Modding / Maintenance Toolkit

[6EL3]

I am interested in learning how to do my own cable building, mods, maintenance, disassembly of everything console related. I have very little actual experience, but the main thing holding me back is the tools.

Anyway, I thought this could be a beneficial catchall post for building a modders toolkit. Reply with any tools you would recommend.

This is what I plan to get so far...

-Rotary Tool (Dremel)
-Wire Stripper
-Voltmeter
-Soldering Iron

Is there a good set of tools for disassembling consoles and cartridges?

What about stuff needed for Eprom burning?

[emphatic]

Security Torx bits might come in handy.

[Sinneslöschen]

For nice set for disassembling consoles/cartridges:
http://www.shinobii.com/store/universal ... olkit.html
or this:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cross-and- ... d-wii-2905

[Evilmaxwar]

I also recommend a magnifying lamp. Usefull for all kind of detail work, i could not do without mine:

http://yourhome.shoptoit.ca/shop/produc ... 52261.html

[gct]

I went for years without a 3rd-hand tool, it just blew me away how useful it is to have one.

Looks something like this: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9317

But I got one without the magnifying glass and the iron holder, just the two clips. I use it all the time now, it makes cable work so much more convenient.

[6EL3]

nice, wouldn't have thought of the magnifying lamp/3rd hand

[Barrakketh]

They are more commonly known as "helping hand(s)".

[Evilmaxwar]

I went for years without a 3rd-hand tool, it just blew me away how useful it is to have one.

Looks something like this: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9317

But I got one without the magnifying glass and the iron holder, just the two clips. I use it all the time now, it makes cable work so much more convenient.

I got one exactly like that link but the glass and holder are pretty much useless. That holder will likely tip-over the whole device when you put you iron in there, and that glass is just a gadget compared to a descent articulated glass lamp.

Also i would not recommend those cheap radio shack soldering iron. They break and often they will not get hot enough. I bought two of those (25w and 35w), ended up thrashing both and getting a Weller soldering station which is what i should have done to begin with.

[undamned]

Security Torx bits might come in handy.

First thing that crossed my mind!

I went for years without a 3rd-hand tool, it just blew me away how useful it is to have one.

Oh, man, you got that one right! Saves me from wanting to crush and destroy things in frustration!
-ud