I can't believe more people don't have THIS...

[@samb1055]

Good advice I heard a while ago: When you're first getting into something, buy the cheapest tools and equipment that actually work for what you're doing. Then, when they break, buy the best ones you can afford. This way, if you don't continue with whatever it is you started, you didn't waste your money on expensive tools. But, if you use them enough that they break, you're clearly committed to it, so get the "good ones" that will last forever and perform the best.

[@ZacBuilds]

In general I really agree with this, but I also know from experience a lot of times the more expensive tools make the job easier. So I'm always conflicted when talking to someone who's thinking about getting into a hobby, do I recommend the cheap tool that is kind of a pain to use, or the more expensive tool that's more beginner friendly. It's a fine line and usually comes down to how much the price difference is

[@BraxtonMeyer]

@@ZacBuilds i think at that point if it's something where you're more experienced in, it may be wrothwhile to give that person a useful tip about the tool and if they're still interested (at a later point), let them know about the existence of the more helpful more expensive tool. Ideally this minimizes their suffering and gives them something to look forward to but idk. (also this philosophy described above is that of Adam Savage and i think he's a genius at making/creative work so)

[@ethantalbot1811]

I think it's also worth considering how wide the use case for such tools may be when recommending them. Will a newbie stick with the hobby long enough to require the more expensive/higher quality tools? Maybe, but even if they don't, if the tools they acquire can have further applications outside of that hobby, recommending the higher quality option may be a greater service.

[@RestoreTechnique]

I often feel like the more of a beginner you are at something, the more expensive a tool you need to buy. For example, a soldering pro could get decent results from that $10 iron, but beginner would buy it and give up on soldering cause it's too hard, when really it's just the crappy tools they bought. When what they need is a decent quality iron. Which ironically is what the more experienced are using.

[@deadbluesky]

I would say for DIY they should start with the midrange, its not too cheap to break after a year and not too expensive either

[@brandishwar]

If you don't have them already, also pick up "reverse action" tweezers, also called "self-close" or simply "reverse" tweezers. They're tweezers that will hold your item until you squeeze to let go of it. They'll take a LOT of strain out of your hands because you don't have to maintain a grip depending on what you're doing, and in particular with the small surface-mount parts like tiny capacitors and resistors.

[@_Dark__Mode_]

Doesn't the ifixit kit have that? Ik getting one in the next week

[@shadowarez1337]

Omg 🤦‍♂️ they make those would solve alot of issues I keep trying all these expensive ones thinking I can get a better hold but nope reverse makes sense will have see if North Ridge Fix has these.

[@brandishwar]

@_Dark__Mode_ Looking at their shop, they don't appear to sell them at all. Which is odd, in all honesty. So look around for a set and pay attention to reviews on how well they last, how quality they are, etc. I do need to replace my set. The tweezers that come with the iFixIt toolkit are still very high quality, but having a set of reverse tweezers to go with it will prove invaluable going forward. Especially if, again, you're doing a lot of work with small components.

[@dryzl3910]

Me using them as a blunt holder

[@raviexthegod]

@_Dark__Mode_ It looks like they do have them in the Pro Tech Toolkit.

[@BaddestCoder]

I'd say adding a digital caliper to the 3D printer buy would be a pretty useful tool

[@ZacBuilds]

Good call! I'll add it to my list for 2025 :)

[@iamdmc]

+1 essential for 3D printing whether modelling or not - just to make sure it fits in the real world

[@CamcorderHomeVideos]

​@@ZacBuilds Not a big deal, but the title says "12 tools I can't believe more people done have." I believe you meant to type "don't," rather than "done"?

[@dafoex]

I'd say a non-digital caliper is also worthwhile. If you're like me you never have any of the stupid little button batteries it takes because doesn't take any of the standard button or coin batteries that everything else takes. Or just find one that manages to take LR44 or CR3032s like a normal thing would...

[@crowonthepowerlines]

Mitutoyo!

