Reddit mentions: The best multitool accessories

Aside from good calipers & feeler gauges.. You might want something like a dial indicator. You'll often see them used on lathes for testing roundness but they also work great for tramming your print bed. Print out a mount and attach it to your X carriage or effector and it makes life much easier. Mostly more for people that move their printers around, normally you shouldn't need to use it often.

A basic volt meter is actually important to have. Doesn't have to be fancy. I'd probably pick one that ran off easily available batteries, there are some that use oddball sizes instead of plain 9V or AA type. Use it for calibrating stepper motor currents or verifying power supply functionality.

Infrared thermometer. You can usually get one that's adequate for $20 or less. While these generally aren't capable of reading a small enough area to give you a good read on your hot end they're generally fine for everything else. Need to know why your prints aren't sticking to your bed? Maybe you're loosing all the heat from the bottom and the top isn't as hot as you think? Also, once you have one you'll probably be finding yourself using it on all sorts of other things.

You could also upgrade your ruler to a nice stainless steel one if the one you're using now is still wood. They're cheap and pretty nice. Maybe add something like a compound square if you want.

A few of my go-tos:

• This or a similar cutting tool - The one I have is made by Skil, but I couldn't find it online for an affordable price (I paid like $24). It cuts through cardboard, fabric and all sorts of other stuff in a snap, making box resizing much easier.
  
• Melamine Sponges
  
• C-22 Lace Wig Adhesive Remover - this stuff works better than Goo Gone and won't damage delicate plastics or resin the way Goo Gone will. Also, it smells like oranges and is perfectly safe on your skin - people literally rub it on their scalps!
  
• Electrical Wire Ties - Super handy for making cords on your electronic items look neat and "newer". I have them in both black and white.
  
• Clear Round Stickers - I use these CONSTANTLY as opposed to tape for sealing up boxes where the item needs to look as new as possible - perfect for board games and really any retail packaging - never use regular clear tape!!

I highly recommend Nophead's kit. It's fantastic--the quality of printed parts is excellent, the power supply and j-head are quality, and the Dibond helps to prevent resonances, making the printer quieter than ones built from plywood.

Don't over-tighten the nyloc nuts--it's very easy to do, and doing so will bend the Dibond slightly or crack the plastic parts.

Follow the directions very carefully. Everything is explicit in the instructions, but there aren't as many pictures/videos as I needed, and I ended up doing 2 steps incorrectly as a result. Nophead sells individual replacement parts, though, and everything he sells is quality and has a low profit margin. If you're not in the UK, though, shipping can get expensive.

You're going to need to strip very small gauge wire (for the ribbon cable, among others). Here's a great tip I learned to strip small gauge wire without breaking the wire:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM4JsxirXPg

As others have stated, get a caliper. Also I find that a dial gauge is useful in leveling the bed--one like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-196521-Metric-Dial-Indicator/dp/B000LFYK0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396249675&sr=8-1&keywords=dial+gauge
Basically, after you get your first print, print up something like this:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:92852
Change a setting in your firmware to allow the z-axis to go below '0', and attach the dial holder to your x-carriage instead of your extruder. This will allow you to get a very level bed. Bed leveling is everything--it will help adhesion and make your prints much more reliable.

After you've got your bed level, print replacement parts from ABS for your extruder, especially the gears and extruder block. I had problems at one point with a jammed extruder, and the resulting stresses cracked my extruder block. I had a PLA extruder block replacement, but the way the extruder mounts to the block on the Mendel90 (directly with screws, rather than using an aluminum mounting plate on the j-head's groove mount) meant that it got soft when the extruder got up to temperature, causing the tip of the extruder to wobble and the prints to go badly. Printing an ABS extruder block solved my problems. It's nice to have a backup so you don't need to rely on /r/reprappif or on friends.

You won't go wrong with Nophead's kit. I've seen many kits, and helped many friends build their printers at my local hackspace. Nophead's kit is the nicest I've found. The only other printer in the same league is the Ultimaker, and it's quite a bit more expensive, especially if you want the one with the heated bed.

Once you've got some experience under your belt, order an extra Nema17 motor, and get an extra D-Sub connector and custom PCB from Nophead, and purchase an E3D hot end. Build a 2nd extruder--the Mendel90 allows you to replace the extruder by unscrewing only 2 wingnuts (no tools necessary!). The E3D hot end can print nylon and other hot materials. It's a bit longer than the J-head, so you'll lose some space on the z-axis. But it's a fantastic all-metal hot end.

