LTParis

I've seen a couple pit tool threads but it didn't seem totally comprehensive, and I think this would be a perfect FAQ for rookies. So what should be in a person's pit. Mind you this should be a essential tool list, and nothing overly dramatic or flashy.

Pit Board
Charger
Quality Soldering Iron & Solider
Needle Nose Pliers
Side Cutters
Brushes
Metric Tools (1.5mm - 3mm)
Bins for parts
Carrying apparatus for electronics/vehicle

What else?

ctardi

A bit of extra wire, and some connecters for various things. Drinks

Wency_TA03R-PRO

add some hobby screw drivers..... you should always have a mouting tape (tape with foam), spare body mount clips, and spare allen screws..

chris_v1s

iTrader: (1)

glue gun for emergency repair yo your body shell..

lubricants for your bearings...

ctardi

and for if you get lonly between heats

Qwiglee

Tools:[list=1][*]My favorite tools are my Ofna allen wrench set. These things are bullet proof. They are guaranteed by Ofna to never round off. I use the metric ones like you mentioned but a couple chassis brands like Associated and Losi are not metric so choose the right one.[*]You mentioned brushes...if you are talking about for cleaning then yes they are a must. I use a little half inch brush after every run. Brushing your car is also a good way to go over everything and look for loose screws or other problems that you might have missed. [*]A pit board is good but also get a camber guage and a ride height guage to go with it or just get a complete setup system like the Integy or Hudy sets. [*]Lexan scissors in case your body needs trimming or repairs.[/list=1]
Supplies other than tools:[list=1][*]A stand for your car.[*]A/C extension cord and a surge supressing power strip like you probably have your computer plugged into.[*]If you race outdoors get some tire sauce...there are lots of types but I like Trinity death grip...you get one bottle of cleaner and one bottle of sauce...works great. [*]Comm drops for your motor.[*]Battery discharger.[*]Pit towels...lay one out on your table to keep tools and screws and stuff from rolling off onto the ground. Also keeps the table top clean.[*]A fan like the one in this picture is good for cooling batteries while they charge (some people disagree with this) and its also good for cooling your entire car, batteries, motor and all, after the race.[*]If you pit indoors or under a canopy you may want a light. Get one that has an adjustable neck and its own heavy base so you dont have to worry about clipping it to something.[*]If you pit outdoors everytime like I do you might want to pickup a folding table or two with a comfy chair and one of those pop-up canopies to shelter you and your gear from the sun (or rain).[/list=1]
Advanced tools and supplies:[list=1][*]Motor comm lathe for skimming the commutator. This makes the motor run much better. If you have the ability you should cut the comm at least once before each race day. (some people cut after each single race)[*]Tire warmers can help your tires be more "hooked up" on those first couple of laps until they heat up naturally.[*]Motor dyno/tester can tell you how well your motors are running. If you try tweaking your motor by modifying the brushes or changing the timing, a motor dyno can tell you the results in terms of amp draw and RPMs.[/list=1]

I will probably think of more later.

ctardi

the kind of brush that goes in your motor

LTParis

Qwiglee, really great stuff! Man it's been so long since I went to race, I would have forgotten stupid links like a glue gun and sicsors and a light.

Most thanks.

calstarjig90j

iTrader: (2)

Definetly a pit towel or rag and motor spray.

calstarjig90j

iTrader: (2)

When I go racing I bring on a full setup of pretty much everything. Let's put it this way. If you use any tool for your RC car whether it was for something small or big, you should bring it. As your tool collection becomes larger. You can always downsize by taking out tools that can be done with another with multiple uses. Tools & RC racing go hand in hand. Gotta spend as much money on your tools to keep your rc racing cars in top shape.

Neil Rabara

All of the above plus a setup station, setup guide and a monthly pit pass to use to practice.

kh15

A MAGNENT! i cant tell you how many times i have seen people missplace stuff like motor spacers body clips etc. but mine are always stuck nicely to my little magnent pad!

slowed2drift

iTrader: (1)

awesome advice kh15!!! sometimes minor things makes a big difference...

403forbidden

iTrader: (11)

I would also add heat gun and heat shrink

403forbidden

iTrader: (11)

I am starting to complete my "garage" essentials, and track essentials....basically two of everything...one set for home, and one set for the track (which stays in my car's trunk)