How to Buy Tools
When on a strict budget you can save a lot of money by buying cheap, and upgrading later. The philosophy is simple: Buy the cheapest tool for the job you can, and if it breaks then you have justified its use and can invest in a higher quality tool knowing you will get the value out of it. Buying those '500pc' tool sets are a sure fire way of blowing your budget on tools you might never use!
3D Printer Specific
Tools and consumables that relate to the function of your 3D Printer
1KG Black PLA $28
Scraper Blade (usually comes with your 3D Printer) FREE
Glue Stick (your local office supply store) $1
Flat tip tweezers $3
Ceramic screwdriver $3
Hatchbox White PLA $23
1KG Black PLA $28
Scraper Blade (usually comes with your 3D Printer) FREE
Glue Stick (your local office supply store) $1
Flat tip tweezers $3
Ceramic screwdriver $3
Hatchbox White PLA $23
Electronic Tools
From soldering irons to arduinos, there are many electronics tools and parts you should consider for your budget makerspace.
60W Soldering Iron $13
Hakko Soldering Iron (higher quality) $50
Multimeter $7
Solderless breadboard kit $7
Leaded solder $3
60W Soldering Iron $13
Hakko Soldering Iron (higher quality) $50
Multimeter $7
Solderless breadboard kit $7
Leaded solder $3
Hand Tools
The bread and butter of your future projects!
Vice Clamp $9
All purpose snips $6
Long neck pliers $8
Lodestar side cutters $8
Screwdriver and socket set $15
Basic tool kit (Stanley) $40
Vice Clamp $9
All purpose snips $6
Long neck pliers $8
Lodestar side cutters $8
Screwdriver and socket set $15
Basic tool kit (Stanley) $40
Measuring
Straight edged and within tolerance! These measuring tools are useful for projects and calibrating your 3D Printer.
Metal Ruler Set $6
Plastic digital calipers $10
Metal digital calipers (much better) $26
Machinist Square $12
Metal Ruler Set $6
Plastic digital calipers $10
Metal digital calipers (much better) $26
Machinist Square $12
Power Tools
Power through projects with these low cost, useful power tools. It's basic but a great start and you can always add more later as your projects require them.
Hot glue gun $15
12V cordless drill $33
Drill bit set $13
Hot air gun $28
Hot glue gun $15
12V cordless drill $33
Drill bit set $13
Hot air gun $28
Safety
Tinker safely - protect yourself and ensure you have adequate safety equipment on hand at all times.
First Aid Kit $12
Safety Glasses $4
Smoke Alarm $10
First Aid Kit $12
Safety Glasses $4
Smoke Alarm $10
Storage
Completely customisable and up to your specific needs. Here's a few examples.
Stanley Organiser $17
Medium parts storage $15
Pegboard Organisers $10+
Stanley Organiser $17
Medium parts storage $15
Pegboard Organisers $10+