The belt holster for a Leatherman fits my Duke perfectly. Also works for my Reo Grand and Reo Mini V1 as well. My Gi2, now that's a different story. Sometimes you can find gun magazine/clip holsters at an army surplus for pretty cheap, and they work well for tube mods. I'll be debuting my "tactical vape utility belt" at VaporMania.

Plus Gas is vastly better than WD40 for dealing with rusted/siezed bolts. Try this before getting drastic.

Also, a ph1 screwdriver is likely a bit fine, those heads look like ph2 or ph3. Using the right screwdriver tip will help immensely. the screwdriver tip should fit tight into the screw head and not wobble.

I'm in love with the Skeletool CX I got from my boyfriend for Christmas. It's really small and still capable of so many things! :)


https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Skeletool-Multi-Tool-Sheath-Extender/dp/B00ZNYPN5U/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=skeletool+cx&qid=1563283725&s=gateway&sr=8-2

We have and like gems, but don't have the saws or selves, but I know that it can take the craft to the next level.

Something like this, seems to me expensive/awesome/probably worth it? But I'm addicted to tools as is...

($300 CAD)
Genmine Mini Table Saw Gem Jewelry Rock Polishing Buffer Bench Lathe & Polisher Machine 0-26000r/min Benchtop Polisher Machine Set 350W 110V https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07HH5W71Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nCa6CbPQ31Q9Z

Or something like this:

Hand held cut saw ($55cad)

WORX WX081L ZipSnip Cutting Tool https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B019CSHSW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uDa6CbR6DFHJK

• diamond blades (14-35$)
  
  
  You could make a little rock holder wedge based cradle to clamp the stone then pass the tool over them, you get extra rocks (2 for 1)
  
  Or similarly make a sled for the table saw/polisher
  
  Maybe try some videos and give it a think!
  
  GLHF

I carry the Leatherman Wave. It's great because it does what I need it to.

Like /u/ParksVS said, I love it because you don't have to open the entire tool to access the blade(s), saw or file.

The sheath is also very good quality and allows for driver extension storage. You can also store the Wave opened up facing down so it's plier-ready utilizing with the hole in the bottom of the Sheath.

Plus, driver bits and plenty of warranty voiding Wave "hacks".

I suppose if cost is not an issue there's better and more expensive mutlitools out there but hey, it's $53 USD right now.

Here's what I did - from now until August, run and service your bike as normal. However every time you use a tool, write it down and order one off Amazon. Stick it all in a bag and hey presto, you've got yourself a kit with all the bits you're likely to need and no more.

To carry around a full socket set is pointless, so I have a handle, 8, 9, 10, 13mm sockets as that's what I need. I have a single 32mm (iirc) for the rear axle. I have two 12mm spanners, as you need them to adjust the chain.

I have some mini rolls of duct tape as you don't need a full roll, some dinky little cans of WD40 for cleaning and lubricating, and some little cans of chain lube.

Standard stuff like some rags, cable ties (metal and plastic), pliers with a side cutter, screwdriver handle with flat, Philips, hex and torx heads.

Plus anything specific to the bike such as the ring spanner for adjusting preload. Tyre plug kit and a handful of CO2 canisters aren't a bad idea.

So rather than going through the rigmarole of taking apart all your toolkits every time, do yourself a favour and make one up. Now when I go away, I just chuck the toolbag into a pannier and know I'm good to go.

Responded to this on another commenter's thread. Basically, I recommend the True Utility Fire Stash Multi-Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZRWJVGA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZpGXDbYB0M75V

It's essentially a mini Zippo, but sealed better so the fluid doesn't evaporate, and comes with a waterproof case that you can use to keep some travel tobacco in too. Oh, and the lighter is small enough that it can be used as a tamper! Highly recommended for piping on-the-go!

Ok thank you, I’ll have to swing by a supply house and check it out. Any chance this field piece one is any good? https://www.amazon.com/Fieldpiece-ATWB1-K-Type-Thermocouple-Alligator/dp/B000TMK31U/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1525181031&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=wet+bulb&dpPl=1&dpID=21hm99DD6qL&ref=plSrch

If he uses his hands a lot then this is a great option.


https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-carpenters-craftsmen-handymen-technicians/dp/B07H36QK8G/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543377217&sr=8-22-spons&keywords=magnetic+armband&psc=1

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I'm a carpenter and I use this thing every day, its a magnetic armband that is super durable and has strong magnets.

