Building RC cars is a rewarding hobby, but it demands precision and the right tools. While the market is flooded with gadgets, having the essentials can significantly enhance your building experience, especially when dealing with delicate components like ball links and shocks. In this review, we’ll highlight some of the best tools every RC enthusiast should consider, focusing on ball link tools and other must-haves for smooth assembly.
Side cutters are indispensable when you’re dealing with parts trees. Freshly sharpened side cutters, like the ones shown below, can be a massive time saver. If used correctly, they allow you to remove parts cleanly, minimizing the need for filing or sanding excess plastic at the cut line. Investing in quality side cutters is a long-term win; a good pair can last for years if properly maintained, even through dozens of kit assemblies. Keeping them sharp, perhaps with a Dremel and chainsaw sharpener bit, ensures they remain efficient.
A multi-tool is another absolute must-have in your RC toolkit. One crucial application is gripping shock shafts tightly when fastening lock nuts on the pistons. Before tightening, cleaning the threads on both the nut and shaft with an alcohol swab and applying thread lock is a pro tip for secure assembly. Gripping firmly with a multi-tool during tightening ensures the nut stays in place. This method is reliable and prevents piston loss, even in demanding RC applications.
Assembling shock cartridges can be simplified using the skewer method, especially when working with differentials. This technique, demonstrated in the image below, makes the process cleaner and easier, eliminating much of the mess associated with shock assembly.
The versatility of a multi-tool shines again when fastening shock eyelets. Its ability to provide a secure grip is invaluable for tightening these small but critical components without damaging them.
For tasks like tightening shock caps, especially when opting for an emulsion setup, a multi-tool is incredibly helpful for securing the shock body. Emulsion setups are often preferred for their consistent rebuild quality, and a multi-tool aids in achieving this consistency.
Upgrading components can further enhance your RC car’s performance and ease of maintenance. Consider upgrading to .4 shock mount screws like the TKR1240 from Tekno RC. These screws, with their clockwise and counter-clockwise threads, simplify shock removal because they use the same 5.5mm hex, eliminating the need to switch bits. The silver screws indicate counter-clockwise threads and should be mounted on specific suspension arms for optimal functionality.
Crucially Important Note: When installing lower shock mount screws, avoid overtightening. These screws are designed to stay secure without excessive force, so it’s acceptable to leave a minimal gap (around 0.1mm) between the screw head and the suspension arm. Overtightening can pinch the ball end, potentially warping the plastic and making future shock re-insertions difficult. This is a common mistake that can lead to frustration during rebuilds.
