Tools

This small list covers the basics you should have, along a few extra items worth looking at. Again, any item you feel should be added to this list, contact me and we will get it posted as soon as possible.

Small Cross-Tip Screwdriver

Most likely your most important tool, and one you should invest in quickly. I also advise you to get the best one you can afford because of the amount of use it will see. I have used the Stanley version found in any Hardware store or Wal-Mart. I like this because it has a magnet on the handle end which has come in handy many times removing some body mount screws still stuck inside the chassis. This magnet has also helped me find these screws when I misplace them on our track carpet. I just slide it around the work area and eventually it finds them.

Small Flat-Tip Screwdriver.

I am sure it has more uses than I list, but this tool is ideal for removing the shims inside some of the Fly models equipped with the B73 bar magnets. It is also the tool of choice for removing the magnet brace above the magnet itself. I have used this tool for removing motors as well, and can remove a pinion if need be, although I advise a press for and easier and more reliable removal. Smaller ones are excellent for tweaking and adjusting certain brands of track ends as well as some body mount screws, so lets face it...you need it ok?

Small Oil Bottle (Needle Tip)

You don't have to use a needle type oil bottle, but I have found they come in very handy.  You do NEED some type of oil for the brass and metal bushings along with the motor shafts, so at the very least choose something. For years I used the 3 in 1 oil bottle, but the needle tip allows more precise control over amount and for reaching hard to get places without flowing excess amounts of lubricant in places it isn't needed. I chose the Trinity brand found in better hobby stores and has worked perfectly. You will be surprised how long a bottle of it will last you too.

Small Wire Cutters (Side)

Obviously you are going to need a pair of these, and again get the best ones you can. From motor to track wiring, to contact braid trimming, you will need them eventually. It is a good idea to have both a large and small pair for different applications, so you don't put excess wear on the smaller pair. Some enthusiasts are good enough to use these as wire strippers as well, but I advise having a dedicated wire stripper on hand. Also comes in handy for trimming and cutting styrene for kit-bashing as well as lead trimming for tuning. Grab a large and small pair as soon as possible.

Long-Nose Pliers (Small to Medium)

This tool has found its way in our basement thanks once again to companies like Fly who make front-motor drive models. I have found these pliers are better for gripping the drive shaft, and allow for easier removal. Some needle-nose pliers are just not strong enough for the task, so I safely suggest you grab a  pair of these soon. Once again, don't skimp on these, get the best your budget allows.

Needle Nose Pliers (Small to Medium)

The good old needle nose pliers. You will need a pair sooner or later, so get them now. They are my best friend when it comes to holding wires while soldering, among many other uses. Having a very small pair with smaller points pretty much doubles as a set of tweezers as well, which for gluing small parts and such comes in handy. Having a good pair also makes life easier when removing the springs on the front-motor drive shafts, so again I advise you purchase the best quality you can afford.

Regular Pliers

Of course you need a pair. I have used them for holding axles while removing a stubborn wheel a time or 2, but be careful when doing this as you might bend the axle. They come in handy for too many uses to list, and if you think you don't need them, that is when you will. Get some and throw them in your tool box, you will thank me.

Moto-Tool (Dremel)

I list this as a basic tool because for me it is. Without this tool, I am not sure what I would have done with some projects. From trimming axles and chassis, to working with styrene, you need it. Most models are inexpensive, but I highly suggest the multi-speed versions. I have the corded model because I always forget to charge the cordless ones. They double as a drill as well, and like most tools listed here, it has so many uses that its almost mandatory to get one. Make sure you get a good assortment of accessories as well such as different bits, cut-off discs and grinding attachments, most tool sets come with them or you can purchase separately. You know you always wanted one...now you have a good excuse:)

Exacto (Razor) Knife

Another little item that you will need in the future. I have used mine for too many projects to list such as trimming model parts to chiseling a chassis. Go ahead and get a good starter kit with plenty of spare blades with different shapes as well. Of course use care when using them as some of these blades are VERY SHARP. I advise getting one in its own case and keeping it secured and not just throwing it in the top of your regular tool box. The first time you stick your hand in there to look for something, I promise you will find this knife first...and you won't like it.

Drill Bit Set

Having the right size drill bit is a blessing sometimes, especially in our hobby. Make sure the set you choose is again the best quality you can afford. From making power tap holes in your slot car table to milling out front axle mounts, the blessings of these smaller sized bits makes a high quality set your best choice.

Soldering Iron

Eventually you might find yourself more involved in this hobby, and will want to begin tasks such as motor upgrades, along with power and control. When that time comes, you will need a soldering iron. There are too many models out there to cover, and no one will agree on what is best overall. I can say that in my home racing I have used a standard 40 watt iron that has performed perfectly. I don't care for the trigger type irons as I prefer the lighter weight of standard stick irons. Again, your preference here will dictate your overall choice. I would suggest adding some tinning flux with your iron as this makes life a little easier for me, and it should do the same for you.

Hex Key (Allen) Wrench set.

On some after-market and vintage wheels you will need one to loosen or tighten the wheel in place, so having a set of these is very important. Also some companies such as Slot-it who make replacement gear sets, as well as their own models, utilize them as well so again if upgrades might be a part of your modeling, go ahead and get them now.

Gear Puller/Press

Eventually you will need one of these when you begin to install upgrades to your models. There are different models to choose from like PARMA and Ninco, and both are handy to have in your tool box. They can make changing gears a lot easier on you, both in effort, and the money you might save from not damaging the gear itself.

Multi-Meter

Sooner or later you are going to need one, not only for helping you troubleshoot track power issues, but perhaps testing motors and other electrical troubleshooting. It has saved me many hours of frustration in the past, and well worth the small investment. I prefer the digital versions as they are just easier to read, but of course choose the one best for you.

Hot Glue Gun

You would not think at first a reason for one of these until perhaps you get heavily involved in modifications. The glue is excellent for aiding in the placement of motors along with many other uses. I have used it from everything to attaching our racing walls to securing scenery and drive-train bushings. They can be very inexpensive as well, so it can't hurt to grab one when you can.

Sandpaper/Emory Cloth

Yes I see these as tools. When it comes to truing your stock rubber wheels, and even some silicones, you will need some. I prefer the finer grit versions or Emory cloth and have used both with success. Sanding and truing tires is one of the basics in slot car tuning, so grab a package and have it ready by the workbench.