Portable electronics tool kit

In this instructable I will be showing you how to assemble a compact and portable electronics kit.  I am an electronics tinkerer and I occasionally have to do some electronics work at my job. So I like to have a kit pretty much ready to go whenever I need it so I can keep it in my car or on my person.

Step 1: The pouch

The actual bag is a Condor brand model;    MA54 T & T POUCH

The bag measures approximately 8"x10" and is MOLLE compatible as well as has two D-rings on the back for attaching it to a strap or to anything for that matter.

The inside of the bag has two large pockets, one that is zippered.

also each side is lined with large and small elastic loops to store a multitude of things.
Plus another pretty cool feature is that the bag has a piece of cord that is adjustable and hold the bag open so it will sit nicely on a table like a workstation.

I purchased mine from here  (http://www.joesarmynavyonline.com/servlet/Detail?no=8513)  but that model can be had from many different online stores.

Step 2: Consumables

Here are the consumables that I carry in my electronics kit:

1. roll of electrical tape
2. bag of assorted shrink tube
3. bundle of small zip ties
4. Packet of Sugru moldable silicone
5. VHB tape, this stuff is the most insane two sided tape. Be prepared for the two things that you stick together with it to become one forever.
6.distilled water for soldering gun sponge (why distilled? distilled doesn't have any particles that will build up in the sponge over time)
8. isopropyl alcohol
9.desoldering braid
10. flux
11. two types of solder, regular and low-melt
12. two double a batteries and two triple a batteries

Step 3: Meters and such

I have also included an inexpensive multimeter from harbor freight as well as a set of three alligator clip type test leads.

Plus this kit really needs a decent flashlight so I opted to go with a fluke volt light. which has a nice adjustable clip and the light itself doubles as a non-contact voltage checker.

Step 4: Hand Tools

As for my hand tools that I carry:
1. screwdriver set with extendable shaft and multi-bit set
2.Ideal brand wire strippers
3. Plato brand flush cutters
4. Sog/Paladin powerlock multitool (which had an amazingly sharp needle nose point)
5. small mirror, dental pick, part picker tool with magnet
6. Hozan brand needle fine tweezers, spring loaded shut needle tweezers, small pair of hemostats
7. small adjustable wrench
8. two small needle files
9.  scalpel with cover and small utility razor
10. small brush for flux
11. a couple of wooden sticks (these can be purchased at nail/beauty supply stores)
12. small sharpie permanent marker.

Step 5: Last but not least, the soldering iron

My portable soldering iron has a nice little case that does not fit in the bag with the rest of my gear so it usually rides along in my backpack with the pack, although I specifically bought a small can of butane so that it can fit in the MOLLE bag.

I use a Portasol model 125, it is a really nice little butane powered soldering set up. It comes with 4 different soldering tips, a hot knife, flame tip, hot air tip, and heat shrink shroud. as well as a little stand and a sponge.

This nice set rounds out my electronics kit pretty nicely.  and the whole thing fits in my backpack that I carry for work quite nicely.

I hope you enjoyed this instructable, please feel free to post any comments, questions, or observations.

Happy Hacking

Dustinbikes

Comments

[najito]

i love it

[evilmonkey126]

Awsome electronics kit, I have put one together that is is real similar to yours except in mine i have a burns-o-matic butain soldering iron, a radio shack soldering iron, a nice portabe bench top vice that can be clamped on to the edge of a table or whatevere my work area is, and i aslo keep a hot glue gun in mine. I used to keep my kit in a bag similar to what you are using until it got to big for the bag so i transfered my kit into a nice roomy tackle box which is nice because it helps me keep my kit more organized.

[ehudwill]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy seeing what others put in their electronics kit. I really like your soldering iron and its case.