Vorteks Looking for advice

[tremblayrene603]

Looking to find the best but not break the bank tool kit and stand for my vortex so many options so many different prices any help would be awesome thanks

 

[dure16]

MIP is worth the money

 

[Notorious J]

Looking to find the best but not break the bank tool kit and stand for my vortex so many options so many different prices any help would be awesome thanks

MIP tools are the best by far but brands like Dynamite make drivers with replaceable tips. Whatever brand you choose, know that any screws that go into metal on an rc, likely have thread lock on them. Heat them up first so that you don't strip screws and ruin tools. As for stands, There's inexpensive ones you can buy that swivel like these, which are good to have.

 

[Johnny b]

Mip is a great tool kit but I'm cheap and opted for these which work fine for my needs. As far as a stand goes, shoe boxes work great. If your married, I'm sure there's at least 100 in your closet.

 

[Velodromed]

These Neewer hex drivers have been solid for near 18 months. I have MIPs for certain things but they are a bit delicate due to the hardened nature of the steel. I’ve snapped two and broke one by dropping it. I use my Neewer set for most wrenching and they have been a surprisingly good for a $15 set of drivers.

This 7mm driver is good for wheel nuts and the 17mm is great as it’s long and fits deep wheels nicely.

For tire glue the bob smith industry rubberized ca glue is really good. For lubrication needs I really like superlube grease and oil.

I really like this affordable ($50) soldering iron. It is built extremely well, hits 750-800f very quick and holds it well. I’ve used it a lot since I got it nearly a year ago. Make sure to get lead solder, not the lead free kind. Good shrink wrap is helpful also. I like the marine 3-1 adhesive kind.

This combo bearing tool and mini t-wrench is very handy.

That’s all I can think of now…

Neewer - Set of 4 Hexagonal Screwdrivers Made of Titanium Nitride with Coloured Handles.Compatible with 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mm Screws. https://a.co/d/hDazQaI

Antrader Hex Screw Driver, 7mm High-carbon Steel Socket Wrench Screwdriver Carburetor Adjustment Tool https://a.co/d/6Zbd2Cn

Hobbypark 17mm Hex Adapter Wrench Tools w/4mm 5mm 5.5mm 7mm Cross Sleeve for 1/8 1/10 1/12 Scale RC Cars Trucks Wheel Hubs Nuts (Black-Red) https://a.co/d/fCH7xmc

vanpro RC Ball Bearing Driver Install Remove Repair Tool,Cross Wrenches Maintenance Tool Small Sleeve Hex Socket Wheel Spanner for RC Model Car Truck Buggy (Color: Black) https://a.co/d/0n9kK3E

Bob Smith Industries BSI-118 IC-2000 Rubber Toughened CA Glue, 1 oz, Black https://a.co/d/h7wKdyW

Super Lube 41160 Synthetic Grease (NLGI 2), 14.1 oz Canister, Translucent White https://a.co/d/336uop1

Super Lube 51010 Oil Super Lube,Translucent white https://a.co/d/1vSpVcn

Tilswall Soldering Station, 65W Solder Station Welding Iron with Smart Temperature Control (392°F-896°F), Extra 5pcs Soldering Tips, Built-in Transformer, Ideal for School Lab, Hobby, Electronics https://a.co/d/38sBD4V

 

[MisterG]

While the go-to seems to be MIP for hex drivers even a less expensive set in the $20 range on Amazon is a huge improvement over a standard L shaped hex key. Between these, a set to chuck into my drill, and a duratrax pit stand my wrenching time has been drastically decreased.

 

[Johnny b]

These Neewer hex drivers have been solid for near 18 months. I have MIPs for certain things but they are a bit delicate due to the hardened nature of the steel. I’ve snapped two and broke one by dropping it. I use my Neewer set for most wrenching and they have been a surprisingly good for a $15 set of drivers.

This 7mm driver is good for wheel nuts and the 17mm is great as it’s long and fits deep wheels nicely.

For tire glue the bob smith industry rubberized ca glue is really good. For lubrication needs I really like superlube grease and oil.

I really like this affordable ($50) soldering iron. It is built extremely well, hits 750-800f very quick and holds it well. I’ve used it a lot since I got it nearly a year ago. Make sure to get lead solder, not the lead free kind. Good shrink wrap is helpful also. I like the marine 3-1 adhesive kind.

This combo bearing tool and mini t-wrench is very handy.

