Tools for Drones and Helicopters

Maybe you are new to remote control drones or have not yet aquired all the necessary tools to keep them running and do all the fun modifications that are possible.  Well, I wanted to make a quick list of all the tools that I have that make flying quadcopters and really any kind of RC stuff much more fun.  Having the right tools really makes a huge difference!  You can see all of these in the new DroneAbove Store under Drone Tools.

AOYUE 936 Soldering Station  - This is one of the most important tools you can have to work on stuff and make modifications.  I used soldering irons for years until I finally bought a station.  I was always a terrible solder'er until I got a station.  It really changed everything for me!  Spend the extra money, but a soldering station.  I like and use the Ayoue 936 and it is less than $50.  

Dubro Prop Balancer - At $30 bucks, this is an easy way to eliminate vibrations from your copters.  Once you have this, you will likely balance every prop you have because it just makes a big difference when you are recording HD on your aircraft.  You can prob find cheaper ones, but you might want to buy the name brand one because tolerances are important for balancing.

Wiha Hex Screwdriver Set - These will save you so much time but do yourself a favor and buy a nice set.  I bought some cheaper turnigy ones but I can't recommend them much because they seem to be oxidizing.  Not sure what is causing the rust, but I can't recommend them.  These Wiha ones are my next purchase.  For multicopters, the most important size is the 2.0mm, but its important to have a 1.5, 2.5, and 3.0mm as well.  This set includes all of these.

Heat Shrink Tubing Set - Soldering wires together requires either black electrical tape or these.  These look awesome and work much better than tape.  I use a lighter to shrink them around my connections.

Wire Stripper for Large Gauge Wire - I used to not have one of these and I feel so stupid for going without.  They make life so much easier, you could easily spring for a cheaper pair, just make sure they go all the way to 20 gauge wire if you can find them.

Solder Hands - When you are soldering, sometimes (or in my case, always) wish you had more hands.  This nifty tool really helps.  My only complaint is that the alligator clips are a little tough on smaller wires.

If you have some other tools you would like to recommend, please let me know.  I have learned from years of tinkering that the right tool makes a huge difference!