You want to start DIY electronics but you don’t know what tools you need? I will describe what I think are the needed tools, going from what, I believe, is mandatory for new builders to the extra tools that could be useful to troubleshoot, calibrate and design your own modules.
Starting Pack :
Soldering Iron
A quality Soldering Iron capable of 400°C is essential. Don’t buy a complete crap even for beginners. A good one can last for years if well treated, I personally have had the same old Weller WECP-20 for years. I would recommend getting one with adjustable temperature, even if it’s not mandatory for beginners, it will be quickly useful. Choose one with a serious iron stand and a tip cleaner.
![Soldering_Thumbnail](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/weller.jpg?resize=182%2C112&ssl=1)
Soldering Iron Tips
Having different tip sizes and shapes on hand is really practical when you alternately build Through-Hole boards and SMD boards.
![Soldering_Tips_Thumbnail](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Soldering_tips.jpg?resize=140%2C80&ssl=1)
Solder
There are many choices here and it can be difficult to choose for newcomers. I Recommend Lead-Solder which is really easier for getting started soldering. With time and experience, you will be able to choose the right fit for you.
![](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Solder.png?resize=130%2C130&ssl=1)
Multimeter
This is a really worthwhile investment if you plan on making synths. It will come a day when you will have to troubleshoot your build and you won’t be able to do it without a good DMM. Good ones can also provide functions such as diode Mode and capacitor measurement.
![](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DMM.png?resize=72%2C150&ssl=1)
Solder Wick or Desoldering Pump
You will one day or another need this, why? because all humans make mistakes and you will too. I don’t really own a desoldering pump but the solder wick is enough I guess. This braid is made of copper that sucks up solder when heated.
![Solder_wick_thumbnail](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Solder_Wick-1.png?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1)
Mechanical Tools
Some of the above mechanical tools will be useful. Please, keep in mind that for every tool listed, buying a few items of good quality is better than buying a cheap multi-tool set.
![Cutters_thumbnail](https://i0.wp.com/somethingmodular.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cutters.png?resize=110%2C110&ssl=1)
- Diagonal Cutters for cutting excess leads after soldering.
- Needle-nose Pliers for bending component leads.
- Wire-Strippers for stripping wire.
- Few flat and Philips Screwdrivers for adjusting component trimmers.
- Tweezers for handling small components.
- A PCB Holder (not really needed, just put the PCB on top of a tape roll).
Intermediate :
- Transistor Tester
- Flux-Pen
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- 8mm and 10mm Hex Nut Drivers (for jack and pot Hex nuts)
Advanced :
- A Digital Oscilloscope
- A Bench Power Supply
Double Disclaimers :
- This is just a list of what I could think of, you may think about other tools that you find handy.
- I will give link to some tools that I personally use, but I have no link to any of these brand, I’m just showing you what I like to work with.