tech today
Fabulous Fabrication Tools A look at 11 fabrication tools that many technicians have come to love and rely upon. WORDS BY JOEY KNAPP
Last month we took a look at some of my go-to installation tools. This month the list shifts to the fabrication realm. This list represents just some of the items that I place the most value in.
.9 Lead Mech Pencil
I own quite a few mechanical pencils, so I can always make sure I have one available.
Like most everyone, I have used a traditional wooden pencil while fabricating. And, like most everyone, I have experienced the line the pencil draws getting thicker and thicker as the lead wears down. This prompted me to search for a better option. My father was a small business accountant and always had numerous mechanical pencils around his office. His pencils were .5mm, which provides a fine line, perfect for filling in P&L Statements. In looking for something better to fabricate with, I tried one of those .5mm pencils. The experience was more frustrating than using a traditional wooden pencil. Too much lead sticking out, or too much pressure and SNAP, the lead would break. So, I looked for other mechanical options. There was a .7mm, but it was still too fragile. Then I found the .9mm. It was the perfect width for precision, but robust enough that it wouldn’t snap under normal use. Granted, one still has to keep an eye out to make sure the lead doesn’t stick TOO far out, but otherwise they hold up great.
Drill Gauge This is such a basic tool, but one I value greatly. Almost anytime I find myself needing to drill a hole in something, I also find myself reaching for the drill gauge. The gauge makes picking the perfect drill bit simple. It is easy to gauge the size hole needed for specific hardware by checking the size of the hardware with the gauge. I also use the drill gauge for choosing the drill bit size for when I am using taps. NOTE: The 29 piece Irwin Cobalt drill bit set I mentioned last month contains most of the drill bit sizes found on a drill gauge. I typically don’t ever find myself needing a size different than those found in that set.
56 Mobile Electronics October 2019
A simple tool, yet very valuable when choosing the right size drill bit.