[@Mulakulu]

As a person who works with electronics, making the jump from just a multimeter to also having a cheap oscilloscope is equivalent to the jump of getting a multimeter in the first place. Not only are you able to see what voltage something has, but you're able to see the quality of the voltage, which can first of all give significant insight into how electronics work, but also tells you if something is malfunctioning. Something you wouldn't be able to see with a multimeter alone.

[@javabeanz8549]

On that subject, get probes that have only the tip exposed, or at least ones that have clip on covers. The long exposed metal can really ruin your day, in tight spaces.

[@WiggleWizard]

Putting the silicon mat in the dish washer is WILD work...I really hope you don't work with leaded solder

[@kultledern]

leaded solder is forbidden in most countries now btw

[@superwallers1975]

Hopefully not as he hasn't bought a fume extractor yet.

[@HistoricaHungarica]

@@kultledern it is legal up to a certain percentage. Also, old electronics (which he might desolder, i donno, never seen him do it but who knows for sure) do have a lot of it.

[@protogionlastname6003]

Good thing that the dishwasher is able to wash away that lead, am I right?

[@eucalyptux]

Lead is not THAT bad 🙄

[@cristinelcostachescu9585]

The first video in the "regret not buying sooner" category that I actually enjoyed, and found useful! Thanks for the recommendations!

[@ZacBuilds]

You're so welcome!

[@hecklerkoch2446]

This is the first time watching your channel, but I can't get Doug Demuro out of my mind watching and listening to the way you describe stuff.......Your excellent at explaining items sir. Much respect.

[@gentlemanbirdlake]

yeah I hear that too, with a bit of letterkinney mixed in there.

[@LucaBlightOfHighland]

if I may, I would add something basic on which it is absolutely harmful to save money: the spool of solder, the flux and the desoldering wick. Never ever buy generic and cheap ones, because they are the best way to wrongly convince yourself that you are an idiot, buy quality ones and you will really begin to understand that the disasters you caused were not always your fault (personal experience)

[@ZacBuilds]

Great advice!

[@acedanger49]

What brands would you recommend?

[@michaelhuss0]

Since you're talking about things a new maker would be interested in... I would really appreciate some discussion of the things you *don't* make yourself. What does one need to know about ordering custom PCBs? When do you order professional 3D prints versus rolling your own? How do you weigh buying a pricey off-the-shelf component versus building a cheaper alternative? I'm particularly interested in PCBs now, but the project I'm mulling over would involve all of these questions.

[@Zer0ji]

I spent 3 months in EasyEDA tweaking a PCB design for a potential project, tested a cut-down breadboard version if it and printed a paper copy to scale to check if the components I had would fit, then one day I finally ordered it (default settings except colors) and because I spent so long tweaking the details I had no issue ^^ If you're on the fence about using such a service, and you have the money (about 35€ in my case, with shipping and some extra PCBs) I would say just spend 2 hours re-checking your design and go for it

[@OddlyIncredible]

_"What does one need to know about ordering custom PCBs?"_ You basically only really need to know two things when prepping a PCB design for fabrication: what your PCB manufacturer wants in terms of sizing (e.g., their minimums for trace sizes/spacing, hole sizes, etc.), and how to export Gerber plot files and drill files from the EDA you're using. Just about every PCB manufacturer out there will have their sizing requirements on their website. A good rule of thumb is to keep all trace widths and clearances/gaps wider than 10 mil and vias larger than 0.02" and that should fit just about everyone's minimums. Also, grab a copy of the Saturn PCB Toolkit as it's an excellent tool for working out details like impedance/capacitance/current capacity for traces without having to do the math yourself. As for Gerbers, I use KiCAD for most of my PCB design work and it has export tools for Gerbers that I can bundle and upload to the PCB maker and they take it from there. ... ​ @Zer0ji - That's what I do as well - I'll print the front and back in 1:1 and place parts onto it and just stare at it and make sure everything goes where it's supposed to before I send the Gerbers to fab. As a general rule I only have to redesign for compactness or to shift a prototype to DFM mode once it's verified as working, and I've thus far avoided having to bodge a board due to design screwups because of taking the time to validate the layout beforehand. There's no reason to rush it.

[@RealAndySkibba]

Love my Bambu printer. Great to focus on design and prototyping vs printer troubleshooting.