Leatherman 65070303H Tool Adapter for The Wave https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004UDW7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DD9KDbPBRB3PQ

It’s out of stock here, but this will give you and idea of what it is. I have three of them. They work pretty well.

Google peanut lighters.
Uses lighter fluid, doesn't leak and doesn't let fluid evaporate.
Maratac brand seems to have the most varieties, made with different material from stainless steel, copper, aluminum, brass and different sizes, They look more well made than most chinese-copies and are within your budget.
See here
https://countycomm.com/collections/fire

You can find a really cheap one on Ebay, chinese-made, chrome-plated. They work just fine but the finishing will wear off if you carry it in your pocket.

I have one of these
https://www.amazon.com/True-Utility-FireStash-Lighter-Multi-Tool/dp/B007IOHPQS
Seems to the cheapest on Amazon too, this one about 1.8 inches tall.
The finishing is similar to zippo's black ice finishing, but mine has wore off already.

This one here
https://www.amazon.com/True-Utility-Fire-Stash-Multi-Tool/dp/B00ZRWJVGA
I think this one is new, looks promising.

I bought one of these when I was having a tool spending spree and at the time it was maybe £2 so it was a "why not?" moment.

Ended up being pretty useful and the claw is made of spring steel and will hold whatever it gets very firmly. Don't stick your finger there though or any other appendages.

Those bits are replaceable. If you buy a bit kit they usually come with a spare mini screwdriver bit. If I'm right in assuming all that's wrong here is that the bit snapped in half, then you just need to pull the rest of the old bit out and get a replacement in. Best bet would be to go at it from the exposed section in the middle, then either contact Leatherman to see if they'll replace it or just bite the cost and treat yourself to the full bit kit.

Personally, I bought this set awhile ago

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S3Y0YEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_B1-6AbCTF65MV

It comes with all the bits, plus the extender which gives you a longer attachment point or just a round handle, as well as a lanyard loop and a pocket clip.


But if you don't want to drop that much money on all the Wave accessories you can just get the bit kit alone

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E1QPZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_j3-6AbQ5E8GVY

I've been using this since October. So far I'm really liking it. It MIGHT be in need of a little tightening, but that should be easy enough with a pair of channel locks.

Leatherman NEW WAVE sheath (1.5" BELT CLIP) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B14EI10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_t2XfAb8MJ5VX0

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0022G72BK?vs=1y

My friend, this bit extender has made my Wave much more capable than previous. Supposedly there is a ratcheting version as well. Fits just about any standard hex bits (including sockets usually designed for drills)

Extra: Standard Leather pouches have a small area in the elastic sides to stow the bit extender. So no issue retaining it, you just need to find a way to hold onto socket bits.

Something similar to this probably.

Not sure if those were around before or if they were inspired by Adam Savage's build but it's a cool video to watch anyway.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-CB14-Combination-Sharpening-Stone/dp/B000LFRVWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421428390&sr=8-1&keywords=sharpening+stone

For £4. I think some of the items could really be found cheaper, leaving more room in the budget for the little things like sharpening stones, cordage, cutlery and things like that which we often dont consider.

One thing I havnt got on there which is an absolute must is a First Aid Kit.

EDIT: Another thing to consider is that my list is all UK based suppliers and it may be possible to get the items cheaper in the US or similar items by different suppliers.

may i ask the reasoning, honestly? I got the driver set for my wave and its made it almost invaluable.

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-931009-Bit-Driver-Extension/dp/B0022G72BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421761573&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman+driver



http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-931014-40-Bit-Assortment-Drivers/dp/B003E1QPZG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421761573&sr=8-2&keywords=leatherman+driver

I use one of these and it works great. It can cut though any fabric you throw at it

Do yourself a favor and grab a set of plastic pry bars... they won't damage trim and I find myself using them all the time (car, computer, phones, remotes, etc).

http://www.amazon.com/IIT-50010-7-Piece-7-Inch-Nylon/dp/B005HVTCCE

Now pry off the top tray above the radio. You'll see a phillips head screw holding the trim to the panel. Remove that.

Now pull the entire center trim towards you and it'll pop right out. Attached are the airbag light and heat/ac controls... you can remove those connectors. Just know upfront that if you remove the airbag light, you will get an airbag warning which you can reset using a procedure I'll link later on. Don't freak out!

Next you will see 4 screws holding the radio in... it's really that simple. I'd bite the bullet and put a real radio in. You can find something for under $100 with an adapter.

