These are a few of the items I like to keep in my workshop. I consider them essential because I use them almost every time I build a helicopter.
Hot Air Gun
Having used lighters and even a paint stripper, I never thought I’d need one of these, but this hot air gun is cheap, light, simple to use and doesn’t leave any residue or burn the heatshrink.
Adhesive Heatshrink
I never know what sizes I need in advance, so this cheap box of adhesive heatshrink is great to have lying around. I got mine a few years ago, use it on every builds and the box still seems full.
Wera T-Handle Hex Driver
The normal hex driver sets are great, but when you need some of the bigger sizes for 700 size helicopter feathering shafts I find these are great. Slim enough to fit into the blade grip and strong enough to pull that threadlocked spindle bolt out.
3M VHB Tape
This is pretty much the only stuff I use on Flight Controllers (FBL) and Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC).
Hook and Loop Tape
I tend to go through this stuff far more than you would think possible. Make sure it’s the kind with the adhesive on the back.
Black Expandable Braided Cable Sleeving
I normally buy the 6mm braided sleeving. I don’t necessarily use on all the leads, but when they go through the frame or places I can’t check, I tend to just use it and put some adhesive heatshrink on the ends to stop it moving.
Arbor Press
Here’s something else I never thought I’d need, but when you’re working on motors or having to press bearings out, it makes it so much easier to do it right. And they don’t even cost a lot.
Silicon Tools Mat
I find this mat really useful to leave on the bench. Has space for bolts and bits you don’t need until you need them.