[@Zer0ji]

I received mine (A1) two days ago, yesterday I was able to print a small part 3 times in one evening after making some design errors, it's amazing to just hit print and not have to worry about the printing process!

[@tdata545]

BY the WAY, As a man who has bought 4 different thermal cameras for phones, FLIR is EASILY the WORST OF THE BUNCH, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING GOOD. 1) Temp range is freezing to boiling, 2) flir watermark plagues everything, 3) can't use a USB C extension cable on it. 4) EXPENSIVE FOR LACK OF QUALITY, 5) 8FPS 6) EXTREMELY LOW RESOLUTION. Best one for the money and around the same price, TOPDON, more than double the resolution, 3x the FPS, less lag, can use it on your PC, can use a USB Extension cable with it, 1200F top range and -10F bottom range, usually on crazy sales, and all around GREAT. Only negative, doesn't have the cool adjustable height USB C.

[@slinkytrips]

The other cool thing about using it on PC is you can graph values, so you can point the camera at a PCB and get a graph of the temperature on specific areas. Unfortunately the US has regulations on thermal camera frame rate so most stuff from FLIR is capped at 8fps, the higher frame rate of the Chinese units is much nicer.

[@tdata545]

@@slinkytrips I bought mine on Amazon. And yeah I heard about that weird "CAP ON FRAMERATE" which doesn't make sense. Radiation issues? I don't understand what the restriction is there.

[@NigelTolley]

​@@tdata545ITAR. They don't want the Russians or Chinese buying them for military use. Ironic now, of course...

[@renxula]

​@@tdata545 a high framerate thermal camera would be too useful for warfare.

[@javabeanz8549]

​@@tdata545my money is on law enforcement requesting that limit.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Torque Test Channel rated the Denali electric screwdriver higher than all others including Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and others. It's a little beast of an electric screwdriver. I will not call it "cordless" because a regular-ol' screwdriver your grandpa used on the farm is cordless too.

[@ZacBuilds]

That's where I first found out about it and bought it right away.

[@lominero5]

I have to say this is the best recommendations video I've seen yet. These things are actually very useful.

[@ZacBuilds]

Thank you! I spent a lot of time thinking about what to include and what not to include so that's great feedback!

[@jkromes20]

reverse clamping tweezers were the best thing for when we were micro soldering materials in the lab in grad school

[@justadudewithoutaname4376]

FYI there's this small cracking sound in the audio every 1-4 seconds. It's pretty bothersome for me (sensory overload). It persists through the whole video, but it's particularly noticeable around 5:20. I switched over to Spotify to make sure it wasn't my headset, and I checked on both Android and PC to ensure it wasn't the KZbin app. I'm still gonna watch the whole video, but just wanted to let you know in case your microphone or its cords are going bad. Keep up the good work!!

[@pandavova]

man i did go insane and thought it's my issue because I already have latency issues with yt android... yeah i cant keep watching

[@justadudewithoutaname4376]

​@@pandavova I went back and checked on my PC and it seems the crackling is throughout the whole video. It's possible that KZbin encoded/decoded the audio incorrectly (I don't know how that stuff works), but I haven't come across any other videos with the crackling. Oh well. If it happens in the next video, I'll make another comment haha.

[@ZacBuilds]

Really appreciate the heads up on this! I'm not sure how it happened but I'll work with youtube support and try to get it fixed ASAP

[@Daedhart]

Very noticeable on my PC with a high end analog audio setup.

[@metatechnologist]

It feels like it's "clipping." The audio is being processed and/or being amped up too much. You can't unhear it once you find it!

[@jefffontes6486]

"Such is the duality of being a Canadian" So much truth to this, I do it all the time.

[@nightfalcon4]

Lots of great ideas here. I appreciate it. I do recommend not throwing the silicone mat in the dishwasher though... You'll be contaminating your dishwasher with flux and solder particles, which don't go well with food. You can do a light scrub with soap and a damp cloth if you need to remove anything caked on.

