Here is a list of essential FPV tools, tapes, glues and materials for building and repairing FPV drones and fixed wings. I will make recommendations on what products you should get that are useful for building, repairs and troubleshooting.
Getting the “essential tools” listed in this post should be adequate to get you started with building and repairing an FPV drone and fixed wing. Having some of the “Nice-to-have tools“ can make your builds more professional looking and can help repair/troubleshoot your drone, but by no mean necessary.
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Table of Contents
FPV Toolkits
These FPV toolkits come with essential tools for building and repairing FPV drones at home or in the field. They are packaged in a neat carry case, making it easier to pack for a day of flying. Designed specifically for FPV, these all-in-one toolkits are reasonably priced and include decent quality tools. This convenience eliminates the need to search for each item separately.
For casual FPV pilots, the RaceDayQuads kit offers unbeatable value. It’s the least expensive and provides a versatile selection of tools. On the other hand, the NewBeeDrone kit includes a full soldering suite, making it ideal for advanced building and repair. These two kits are particularly geared towards the functional needs of serious FPV racers or freestyle pilots, and I highly recommend them. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and the capabilities you need.
Essential Tools
These are the recommended and must-have tools for building and repairing your mini quad.
Soldering Tools
You will need a soldering iron for building and repairing FPV drones. Here are my product recommendations, and in this post I will explain in more details how to choose a good soldering iron and solder wires.
Soldering Iron (Sequre SI012) | Solder Wires | Solder Flux |
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Kester and MG Chemical are some of the best solder wires I’ve ever used. Can’t go wrong with either one. |
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Find this product at: | Find this product here: | Find this product here: |
These are helpful add-on for soldering.
Hex Screwdriver Set
Hex screws are commonly used to hold your FPV drone together, so getting a set of hex screwdrivers is extremely important. The most important sizes you should have are:
- 1.5mm
- 2.0mm
- 2.5 mm
Or look for metric sets of 1.3-3mm sizes.
Here are some good options:
- AliExpress (Affordable): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFZWg9T
- Neewer Titanium (Decent value): http://amzn.to/2yE1l6c
- Wiha Hex Driver Set (Great quality): http://amzn.to/2rKsYdo
Assorted Screwdriver Set
For the screw sizes typically found on RC planes and wings, both cross slotted and single slotted might come in handy. Some of these sets on AliExpress come with some hex screwdrivers too that can save you some money.
- AliExpress (Affordable): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnSRCq9
- StarTech 7-piece (Good quality): http://amzn.to/2xCpGuw
Prop Nut Tools
For removing and securing propeller nuts requires a dedicated “prop tool”. You could just get a generic 8mm hex nut wrench, but I’d recommend getting a tool that’s designed specifically for FPV which are easier to use. There are a lot of options:
- Some have one-way bearing that allows it to turn one direction – one side for removing the prop nuts while the other side for fastening. It allows you to basically tightening/loosen the nut without lifting the tool which is more efficient.
- Some tools also have 1.5mm, 2.0mm or 2.5mm hex bit which are handy to have
Find this products here:
- GetFPV Option #1: https://oscarliang.com/product-h799
- GetFPV Option #2: https://oscarliang.com/product-8d2a
- GetFPV Option #3: https://oscarliang.com/product-nl8c
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEhcJ3T
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XQz9Y6
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-5gtt
Scissors
For cutting tapes and small wires. When I am being lazy I’d also use it for stripping wires before soldering, perhaps not the best practice but it gets the job done.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DB4kugD
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E5DSOP
Wire Cutters
I use wire cutters for cutting zip ties, electrical wires, control rods etc, basically for things that are too hard for scissors.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE7vUml
- Amazon: http://amzn.to/2stQt6Q
Pliers
For accessing hard to reach spots and gripping components while working with other tools (for example when soldering a wire to an XT60 or ESC power, the wire might become too hot to hold by hand). It can also be used as a nut wrench.
For the most part, a pair of needle nose pliers will be your tool of choice here, but a variety wouldn’t hurt either.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkkEQid
- Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rZdzpv
Forsep
This tool is extremely versatile. The long, curved nose allows you to reach the tight areas common in FPV drones. The scissors-style handle provides more strength and precision than tweezers. Additionally, it locks in place, allowing you to set it down and free your hand for other tasks if needed.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RBb9I5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCoKesf
Multimeter
A digital multimeter (DDM)is used to troubleshoot your quad’s electronics, measuring voltage, current, resistance, and test for short circuit. I have a whole tutorial explaining how to use a digital multimeter on an FPV drone.
