Tools of the Trade
- Gary Hinshaw
- Aug 18
- 1 min read
The most useful tools I have found for working with these couplers are shown below.
From L to R:
Magnifying light (very important for me!!).
Magnetic screwdriver set. Mine is the Ifixit Minnow kit.
M1.2 or 00-90 wafer-head screws. 4 mm is a good length. Extensive discussion starting here.
IPA and a micro-brush for cleaning filed parts. Use appropriate ventilation when filing parts.
Fine-point, curved-tipped tweezers. Super useful for almost every step of the process.
X-acto blades.
#61 drill (0.039") for drilling pilot holes in plastic.
Sharp awl for marking/starting holes.
A selection of small files and other tweezers/cutters.
A parts tray for organizing small parts.
An essential tool is a modified MTL-1055 gauge. The scale box with a hat is a drop in place replacement:
Use this on every install to check height and centering performance:
