Useful tools and techniques

[Apogee]

Thanks for the info!

I'm going to pick one up...

Steve

[mrfeedback]

One of my best tools is an alligator clip on the negative lead of my multimeter.
This allows connection to system ground, and easy one handed relative measurements.
If I need to measure a single component, I clip the alligator clip to a thin long screwdriver and this provides the second probe.
I've used this for 20 years, and find it much better than two probes.

Regards, Eric.

[fcel]

Speaking of multimeter measuring, I have sharpen my positive test lead so that it's as sharp as a needle so that I can be sure that I have a good contact on the test point.

[Peter Daniel]

I present here my two favourite deburring tools. One on the left is pretty easy obtainable from Home Depot and I use it on larger holes. The one on the right is made out of a Vixen file. I cut a piece from a file and glued a handle. This is the best tool for deburring. You can use it on holes in aluminum, after drilling PCBs, on sheet metal edges etc. I've been using it for last 10 years.
I also provide a link to a best supplier of aircraft sheetmetal tools (both new and used). They have monthly catalog with good specials: http://www.yardstore.com

[dc]

The Jasper Circle Cutting Jig by Jasper Audio is probably the coolest tool I've ever used. You can screw the jig to the bottom of a plunge router, stick a pin in the hole representing the right diameter for the circle and move the router around in a circle. It's easy AND fun!

[Peter Daniel]

Apart from using clamps for aligning metal pieces I find those stainless steel bars very handy. I don't know where one might find them, I got them from my friend who works as a tool and die maker. The small ones are good for setting spacing between parts. Some of them are also good for achieving proper angles.

[Peter Daniel]

The bars.

[Peter Daniel]

DeWalt cordless screwdriver is the best tool of that type I had a pleasure to use. Highly recommended. With a proper attachment it would be good for tapping as well.

[fcel]

Quote from another thread ....
_________________________________________________
I cut thick aluminum with a mitre saw, see [url
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/show...15&pagenumber=2[/url]
I don't use a brake, whenever needed I use angles (usually from Home Depot). As to aligning, I
always drill holes in one piece and then clamp it to the other piece and drill through. Usually drill
the thicker part first. Although I use clecos at work, somehow I never felt the need to use them
when doing my chassis. Probably because I use screws for fasteners and not rivets. However, you
can try to use clecos and the best place to look for them is http://www.yardstore.com/.
So for me, clamps work the best and although I have quite a few of them my favourite are
probably Quick-Grip brand from Home Depot.

_________________________________________________

I'm glad to hear that for aligning, you also drill one piece first and then then clamp it and then drill through to the other piece. It's so time consuming but so far, I have been quite successful in almost getting it to line up properly.

By the way, which one in the picture is Quick Grip (say, counting clockwise)? I have been using a 3" grip with a strong spring in the middle from Home Depot.

Oh, the bars ... those are good suggestions! Thanks!

[Peter Daniel]

It is time consuming but I found it to be the best way to make it accurate. Quick Grip is the biggest one with yellow jaws. Beside it, is the smaller one which looks similar in type. It also says "Quick-Grip" on a body (always read small print)