[@mykolapliashechnykov8701]

I can't be happier with my T12 clone soldering station. The heating element is built into the tip so the temperature control is on par with the HAKKO and other reputable brands. Never had luck with those black "2 in 1" boxes, their heating elements were just terrible. The tips were expensive but they actually work. Excellent stuff.

[@mr.bennett108]

I think I'd probably add a tool, myself: a lightbox. You can even make these yourself with some high-gauge printer paper, an LED, and a box from amazon, or just buy one of the ones they make for taking pictures of products from Amazon itself, but multi-directional, diffuse light is an ABSOLUTE game-changer compared to overhead spotlights. Work-lighting is an underrated thing that I think KZbinrs ignore because they have studio lighting. The other one, for me, is

[@Amaxinh]

It’s refreshing to see videos like this with actually affordable products

[@Bartbal]

Those wire strippers look amazing, gotta get me one of those! Something you should also recommend when buying a soldering station is a fumes extractor. You really don't want to be breathing those fumes in! You can get simple ones with a carbon filter for cheap.

[@ZacBuilds]

Very true! And truth be told this is something I actually still need to get for myself. Might end up 3d printing one too...

[@danstheman33]

You're absolutely right, but this guy washes his dishes in solder and electronics residue.. Apparently health & safety isn't high on his list of concerns..

[@kevinrickey3925]

Hi Zac, Glad I found you. Thanks for the tip on the soldering iron tips. I'd been using the cheap ones and I agree with you. Now I can't wait to see the rest of your video.

[@Meatsweats_o_O]

I LOVE THE LTT screw drivers. I have each one for work. used them hundreds of times.

[@patrickbuswell]

Man, i wish this video came out sooner. A little too late for Christmas. Dang it! Thanks for the list. Amazing suggestions.

[@kevinrickey3925]

Thank You Zac. These items presented are priceless and I'm buying most of them right off of your links provided, right NOW. I promise to keep watching your insightful honest and great videos :-) Happy Holidays Zac!

[@bosunhiggs9708]

Good selection, but don't use a wet sponge for the solder tips. Get the brass wool.

[@joshg5352]

Been modding iPods lately and there is quite a lot on this list that Id like to pick up so its helpful you have done a lot of the shopping for me. Thanks so much!

[@Fraunzi]

Love your consistency bro, you’re my new favourite DIY/Electronics channel on KZbin!

[@mcbeav]

For silicone mats ideally get one that is grounded, or check the reviews. cheap silicone is very staticky. You can get a silicone mat with a grounding wire for $25 usd.

[@rengenius]

@GamersNexus have a good one.

[@tookitogo]

And even the wire is no guarantee. A lot of silicone mats simply aren’t conductive whatsoever, and despite being sold for soldering, are not suitable for electronics. (Which is a pity, since their design is often nice.)

[@DaveChurchill]

Would be super cool if there were timestamp chapters showing the tools :)

[@ZacBuilds]

I can do that! Just gotta sort out this audio glitch first

[@mus_xr4653]

You are 100% correct you don’t need name brand products to do your diy project. I did micro soldering on my tablet and i used a cheap soldering iron and my iPhone xr as a microscope and the only problem i had is I didn’t have flux, and after I got flux i fixed it immediately.

[@LeThoob]

I dont own a Bambu P1S, but i have had to luxury of trying one and it is amazing! Its quick and a lot of annoying calibration is automated and so on. The only complaint is the error messages seems like random messages but they all correspond to specific issues, as they are googleable

[@jasonmelone]

You make great videos. I was getting bored with KZbin. I started into your catalog. Glad you came into my feed.

[@KernelFault]

Great list. I suggest adding one more. I prefer using eye protection when I solder.

[@OddlyIncredible]

Addition suggestion: a _good_ pair of flush cutters. I bought a box of Hakko CHP-170 flush cutters and they have saved me _so much_ time and hassle for general purpose cutting and trimming for electronic projects. They're also great for use with 3D printers for doing things like cutting the deformed end off filament when changing spools, trimming sprues and removing rafts and supports from prints, etc. And at about five USD each and cheaper in bulk (I paid $35 for a box of ten) they're a solid value for the level of usefulness.

