1998 Question of the Week:

"What are vital R/C toolbox items?"

I recommend a good set of allen wrenches. I recommend buying a car stand and keeping a pit towel in it. You should also keep a pad of paper and calculator to record setups and gear ratios. You should also keep an hobby knife and pliers in your box. You should try to take a portable soldering iron (like hobbico mini torch) for last minute soldering jobs.

nuts and bolts of the hobby and spare parts

Two of each size hex wrenches, locking surgical and needle nose pliers, small high quality flat head screw driver, #2 phillips head, large terrycloth towel, vicegrips, duct and electrical tape, extra glow plugs, assortment of screws and clips, some wire, zip ties, spare spur and pinion gears, backup crystals, couple latex balloons (longs for shock boots and round for rx and servos, super glue, body pins, rod ends, air filter elements, , different weight shock or pistons, after run oil, an old bearing or two, and extra batteries.

I would include a wrench, screwdriver, gas, extra batteries, oil, spare tires, screws Nick Wobser Fremont, OH, 43420

Nut, Allen and Screw drivers, what ever size you need. Needle nose pliers and a small paint brush (2inch) for cleaning those tight spots. Motor and bearing oil. A container for holding small parts. Make a spot in the lid of your toolbox to display all your TQ pins. Have Fun, Dave

Other than the obvious stuff, any serious racer has a caliper, several types of reamers, drill bits, sand paper, files and last of all a dremel tool.

GOOD QUALITY ALLEN WRENCHES. LIKE THE ONES ASSOCIATED MAKES.

I'll go with gas, glow starter, 6 volt battery, ex- tra glow plugs, mini-toolbox, extra bolts and nuts and gas.

I think all you really need is ca glue, strapping tape and and a hammer. I can fix anything with these tools.

[Associated responds: "You break it, I'll fix it!"]

extra-gas, battery, glow starter, starter box, servo, shock oil and springs, wheels and tires, gears, tools, body pins, tie rods, charger, gears, screws and bolts, locktite, ball cups, fuel bottle, connectors, fuel line, gas filter, dogbones, soldering iron, solder, and a team associated car because they kick ass!!!

Gas: 5/16th nutdriver (glow plugs), extra glow plugs mc-9 or mc59, long thin flat-blade screwdriver (small blade), igniter, fuel bottle

I would take gas! Because you don't have to take all the time you need to charge the batter when you could refill the rc w/gas and be off.

1 peak charger 1 discharger tires suited for the track traction additives transmitter batteries assorted tools (especially sockets) spare parts made for your car/truck spare electronics

Numerous Firecrackers one 24 Water to short out competitors electronic Assorted ammo and guns A shovel to build a crock pit A sledge hammer (for slight modifications) String for tying your competitors up and a gag to keep them quiet

[Associated responds: we suspect this guy was smoking something, but we're not sure what.]

Hex wrenches!!!!! Pocket knife, some needle nose pliers, socket and ratchet to fit all sizes of bolts on your car, any extra bolts or parts that you think you may need.

T-HANDLED BALL END ALLEN WRENCHES DIAL CALIPERS EX-ACTO KNIFE LEATHERMANS TOOL ASSORTED FILES SCOTCH BRITE PADS

I think some of the most important tools are as follows

All sizes of AE alen wrenches, Nut drivers for 11/32, 1/4, and 3/16 sizes, Pliers especially needlenose, lock tight, spare crystals for your radio, Keep spare parts that you break often, A full assortment of AE shock springs and 25-30-35 wt oil. TIRES are always good, a tooth brush, car stand, ex-acto knife, Electrical tape, and most of all, a note book! Use the note book to record setups and tuning changes with their affects.

For more advanced racers, throw in a Dremel, tire balancer, a pit wizard, and a HOBBY TOTE to carry it all in!

spare parts i.e. a arms, hub, carriers, bearings, nuts, screws, all the tools you needed to put the car together batteries, charger, motor cleaner, shock oil, bearing oil, com drops, tires, soldering iron, flux, solder, spare radio crystals, car, and transmitter

Electric- Tools, Band-Aids, Wire wraps, solder, shock oil, shock springs, batteries, AA batteries, pliers, motor brushes, motor spray, tires, scissors, and all other motor care things. you may also need "d" batteries, Crisco, Vaseline, and a clown suit.

[Associated responds: Band-Aids? Clown suit? Is this Team Barnum and Bailey?]

A folder that has previous setups in it, so you can look back and see how they work on that particular track.

[Associated responds: This person has been applying the Mark Pavidis Tuning Tips!]

good set of allen wrenches

1: common nut driver sizes 2: allen driver with required tip sizes 3: soldering iron, solder 4: com stick 5: motor cleaner 6: misc. assortment of common screws, clips etc.... 7: assortment of gears (for various conditions) 8: maybe a alternate frequency clip 9: of course proper charging/discharging equipment 10: I personally always keep a magnet with me to get small screws, bearings, etc... to keep from loosing on the floor!!!! 11: motor bearing lube 12: a pair of needle nose, and a small pair of regular pliers

allen keys

2000 reedy zappers, team associated allen wrench set.

for gas: bump starter, fuel bottle, glo bee igniter charger, glow plug igniter, spare glow plugs, 2 flat blade screw drivers, 4 way wrench and extra receiver batteries and a rag electric: peak charger, 3 battery packs, 4 way wrench, phillips, flat blade and allen drivers, comm stick and a rag

Batteries/gas, extra parts, and tools.