A multimeter is a small investment that can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in damaged electrical parts by testing circuits before plugging them in. A cheap multimeter will be fine for the purposes of testing for shorts, finding broken wires and checking battery voltage.
Some good DDM purchase options are:
- ANENG SZ305 (recommend, feature-rich and great value):
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdEil4L
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-8kv0
- INNOVA 3320 (cheap and basic): https://amzn.to/2QkwGss
Smoke Stopper
A “smoke stopper” is a testing device that you connect between the FPV drone and LiPo battery. You use it when you plug in the battery for the first time to see if the drone has a short circuit, which could potentially damage your components without a smoke stopper.
I recommend the Vifly ShortSafer V2 (review), it works and you can buy it off the shelf:
- RDQ – https://oscarliang.com/product-kb4z
- AliExpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCTmep1
- GetFPV – https://oscarliang.com/product-58bj
- Amazon – https://amzn.to/3em3itG
LiPo Voltage Checker
By simply connecting the balance lead of a LiPo battery to a LiPo checker, it tells you the voltage of the battery, as well as the voltage of each cell. It’s an important tool to have to monitor the state of your LiPo batteries on the go.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFDd8MZ
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-kejx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aC3Avn
ToolkitRC MC8
It’s more than just a battery checker, it’s also a servo and ESC tester and can read various RC signals. See my review on what it does here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-mc8/
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeM8LWH
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-xvyw
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-u0aj
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ya60Mi
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-qsxn
LiPo Safe Bags
While LiPo bags may not be the most effective solution at stopping or containing a battery fire, they are useful for storing your batteries temporally and for transportation
Get your LiPo bags from:
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/40c7qDN
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-czrh
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-eie5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DePGYer
- Banggood: https://goo.gl/vbnErt
Ammo Box
Metal ammo boxes are great for storing your LiPo batteries during or after charging as they can prevent fire from spreading more effectively than typical LiPo bags.
Get your Ammo Box from:
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RcTbKI
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdQY4wP
Bat-Safe LiPo Box
The Bat-Safe box safely contains battery fires, vents hot gases, filters flame and soot, while ensuring easy battery charging and transportation. It’s like the upgraded version of the Ammo box. See my full review here: https://oscarliang.com/bat-safe-lipo-battery-charging-box/
You can find the Bat-Safe Box here:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcRNzFJ
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43nl1sA
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-5njc
Nice-to-have Tools
Your FPV friends will surely be impressed by these tools :)
Electric Screwdriver
Not necessary but a godsend if you have to do a bunch of 20mm, 30mm long screws often. Simply press a button and the screwdriver will do the rest for you. They also come with a wide selection of screwdriver bits, which could save you from buying those screwdrivers separately.
I recommend the ES126, it’s quite powerful and good quality. One charge can last weeks.
Tool Bags
Way better than using Ziploc bags. Can hold small tools and components when taking equipment to the field.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SbYHxH
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dm73EPX
Bench Power Supply
A bench power supply (PSU) has variable voltage output that can power many things, including your soldering iron, test your quad, FPV components, LiPo charger and so on.
My favorite at the moment is the ToolkitRC P200. It’s versatile and compact.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDu3ao7
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-98ch
3D Printer
One of the biggest benefits of 3D printing for FPV drone enthusiasts is the ability to quickly and easily replace broken parts or make modifications to existing designs.
I have a tutorial to help you get started with 3D printing: https://oscarliang.com/3d-printer/
Tweezers
Tweezers are used to hold and move small components and wires into place. Look for longer length tweezers to make it easier to access small components. Cross-lock tweezers (or reverse tweezers) are preferred because they apply pressure when you release them, they won’t let go of your work even if you set them down.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sMLlK7
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDnVXSZ
Wire Strippers
I have one but I rarely use it (mostly due to laziness), most of the times I just use scissors to strip wires. But wire strippers provide more consistent and precise results if you are a perfectionist. Normally they only cover a certain range of wire gauge, make sure the pair you get meet your requirement.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etRuFS
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDflBU9
Heat Gun
Heat gun, or hot-air gun, is mainly used to shrink heat-shrink insulation tubes. Most people would just use a lighter, hot air gun is perhaps an overkill, but it provides more consistent heat and don’t leave burn marks.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDDaXK1
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-ppzs
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sGDXzK
Rotary Tool
Drills can be used to make modifications to even the most stubborn of materials. They can be used for shaping framework or components as well as creating new hole placements for screws or other gear.