[@kevinrickey3925]

OK, I'll quit posting, but that silicon Matt is beyond cool. I never knew you could drop hot tips on them. I want one NOW!

[@javabeanz8549]

they also make baking sheets that work the same

[@spartan343x2]

oh wow, that soldering iron set is a lot cheaper than I thought it would be. Cheers!

[@Joaquin77]

Man!!!! I saw you video randomly and I noticed i have almost all the tools you mentioned.. except for the 3d printer and the hot air station, I have a soldering station without the hot air tip, the rest I have it already.. the Flir is awesome to spot places where humidity or cold or hot air leaks into the home. All those tools they are a must own for hobbies, peace of mind and always ready to work

[@ericbauer4559]

Great list! Agreed, those automatic wire strippers are so good, I've been using the same pair I bought 20 years ago.

[@tdata545]

I was always team TEETH, before them.

[@claws61821]

I have an old Radio Shack pair that I use on occasion, but I've found their reliability lacking.

[@beyondwhatisknown]

I bought an analogue multimeter and it completely saved me on many repairs and projects. Its update frequency is infinite and tiny little fluxuations in voltage and tiny breaks in current that are lost on digital meters are clearly visible on the needle. It's great for seeing if corrosion is interfering with your reading too because you can see when the needle becomes steady. You can see absolutely tiny voltages, currents, and resistances by carefully watching the needle at its zero point. Cheap, useful tool.

[@thomascrum185]

I purchased the FLIR Pro for iPhone when I got my iPhone 8+ for multiple uses including PC temps and testing. Yes they are a bit expensive but when I purchased my iPhone 15 I did not think about the adapter for the FLIR but I was able to get the adapter to work with it. I also purchased a 12" lazy susan and they are so nice when working on PC's especially wiring/cable management.

[@synchro505]

Awesome. I think I've found a new favorite build channel.

[@odilonkrauspenhar7338]

Pinecil is 25 bucks and works perfectly

[@ZacBuilds]

I'll have to try one of those!

[@lennartcordes7605]

To be fair, you'll need to add another $25 or so for a high-powered PSU

[@renxula]

Just the iron? Not having a proper stand for it makes soldering difficult and hazardous. I don't use my TS-100 soldering iron for anything, because it doesn't stay in my old stand, and I haven't found a good compatible stand for it 🙄

[@Lachlan.N93]

legit all the stuff I'm currently working on getting and/or upgrading. a poor man pays twice and i never thought some cheaper quality things i got would matter. and tweezers being one of those damn things for me too! haha. Love your vids zac , always excited to see what projects you are getting up to ! :D

[@kuroser353]

If I may, I think I'd recommend the Bambulab A1 for a beginner's printer if you're going for a good price:quality ratio without breaking the bank too much I just got one with the AMS and it's so much more comfortable to use than my old Sovol Sv06 Plus(Which, for the record, isn't a bad beginner printer, as it can teach you a lot through trial and error about how printers work, but it's too slow and clunky for my liking)

[@ZacBuilds]

100% Agree and if you look in the video description that's the "cheap" option I posted if the P1S is too expensive.

[@travisg1759]

Precision screwdrivers are a life changer!

[@examplerkey]

Yes, I totally agree with you. You are absolutely right. If you buy cheap, you buy twice (or more) and stuck with the cheap one with limited function. The Great Scott channel has 12 episodes of such useful stuffs reviews.

[@deadbluesky]

Hi Zac fellow Canadian... For board holder you should buy 2 Hakko Omnivise you won't be disappointed, big or small board no worries, you can also adjust the height they are small but heavy your board wont move half a millimeter while doing micro soldering and its ESD safe... I use chemwick to desolder like every electronic tech the brand not the Chinese knockoff but for desoldering pump i love the engineer SS-02 solder sucker, japan made with a silicone tip, the new model is the SS-03 i don't know what is the difference, also it comes with replaceable tips !! Adonstar microscopes are small and very useful also good quality i used to work with those for a long time but after sometime i was annoyed with the working height and also the small table so i bought a trinocular microscope with moving arm combined with an HDMI cam ... Although its expensive and not for everyone if you don't use it in a repair shop you better stick with the Andonstar the new AD409 max would have been awesome when i started. Another useful tool you didn't mention is an adjustable power supply at least 30v dc with adjustable knob for the voltage and the current with the option to set constant voltage or current, the first one i bought 5 or 6 years ago was a Kaisi 3005D+ and it still working today my employee are using every day i think they still made it and he are not really expensive, very useful for testing or doing diagnostics, before i bought this i was using for like 5 years a 20v power supply for tattoos that i had modified loll . Take care

