Edit

Basic Tools of the Slot Car Trade

I know, I know, 'Why show me tools?'

A lot of folks have never seen some of the types of tools displayed here, so we thought it would be helpful to show some pictures. The following are just recommendations just to get you thinking...

  Here's a laundry list of some of the items here that every good racer should have.

A A good, big Fishing Tackle Box to put everything in - don't skimp, you'll be glad later. (Not Pictured - Plano is the 'Racers' Brand - Wal-Mart $30) B A small Flat-Bladed Screwdriver - Everywhere $2 Pictured is an original Aurora Screwdriver from a Hop-Up kit. C A small Phillips, or Cross-Pointed Screwdriver - Everywhere $2 This one was free - I think it has the name of my Realtor on it. D A pair of Tweezers, preferably Non-Magnetic - eBay $12 Magnetic Tweezers will 'jump around' if you're using them for brushes. E An old (or new) Toothbrush - Bathroom $2 F An X-acto knife and some blades - Hardware Store $5 G Sandpaper (mostly fine grits - 300-700) - Hardware Store $4 H T-jet 'Red' Special Racing Oil - Hobby Store $9 I Toothpicks to apply oil & pick lint - Restaurants $FREE!

These items are a little more advanced and will cost a little more to outfit yourself with.   A Ohm Meter or Basic Multi-Tester for testing Armatures - Radio Shack $30 B Dremel Type Cordless Tool - (Black & Decker Wizzard, etc.) We recommend a Cordless "Dremel" Tool, so you can bring it with you to the track - Wal-Mart $30 C Various Dremel Bits and Discs, including the "rubberized" Polishing Disc. Notice Pointed Dremel Bit #125 - Great for beveling Guide Pins, Wheels, etc. D Small Hobby Vise (I prefer swivel type, not for the box, for the bench) - eBay $20 (Not Pictured, it's on my bench!) E Pin Vise (Small Hand Held Hobby Drill) - Hardware Store $5 F A set of Wire Size Drill Bits (same sizes as axles, etc.) - Hardware Store $10 G A bottle of Black Gold "Comm-Drops" - RC Hobby Store $8 (Not Pictured) H A bottle of lighter weight "Parma" type oil for axles, gears, etc. Hobby Store $5 (Not Pictured) I A 1 5/16" "Tech Block" for measuring width of your cars - Hobby Store $10-15 We carry them from time to time - check stock if interested. J Krazy Glue** - because you'll need to put the pieces of your racer back together after a "wall shot!" - Everywhere $3

A Word of Warning: Don't use Airplane glue, like Testors tube'd model glue. Airplane glue will 'melt' T-jet plastic. If you are putting a windshield in with airplane glue, you may find yourself with a disfigured roofline as these will "melt" plastic together as opposed to simply adhering two parts together. Use Krazy or Super Glue.

Advanced Basic Tools and Equipment  

A Ultrasonic Cleaner - Wal-Mart, eBay $30-$75 B T-jet Wheel Puller - Hobby Store $17 C T-jet Wheel Press & Sizing Sleeves - Hobby Store $20 D T-jet Gear Press - RT HO Racing - This is the best press we've seen yet! Made specifically for T-jet Gearplates - RT HO Racing $39 E Magnet Tester (Gauss Meter) capable of comparison and strength testing T-jet Magnets ~ Kind of Hard to Find - Follow Link for Info... F Compressed Air (Not Pictured) - Computer Store $5 G A tube of Simichrome Polish for Lapping Gears - Hardware Store or Internet $8-$10 H Cluster Press (Not Pictured - Oops! Looks like the Pinion Press) Specialty Store $20 I Watchmakers Poising Tool for Balancing Armatures (about $30-$100 - or build one for $5, check the Aurora Armature Bible) J T-jet Pinion Press & General Gear Puller - Specialty Store $25 for Press, $12 for puller - Puller is available from RT HO Racing as well. I Patience (this one's FREE and works the best of all tools!) There's more VERY specific tools available as well. We'll try to get some of them covered soon....