The 'Tools needed for restoration projects' thread

bkamuse

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The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Thought this topic would be usefull for entry level restoration people.

As you know, tools are your frieeends. Heres a few that can bust a gremlin faster than you can say "DIE DIE DIE, YOU FREAKIN GREMLIN! DIE!!!!"

A good multi-meter.
You have to have one of these, period. And researching its many uses will reveal some pretty amazing things

A fiberglass burnishing brush.
Used for cleaning crud and oxidation buildup on edge connectors and switch contacts. They look like a short pencil and have a replaceable fiberglass insert. Lots of people use a pencil eraser to clean their edges, but if you want to avoid that repetitive task get a burnisher. They are also unsurpassed at cleaning battery terminals and IC legs.

Pro Gold contact cleaner/restorer.
Spray this stuff on after you burnish and will have restored the contact condition to a 'better than new' state. And it will stay that way for a long time to come. It also works miracles on some overheated edge connector pads.


Welp, thats a start...

anybody else?
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

What about an HV Probe?
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

This "Pro-Gold" stuff you speak of... Any idea how much it is/where to get it cheapest?
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Screwdrivers of various sizes, including grounded ones for working in certain areas.

Socket set

Routers can be a life saver if refinishing a cabinet or cutting new grooves.

Patience :grin:
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Set of nut drivers...invaluable.
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Duct-tape and chewing gum... the foil wrapper can double as a fuse :)

Oh yeah.... and aligator clips.
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' th

Logic probe, logic comparator, oscilloscope, some automatic wire strippers (believe me these can save a lot of effort), a decent 25W soldering iron with an iron base stand, a solder sucker (heated ones now exist - excellent for cleaning out solder holes).
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' th

Hahaha.. i can agree with the duct tape, as it works good (hot glue too) for working on my console cabs!
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Where would you go to buy these tools?
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' th

You can pick up a lot of this stuff at your local Radio Shack/electronics store, and also from hardware stores... Most of it's not too hard to find.
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Lots of slick stuff can be found at MCM Electronics for starters- including Pro Gold (spray and pen form)

http://www.mcmelectronics.com

get their catalog- its free me thinks...
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

Duct-tape and chewing gum... the foil wrapper can double as a fuse :)

LMAO! :) I've heard tale that the secret to cold fusion actually lies in the proper combination of duct tape and bubble gum... :)

Patience...
Last batch of that I bought was bad! Didn't work for JACK!

Seriously tho duct tape IS mans second best friend... but aluminum tape is AWSOME STUFF! Not only holds better, but can be used as decorative trim in a pinch. If you like duct tape, try aluminum duct tape- you'll never go back.

Novus plastic polish really works too. I've pulled a few monitor covers back from the edge. Remember to mix well with elbo-grease during use!
 
Re: The \'Tools needed for restoration projects\' thread

I've ordered from MCM before, I think that's where I picked up a couple 72-pin NES connectors & security bits. I'll have to look at the catalog and see if I can find it there... Thanks!

BTW: That Novus polish works WONDERS! I had a scratched-up marquee that I sanded with some 2000 grit sandpaper, then polished over that... came out GREAT!
 
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