[@bobkoure]

Love the 'skyline' diffuser on your wall. Still a bit of reverb perceptible. More diffusers? Absorbtion panel(s)?

[@GeneJordan]

An excellent video! New subscriber here due to the way you've laid out these tips and the tips themselves. The suggestion of the KZbin playlist for 3D modeling was the best! It was also unexpected because it is completely free. The rest of the suggestions all gave merit. Some I already have, some I don't yet own. I don't do much electronics repair anymore, but I was an Electronic Technician for six years in the US Navy. These tools would definitely have come in handy back then!

[@Radulf666]

For the electronic Screwdriver, I could suggest one with tongue settings like the Bosch one so you always have the same tightness :)

[@tdata545]

I finally learned to use the TORQUE limiter on my drill installing a bunch of fans this year. Turns out fan blades are now cardboard basically. So, if you don't limit the torque, you're going right through that blade and ruining it. Also helps with balancing it as well.

[@dienekes4364]

It's amazing how much easier it is to do a job with the right tools. I was rebuilding a house in Tucson and had a guy that my brother-in-law knew helping me as a side-gig for him. Every time a pulled out a new tool for some project, he'd start laughing about how many tools I have. But then we'd get into it and he'd see the time value. There are 4 different currencies: Money (obviously), time, knowledge, and relationships. You are always trading one (or more) for another (or more). Trading a little bit of money to make a job go smoother and faster (therefore saving time) is just so worth it.

[@Atom224]

6:04 Yeah, please do NOT do that! Especially if you aren't using lead-free soldier. This is where you put the dishes where you eat from, man! You are going to end up with microscopic lead dust on your dishes; it doesn't matter how much more dense lead is compared to water. The pressure, heat, and abrasive particles in the tabs will fling the residue EVERYWHERE.

[@MuradBeybalaev]

Metal residue. Sure… Metal residue…

[@Atom224]

@@MuradBeybalaev You do know that you can easely scratch and indent lead with your fingernails, right? Lead is 1.5 on the Mohs scale the silica used in the dishwasher tabs is 5-6 on the Mohs scale. And we don't even talk about the bleaches and acids that dissolve the lead. I mean you do you at the end of the day, if you enjoy lead poisoning....

[@TheUnvarnishedTruth-]

*Hi Zac. Great tips, thanks!* *Can you please tell me what make and model is the humongous monitor you are using for your CAD work at **12:00**?* *Thank you!*

[@FlameMage2]

Great video! I want to pick up a few things like a precision screwdriver and a powered screw driver. Keep up the great work bro!

[@bhgemini]

Perfect timing. I was debating the wire strippers, and was looking for a PCB holder to replace defective PS5 joysticks with HE. Ordering both tomorrow.

[@LilyArlatto]

Was thinking about doing the same thing sometime, but aren't the dualsense ones TMR rather than HE?

[@beefviper]

Looking at my electronics bench, I'd say all your suggestions are really good... the only ones I don't have are the 3D printer and the thermal camera... but I do have a couple of other things that I think are really handy, like an electric vacuum solder sucker, a bench power supply, and an oscilloscope.

[@chrislong3938]

That microscope is awesome and is the next thing I'm going to buy! I also love that mat, and you're right! It needs to be bigger! I have a lot of old tools from even the '80s that I still use with no problems. One is a digital multimeter, though I did once have an old Simpson meter which also worked great (if you don't mind looking at a needle! ;-)! I have an old Tek analog four-channel O'scope (2465) that I love but wouldn't mind getting a new digital one that can save my captured trigger measurements! I also use the sound card on my computer as a function generator. There are lots of free software packages to manipulate your output. You can always build an external power amplifier to increase the power output of whatever wave you might want to output.

