My most invaluable tool purchase of the last few years is a 25-piece PC tool kit from JDR Microdevices. Previously, I was using two ultracheap tool sets I'd gotten from subscribing to PC World and PCResource. When those sets finally broke, or got lost, I set out to get another cheap set. The kit at JDR looked like just the thing. For US$39.95, it has a 30-watt soldering iron and soldering tools, needle-nose pliers, diagonal cutters, wire cutters/stripper, a six-piece screwdriver set, a crescent wrench, and a chip inserter and extractor. A sturdy black-vinyl zipper case comes with it. The pliers and cutters are great; they have that "good tool" feel.
The vinyl case is roomy enough to hold other stuff as well. I've added my eyestalk flashlight, a hand mirror, a roll of electrical tape, and a set of eyeglass-sized screwdrivers.
The JDR set has become my main tool kit. I hardly ever go down to my basement workshop to get other tools anymore.
PC Tool Kit: US$39.95. JDR Microdevices Inc.: (800) 538 5000, +1 (408) 494 1400.
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