Mandatory tools
In this chapter, we'll explain what tools you'll need to assemble your Wheelson!
If you have your CircuitMess Tools pack in front of you, you should be all set.
In case you got the Wheelson kit without the Tools pack, this is a good time to borrow some of the tools or purchase them.
The tools required are essential when assembling, fixing, or modifying electronic devices! These are the tools of the trade for every maker/hardware hacker/modder/electrician.
- Soldering iron
- Desoldering vacuum tool (solder sucker)
- Soldering iron stand
- A small reel of rosin-cored solder
- Cleaning sponge
- Phillips screwdriver
- Diagonal cutter pliers
- Needle-nose pliers
Soldering iron
A soldering iron is the most important tool in a maker’s arsenal.
For Wheelsons assembly, any entry-level soldering iron will suffice.
For Wheelsons assembly, any entry-level soldering iron will suffice.
If you plan to dive into the world of DIY, you should maybe consider getting a more expensive soldering station with temperature regulation.
There are also many soldering irons with interchangeable tips that can be particularly useful when working with much smaller components.
You will find the instructions on how to properly solder and take care of your soldering iron in the next chapter.
The soldering iron from the Tools pack
Soldering sponge
This small piece doesn't seem like much until you soak it in some water. It then turns into a super solder-cleaning sponge! Use it after soldering a couple of joints to remove the excess solder from the tip of your iron. Make sure that the sponge isn't dripping wet or bone dry - it should be damp.
Diagonal cutter pliers
With pliers like these, you’ll be able to trim the legs of soldered components and cut wires!
We prefer this type shown in the picture (Plato, model 170), but any other type will do.
Needle-nose pliers
You’re going to need pliers like these when assembling the casing, or when plugging in some tricky connectors!
They’re generally useful when doing some fine mechanical work.
Standard cross screwdriver
You’ll need this cross (Phillips) screwdriver to assemble the casing together.
A standard 2.0mm cross screwdriver should do the trick.
Desoldering vacuum tool (solder sucker)
This tool is useful when cleaning up soldering mistakes, but it isn’t necessary for assembly.
If you plan on doing some hacking, modding, or hardware repairs in the future, having this is always a good idea.