[@JohnFrancisShade]

I’d love to see a video on replacing the flir battery. And/or jump starting an old battery. OR rewiring it to take power directly from the device it’s connected to.

[@karlohorcicka7388]

For me, it's Molex connector crimping tool. Devine thing to make your own cables and connectors

[@KanjiEater]

Thanks for sharing all of these. I just bought a good handful of these things a few weeks ago, including the microscope you recommended. Looking forwarding to taking on some vita mods as well as controller mods soon!

[@ZacBuilds]

That's awesome! I've got a vita on my workbench now. Will end be in a 2025 project, but stay tuned :)

[@KanjiEater]

​@@ZacBuilds Nice! You've definitely inspired some of my upcoming projects. For me the big things on the vita 1000 are: - USB C mod (kasynparts) - Note 9 Battery mod (oxyll) - VitaDock style mod (i'm actually already using windows w/ moonlight & playnight to launch megatron CRT shaders & mpv for video out) - An ergonomic grip (currently planning to refinish a 3d printed "Xbox360 style one" by pspguru from cult3d) - Lots of software to tinker with on this one too: BGFTP, Adrenaline, Retroarch etc Very much looking forward to seeing what we both end up with!

[@thebillington]

I've just purchased a larger silicone mat from the Gamers Nexus store. It hasn't been dispatched yet but it looks great quality so definitely worth a look as he also does some incredible work holding tech companies to account and it was a great way to support their work!

[@kubburdigital]

the sponge that you are using is microfracturing your soldering tips, i'd recommend switching to a copper wool solution

[@user-mfsc-2024]

5:38 what kind of tape you used to hold the position of the pcb board ?

[@NickBR57]

Product Design Online is by far the best tutorial series I have found. And he answers questions on videos he made years ago. Ex ellent.

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

A little bit of foam tac, welders, or other foam safe contact cement. You nailed it.

[@acraigwest]

for a Multimeter, my new favourite is the Zoyi ZT-703S. IT'S A 46MHz oscilloscope and Multimeter, and actually works really well...

[@frederichardy8844]

If you want to repare at PCB level, a good tool is a component tester like the FNIRSI DSO-TC3. It's also a very basic oscilloscope and signal generator, very usefull for audio electronic.

[@richardtejada6629]

I have that's soldering station exact model and the design have a mayor problem, after a year of daily use, the BJT controlling the blower fan unsoldered itself, I solder back and added a heatsync and never fail again, I recommend solving that even is not failing yet

[@iamdmc]

I second your list of tools aside from the branding. Pinecil by pine64 is the best soldering iron I've ever owned and it runs off of USB C ! and all for $25! Get yourself a fume extractor fan too Precision screwdriver: better to support ifixit that is heavily involved in right to repair rather than ltt 3D printer: a creality K1 is 1/3 the price of a bambulab printer and does 90% of the same things other than that, 3D print your own PCB holder with built-in phone holder and use that as a PCB soldering station (with 3x or 10x mag depending on your phone!)

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Fantastic summary. 👍

[@ironsienna]

A clever way to promote bamboo tools under the guise of a general tool recommendation video

[@LukeThomas00000]

Thank you for all this information! I really thought your soldering iron and hot air gun was several hundred dollars.

[@nate_d376]

3:46 a cheaper option might be magnifying loops. You wear them on your head, and they, no surprise, have magnifying lenses that you can flip down to see small things.

[@Jagrrr]

good summary. thanks!

