Like many people who got into DIY electronics, my “workshop” started as a messy pile of wires, scavenged adapters, and a single wire cutter I kept losing every week. Over the years, as the projects got more ambitious (and the failures got more educational), I slowly accumulated tools that made life easier, safer, and significantly less chaotic.
Here’s a tour of the equipment that has stuck with me and what I actually use (or rarely touch).
Power Supply
Korad KA3005D
When I first started tinkering, I didn’t even own a proper bench power supply. I ran everything from Meanwell bricks or random adapters I hacked by cutting off the barrel jack. It worked well enough.
Upgrading to the Korad KA3005D improved my efficiency so much. Even today it’s still one of the most practical tools on my bench.
Oscilloscope
Tenma 72-8710A
This is probably the most optional tool for a hobbyist. I don’t use it often, in fact it’s probably the least used device on my bench.
But the truth is: when you need an oscilloscope, nothing else replaces it. When you’re staring at a circuit wondering what kind of black magic is happening, a scope gives visibility that a multimeter never can. It has saved my sanity many times.
Soldering Station
Pro’sKit SS-206
The bread and butter of my workflow. This was the first serious tool I invested in, and it has followed me for over 10 years. I’ve replaced the iron tip a few times, but the station itself still works like a champ.
If you’re starting out: a good soldering station is worth every cents.
Hot Air Rework Station
Zhaoxin 858D
I added this fairly recently. Some connectors, especially ones tied to a ground plane, just refuse to come off without heating up the entire postcode. The 858D handles those jobs effortlessly.
For SMD rework or stubborn desoldering, this tool pays for itself.
Multimeters
Kyoritsu Model 1009
I own more multimeters than I’d like to admit, cheap ones, rugged ones, and a portable Fluke I carry for on-site work. But this is the latest addition and the one I reach for most often.
You can never have too many multimeters. One will always go missing when you need it.
Clamp Meter
Uni-T UT203+
This one has nothing to do with electronics, this is for my air conditioner. The compressor current draw tells you whether you’re low on R32 refrigerant. Learned this trick from an AC technician, and now I’m the designated “aircon guy” at home.
Other Tools and Accessories
Soldering Iron Tip (Bevel Type)
Conical tips come by default, and I replace them immediately. They are awkward for SMD work; bevel tips are far more versatile.
Solder (Leaded) – 63/37 Sn
Yes, lead is bad for health. But unleaded solder is bad for mental health. Choose your fighter.
Solder Paste
Perfect for cleaning bridges or dealing with fine-pitch components.
99.8% ISO Propyl Alcohol
My all-purpose cleaning fluid. I use this more than I probably should.
Magnifying Glasses (Pro’sKit MA-022)
My eyesight said goodbye long ago. These keep me functioning until I eventually invest in a proper microscope.
Ventilation Fan
Just a PC fan with a filter taped to it. Works better than half the “fume extractors” sold online.
Crafting Knife
Great for PCB trace cuts during quick debugging sessions.
Tweezer Set
Because SMD components are hot, small, and allergic to human fingers.
Wire cutters
I used to bite wires. Let’s not talk about that era. Buy a good cutter, cheap ones snap.
Long nose pliers
A sturdier alternative to tweezers when the components fight back.
Soldering pump
I only use this on boards I don’t care about. It has murdered many components.
Vernier Caliper
A solid manual caliper lasts forever. Digital ones… don’t.
Old tooth brush
Pair it with IPA and it becomes a PCB spa treatment tool.
Hot Glue Gun
Sometimes, the best engineering solution is “glue it and pray”.
A Ton of Compartment Boxes
No matter how many I buy, I’m always one box short.
A Lot of Wires
I keep many colors, but I prefer 7-strand wires for flexibility and current capacity. Single-core wires are too stiff for most of my use cases.
Wishlist
Digital Microscope
My eyes are done. I need help.
3D Printer
As I slowly develop my 3D modelling skills, I’m saving up for a good quality printer. It’ll open up a whole new dimension (literally) for enclosures, fixtures, and custom parts.