Welcome to our 1st “Must Have’s” for the Christmas display newbie. This article we concentrate on tools. Do you have to have all this to get started with your first show? NO! But, it is a list that many enthusiasts have found invaluable in setting up and maintaining their display.
We will try to give you a “preferred” and a “low-cost” option for each item. A link will be provided for each item, if it’s available at The Mall. Just click on the name!
Pixel Pliers (saves your fingers!) Wire Strippers (strips just the insulation and has a crimper for ends) – preferred or low cost
If you’re going to solder, have these items handy: Soldering pen Heat Shrink Tubes Solder (of course LOL) – Low (or high) temp Rosin core solder 60/40
If you want to solder using Sleeves: Solder Sleeves – Most common are “Red”, combines AWG 22-18; “Blue” combines AWG 16-14. – low cost Heat gun
If you want to use Scotchlok™ connectors: UY2 – connects 2 wires and filled with gel to keep out water – preferred UR2 – connects 3 wires and filled with gel to keep out water Scotchlok™ Pliers (Strongly suggest! Using regular pliers may not “seat” correctly, and too easy to crush) – preferred
Is this an exhaustive list? NO! You may have props that you need specific tools like: a pop rivet gun or a soldering station.
Years as travel editor for a NYC newspaper shaped my understanding of several special things. I love to convey the wonder and "whoa's!" of places I go, and I am always eager to share relevant tips to people like me, mainly etiquette and emotions.
Must Have’s – Tools
Welcome to our 1st “Must Have’s” for the Christmas display newbie. This article we concentrate on tools. Do you have to have all this to get started with your first show? NO! But, it is a list that many enthusiasts have found invaluable in setting up and maintaining their display.
We will try to give you a “preferred” and a “low-cost” option for each item. A link will be provided for each item, if it’s available at The Mall. Just click on the name!
Pixel Pliers (saves your fingers!)
Wire Strippers (strips just the insulation and has a crimper for ends) – preferred or low cost
If you’re going to solder, have these items handy:
Soldering pen
Heat Shrink Tubes
Solder (of course LOL) – Low (or high) temp Rosin core solder 60/40
If you want to solder using Sleeves:
Solder Sleeves – Most common are “Red”, combines AWG 22-18; “Blue” combines AWG 16-14. – low cost
Heat gun
If you want to use Scotchlok™ connectors:
UY2 – connects 2 wires and filled with gel to keep out water – preferred
UR2 – connects 3 wires and filled with gel to keep out water
Scotchlok™ Pliers (Strongly suggest! Using regular pliers may not “seat” correctly, and too easy to crush) – preferred
Is this an exhaustive list? NO! You may have props that you need specific tools like: a pop rivet gun or a soldering station.
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Local expert from NYC
Years as travel editor for a NYC newspaper shaped my understanding of several special things. I love to convey the wonder and "whoa's!" of places I go, and I am always eager to share relevant tips to people like me, mainly etiquette and emotions.Comments
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