I'm seeing a clear pattern here - buy cheapo tools you don't use often and pay top dollar for the tools you use every day. There also seems to be a trend towards buying cheap tools when they might get broken.

One reason that I went with a PC scope was the software upgrades - I have gotten a couple of version releases and Bitscope added some standalone applications that make it perform multimeter functions. I hope to use the PC as the main interface for as many things as possible - protocol analyser, scope, meter, code development and anything else that looks interesting. Its not for everyone, but it is working out for me so far.

I took Angus's advice and bought a top quality paur of sidecutters; I couldn't get a good selection on Lindstrom cutters so I went for another Swiss brand called Erem:



They cost about the same as Lindstrom and are by far the best electronics tool I have - great advice Angus!

Mmm very nice! Just never be tempted to cut hardened wire and it'll last a lifetime. Also, give it a spray with silicon or lanolin before it gets some very upsetting rust spots.

Slightly OT, this is for servo magazine? I wonder how hard it will be to get a couple of back issues to share around the club...
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DOH, I thought they were stainless steel! I will give the cutters an anti-rust coat right now. You guessed right, this all research for a story in Servo Magazine - I will see about getting some back issues out there.

Where did you get the side cutters Nick ?

A number of years ago a telecom aust tech left a pair under our old house... they were by far the best side cutters I ever used, and I used them for many many years and then broke them trying to cut something no side cutters should cut.

I never managed to find another pair that was as good. Nowadays I've just been buying the cheap ones, until i can find a source of good ones again.

I got that pair from Mcmaster (like always ), but it you google around there are other on-line shops. Just search on the names and you will find dozens; the cheapest ones are all OS as always, but if you can get them from Farnell or RS Components if you don't mind paying double.

Comparing the two brands, I'd say the Lindstrom brand has better handles while the Erem models have (perhaps) a better spring - it comes down to personal preference. The cutters in the photo cost $59 USD, fairly typical unless you go for the ones with carbide blades.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#erem-pliers/=das44w

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/erem/cutters/index.htm

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Originally posted by Spockie-Tech:
The most often used piece of gear (not "test gear through") is without doubt your Soldering Iron. Without it you cant do jack. The difference between "OK" and "Good" is huge. Dont Skimp on it. Get a Weller, Hakko, Micron or other brand that has been in the Biz for 10 years +. El Cheapo Brand Tips suck, oxidize quickly and evaporate leaving an awful surface. Result - Poor Joints full of crud, unpredictable heat transfer slowing down speed soldering and messy flux flows. Spend your $$ here first, Solder is the glue of electronics, if its not right, nothing will work.

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Wow, that looks ugly... hate the colour scheme :p

I have the previous version, a Hakko 936. They used to sell 2 different versions, ESD-safe and non-ESD-safe. Check which one you are getting. I bought it because it was the only one I could find that came with a "wave tip". It's the only tip we used at tafe and I used it on my final year project to solder a 0.8mm 3x3 smd chip. http://hakkousa.com/detail.asp?PID=1136&Page=1 . Although I do have a range of tips, like a massive chisel tip for battery lugs.

I'm happy with it. :p
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They say that he crossed the fine line, from insanity to genius.