That’s all I can think of now…

Neewer - Set of 4 Hexagonal Screwdrivers Made of Titanium Nitride with Coloured Handles.Compatible with 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mm Screws. https://a.co/d/hDazQaI

Antrader Hex Screw Driver, 7mm High-carbon Steel Socket Wrench Screwdriver Carburetor Adjustment Tool https://a.co/d/6Zbd2Cn

Hobbypark 17mm Hex Adapter Wrench Tools w/4mm 5mm 5.5mm 7mm Cross Sleeve for 1/8 1/10 1/12 Scale RC Cars Trucks Wheel Hubs Nuts (Black-Red) https://a.co/d/fCH7xmc

vanpro RC Ball Bearing Driver Install Remove Repair Tool,Cross Wrenches Maintenance Tool Small Sleeve Hex Socket Wheel Spanner for RC Model Car Truck Buggy (Color: Black) https://a.co/d/0n9kK3E

Bob Smith Industries BSI-118 IC-2000 Rubber Toughened CA Glue, 1 oz, Black https://a.co/d/h7wKdyW

Super Lube 41160 Synthetic Grease (NLGI 2), 14.1 oz Canister, Translucent White https://a.co/d/336uop1

Super Lube 51010 Oil Super Lube,Translucent white https://a.co/d/1vSpVcn

Tilswall Soldering Station, 65W Solder Station Welding Iron with Smart Temperature Control (392°F-896°F), Extra 5pcs Soldering Tips, Built-in Transformer, Ideal for School Lab, Hobby, Electronics https://a.co/d/38sBD4V

View attachment 276887

View attachment 276890

View attachment 276892

View attachment 276894

View attachment 276895

View attachment 276896

So jealous of your skills at posting links! Someday I'm going to learn.

 

[Velodromed]

So jealous of your skills at posting links! Someday I'm going to learn.

I copy and paste. That’s all lol. Only took me a year and a half to figure out how

 

[Adamj804]

I like these:

https://www.hobbytown.com/protek-rc...jhEFKmQ6RB53pNDm1OwxXWWJvzzwxSchoCNPkQAvD_BwE


https://www.amainhobbies.com/ecopow...5e2S_AiX05EzsWt7aN87CWC-QIsy6dWBoC3sYQAvD_BwE

 

[305HemiGuy]

MIP tools are the best by far but brands like Dynamite make drivers with replaceable tips. Whatever brand you choose, know that any screws that go into metal on an rc, likely have thread lock on them. Heat them up first so that you don't strip screws and ruin tools. As for stands, There's inexpensive ones you can buy that swivel like these, which are good to have.

View attachment 276884 View attachment 276885

As far as stands I actually use one just like the stand that @Notorious J posted. It even came with a hex tool kit. The quality of the bits are pretty decent, but I have about 3 different sets of hex bits. I really do like the stand though, makes wrenching alot easier.

 

[chilly81]

I don't claim to be a wrenching god, but I'm over 50 and have never taken any of my 1:1 car to a shop or dealer for (non-warranty) service. So I'm not an idiot either.

MIP allen heads are the single most effective "high cost" tool I have ever purchased. The difference between a craftsman/kobalt/generic and a MIP at small scale <= 2mm sizes is the single best improvement I can ever think of seeing by spending extra money on high end tools. Bigger sizes don't matter.... any Home Depot allen head can pull a 3mm+, but these little ones strip sooooo easily with crappy old worn tools. I resisted spending the money for 2 years of quad racing. Then I bought the hand held ones. Then a month later bought the bit version.

2 years+ later and you can't tell they aren't new. They are definitely brittle though, so don't drop on concrete or something - that's just the nature of steel.

There are probably other brands of similar quality that may be good choices too. But they won't be cheap alternatives on amazon. They will also be expensive. It truly is amazing what a dental pick to get the dirt out of your underbelly sockets, then a nice high quality bit to bit into whatever is left. Things you thought were impossible to get out - it just locks in like a bank vault in a movie, and out it comes.

 

[Lefty_Al]

I've had plenty of hand tools over the years. The best advice is to get the best tools within your budget. My current hex drviers are Neewer and they have held up well over the last few years. I broke the 1.5mm one but that was because someone tried to use it as a drift... it didnt like that.

 

[dure16]

The best tool I’ve ever purchased for RC work, by far, is this guy:

https://a.co/d/fuTvuBG

 

[Lefty_Al]

Good call dure16, the older I get the more I rely on a good torch or headlamp.

