• Measurement Tools
• Fabrication Tools
• Assembly Tools
• Wiring Tools

Measurement Tools

Back to Top

Ruler / Straightedge

Rulers and straightedges have two purposes.  They allow for drawing of straight edges, as well as taking rough measurements.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape allow for rough measurements over long distances (up to ~25 ft, depending on the measuring tape)

Calipers

Calipers allow for precise measurements over small distances (less than ~6 inches, depending on the calipers).  They can measure internal or external dimensions.  In robotics, we mostly use dial and digital calipers.  On the dial calipers, each rotation of the dial is .100" (on most pairs).  On the digital calipers, the exact dimension is displayed on the screen.

Micrometer

A micrometer allows for extremely precise measurements.  Most of the micrometers we use in robotics take external measurements with up to .0001" of precision.

Telescoping Gauges

Telescoping gauges are used to take precise internal measurements.  To use a telescoping gauge, place it within the space you wish to measure.  Turn the handle to lock the spring loaded gauge in place.  Remove the gauge and measure with a micrometer.

Fabrication Tools

Back to Top

Hacksaw

Hacksaws are used for rough cuts in many materials. Can not typically be used for precision cuts.

Cordless Drill

Cordless Drills are useful for drilling rough holes in most materials.  Can not locate holes very precisely

File

A file is used for removing small amounts of material from an object of most materials.  Can be used to shave off a little bit to "make it fit".

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is used for removing small amounts of material from an object.  Sandpaper removes less material from an object than a file does.  The lower the grit number on the sandpaper, the coarser and rougher the sandpaper is, and the more material it will remove.

Scotch Brite & Emery Cloth

Scotch Brite and Emory Cloth are used to remove very minute amounts of material from an object.  Scotch Brite can also be used on metal to improve surface finish and prep for anodizing.

Tap

A tap is a tool which, when placed in a tap handle, is used to cut screw threads into a hole.  Typically used in metal.

Dykes & Flush Cutters

Dykes and flush cutters are used to cut wires, zipties and other small objects.

De-burring Tool

A de-burring tool is used to remove burrs and sharp edges from manufactured parts.  To use, move tool around edge of part applying pressure so that burrs are cut away.  A countersink can also be used for this purpose on round holes.

Broach

Broaches are pushed through holes to shape holes.  A broach consists of a series of cutting teeth which increase progressively in size.  Common broach shapes cut hexes and keys into holes so that they can mate with corresponding shafts.

Assembly Tools

Back to Top

Allen Wrench

An allen wrench is used to tighten and loosen socket-head bolts and screws.  Comes in Metric and Standard.  (Team 254 Rarely Uses Metric).  Some wrenches have ball-shaped end to allow tightening of  bolts from angles up to about 15° off of perpendicular to face of bolt.

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is used to tighten and loosen screws.

Wrench

A wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts and hex-head bolts. Most wrenches have open and closed ends. On some wrenches, the closed end features a ratchet mechanism to allow the closed end to spin in one direction.

Crescent Wrench

A crescent wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts and hex-head bolts. The crescent wrench has one fixed jaw and one adjustable jaw, allowing it to fit many hex sizes

Socket Wrench

A socket wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts and hex-head bolts. It consists of a handle (ratchet) and a socket.  Sockets are interchangeable to fit differing size heads.  Socket wrenches feature a ratchet mechanism to allow the socket to spin in one direction.

Vice Grips

Vice Grip Pliers allow the user to securely grip on to an object.  They are adjustable via a screw in the handle.  Once clamped, they securely hold onto an object until released using the release lever.

Needlenose Pliers

Needlenose pliers are useful for holding on to and placing small objects in confined spaces.

Snap Ring Pliers

Snap ring pliers are used to place and remove "snap style" retaining rings on shafts.

Rivet Gun

A rivet gun is used to install blind "pop" rivets into holes.  To use, insert the rivet's mandrel shaft into the pop rivet gun.  Place in hole with rivet flange against surface and squeeze handle repetitively until "pop" is heard and mandrel snaps off.

Arbor Press

Arbor presses are useful for pushing objects into holes or on to shafts.  For example, they are often used to push bearings into gearbox plates.  Arbor presses are also used to push broaches through holes.

Wiring Tools

Back to Top

Wire Stripper

Wire Strippers are used to remove the insulation off of the end of a wire so that it can be crimped and/or soldered.

Wire Crimper

Crimping tools are used to crimp connectors onto wires.

Soldering Iron

Soldering irons are used to connect wires by means of soldering and to ensure good connections between all types of electrical connections.