Tools to get started in R/C

WoodiE

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If you've been in R/C for several years and have hundreds of dollars in tools already, this post isn't going to be useful for you. If you're just getting started in R/C, maybe you just picked up your first ECX model and want to know what tools to pick up... this post is exactly for you!

Short version:


Hex Drivers

ECX, along with most any other manufacture, usually includes some L hex wrenches. These are usually a pain to use especially in hard to reach areas and do a great job at rounding your hex heads and for those reasons I recommend throwing them away or giving them to someone you don't like.

Bondhus makes great tools, offer a lifetime warranty, and make tools here in the USA and offer some very nice priced tools that are great to get started with, like the Bondhus 10686 6-piece set. Which includes 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, & 5.0mm hex drivers.

In addition you'll also want to pick up a Bondhus .050" hex driver. For less than $20 you'll have all your hex screw needs covered and then some.


Nut Drivers

The tiny 4-way cross wrench isn't bad, truth be told I still use mine every once in a while but have a couple nut drivers makes the work far more easier and quicker.

The Dynamite metric nut driver set is a nice set that's going to cover both the 5.5mm and 7mm nuts used on most ECX RC models.


Screwdrivers

You probably likely already have a couple screwdrivers laying around somewhere but if not then the Tekton 4 piece set makes a nice set to cover both slotted and phillips screws.


Other Stuff

There are a couple more things I'd recommend adding to your R/C toolbox to finish it off. Needle nose pliers, again something you may already have if not any, if not again the Tekton 3504 needle nose pliers for a few bucks will be fine.

Blue thread lock, as you'll be using this anytime a screw goes into a metal piece to prevent the screw from backing out. I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of the Loctite blue sticks. You can get the small bottle version but with the sticks you don't have to worry about it leaking, dripping, running, or drying out. It goes exactly where you put it.

To finish it off, get some permatex white lithium grease. This offers great lubrication without being overly messy or thick.

For not much money you can have pretty much all the tools you're going to need to work on your ECX RC's that's going to last you a good long time and a toolbox that will go with you as you grow and buy more RC's.
 
A good stand is also a plus along with a nice mat to catch any screws. Cowrc makes a nice magnetic one that's usefull.
 
I've never heard of bondhus, I'm gonna give them a try! My dynamite has given me more headaches than not. I know that's what you get with a cheap tool, but it was my wallet calling the shots... not my heart. I was going to get the MIP metric set, except I couldn't find anything more than a 3pc set! And I couldn't justify buying a 3mm by itself for $10
 
Argh! I wish I had seen this a week ago! While I have a tall chest full of metric tools, I don't want to be pulling from my shop tools to take trackside so I bought the Dynamite ECX "starter" tool kit.

I may still get the Bondhus hex driver set since I'm a bit of a tool snob. ;)
 
I will have to say that the Dynamite "starter set" seems to be fairly nice for a compact, multi-bit type tool set. Certainly the perfect "take-along" size for track-side adjustments and repairs.
 
I will have to say that the Dynamite "starter set" seems to be fairly nice for a compact, multi-bit type tool set. Certainly the perfect "take-along" size for track-side adjustments and repairs.

I had many tool already but found that hex set very handy, especially the one needed for the small set screw that holds the axle to the differential out-drive. The long reach is a must for the passenger side.
 
After having the dynamite set and stripping alot of screws i highly recommend getting the mip ones. Very well built and durable. Also the ones that go into the drill make it really nice aswell. If you race much a nice camber and ride height gauge.

Also a few little things ive picked up along the way i got a cheap($10) dremel from harbor freight for cutting a slot into stripped screws. Also another thing i got is a guitar foot stool it makes a really nice sturdy adjustable and cheap ($6 on amazon) car stand.
 
A cheep way to get started is a small inter-changeable screwdriver and your regular, $5, pack of allen wrenches
 
I just want to say that Du-Bro sells the Bondhus hex tool set imprinted with their own logo. Tool and handle are identical to the Bondhus set. Not surprising as Bonhus is the OEM for several other brands.
 

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