[@vanger41]

added a ton to my cart for after christmas. deffinitely gonna learn how to microsolder 2025. i go thru too many controllers with stick drift to not fix them myself now LOL

[@garyradtke3252]

I have been buying and using tools for 55 years. I learned early on that buying cheap and off brand USUALLY causes problems that cost more than the savings on the cost of the tool. Then you have the problem of delayed work and aggravated customers do to a failed tool or piece of equipment that results in a loss of income. When I look at a tool my first requirement is that it will perform the job successfully I am buying it for in the best possible way without failing and do it for many years. Second is repair ability if it is some sort of test equipment or complicated machine. Third is warranty and last is cost. Cost is last because if I make the right decision in the first two places cost will cover it's self over the years. I also throw into the mix weather the tool will become obsolete. I have many of them that are no longer used for anything unless I get an antique in for repair. One good example is tubing line wrenches. As a teenager I purchased some needed wrenches. The name brand was extremely expensive so I opted for some at less than half the cost. After rounding off the flair nuts a number of times and needing to clamp vice grips on the wrench head to make them hold, I spent the money on the known good wrenches. Now I had the cost increase of the good tools from delaying the purchase, the cost of the junk tools, and the cost of the damage the junk tools caused. So, usually cheaper is more expensive. I hear people say but I'm just using them at home. Home doesn't prevent the same problems that cheap or lookalike tools cause at the shop.

[@parkermadness]

Sponge for wiping the soldering iron tip - moisten with glycerin - it does not weather and does not leave a coating like water

[@nismocapri1]

A really useful video! The stuff that I already had I was agreeing with you and the ones I don't I've already been looking at. I'm now thinking I definitely want the powered screw driver I've watched to many vids on them haha. Thanks again!

[@itzmrfizz]

For your silicone mat needs, Look into buying an AR-15 silicone cleaning mat. I have one that is 14" tall by 28" long and it has screw holders and magnets as well. May bee exactly what you're looking for.

[@ExploringFate]

Does anyone know where you would have to go to school for circuit board repair & circuit board development degree? Also, what is the course name?

[@ZaynElbotaty]

Love your videos!

[@1ohmwrecker]

I love my Denali screwdriver! Got it for like $15 after torque test channel tested it 👍

[@MasonCovell-j6p]

Zac posts 2 times in a week 🎉

[@TX_Retro]

End of the year revenue push. All of YT is doing it. I watched my favorite car channel push a hair dryer to us yesterday. I literally can't stand it all but they are making money so,...

[@RandyFortier]

Canadian! I'm so proud.

[@briancohen-doherty4392]

As a mostly outsider, this does seem like a really solid foundation

[@davidausterman5915]

Great stuff. I'd just add a dremel tool to the mix.

[@bokunochannel84207]

you should try carbide solder tip.

[@ZacBuilds]

I'll look into it!

[@thefuzzbl]

Oh man you need to get a better multimeter. For just a little more you get so much better

[@mikebond6328]

He upgraded 30 seconds later.

[@itsROMPERS...]

Good video, useful suggestions.

[@Enviroguarddirect]

where do i order replacement parts? I grew up in the age of radio shack. Their has to be a speacialized online resource?

[@jurikristjouw]

Thanx nice vids, I would add: Calipers (analog, learn to read it) and a (bigger) Heat gun! or as I like to call it, the man's hair dryer. Does wonders on locktide screws and bearing assemblies.

[@HamedEmine]

Thank you, this was very informative! Merry Christmas!

[@ToxicSocietyTroll]

Cheap tips work fine if you use flux, clean, avoid exxsive temp for long period of time and leave solder on them when done using.

[@robertcardosa8739]

I would add one of the chip suction tools, even the low end ones work well and are much safer than grabbing your chips with tweezers.

[@robertcardosa8739]

Also, if you are modding within the existing cases. Flush cutters, small files, and a nice little dremel set can really save time in the long run.

[@MichaelHarto]

Tips for manual wire stripper, if it doesn't strip the insulation completely, twist off the insulation.

[@bananabuilder2248]

I really need that wire stripper. These days, my go-to strategy for stripping wires is by using my bare hands. My nails have suffered enough.

[@shabtaievan6874]

excellent. well done. SE

[@morphic31]

Excellent video!

[@grantmurdock7385]

Might I suggest the Gamers Nexus Flux Mat? It's a silicon mat, but it's much larger than the one you're showing, with a lot of little trays and places to hold screws and such. It's more expensive, yes, but it is also around three times the size and actually made by folks disassembling PC parts all day. Feels like the one suggested is a good starter, but you did ask for larger.