoPro mounts on thingiverse that have the same spacing as flight controllers. Definitely would trust TPU more than the sticky pads

[@primoziskra6394]

For heatshrink i recomandet turbo lighter. Turbo lighters can burn in any angle and dont make heatshrinks black from soot.

[@adamgenish2593]

Matt. I have the same knife that you have. I bought the knife from Japan.the knife is handmade!!!

[@donhawkins3461]

You should also carry some 3M dual lock.

[@christiansrcs7789]

It’s Ben some time

[@reworkfpv7359]

Very helpful indeed.

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Check Albert Kim's channel for betaflight on your phone. If you have a Samsung Galaxy S8 or newer, you get the adapter with the phone. Great help when I was frustrated trying to install it on my phone.

[@captain-Dan]

Smaller alternative to the heatgun - a lighter, does the same job. IMO a heatgun is needed for bigger jobs like stripping paint, for little bits of tubing in a pinch - a lighter should suffice

[@verdi6092]

Reverse tweezer is also great for soldering

[@jc.cantrell]

Your KZbins are informative (and calm). You say you moved from Korea to Canada. From where in Korea did you move?

[@joshturner9766]

yo man brilliant video as always

[@peterkortvel]

awesome! i would look for smth smaller since i dont use a car

[@JustInTime0525]

Thank you for tip videos like this! How many spear arms/ motors/ props did you go thru so far? I want to buy the Nazgul along with its replacement parts, but not sure how many of each I should get... Also congrats on moving to Canada, saying hi in Vancouver :)

[@davincifpv3983]

Ever got propeller nuts that get super difficult to screw/unscrew for some reason? Happened to my Nazgul recently, for some reason (unknown) on one side of the drone, the two prop nuts were super difficult to unscrew and still very difficult to get them in. No idea why though so if it has happened to you too.... Cheers from New Zealand and Kia Kaha Matt!!

[@mbezik]

top tools in my bag are the 4 spare quads ;)

[@VijitChandna]

I gotta get me one of those

[@kaho_fpv]

Welcome back and welcome to Canada. In witch province you fly? Quebec?

[@publicname515]

The links don't work for the hex drivers, could you please update them? Thanks!

[@davidanderson6222]

Gotta have this kit! YOU WILL CRASH

[@babybelge9681]

hi :) like always great vid

[@bbr_bbr]

Good tutorial! Thanks!)

[@JokoMoto]

I know a smaller heat shrink substitute, lighter :D

[@thibaultmenu6787]

Good stuff

[@DeeJay-gm6qj]

You can get lipo powered hot glue guns, defos worth a look into too

[@NestorZaharopoulos]

happy to see you are back. what was the pouch you have at the start the black one.. link maybe?

[@MattPochwat]

good point! Link added.

[@dennisschraml3634]

Thanks for all your Videos. What did you do in Korea, if I may ask?

[@cz3xq7iA]

Ey bud, Looking in the App Store I can’t find the app for beta flight or I’m possibly doing sumthin wrong, Well u help me out.

[@guitarguyf16]

I was stationed down in Kunsan from 05-06 and had a blast. I’m assuming you were in Seoul?

[@joelbaumann8584]

Short tip that u probably already knew: but u can use just a pocket lighter to tighten the shrink-tubes(:

[@aleksanderlanes]

Missing a spare antenna for *when* you break one of the fragile stock dji fpv goggles antennas.

[@MattPochwat]

Upgrading to the iFlight or Lumenier antennas is not a bad idea either. If anything, they're just more compact

[@silentunc]

Hey, nice video! thanks! I know I'm off the topic of the video, but I would like to ask a few questions)): since you have both versions of nazgul, it there any difference in stability between them while flying cinematic? I know that v2 frame is a bit heavier, does it really helps to get more smooth footage compare to v1? And about the flight time, I've heard that v2 flies up to 2 minutes less, what is your experience? Thanks^)

[@nathanjones7460]

Hi there what setting do you use on your phone to get it to talk to the drone ? And what phone are you using ?

[@Barneyveld93]

Can you share your pid en filter settings for the nazgul5 4s?

[@OneLovePsych]

I really think the multi-meter and soldering kit is TOOOO much to have in the field. I can’t think of a single time I would’ve needed all that while I was out. I also think some other things are too much, you don’t need an entire travel work bench… you just don’t.

[@LovesGames113]

buy a solar panel for usb or solar battery pack for cellphones to charge stuff

[@yousafahmed9509]

Love your vids but there’s not enough

[@furkanfpv677]

agree, but his video's have very good quality ngl

[@yousafahmed9509]

100%

[@chrispenn6149]

It may sounds crazy but I’m serious. I do have a battery charger and a google. Do you have a radio and a solid used fpv drone that you want to get rip off? I would more than happy to pay you up front before you ship out anything to me. I thought about getting dji fpv but it’s not worth it because I know I’ll get tired of it soon like other drones.

[@EngineerNhu]

hey matt, what drone frame did you bought that include files?

[@guyrandom6151]

moving to canada ? you messed that up its a cess pool now

[@stefansekej3047]

Good video as allways :)

[@Trial_Gamer45]

Why not change the heat gun for a lighter?

[@MohammadAbdulla.13]

U can use lighter instead of heat gun

[@videos_bg]

9:33 - You really don't know that you can heat it with normal lighter?

[@JasonEllingsworth]

Once you listen to Pochwat at 1.1x its hard to go back

[@RaphaelSegun-wd9kj]

What will you call it if want to buy ir

[@ThomasAndersonFPV]

Subbed!

[@staticfpv881]

I clicked thinking you were Stew from UAV features 😂😂

[@MattPochwat]

That's how I get the views... It's all part of the plan.

[@ClintChapman]

What case is it you use for your tools?

[@julietsoto6468]

where i can buy the tools?thanks