Tools List

Here are a selection of necessary and useful tools for your team. You’ll obviously need to purchase the basics such as the right screwdriver, hex keys, and drill bits. For a bit more precision and the ability to dabble in custom, opt for a drill press and bandsaw. A router might be useful for teams interested in working with wood, a great material for prototyping (and also for final iterations!)

Necessary

• Safety glasses. Wear them when you’re using power tools. Seriously.

• Philips screwdrivers, assorted sizes

• Hex drivers and hex L-keys

  • 7/64” hex (Actobotics and TETRIX)

  • 3/32”, ball head for set screws is discouraged (TETRIX)

  • 2.5/3mm hex (goBILDA)

• Nut drivers and wrenches

  • 5.5 mm hex nut driver/wrench (REV)

  • 7 mm hex nut driver/wrench (goBILDA)

• Drill and drill bits

• Pliers, needle-nose and locking

• Metal file (sandpaper not recommended, you’re not working with wood)

• Quick lock clamps (2+) or vise

• Hammer and mallet

• Centerpunch

• Hacksaw (cuts through steel shafts)

• Wire stripper/wire cutter

• Zip ties/Velcro ties

• Electrical tape

• Stainless steel ruler and rafter square

• Sharp pencil or very fine permanent marker

Helpful

• Bandsaw

  Caution

  A bandsaw cannot cut through steel shafts!

• Impact driver

• Drill press

• Miter saw with non-ferrous metal cutting blade

• Dremel (use sparingly; Dremel =/= bandsaw)

• Grip tape

• Caliper

• Soldering iron

• Heat gun

• Router or table saw

• Jigsaw

• Metal brake

• 3d printer

A 3d printer, CNC machine, or laser cutter greatly increases your ability to create custom robot designs. For most teams, buying a CNC or laser cutter is way beyond their budget, but you might be able to get access to one through school, local college, or nearby makerspace.