Tools and Materials
Last updated: 2023-07-21
Optional Tools
- Eye protection : [MOST IMPORTANT] This is only "optional" insomuch as you can assemble a pedal without it. But you shouldn't. Bits of solder can fly a couple feet or more, and clipped leads from components can go flying as well.
- [VERY HELPFUL] Something to hold the circuit board while you solder: Blue putty (e.g., Blu-Tack, or Loctite Fun-Tak) is my favorite, and it's included in your kit. Save this for your future DIY pedal builds! It can be used repeatedly. Specialized tools like "helping hands" (alligator clips on adjustable arms), a vice, or whatever you have on hand could be used instead.
- Needle nose pliers: to bend leads and pull them through the circuit board more easily.
- Wire strippers: The simplest, most affordable ones you can find will be great. You don’t need these for the MAS Effects practice kit or beginner kit, but future projects may require them.
- Small fan: to blow flux fumes away from your face or a soldering fan with attached carbon filter to draw in fumes.
- Multimeter: Any inexpensive multimeter can be useful when troubleshooting by checking for continuity between points in the circuit, as well as measuring voltages. This kit is designed to make troubleshooting a very unlikely step.
- Solder sucker pump: if you mistakenly place a component in the wrong spot then remove it, the hole will be plugged with solder and this can be useful to clear it out. But as we'll see, this isn't usually necessary anyway.
- Flux: Your solder should have a flux core, and that is enough for most soldering. In some rare or advanced situations, additional flux can be helpful. A syringe of flux gel is quite versatile, but you can also get flux pens, bottles, and other packages.