I'm not going to make a list but here is a general tip. If you are going to drive your car somewhere that is not near your house, car, or racetrack, bring a lot of stuff. Even little things can be really useful. Your screwed if you don't have an extra nut or something.

POWER!!!!

MUST HAVE ALL THE RIGHT TOOLS, AND LOTS OF SPARE PARTS. ALSO LOTS OF PEAKED BATTERIES !

ALL THE TOOLS THAT YOU WOULD NEED TO FIX YOUR RC IF IT WERE TO BREAK DOWN SO THAT YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO GO HOME AND FIX IT.

[Associated responds: Well, that sums up the toolbox idea in a nutshell, doesn't it?]

It really depends on your car. I'd say screwdrivers for Tamiya type cars, but Associated's usually only require Allen wrenches. You'll always need a soldering iron, unless you're borrowing from a friend. You'd need needle nosed pliers, an exacto type knife, some superglue, solder, and a set of wrenches. Those are the absolute must haves to build a car. Other things that you could use, would be; a flashlight, wire cutters, a ruler, and Lexan scissors.

Many magazines say that dremels and drills are also useful, but I've survived for two years without having to use them.

I would be sure to take along a roll of Vet Wrap. It is a less expensive version of motor wrap, to wrap the end of your motor with to keep dirt out. It can be purchased at places such as farm supply shops. Also for when you have to tear your transmission down during the race day, an inexpensive gear lube can be found by using white grease (engine assembly lube). I have found that to be a lubricant to lesson friction even more.

Well, In an electric tool box I always like to have a soldering iron, discharger, extra tires (of course), 3 or 4 batteries (more if you like), a couple different motors, different pitch pinion gears, extra controller batteries (just in case), extra parts or money if there is a hobby shop near by, and all the basics.

1.) Allen wrenches 2.) Spare screws 3.) Tuning aids 4.) Shock oil(s), pinion & spur gears, springs, etc.

A miniature screw driver for the gas motor settings. An adjustable allen wrench with different sizes, and the new Associated turnbuckle wrench.

EveryThing

[Associated responds: I tried that once. But I couldn't lift it.]

Everything you need to made quick on-the-spot repairs without needing to look around for 'that tool I saw a week ago'

TOOLS

[Associated responds: Now why didn't I think of that--TOOLS in my toolbox!]

Nuts and bolts, allen wrenches, body clips, extra tires, and batterys. Shamus McClellan, from Fallbrook, CA. 

Needle-nose pliers, hobby knife, soldering iron/solder, extra parts (of the regularly broken variety), extra motor, and phone number of your favorite hobby shop.

1 2pt Phillips screw driver.

Allen Wrenches, cleaner, Phillips screwdriver, extra body clips and wheel nuts

Find a used car identical to the one you are racing and buy it, or buy yourself a new one and use your old one for parts. By doing this, you will have a spare of everything. Besides, it's a new year, you owe it to yourself!!!!!!!
P.S. You might want to get a larger toolbox also! :-)

[Associated responds: A great idea!]

A must have hmmm... there are lots, but for one: A few other freq. for you radio so you can practice whenever you want.

Basically another car in spares and everything you burn at the track. I.E Fuel,tyres. But if you snap a chassis, I think you need an associated car!!

A COMPLETE SET OF TOOLS. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU HAVE IN A TOOLBOX?

[Associated responds: Umm, let me see, Parts, maybe?]

I don't carry any tools because I can beat the crap out of my RC10 T3 and not have to worry about it breaking. I never need to find the perfect setup because the truck itself is already so dialed.

If your going to a big race. The number one pit box tool is a pillow. Take a fircracker (m80's are the best) for those really quiet moments when the computer for the lap counting system goes down.

1. Soldering Iron 2. Shoe Goo 3. Dremel 4. Extension cord and 6way 5. Basic tools to work on vehicle 5b. Include though files, Large pliers, sandpaper, exacto, scissors. 6. Lucky Rabbits foot.

[Associated responds: "Lucky Rabbits foot"? We're partial to Alladin's magic lamp ourselves.]

A MUST HAVE IS A GOOD SET OF ALLEN'S LIKE RPM, NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS, SMALL SOCKET SET, ELECTRICAL TAPE, CA GLUE, DREMEL, FUEL TUBING, EXTRA BATTERIES FOR GLOW PLUG, EX-ACTO KNIFE, WIRE STRIPPERS, MOTOR SPARE, SPARE PINIONS, SMALL SCREWDRIVER SET, D/C CHARGER, MONEY, BAND-AID, EXTRA SCREWS, EXTRA BATTERIES FOR TRANSMITTER, SHRINK TUBING, FILE, SOLDER GUN, AND SOLDER

Channelocks, needlenose pliers, body clips, allen wrenches, nut drivers, and ZIP TIES
2/24/98
5:44:05 PM


for me, since i am an electric man i would have to tell you things needed would be, shock oils, allen wrench sets, solder gun, solder, replacement parts, wrenches, screw drivers, and tape.

