Remote control (RC) cars are a fantastic hobby, offering thrills, technical challenges, and a vibrant community. Whether you’re bashing in the backyard, racing on a track, or crawling over rocks, maintaining and repairing your RC car is part of the fun. To keep your vehicle in top condition and enjoy uninterrupted playtime, having the right tools is essential. This guide will walk you through the must-have tools for any RC car enthusiast, from beginners to seasoned hobbyists.
Must-Have Hand Tools
Just like with full-sized cars, a good set of hand tools is the foundation of any RC car toolkit. These tools will handle most basic maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Hex Drivers (Allen Wrenches)
Hex drivers are arguably the most crucial tools for RC cars. Most RC vehicles use hex head screws in various sizes. Investing in a quality set of hex drivers is paramount. Look for a set with common RC sizes like 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm. Ball-end hex drivers are also beneficial as they allow you to reach screws at an angle, making access easier in tight spots.
Nut Drivers
Similar to hex drivers, nut drivers are designed for tightening and loosening nuts, another common fastener in RC cars. Sizes like 5.5mm, 7mm, and 8mm are frequently used for wheel nuts and other components. A set of nut drivers will provide a more secure grip and prevent stripping nuts compared to using pliers or adjustable wrenches.
Pliers
A few types of pliers are indispensable in your RC toolkit:
- Needle-nose pliers: Perfect for gripping small parts in confined areas, bending wires, and reaching into tight spaces.
- Diagonal cutting pliers (side cutters): Essential for trimming wires, zip ties, and cutting servo horns or other plastic parts.
- Regular pliers: Useful for general gripping, holding parts while tightening screws, and bending metal components.
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead)
While hex drivers are dominant, Phillips head and flathead screws still appear in some RC car applications. A small set of precision screwdrivers, including both Phillips and flathead types in various sizes, will ensure you’re prepared for any screw type you encounter.
Wrench Set
An adjustable wrench is helpful for larger nuts and bolts, but a set of small open-end wrenches can be more precise and lighter for your toolkit. Sizes from 4mm to 10mm can be useful for various RC car components.
Hobby Knife
A sharp hobby knife (like an X-Acto knife) is incredibly versatile. It’s useful for trimming body shells, cutting decals, removing flash from plastic parts, and a multitude of other tasks requiring precision cutting. Always use caution and a fresh blade for clean and safe cuts.
Scissors
Dedicated RC body scissors are curved to easily trim polycarbonate bodies. While regular scissors can work, body scissors make cutting smooth curves and wheel wells much easier and cleaner.
Specialized RC Tools
Beyond basic hand tools, several specialized tools are designed specifically for RC cars, making certain tasks much easier and more precise.
Turnbuckle Wrench
Turnbuckles are used for adjusting camber and toe in RC car suspension. A turnbuckle wrench provides a secure grip on the turnbuckle, allowing for precise adjustments without damaging the plastic or metal. Having different sizes or an adjustable turnbuckle wrench is beneficial.
Shock Tools
RC shocks require regular maintenance, including oil changes and rebuilding. Specific shock tools can greatly simplify these tasks:
- Shock Pliers: Designed to hold shock shafts without damaging them while you loosen or tighten shock caps.
- Shock Rebuild Stand: Holds shocks upright during assembly and oil filling, preventing air bubbles and making the process cleaner.
- Shock Spring Pre-load Clips/Tools: Facilitate adjusting spring pre-load and ride height.
Camber Gauge
Precise suspension tuning is crucial for optimal RC car performance, especially for racing. A camber gauge allows you to accurately measure the camber angle of your wheels, ensuring consistent and predictable handling.
Ride Height Gauge
Ride height is another critical suspension setting. A ride height gauge enables you to measure and adjust the distance between the chassis and the ground, influencing handling and stability.
Wheel Balancer
For high-performance RC cars, especially on-road racing cars, wheel balancing is essential to reduce vibrations and improve speed and handling. A wheel balancer helps identify and correct wheel imbalances.
Soldering Iron and Accessories
If you work with electric RC cars, soldering skills are essential for wiring repairs, motor and ESC connections, and building battery packs. A quality soldering iron, solder, flux, and heat shrink tubing are necessary for clean and reliable soldering.
Power Tools and Accessories (Optional but Helpful)
While not strictly essential, certain power tools and accessories can significantly speed up and simplify RC car maintenance and building:
Cordless Drill/Driver
A cordless drill/driver with various bits can speed up disassembling and reassembling RC cars, especially when dealing with numerous screws. Use it carefully on low torque settings to avoid stripping screws.
Caliper
A digital caliper is incredibly useful for precise measurements of parts, screws, and diameters. This is invaluable when ordering replacement parts or making modifications.
Pit Mat
A pit mat provides a clean and protected work surface for your RC car. It prevents small parts from rolling away and protects your workbench from oil and dirt.
Parts Trays and Organizers
Keeping small RC parts organized is crucial. Parts trays, organizers, and tackle boxes will prevent lost parts and make finding the right component much easier during repairs and maintenance.
Cleaning Supplies
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your RC car. Brushes, compressed air, and specialized RC cleaners will help remove dirt, dust, and debris, keeping your vehicle running smoothly and looking its best.
Building Your Toolkit
Starting with the essential hand tools is a great way to begin building your RC toolkit. As you become more involved in the hobby and tackle more complex maintenance and upgrades, you can gradually add specialized tools and power tools to your collection. Investing in quality tools will not only make working on your RC car more enjoyable but also prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure its longevity. With the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any maintenance or repair task and keep your RC car performing at its peak.