Airbag Light Reset:
> 1. Turn the key from off to on.
>
> 2. Watch the airbag light closely. It will stay on for a few secs. and then as soon as it blinks off (the start of the flashing), turn the key off instantly.
>
> 3. Count to 5 (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi . . . .)
>
> 4. Repeat steps 1-3 two more times until you have done the cycle three times.
>
> 5. Now turn the key on and watch the light. It will start blinking in a different, slower manner. This is diagnostic mode. You can watch this for a little while, no hurry.
>
> 6. Now turn the key off again, Count to 5 like in step 3 again, and turn back on. If the procedure worked, the airbag light will not be flashing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002H49EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YuQ5BbA1WRVNB

Virgin fit for the surge.

I haven't bought any for a while but Amazon have 400ml for ~£7

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/English-Abrasives-802-10-Plusgas-Aerosol/dp/B0001P02RK/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=plus+gas&qid=1563376902&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Cutters: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E9NKKY/ref=cm_sw_su_dp which at a couple three bucks a piece beats the hell out of any of retail price for the easywood cutters. These are the same as the larger of the two sizes of easy wood cutters I believe.

The steel I had laying around in my scrap bin, but I know I've seen 1/2" stock at places like Home Depot.

I believe that's the same set I got. :)

Does the job. Unfortunately they are more expensive than a normal Phillips.

BUT, if you are struggling it might be worth getting some Plusgas or similar. You spray this on and leave it to soak a bit, should hopefully de-seizing it a bit.

For that price, get something from Occidental Leather. I like the electrician's pouch over the electrician's case because it curves to my leg more.

https://www.amazon.com/Occidental-Leather-5500-Electricians-Pouch/dp/B0009H5LR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495344802&sr=8-1&keywords=Occidental+electrician

https://www.amazon.com/Occidental-Leather-5589-Electricians-Tool/dp/B006NOJAKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495344802&sr=8-2&keywords=Occidental+electrician

Oops, didn't see the drill part, but I'd get a separate pouch or holster for that.

You can search for "Leatherman bit driver." Amazon has just the bit driver and a kit.

Check out Skinth Solutions: http://skinthsolutions.com

or this thing: https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-WAVE-sheath-BELT-CLIP/dp/B01B14EI10

I got one of these awhile back for my Leatherman Wave.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004UDW7/ref=cm_sw_r_em_tai_c_tuAJBb3EBZKA0

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00004UDW7

Very handy to have

I prefer this.

This case is how I carry my Leatherman on my 2.25” belt.

The leatherman wave has interchangeable bits and an extended bit driver

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0022G72BK/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1457968641&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=leatherman+wave

Leatherman Wave/Skeletool/whatever with the bit extension and bit kit?

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-931014-40-Bit-Assortment-Drivers/dp/B003E1QPZG

www.amazon.com/Leatherman-931009-Bit-Driver-Extension/dp/B0022G72BK/

if you find cheap round let me know.
Im buying these for square ones
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000E9NKKY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3AROYQ4PPNXIH&coliid=I1Q73ASE4NY22I

Alternatively you could get this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Leatherman-Bit-Driver-Extender-Silver/dp/B0022G72BK

Not sure how they compare, but this one is still being made

just be aware that that picture is slightly deceptive. the end where the bit is held is just for storage and not functional or structural. watch this review to see how the bit holder works, it is kindof weird. and you can get this adapter for the leathermans that can hold standard bits

I have been using this as an everyday carry for the past 9 years. I got it in 2009 and carried it with me basically everywhere including a deployment to Afghanistan and daily for 5 years. When I started getting into quads a year ago, I put it in my kit and take it with me everywhere when I fly. Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XU43IC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_z2FGAbEV5AR5Z

I use the 2 other links to add to the functionality.

Leatherman - Bit Kit, 21 Double-Ended Bits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E1QPZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.6FGAbFHWQESD

And

Leatherman - Bit Driver Extender, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0022G72BK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_S7FGAbMZ765PA

I also bought my brother one as a gift for Christmas in 2010, he doesn't use his as much as I have used mine, but still has it and in great shape after 7 years of camping/hiking and like me, he also uses it for quads.

It is a bit expensive, I'm seeing about $120 for the whole set on amazon right now, I think I payed about $65 for my set. But let me tell you, I would no questions asked buy a new one at full price if the one I had breaks or was lost. I have put some abuse on this little tool, and no doubt it has more than payed for itself many times over.