Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
RC Vehicle Tools
What Tools Do You Need In Your RC Tool Kit? When it comes to maintaining your RC vehicles, it is important that you have the right tools. Having the right tools for the job can make the difference between being able to repair your vehicles and having them become a complete pile of junk. By understanding some of the basic radio controlled hobby tools, you will be prepared to repair whatever malfunctions your RC vehicles encounter.
Different Types of Wrenches Needed
One of the first things to understand in the way of radio controlled hobby tools is the different types of wrenches used in the repair of RC vehicles. One of the most commonly used wrenches in the RC hobby is the Allen wrench. This type of wrench is used to loosen and remove bolts that have a recessed octagonal head that the wrench fits into. Bolts requiring an Allen wrench are usually used to permanently hold pieces together like the frame of a vehicle.
Another type of Allen wrench that is used in the RC hobby world is the ball Allen wrench. These wrenches are used where the fast removal of a bolt needing an Allen wrench is required. Ball Allen wrenches are used on hard to reach screws that may require an entry angle of up to 25 degrees off of the center. All in all, these wrenches are designed to help you quickly remove hard to reach bolts that require an Allen wrench.
The next type of wrench you will need is a hex wrench. A hex wrench is designed to remove bolts that have a six-sided recessed head. These types of bolts are commonly seen on RC throttle linkages and on RC helicopter blades. Available in both standard and metric sizes, hex wrenches are often considered one of the most essential tools for any RC hobbyist.
Screwdrivers Needed for RC Car Repairs
As with anything, screwdrivers will be needed by anyone doing RC car repairs. The two most common screwdrivers used in RC car repairs are the Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Phillips screwdrivers are used to remove screws that have an X shaped head and flathead screwdrivers are used to remove screws with an I shaped head. If you don't buy any other tools, you must purchase a good set of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers in order to do even the most basic maintenance to your RC vehicles.
A Soldering Iron is Needed
On top of needing a good set of screwdrivers, it is recommended that you put a soldering iron in your tool kit. A good soldering iron is needed for things like soldering wires to your vehicle's circuit board and to the motor. Sometimes wires will come loose when racing, especially if you do a lot of off-road racing or crawling. A soldering iron can also be used to fix shorts that may develop in your vehicle's RC transmitter and receiver.
Other Helpful Tools
In addition to a good soldering iron, it can be helpful to include a ball cup installation tool in your kit. This tool looks like a type of pliers and is used for getting ball joints to fit together when you have to work on your RC vehicle's suspension.
On top of a ball cup installation tool, it is a good idea to include a nut spinner in your tool box. This tool will make it much easier to remove wheel nuts with a nut spinner than with a regular wrench.
Another helpful tool to have in your tool box is a reamer. This tool is designed to help you punch holes that you may need in new body parts when installing them on your RC vehicle.
Besides needing a reamer in your tool box, you will often need an exhaust spring tool in your tool kit. This tool is designed to help you remove and secure the springs that hold the exhaust header to a gas or nitro fueled RC engine.
Another helpful tool to consider placing in your tool kit is a setup board. This board helps you to be able to set the toe and camber of your RC car's wheels and ensures that you have an accurate setting that meets the manufacturer's specifications.
On top of needing a setup board, it is recommended that you include a ride height gauge in your tool box. This tool will help you to see the exact height from the ground to the bottom of your RC car. This is helpful in making sure that you will be able to clear any small obstacles that may be littering the area where you want to race your vehicle.
Finally you will need to include a set of standard and metric wrenches in your tool kit along with a crescent wrench. These tools will help you to remove and install bolts and nuts that the other tools in your kit can't handle. All in all, these tools form the backbone of your RC tool kit.
Now that you have a better idea of all of the radio controlled hobby tools available, you are able to put together a tool kit with everything you need. Regardless of if you are at the track or at home, you will be able to get back into running very quickly by using the tools mentioned above.