What kind of tools.....

Keith Oct 15, 2013

  1. Keith

    Keith TrainBoard Supporter

    4,595
    2,072
    88
    Wondering what tools would be suggested/recommended for
    the modelers toolbox?

    Some of the basics I've got, that work, but maybe need to be upgraded to
    some thing better include:

    X-acto knife/blades, pin vise drills/bits, several jewelers screwdriver sets, Dremel
    Tool, scale rule, tweezers, soldering iron and supplies and a few small hand tools.

    What else would folks recommend adding to the toolbox?
    Brands, types etc...Would be helpful.

    Maybe why you suggest a certain piece would also help.
    Started thinking of this, after having a major fit, TRYING
    to install all of those small detail parts to my GP60M's!!

    Have a railroad club meeting in Denver Thursday, at CH, so I've got the chance to
    get not only some detail parts, but maybe add a few selected tools as well.

    Any help/suggestions etc...Much appreciated!
    Thanks.
     
  2. Primavw

    Primavw TrainBoard Member

    894
    25
    16
    It looks like you have the basics down. I'm sure you will think of more things as you go.

    I do suggest:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Not necessary, but worth it if you plan on modeling often
     
  3. HemiAdda2d

    HemiAdda2d Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    22,014
    27,407
    253
    Xuron Tweezernose pliers (#450). Xuron ultra-flush cutting snipper (#410T). Get the TK 2200 -Railroader's Tool Kit, it has both and the track cutter.
    Northwest Short Line Chopper 2. NWSL Detail Sander. A pin vise is good, but a spiral push drill is better. You can get better control of the bit when you can hold the top of the vise stationary and slide the spring-loaded ring up and down.

    An Optivisor or other magnifying headgear is a must.

    The tweezernose pliers will be a great addition as well as the ultra flush cutter.

    The NWSL tools are great, but I would concentrate on getting the other ones first.
     
  4. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

    13,965
    6,903
    183
    Dental tools are great, e.g. picks, scrapers, etc. These are extremely useful for positioning tiny items on structures, cars, engines, and carving scenery. Helps if you have a friendly dentist, because these tools become too dull for dental work and get replaced.

    Also a flex shaft for the Dremel is very handy.
     
  5. DrMb

    DrMb TrainBoard Member

    580
    56
    13
    I'd also thrown in a table top vice. Not everything can handle the alligator clips on a Parts Holder.
     
  6. Run8Racing

    Run8Racing TrainBoard Member

    1,018
    609
    29
    Some additional "toys" might include NWSL SensiPress, electronic scale, and something for LIGHT pounding. I use the flat side of an aluminum meat tenderizer. DO NOT use a 2# sledge !!! Use different sizes of small bar stock for drift punches. Get two containers of toothpicks. One flat, one round. I keep an old deck of playing cards for shims and such. Small portable radio for some "soothing" sounds (Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Rolling Stones work for me !!!). If possible, a small dorm fridge can hold water/soda, and a beer or two while admiring the latest completed project. A good chair is also a HUGE plus. You will be sitting there for HOURS !!! I have a high-back office chair left behind by some evicted neighbors. DO NOT use ANYTHING owned by wife/GF !!!
     
  7. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

    13,965
    6,903
    183
    A swiveling barstool with a back is more forgiving to my aging frame. It also allows me to look down on the work, handy when using a magnifying bench lamp. Also a container for Q-Tips in addition to toothpicks.
    Understand that most of what has been recommended was probably collected over many years of modeling. None of us could have afforded getting it all at once. :wideeyes:
     
  8. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    A decent dial caliper. A large assortment of clamps in varied styles and sizes. A multple outlet power strip. And much, much more.

    My assortment has been accumulated since I was a boy playing with Lionel and Tinplate trains. It keeps slowly growing. With every addition, my project capabilities expand.
     
  9. DrMb

    DrMb TrainBoard Member

    580
    56
    13
    I'd say that it is more a case of waiting to buy tools only when we first needed them, or discovering the hard way that you actually do need them when doing certain projects, compared to a cost issue. I mean, what's the point of buying clamps, a Parts Holder, and a table top vice when you are only buying ready to run products and having no interest in painting anything or working with the electronics side of the hobby?
     
  10. SP&S #750

    SP&S #750 TrainBoard Member

    775
    67
    18
    what I have is basically a drill set, a multi type screwdriver, xuron rail nippers, some loco gear oil, superglue, hobby knife, an omni tool, plastic glue, and 3 different rulers. just keepin' it simple for now.
     
  11. barlowfaudio

    barlowfaudio TrainBoard Member

    190
    86
    20
    +1 on the Optivisor-a must have for sure!
     
  12. mgilger

    mgilger TrainBoard Member

    14
    0
    5
  13. webskipper

    webskipper TrainBoard Member

    100
    2
    17
    Mini sets of screwdrivers including the #00. Mini files.

    Hobby knives with #11 blades. You could get an Xacto blade set. Cutting mat is priceless (any brand).

    A tackle box to carry tools, decoders, and small RR parts or use stackables and ziplox.

    Solder station and fine tips. Weller makes an entry level one for $40. I saw used ones for $26 on ama zon.

    Angled tweezers.

    Peco Servicing cradle

    Rubbing alcohol and handiwipes for cleaning track and dirty wheels. Cotton will fill find it's way into your gears. Sandpaper will scratch your rails. Erasers will push the grime around the tracks.

    Re-rail tool with your name on it for shows. I used to carry a comb in my pocket. Now I don't need it. So I carry a re-railer tool.
     

Share This Page