When starting out in electronics there are always the tools you have to have (wire cutters, long nosed pliers etc) and there are the tools you want but can't afford.
And then there are the ones that would have saved so much time over the years.
Two tools I have just bought: A nibbling tool http://www.futurlec.com/Tools-Nibbling.shtml
And an IC pin straightener http://www.futurlec.com/Tools-IC.shtml
The nibbling tool is fantastic for panel work. (Other handy tools are a dremel or similar and a good old fashioned flat file.)
The IC pin straighener does more than just straighten. It sets the pins up so they go into a socket. Something I've never worked out is why IC pins are splayed out slightly wider than a PCB DIP package. Anyway, this tool solves the problem.
(I've already got an IC extractor tool also on that page and use that on a daily basis).
I'll bet there are other suggestions people can add to this list...
And then there are the ones that would have saved so much time over the years.
Two tools I have just bought: A nibbling tool http://www.futurlec.com/Tools-Nibbling.shtml
And an IC pin straightener http://www.futurlec.com/Tools-IC.shtml
The nibbling tool is fantastic for panel work. (Other handy tools are a dremel or similar and a good old fashioned flat file.)
The IC pin straighener does more than just straighten. It sets the pins up so they go into a socket. Something I've never worked out is why IC pins are splayed out slightly wider than a PCB DIP package. Anyway, this tool solves the problem.
(I've already got an IC extractor tool also on that page and use that on a daily basis).
I'll bet there are other suggestions people can add to this list...