Best Modding Tools
In today’s world access to retro gaming can be gained through many mediums. Be it through your mobile phone or through a next gen console, we retro gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to getting back in touch with our gaming childhoods.
But what if you want to go a step further, and create your own retro gaming dedicated machine, or even adapt an existing machine to host your retro games? Creating your own dedicated retro gaming device can be both fun and rewarding, but there are a number of implements that you’ll need in your toolbox if you are to embark on such an endeavour.
Modding old consoles and designing my own models has been one of my favourite activities in recent years and during this time I have acquired a number of tools that have become essential to most of the mods that I attempt. I hope the list below will assist you in attempting your own mods.
Best For Cutting – Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool
When it comes to multi tools there aren’t many brands that surpass Dremel. Not only is this fantastic tool great for cutting the plastic mould of your latest modding project, it can also perform many more tasks. From sanding to polishing to carving to cleaning this multi tool will likely be a mainstay in your modding toolbox.
With handy features such as an ‘EZ Twist’ chuck and variable rotary speeds, it’s clear why Dremel is so well known for these tools. Of course there are plenty of other options out there, but going for is a cheaper less known brand in this case would be like buying a Robin Reliant instead of a Ford.
Best For Soldering – Preciva Soldering Iron Station
Whatever your modding project may be it can be generally assumed that you will have to try your hand at soldering in some way, shape or form. It has to be said, soldering is not everybody’s cup of tea, but one way to make it more bearable is to invest in a decent soldering station.
The Preciva Soldering Station is my go to tool when it comes to soldering. It features adjustable temperature control which doesn’t fluctuate from it’s setting and comes with a wide range of precision tips to help deal with even the most awkward of jobs. It also features quick heat up/cool down functionality so you don’t have to sit around twiddling your thumbs while you wait for your iron to reach the right temperature.
Regardless of whether you enjoy or detest soldering, you would struggle to find a better option than this soldering station.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest For Precision – Fancii LED Light Helping Hand Magnifier Station
If you’re going to attempt any soldering then you will either need to sprout another pair of hands or invest in a soldering stand.
The Fancii LED Light Helping Hand Magnifier Station features a 3.5 inch magnifying glass with 2 different magnifications, 2 fully adjustable alligator clips for holding your wires/pcbs in place and also 2 super bright lights to prevent anything being lost in the shadows
As an added bonus it can also be powered either by a usb cable or by batteries, giving you the freedom to work whereever you choose.
Best For Circuits – AstroAI Digital Multimeter
For a while after I began modding devices I have to confess I didn’t really know how to use a multimeter. Fast forward to the present day and I find that I could have saved myself hours of frustration if I’d simply picked one up.
A multimeter is an invaluable tool when it comes to testing printed circuit boards for connectivity issues and making sure everything is functioning as it should. My multimeter of choice is the AstroAI Digital Multimeter due to the wide range of tests that it offers as well as it’s overall convenience and ease of use.
Best For Measuring – Louisware Digital Verier Caliper
Many people don’t consider precise measuring to be a necessity when modding their devices. It’s true that when I first started modding I assumed I could get by with a ruler or a tape measure.
As with many tools on this page I endured rather a significant amount of frustration before I decided to invest in a digital caliper. In this case my weapon of choice was the Louisware Digital Verier Caliper.
With the ability to measure length, depth and internal faces amongst other things you’ll find you have no further need for that cumbersome tape measure.
Best For Organisation – Voniry Soldering Mat
If you’ve ever tried your hand at soldering before you’ll know that it is not exactly the cleanest of activities. Issues to contend with include dripping solder and carelessly placing down your soldering iron only to see the tension on the flex pull it around and burn a mark in the table.
For issues like these the perfect solution is a soldering mat, and my preferred model is that on offer from Voniry.
At 45cm by 30cm in size this silicon mat provides the perfect protection for any work surface. It also features numerous tiny magnetic nooks and cubby holes, which are great for stashing any tiny screws or other implements, as well as preventing anything from rolling off the surface. Also included is a grounding wire which helps prevent any unexpected shocks while working.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest For Glueing – Bosch Glue Gun
If there was one tool where I was surprised at how useful it was, that would be the hot glue gun. There are many different glue guns out there to choose from but I have gone for the one from Bosch.
I have tried several glue guns over the years and this one from Bosch is the only one that didn’t get too messy and didn’t excrete glue from areas it shouldn’t. Add to this the sturdiness and build quality that you tend to get with most Bosch products, and you’re on to a winner.
Best For Illumination – Zukvye LED Head Torch
You may think that your work area is well luminated, yet when it comes to the intricate tasks of soldering and modding in general you can always do with a little more light. There are many occasions when that shadow that you never noticed before falls right over the specific area you need to solder, or when the ambient mood lighting you created simply isn’t enough for the task at hand. It’s on occasions like this where a head touch becomes invaluable.
The Zukvye LED Head Torch is my go to device for all my illumination needs. The main bulb generates 5000 lumens of light meaning that when you are doing your modding you will have more than 6 60 watt bulbs pointed at it. The unit is also rechargeable so there will be no need to forage around the back of the draw for those half used AA batteries