Most frames and components purchased from reputable dealers should correctly fit from the get go. However, sometimes small modifications may have to be made in order to get everything to fit perfectly. A rotary tool or drill is nice to have around for working with difficult to modify materials like carbon fiber and aluminium.
Dremel rotary tool kit is a high end, name brand that can be used without a power cord.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3If4cHd
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcJgU9b
File Set
You’ll use these files to modify and clean up things like carbon fiber frame parts, to give them a nice and smooth finish.
- Amazon – https://amzn.to/3vlJZaV
- AliExpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DC3VA7R
Digital Calliper
Useful for precise measurement up to 0.1mm.
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- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmfP31X
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3njPOCW
Digital Scale
Every gram counts for RC models, so having an accurate tool to weigh your quadcopter and components is important. Having 1g precision is good enough generally, but 0.1g is ideal especially for those micro quad components. Make sure maximum capacity is over 1kg, if you plan to build larger models you might want to choose one with even higher weight limit.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn0o6kv
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/32HZbmj
Clamp Meter
A clamp meter allows you to measure current instantaneously by clamping the jaws around a wire without the need to break into the circuit to take measurements. It’s capable of measuring higher current than a multimeter, but the accuracy might be lower and they are fairly expensive.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBbn3RT
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xlzBBB
Watt Meter
A watt meter (or power meter) can measure current drawn and power consumption. It’s useful for testing motor or even measuring the power of a whole quadcopter. It’s important to get one with XT60 connectors or open wires so you can solder your own. Rating up to 60V and 200A would be desirable for FPV drone use.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmpskRH
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hruqg7
Soldering Fume Extractor
Solder fumes are very bad for your lung. Some people can become sensitized to flux fumes, especially from the older rosin flux used in cored solder, and get breathing problems.
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/2UnhQOo
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DliNOc1
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SNgZFi
Desktop Fan
Great for cooling when you power the VTX on the bench, it can double as soldering smoke fan (suck the fume away).
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdE7TDB
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xAWZfJ
RF Power Meter
For testing and measuring radio/video transmitter output power. ImmersionRC Power Meter V2 is an compact and affordable option though accuracy is not guarantee, it’s better than nothing.
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-fk5d
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdfsEBP
Antenna SWR Meter
Understanding the SWR of your 5.8GHz antenna can help decide which frequency or channel you should use for optimal performance What’s antenna SWR: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#SWR. Curious about measuring antenna SWR? Check out my tutorial for a deep dive into the process:: https://oscarliang.com/litevna-measure-antenna-swr/.
Get your LiteVNA from these vendors (IMPORTANT: ensure it supports up to 6.3GHz!):
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dej0jPx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cGjGCE
FTDI Adapter
FTDI adapter, aka serial converter, can be useful for programming ESC, OSD, FC, configuring GPS etc. In the events of damaged USB port on your FC, you can also use it to connect your FC to your computer via one of the UART.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl7MLeF
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XJjRVk
ST-Link V2 Programmer
This is used to flash devices with STM32 processors, such as ExpressLRS receivers, flight controllers and ESC.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XpI3f4
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCalVOh
Voltage Regulator
It’s useful for powering VTX when there’s no BEC on your FC. It’s tiny and light weight, which is useful for FPV drones and RC planes, it’s also handy to have for electronic projects. It supports a wide range of input voltage from 5V, or 2S all the way up to 6S, and the output is adjustable using a screw driver (you’ll need a multimeter to verify the output voltage).
Get this mini voltage regulator from these vendors:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdiIYTf
- Banggood: http://bit.ly/2Hl5rXO
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3J3BcmO
FPV Backpack
FPV Backpacks are extremely useful because they are designed specifically for storing typical FPV gear. Sure, you can just use any ordinary backpack, but they are not going to be as efficient and convenient to use for FPV stuff. And they usually lack the necessary padding on the outside to protect your gear if you drop it.
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-5ug0
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDcUerN
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YACEc8
Micro-fibre Cloth
Use a proper microfibre cloth to clean your camera lenses and goggles screens to avoid scratching the glass!
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mXeHs4
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DnlN1zT
Tools for FPV Fixed Wings
Hobby Knife / Utility Knife
Hobby knife is great for cutting and removing foam, tape and heatshrink. Box cutters would do too, but they tend to be less precise and less sharp.
