[Elecraft] Hand tools?

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,
If it is cutters and pliers that you are after, you may want to check out
the Xcelite 170M (flush cutters) and 387M (pliers).  They have small tips
with comfortable padded handles.  Not good for heavy things, but a perfect
size for many of today's components.  Locally, I see that they are on the
shelf at the Home Depot store and are available either individually or in a
package containing both.  The handles have traditionally been blue, but just
a few days ago I saw them with red handles (Color doesn't make them work
better, but may help in locating them on the shelf <G>).  I'm not certain
how long they will last you, but they are inexpensive enough to replace them
when they are worn.  I have several other good pliers and tweezers that I
have picked up at hamfests (gun shows and fishing/boating shows are another
good source), but I like to handle them before purchasing - what is
comfortable for one person does not work for all, and I can see if the jaws
align properly when closed (some do not).

The tweezers style that I prefer has long slender points that do not
obstruct my view of the thing I am trying to solder like the blunt end ones
do - but others prefer the 'heft' of the heavier tweezers - to each his own.

Important BTW - for working with small components I find hemostats in a
varity of sizes to be quite helpful since they lock closed which frees up a
second hand when needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

----- Original Message -----

> Anticipating my K2, I find I am disappointed with my old cutters & pliers,
> now dull and rusty.  I would like to invest in some really high quality
> stuff that will last a long time, but find the myriad brands and prices
> totally confusing.  Does anyone have any advice on some precision tools
that
> I will be happy with for a decade or two?
>