The various CSE Labs are not set up 100% identically with tool sets yet. If tools are borrowed between labs, please put them back where they belong so that others may find them.
Below is a list of the types of tools that we have available, and where you may find them.
Tool Identification
Wire Strippers
There are generally 2 types of wire strippers. Pre-sized strippers have multiple notches, each labeled for a specific wire size. This ensures that you do not cut the conductors when removing the insulation. They are usually sized for 22, 20, 18, 16, and 14 AWG wire.
The other type are uni-size strippers. they only cut the insulation as much as you compress the 2 handles. As such, you must have a steady and careful hand to ensure that you do not nick the conductor when cutting the insulation.
Wire Crimpers
Wire crimpers are generally broken into two groups: Insulated Connectors and Uninsulated Connectors.
The crimpers for Insulated Connectors are typically more smooth and rounded to contour the smooth insulation around the connector.
The crimpers for Uninsulated Connectors typically have harder corners and points to more accurately form the metal of the connector.
A sub-type of Uninsulated Connector Crimpers is Pin Crimpers. These typically have 4 to 6 dies that move radially to evenly distort a round pin around the end of a wire. Some are sized for specific pin/wire sizes and some are more universal.
Pliers
There are three general types of pliers: Needlenose, Bullnose, and Channel-lock. There is also a sub-type of Vise-Grips, which come in both Bullnose and Needlenose shaped.
NOTE: “Vise-Grip” and “Channel-Lock” are TRADE NAMES. They are named after their original manufacturing companies, and those names have stuck even after the patents expired and other companies make them.
Needlenose Pliers are long and skinny; Bullnose Pliers are short and wide, typically with 2 separate sections of gripping teeth.
Channel-Lock Pliers are adjustable. One handle and claw has a number of channels which the other handle/claw slides within.
Vice-Grips have a knob/screw which adjusts the tension on the teeth. The idea is that you size them in fairly tight, then them clamp the handles together and they lock using spring tension. To release them, most have a small release lever inside the swinging handle, but some you must manually pull apart.
Wrenches
Hex / Allen Keys
Hex or Allen Keys/Wrenches come in various sizes and shapes. Most are an L shape, but they can also have T-shaped handles.
They can have either square-cut ends or ball ends. The ball ends help when tightening a bolt from an angle rather than straight-on.
Tool Chests
Lab 203
The Lab 203 tool cart has a healthy supply of screwdrivers, hex/allen keys, and wire crimpers.
Lab 208
The Lab 208 tool cart is currently empty. We hope to get tools soon!
Lab 335
The Lab 335 tool cart has an assortment of Screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, and an iFixIt Manta kit.
Lab Coordinator & TA Office
The LC & TA Office has a chest of miscellaneous tools. We request kindly that you come see us to use these tools, rather than take them randomly.
Drawer 1: Screw Drivers, Hex/Allen Keys, and Snap Ring Pliers
Drawer 2: Tweezers, Sheet Metal Shears, and RJ-45 crimper
Drawer 3: Wrenches: 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 19 mm; 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 inch
Drawer 4: Drill Bits and Saws
Drawer 5: Hammers and Files