- Hobby Knife: Amazon | AliExpress
- Box Cutter: Amazon | AliExpress
Pearl Head Pins
For holding foam parts / carbon parts together if you are using glue that takes a while to dry.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmkTcTr
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XsE70L
Sand Paper
You want to sand the foam surfaces and carbon fibre spars before apply glue to them, it makes them stick better.
I’d say anything between 40 grits to 240 grits is fine. It depends on your preference really, as long as you’re not ripping bubbles off the foam. I personally use 80 to 120 grit, I find anything less will make the beads of foam pop out, and anything more than 120 takes a long time to achieve the desired result.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdRZhtf
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2L7ho2S
Servo Tester
It’s useful for testing servos, and centring them when setting up elevons. Also useful for troubleshooting and testing ESC and motor spin direction. You may also use it for motor thrust testing.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HE4Fmb
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCQGVRj
Weight for CG
These are weight blocks you can place in your wing to balance CG. It’s not a bad idea if you want something neat, but I normally just use coins. Actually coins turn out to be cheaper.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GDHCYd
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcAYTcV
Servo Cable Crimping Tool
this is used for crimping wires onto lugs. You don’t need to buy one right away if you’re just getting into the hobby but eventually the day will come when you will need one and will find it useful.
Servo connectors are Dupont 2.54mm, balance leads are JST-XH 2.54mm.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IfYYuX
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDLM5cl
Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape
The must have tape for general purposes – covering, reinforcing hinges, laminating… Sellotape tape is okay, but I find good quality packing tape are normally thicker and stronger.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcuetYV
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PqIiDy
Color Packing Tape
Sometimes referred to as wing tapes, color packing tapes are great for decorating your wings, and adding some colors to it. It’s often used for covering and laminating.
The ones I use are thinner than the heavy duty packing tape and aren’t as strong. But it doesn’t add any noticeable weight to the aircraft which is what I like!
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFmdbLL
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zOKlw2
Fibre Tape
AKA Reinforce Packing Tape – it’s extremely strong and sticky! Often used to protect leading edges and reinforcing weak foam parts and joints. It can also be used for covering your servos in the wing.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DduyszT
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/40t9iYO
Outdoor Vinyl Tape
It might feel similar to electrical tape, but it’s less stretchy and has a shiny finish and stick much more securely. It’s also twice as thick as packing tape. It conforms to irregularity well, great for applying on control surfaces, like on top of servos, it gives it a very smooth finish
Duct Tape
Stronger than packing tape and works much better on irregular surfaces, but it’s also much heavier; it’s easier to remove and replace; another disadvantage is that they tend to wrinkle up under the sun. it’s usually a choice between this or outdoor vinyl tape
Tapes
You can probably get 90% of the jobs done using 2-3 types of tapes, but it’s useful to have the variety for different applications too.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a must-have whenever working with electrical stuff. It’s great for insulation and holding parts in place in your FPV drone build. I also use it for masking when I am soldering.
3M is the only brand I’d recommend at the moment when it comes to electrical tape. They are stretchy vinyl and slightly flexible, great for wrapping motor wires or ESC on the drone arms too. 3M offer a range of products such as the Suepr 33 and 35. I’d recommend 33 as the top option. 35 is also okay, but they don’t work as well in the cold nor have the same adhesive as the 33. However 35 offers more color options and 33 only comes in black I believe, not really relevant for FPV as we don’t normally need to color code our wires.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zzXnzj
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkKp4v3
Double-sided Tape
Double sided tape is for sticking components inside the build. If you want some really sticker and strong ones, get the 3M Scotch brand, that’s the sh*t! :) Great for sticking two separate things together, like a receiver to the frame. It takes a few hours to cure, once it’s secure it’s hard to remove.
- Thin, less strong double sided tape, easy to remove: https://amzn.to/3sH4QDP
- Strong double sided foam tape, extremely sticky and hard to remove: https://amzn.to/3wY5QIb
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl66rwp
Kapton Tape
Kapton tape is basically non-stretchy translucent electrical tape usually comes in yellow/orange color. It can withstand high temperature and won’t melt easily, therefore is great for covering PCB when soldering, and wrapping components when you don’t have the right sized clear heatshrink.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3sGtu7u
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBJKq5L
Masking Tape
It’s basically just sticky paper :) You can tear it off the reel with your fingers, very convenient to use if you just want to hold something in place temporally during the build. It can be removed easily without leaving any mess behind. You can also write on it since it’s just paper.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFg0fUH
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y5InRn
Cloth Tape
A.k.a gaffer’s tape, it’s flexible like cloth, great for wrapping things around. It’s sticky but also easy to remove. I use these for wrapping the motor wires to the arms, provides certain protection to the wires from prop strikes too.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DgTb70
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDCrdzB
Glue
Any foam friendly glues would do!