Full set of Thorp allen wrenchs, ball ends and regular tip (pinion) Full set of nut drivers, phillips and regular screw drivers Xacto knife, wire ties, rubber bands, servo tape, ca glue, motor spray, Extra transmitter batteries, towels & rags, Misc. shock oils & lubricants.

If I'm at a race spare crystals and a stopwatch would definitely be in my pit along with the common tools to wrench on my car.

Q-tips. They work great for removing carpet fuzz from hard-to-reach places on my L20. They are also great for cleaning out diff-ball holes in spur gears.

One must keep in the pit-box a copy of the how-to-build instruction manual that comes with your kit. ( My L20 manual has almost been worn out.) You never know when you are going to need the exact part number for a spare part & thankfully they are all in your instruction manual-- definitely saves on the guess work. The next must-have has been great not only for me but for many others as well. Included in my pit box are downloads for my RC10L20---everything from set up sheets to motor maintenance & everything in-between. Many times a night I refer to these sheets to get suggestion & to make notes. Because of this, every L20 driver at our local track comes over to get suggestion. We end up helping each other which has benefited all of us. These downloads have been a great way to meet others & we are having a blast because of it.

[Associated responds: This is a great suggestion! You can still order a copy of most kit manuals directly from us if you no longer have yours.]

At least one of each of the most important parts of your vehicle, you never can tell what you might break. And at least 2 complete sets of allen wr., just in case you strip one.

FIRST START WITH TOOLS. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL TIRE TOOLS AND SLIPPER TOOLS, NEXT GET SOME ALLEN WRENCHES. YOUR NEAREST HARDWARE STORE SHOULD HAVE THEM. NOW WE START WITH EXTRA PARTS: A-ARMS AND MOUNTS ARE A MUST. NEVER CAN HAVE TOO MANY. THAT'S ABOUT IT, BYE!

1)Good tools drivers 4/40, 3/32, 1/16, 2.5mm, a good soldering iron. 2)Spare parts - mainly parts that break easily 3)extra pinions/spurs/motors you never know when you'll need them 4)Good batteries and decent peak charger 5)Extra sets of tires the track condition can change fast!

An ASSOCIATED CAR, REEDY MOTORS, PRO-LINE tires, Allen Drivers, peak charger, spares, gear ratio chart, batteries, soldering iron + solder, a checklist is a must so you remember all your stuff, some ZAP A GAP CA.

CA Glue, screws, wrenches, pliers, soldering iron/solder, spare batteries (both for the car and radio), extra motor, gears, body clips, picture of the family (you might get abducted by aliens so you may never see them again), aspirin, hobby knife, and creativity (some of those track side repairs take a lot of that).

various brushes for cleaning, motor cleaner, light oil, soldering gun and acces. and of course all the tools needed to wrench that vehicle, lots of spare parts, batteries for radio and money in case someone totals their vehicle, you can buy it for spare parts. (just kidding) you might forget your wallet and then at least you've got money to race.

Parts, Parts, and more Parts. Along with tools to replace those broken parts. They say you can't have too many parts.

[Associated responds: You know you have too many parts when your toolbox can't hold them all!]

Screw Drivers (Philips & Strait head) Allen Wrenches (Metric & SAE) Rags LOTS of spare Parts Instruction Manuals!

A gas racer should always have in his toolbox, a glow igniter, a glowplug wrench, spare glowplugs, a small screwdriver to tune the engine if needed, a spare air filter, all the allen wrenches his car uses, nut drivers for his front and rear wheels, and if the toolbox is large enough, a hand-held starter, starter battery, and fuel. With this toolbox, any gas racer will be able to run for hours, and will be able to fix any small incident that may happen.
Eduardo Rossi Sao Paulo/Brazil

1.Intructions 2.Extra batteries

1. You must have a wide selection of spur/pinion gears. 2. A few tires with different tread patterns/compounds. 3. Spare arms (front & back) in case you break 4. Maybe a front & rear bulk head. 5. Most importantly...YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS IN ORDER TO PUT ON/TAKE OFF THESE ITEMS!

ELECTRIC: allen wrench set nut driver set needle nose pliers extra numbers/bodies(if racing) crystals electric tape plastic glue oil
GAS: glow plugs starter extra fuel extra fuel line oil/grease AA batteries nut driver set allen wrench set crystals electric tape plastic glue needle nose pliers

wheel wrench/needle nose/ 1/4 wrench/ 3/32+1/16+2,5allens/locking pliers/super glue/exacto and that's minimal

have precision grounded allen drivers, and ae's molded tools. these are great helpers!

a set of hex drivers, a set of nut drivers, a set of extra crystals, and a lot of chewing gum. When I get nervous I chew a lot of gum.

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