 

[slick2500]

These Neewer hex drivers have been solid for near 18 months. I have MIPs for certain things but they are a bit delicate due to the hardened nature of the steel. I’ve snapped two and broke one by dropping it. I use my Neewer set for most wrenching and they have been a surprisingly good for a $15 set of drivers.

This 7mm driver is good for wheel nuts and the 17mm is great as it’s long and fits deep wheels nicely.

For tire glue the bob smith industry rubberized ca glue is really good. For lubrication needs I really like superlube grease and oil.

I really like this affordable ($50) soldering iron. It is built extremely well, hits 750-800f very quick and holds it well. I’ve used it a lot since I got it nearly a year ago. Make sure to get lead solder, not the lead free kind. Good shrink wrap is helpful also. I like the marine 3-1 adhesive kind.

This combo bearing tool and mini t-wrench is very handy.

That’s all I can think of now…

Neewer - Set of 4 Hexagonal Screwdrivers Made of Titanium Nitride with Coloured Handles.Compatible with 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mm Screws. https://a.co/d/hDazQaI

Antrader Hex Screw Driver, 7mm High-carbon Steel Socket Wrench Screwdriver Carburetor Adjustment Tool https://a.co/d/6Zbd2Cn

Hobbypark 17mm Hex Adapter Wrench Tools w/4mm 5mm 5.5mm 7mm Cross Sleeve for 1/8 1/10 1/12 Scale RC Cars Trucks Wheel Hubs Nuts (Black-Red) https://a.co/d/fCH7xmc

vanpro RC Ball Bearing Driver Install Remove Repair Tool,Cross Wrenches Maintenance Tool Small Sleeve Hex Socket Wheel Spanner for RC Model Car Truck Buggy (Color: Black) https://a.co/d/0n9kK3E

Bob Smith Industries BSI-118 IC-2000 Rubber Toughened CA Glue, 1 oz, Black https://a.co/d/h7wKdyW

Super Lube 41160 Synthetic Grease (NLGI 2), 14.1 oz Canister, Translucent White https://a.co/d/336uop1

Super Lube 51010 Oil Super Lube,Translucent white https://a.co/d/1vSpVcn

Tilswall Soldering Station, 65W Solder Station Welding Iron with Smart Temperature Control (392°F-896°F), Extra 5pcs Soldering Tips, Built-in Transformer, Ideal for School Lab, Hobby, Electronics https://a.co/d/38sBD4V

View attachment 276887

View attachment 276890

View attachment 276892

View attachment 276894

View attachment 276895

View attachment 276896

I've had my Neweer set since 2019 and they have outlasted my MIPs that cost 3 times the price, my 2mm from MIP rounded off after 6 months of use. I will buy another set of the Neweer drivers any day before I ever touch another MIP tool. I have broken the 1.5mm trying to remove a grub screw that I was not aware was held in via red thread lock. It now has a Dynamite 1.5mm tip in it.

As far as stands I actually use one just like the stand that @Notorious J posted. It even came with a hex tool kit. The quality of the bits are pretty decent, but I have about 3 different sets of hex bits. I really do like the stand though, makes wrenching alot easier.

View attachment 276911

I have the Hobbypark version of that stand and the Duratrax stand, I prefer the Hobbypark one over the Duratrax. I even made a short comparison video.

 

[Mathieu]

I know it’s lame but I use a yoga brick foam as a stand to work on the car.
It’s cheap and does the job + I can use it for other things!

 

[Velodromed]

I know it’s lame but I use a yoga brick foam as a stand to work on the car.
It’s cheap and does the job + I can use it for other things!

It’s what I do. Work well and also serve as storage stands.

 

[Johnny b]

I just goggled yoga brick foam. That may have saved my legs and back when I replaced a.c. compressor on car. Forum has been educational. Thanks!

 

[dure16]

yoga brick foam

Each of my cars has a yoga brick for storage

 

[chilly81]

I know it’s lame but I use a yoga brick foam as a stand to work on the car.
It’s cheap and does the job + I can use it for other things!

Me too! And the foam is also pretty stiff but easy to cut and shape so can be used as a raw material for making some other things. Like I cut a big chunk to provide center body crash support (for when you land on the roof) when I swapped out my fireteam body. Just double taped it to that plastic saddle that's around the red cross brace. Not pretty of course, but very effective and super light.