Hot Glue
Hot glue is probably the most popular option for building/repairing foam models. Because they melt into the foam like a chemical glue, but also creates an extremely strong physical bond at the same time.
The strength is also its downside. The bond is so strong it’s near impossible to remove without ripping the foam apart. Sometimes you might want the foam to just fall apart in a crash rather than completely destroyed? It’s a personal preference.
The other properties is that it sets very quickly as it cools down. But that’s also the disadvantage, because you have only a short time to position the parts. That gets worse in cold weather.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl5EPWv
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JF7dmv
E6000 Glue
Currently my favourite glue, I am using this as a replacement to hot glue and CA for building/fixing wings. I have a whole article to discuss why I like it so much.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFZjrEZ
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E9UJlm
UHU Por Glue
UHU POR glue is ideal for gluing hard foam like styrofoam. It is flexible, resistant to aging and waterproof. Takes 10-20 mins to set, becomes transparent when dried.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PseNRR
Gorilla Clear Glue
A very popular option for RC model building. Strong stuff for a great range of materials, but personally not a big fan of Gorilla glue, because getting it on your hands can be worse than epoxy!
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YpVVH3
Materials and Supply
Zip Ties
Useful sizes (width): 2mm and 3mm
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmuLEfJ
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EjycRa
Silicone Electrical Wires
Get your electrical wires in various gauges, commonly used sizes for 5″ FPV drones are 12AWG, 14AWG for power, 20AWG for motors, and 28AWG for signals. The size requirement depends on the current going through the wire, check out this guide about electrical wires and connector for more detail.
- 12AWG Wire: https://amzn.to/3xonqUS
- 14AWG Wire: https://amzn.to/3gwMbrO
- 20AWG Wire: https://amzn.to/3sN3mYL
- 28AWG Wire: https://amzn.to/3tHXFfP
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdhWWvT
Heat-shrink Tubes
Get various sizes for different applications, e.g. 2mm, 3mm for motor wires and XT60 pigtail, 20mm, 25mm for ESCs / RX, etc.
For wires – Red & Black Assortment 198 Pieces | For ESC/RX – Clear 25mm 2:1 shrink ratio |
http://amzn.to/2iYZVQN | http://amzn.to/2ADcPbw |
Battery Pads
A good battery pad will stop your battery from sliding, and prevent it from being punctured by the screw heads on the frame. Here are some great sticky pads:
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEPcbXP
- Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-pryp
Ummagrip 3mm thick Version
- Amazon – https://amzn.to/2QwfxvH
- RDQ – http://bit.ly/2Uxli9i
- GetFPV – http://bit.ly/2zRLodV
Ummagrip 1.5mm thick Version
Battery Straps
For 5-inch or larger drones, 20mm width velcro straps are good choice. Typically 200-220mm length for 4S, and 240-260mm length for 6S, but it mostly depends on your choice of frame.
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkuWzUh
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LkgfEW
- GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-vnr9
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-ztse
Thread Locker
Information about thread locker, basically it prevents screws from coming loose due to vibration.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Qrl5aV
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DktkkUh
Hardware
When picking up metal screws and bolts, beware of what material they are made of. My preference is to get 10-9 or 12-9 whenever possible. These numbers refer to the alloy of steel used in the screws. Those are the good stuff, they don’t strip out easily and very strong.
M3 Stainless Steel Screws Assortment: https://amzn.to/3tOpPpA
M3 Nylon Hardware Kit:
AliExpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEvf1gl
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3xlFMph
Silicone Conformal Coating
By coating this on your electronics, it makes it water proof! You can learn more in my tutorial.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IENse8
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol can be used as a degreaser, solvent and cleaning agent. You can use it to clean residue from burnt solder flux, as well as just general cleaning of your electronics. It can also be used to remove certain types of glue, as well as silicone conformal coating.
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/419vSG3
Edit History
- 2015 – Post created.
