Reddit mentions of Channellock 8WCB 8-Inch WideAzz Adjustable Wrench | 1.5-Inch Wide Jaw Opening | Precise Jaw Design Grips Tight - Even in Tight Spaces | Measurement Scales Engraved on the Tool for Easy Sizing of Diameters | CODE BLUE Comfort Grip

You've got the wrench positioned on what you need to turn, but you need a longer-handle wrench. And you'll need to loosen both sides. Fitting a wrench on on the drive side might be tricky--you'd want a thin wrench to fit in there, or maybe you can take the gear shift mechanism off to get it out of they way. A basic open-ended wrench might fit. And adjustable wrench is less likely to fit, but might, especially a slim jaw one.

But that chain looks shot. I would go ahead and replace it. A single speed chain is cheap. You could even spring for a KMC "rustbuster" chain and be less likely to have this problem in the future. Regular lubing of the chain would also help avoid it in the future.

I like the channel lock wide azz or even just the normal non wide azz ones if you need bigger than 8 inches. they are made in Spain by Irega and I have never had any issues with them.

Wideazz is very nice. I tend to grab knipex plier wrench more though.

I hadn't thought of that! The spindle and the plastic thing came right out, but I still don't see how to get the bearings out. Doesn't seem like there's anything to grab.

Here's the best photo I could get: https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPeSZ6aTxUmpD4i2oxJEBpGNujdhnTWNVsjZoM6

You really think it'll come out? I was oing to order this: https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-8WCB-WideAzz-Adjustable-Opening/dp/B001I70C34?crid=1FA0967YL9CAD&keywords=adjustable+wrench&qid=1540757299&sprefix=adjustable+wren%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-18&ref=sr_1_18

What kind of experience are you guys coming into this with?

Do you have mentors/are you yourselves familiar with the use and safety precautions necessary around power tools?

What kind of space are you in? Do you have a dedicated space to use or do you need to move things in and out of an area every meeting?

How much do you want to learn? Are you planning on using primarily Matrix/Tetrix this season or do you want to do custom fabrication?

If you're planning on using chain, I'd recommend getting at least one of these (Dark Soul #25 chain tool). You won't need to use master links again, and they're just in general great to have around.

I would definitely recommend getting Anderson Powerpole tools and items. Definitely get a TriCrimp and associated wire, connectors, and contacts, if you don't have them already.

I'd also recommend a few tools that come in useful just in general when it comes to FTC-- a good adjustable wrench is good to have around, whether you're doing custom or not. A ratcheting screwdriver is also good to have around, in addition to more standard versions. I'd also recommend my personal favorite allen wrenches (you can get just metric or standard sets, but I linked the paired version). For taking care of stuck bolts or anything else stuck, a good pair of locking pliers are also great. Also getting some good pliers for all your electrical needs is a good idea. Also extremely useful is a good square. On a similar note, a level is good for checking whether you actually bolted that part on straight.

You should also get a general set of combo wrenches and some of the specific sizes most common for FTC. Pretty much any reputable brand is fine for this-- don't spend more than about $50 for a set and $10 for an individual wrench (honestly, that would be super high, you should probably target half of that). A decent ratchet set is also good, but not absolutely essential.

Other good things to have around are a heat gun or heat bar (for doing custom plastic parts for your robot). You can do some great stuff with some creativity and some sheet polycarbonate.

To go with that, a vinyl cutter is great for doing sponsor decals and general cool stuff.

As far as "essentials" go, that depends on where you want to go. If you want to do lots of custom work-- or use something like 80/20, then you'll want some other tools to do that work. A good power drill is absolutely essential, and if you have the space, I'd definitely recommend getting a solid miter saw and an aluminum cutting blade (I know some people consider them too dangerous, but with proper safety training and precautions, I've never had a student or mentor get injured with one).

As far as materials for doing custom work go, I'd recommend getting some box aluminum (1x1 and 1x2) tubing, 1/8" and 1/16" polycarbonate (I'm partial to the dark tinted stuff, but it's a bit more expensive), and a full assortment of #6 and maybe #8 hardware. You'll also want some M3 screws for face mounting AndyMark and REV robotics motors. I like to use Copper State for this, because while they have a totally garbage web ordering system, their prices are great, and their website isn't that bad (to be honest, I'm a bit spoiled by McMaster-Carr).

You probably don't need me to tell you what kind of COTS parts might be good (if that's within the scope of this money). Electronics, good phones (not those stupid ZTEs), motors, are all good.


You'll notice that I'm not suggesting the very budget stuff-- while you can go that direction if you need to, quality tools help you get quality results. If you have the money to get and use the right tools for the job, I always recommend doing that as opposed to cheaping out with something you'll just end up breaking and messing up your robot with later.

A decent chunk of the tools I linked are suggested by my personal favorite review site, The WireCutter/SweetHome. I've used the majority of them, and my experience has been good enough that I don't have an issue recommending their suggestions for other tools relevant to FTC.

Hopefully that was somewhat helpful. I'd definitely consider the answers to the questions at the top-- they can help you narrow down what will actually be useful for you. I can definitely give more specific suggestions if you know what direction you're taking with robot building techniques and how much space you have/ whether you have to move.