Cant agree this. I know knipex quality, but for small tools I would prefer Pro`sKit as best price/quality ratio. For example, I have been used PK-25P-E cutters for near 5 years and they were always able to cut even most thin wires (until met something too strong). They cost under $10.
Thank you and i agree if i can buy tools that will work just fine for a better price then i will as it is for hobby only. Bench power supply is one of the other things im wanting to build lol, just gotta get my electronics skills where i want them first, so i’ll know exactly what i want out of it. I’ve realized if you don’t know what you want then you can spend alot of money and still not get it right.
Yes, gotta take price/quality into consideration no doubt! But no reason to quibble over cutters here. I’ve got plenty of small pliers that can cut piano wires and nails!!!
Actually I’m looking for wire cutters and strippers.
I can’t find 1PK-25P-E under $16…
Or rather I can, but not shipped worldwide. And not locally, they don’t seem to be available in my country at all. 
I will have similar plans (including emitter reflowing), so I subscribe here for additional good advices.
This thread will be mostly usefull for US members. EU import limits (for companies) restrict product assortiment and raise prices on local markets. Im almost sure that you can find knipex dealer in your country, but wont find many Taiwan brands.
However, I think this is not far away from you:
http://proskit-bg.eu/en/pliers/cutters/heavy-duty-cutting-plier-wconductive-handle-1pk5101e.html
Gray,
FM is a manufacturer/ modder for flashlight bodies. He makes some interesting things, but no electronics.
~D
Aahhh, gotcha! Still good to know :+1:
Lindstrom cutters or Erem 2422e- for those who like the expensive cutters!
Klien 11057- work great for me stripping small wires
Ideal Stripmasters are my favorite but you gotta have enough room for the stripping action to take place and they $50
Hakko is prolly best budget brand cutters IMO
Calling DrafterDan!!!
I’m curious about the thicker bodied flashlights being bored to accept the 18650’s.
Do you have a link or remember any articles that test the strength lost by thinning the walls?
I’m sure it’s still plenty strong but i find such things highly interesting! Thanks!
Anyone have a spot welder they would recommend?
For battery builds?
or general sheetmetal repair?
Lol, guess i should have specified.
Yes, battery builds!
LED reflow also works great on a small temp regulated hotplate
Or just a plate of aluminum that provides enough thermal mass so the heat up and cool down follows close to the temperature profilen that is recommended from datasheet,
you can heat it with gas torch or hot air gun
IR thermometer is also good for reflow temperature check
Can’t help ya though.
But I think sticker shock will follow.
I just use solder tabs. Use a high watt iron and be QUICK. Allow to cool if you need a second try. Put Kapton tape under the tabs, on the edge of batt (Pos side) for safety.
Great tips, thanks!! Need more tips like this if anybody wants to share! Got the IR thermometer already, those things are awesome, so useful!
No prob, thanks for the reply!
Yea, i’ve looked at prices. Sticker shock did follow lol. It will def. only be bought if I pursue building battery packs heavily (quite possible but not presently).
Thanks for the tips! I was figuring something like that would work fine if you paid close attention.
Does anyone do home anodizing? Got any tips for that?
Suggestions for diamond jewelers files?
Which thermal pastes/adhesives do BLFer’s like? If its a brand with more than one type can you specify which one?
Potting Compounds?
Potting:
Thermal adhesives:
Fujik (bad but often good enough, cheap), Arctic Alumina (good, expensive)
Thermal Paste:
Arctic MX-4 is recommended often
Overclockers’ pastes are mentioned often too
Recently I bought GD900 and I think it’s a good choice for cheap lights.
Liquid metal is the top pick for copper lights, but destroys alu ones
I’d like to see a file set recommendation too.