- 2017 – Added more items.
- 2021 – Shortened page URL, added more items.
- 2022 – Updated product links, added more items.
- 2023 – Updated product links, added FPV wing tools.
- Jun 2024 – Updated product links.
20 comments
Oscar, thanks for all of the brilliant information you provide. Without websites like yours and Joshua’s I’d be totally lost. I’m interested to know what brand of silicone wire you recommend? From Joshua’s site he recommends Bntechgo, which I purchased but have just started a return process after the 12 AWG that was shipped to me the conductor measured 2.2-2.25mm in diameter. A SpeedyBee F405 V3 power lead measured 2.7-2.75mm, so 0.5mm less in diameter. Reading reviews, mostly the lower stared ratings where people also said the CSA wae undersized for the 12 AWG rating. As an electrician I have no confidence in the quality of this product
How about motor oil? Is that useful to increase the lifetime of the motors?
You are not supposed to oil brushless motors, the bearing is actually sealed off from outside, so the oil will only gather dust and make it worse in the long run.
Good point! Thanks.
Hi Oscar,
Your knowledge and webpage has been a huge inspiration ans source of information to me as I enter this wonderful hobby.
My only issue is with your choice of side cutter for cutting electrical wiring. After 40+ years of design, implementation and production assembly experience, I can say with confidence that a side cutter is not the tool of choice to cut a wire.
A side cutter creates a pinched wire end that can cause additional issues when it comes to termination and tinning with solder.
Every production line I have ever been exposed to has deemed this practice as complete voodoo and improper.
What you should use is a form of shear (similar to a scissor action), just like that found on a t-stripper.
I sincerely hope this helps both you and your loyal followers such as I am.
Hi Dave, thanks for the comment :)
perhaps not the most professional choice for cutting wires, but surely it’s practical and quick.
I have been doing it for years as a hobby and it haven’t been a problem for me… but your comment valuable for those who are looking for alternative solutions!
I second the opinion on those wire strippers. You are better with the ones that have 20-30 gauge holes already cut. Cheaper, simpler and faster.
And if you have money to burn, get yourself some Hotweezers. These things are fantastic!
My recomendation: a skatetool for the prop nuts! you will screw and unscrew these a lot and a tool that you hold like that will make changing props a whole lot easier and faster.
thank you very much for the tip Darkhawk! really love that idea :)
lastly, i would really appreciate it if you could join the forum: http://intoFPV.com … I don’t want to miss your comment, because I only check my blog comments once a week, but I use the forum daily!
Hi Oscar,
Also try a set of dental picks. Cheap on ebay. They’re good for pulling, for example, that last zip tie under the top of the frame through the rats nest of wires, or the end of a velcro strap through the holes that are otherwise a pain to pull back up through the frame.
Hi Oscar, thanks for this article.
I’d highly recommend having a lipo balancer, such as SkyRC lipo pal. When charging your lipos and especially when preparing them for storage, I usually use this tool to balance the cells. This prevents cells from getting out of balance over time.
I didn’t see any crimpers for making custom length servo wires. The crimpers that Lutro0 recommends are the best ones I’ve found.
mainframecustom.com/shop/cable-sleeving/lc-ratchet-crimper/
thanks for the tip Bill :)
On the topic of wire cutters. After I saw David Windestäl’s V3 build video I had to have the same magical wire strippers. Amazon will most likely have it (knipex 12 40 200).
I felt like Harry Potter in the wand store after I first held it. It’s genius and I highly recommend it. It really is as simple as sticking the wire(s!! All 3, in the case of servo wires) in and cut! Done.
(amazon.co.uk/Knipex-12-40-200-Stripping/dp/B0001P0BYY/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt)
Thanks Martin for the tip! looks like I need to get one too :D
As an electrician I highly recommend the following brands, Knipex, Wera, CK, Wiha, Klein Tools, Crescent and Marvel
Dear Oscar,
Thank you very much for all the information you give, without it I never had any clue how to start building my mini-quad.
I love your articles, I have read every one of them and i’m always waiting for your next article.
keep up the good work! Thank you
thank you M.G :)
Great post. I also think it would be useful to keep heat shrink larger than tubes. They are useful for covering the larger boards that you might want to protect. (rpi etc) I haven’t really found a good source for them. Old retired circuit boards are great things to hang off your frame as platforms too.
heat shrink sleeve? it’s a bit less common but i think ebay is a good place to search :)