I would like to have opinions on what tools to include in the perfect field box. Every time I go I wind up borrowing something. Being able to draw upon others experience on what you should have in your field box can really help prevent a dissapointing day. Please let me kknow what you consider the necessities and the (nice to haves).

Thanks

Charlie

As a mechanic by trade and long time R/C'er, there is really no such thing as a perfect list of what to have. There is one rule I have always lived by though. Every time I have to borrow something from someone, I go buy one. It's that simple, and it doesn't take long and you'll have your field box as close to perfect as you can get it. Just start by getting everything you can remember that you had to borrow.

I can appreciate that, but I'm looking to gain without the pain. for instanceright now I have:

Tools

Rubber Bands
Screwdrives all types
Hex Wrenches
CA
Needlenose plyers
Adjustable wrench
Exacto Knife
4 Way wrench
Packing tape

Parts

Glow Plugs
Props
Tubing
wire
connectors

equipment

Field Charger
Elec. Fuel pump
Expanded voltage meter
glow starter
powerpanel


Is there anything else you would include. This list will help alot of beginners to put together a fieldbox that won't dissapoint.

Charlie

a manual fuel pump. not real expensive, but real handy if your battery goes dead. i also keep a small pair of channel locks, and vise grips. i also keep all tools in a separate box to save weight on the field box. hope this helps. loren

Thanks Loren

HEMOSTATS, i have a complete set in my box, i couldn't live with out them, if you know any Dr's you might be able to get them used really cheap , i also carry some extra foam, and a trash bag just in cash if I or someone else hits the deck and breaks up.

good luck

The three things that can really ruin a day at the field if you need them but don't have them are Sun glasses, sun screen, and a first aid kit.

I also always have a spray can of automotive carb or brake cleaner. After a nose plant...it does an awesome job of dirt removal and evaporates the oils in the engine compartment...really helps if you need to do any kind of repairs.

Those are good ideas. Thanks

I like the idea of the hemostats too. They are nice and light and do the same job as a small vice grip

Don't forget paper towels and spray cleaner.

Another thing I'm never without is a good rag, usually an old t-shirt or something. Very often it's stuck through one of my belt loops always ready for service. That's one of the thing's very often overlooked by new flyers, they don't realize how messy the hobby can get, especially breaking in a new engine...and it's not unusual to see them hunting for something to wipe their hands with.

As for spray cleaners, generic brands from the Dollar General store are a LOT cheaper and work just as good.

Another thing that I always have with me is a spare fuel tank. You may think this is odd, but you would be suprised how much it gets used. I've seen guys fiddle with engines endlessly, only to give up, and the problem ends up being a tank problem...sometime internal, and it's just too hard to get to some tanks and make repairs at the field. If I suspect a fuel tank problem, I'll rubberband the tank to the outside of the airplane and try it...you will find out right away that it is, or is not, a tank giving you the fits. There have also been afternoons that I have continued flying with the external tank...and then make the necessary internal repairs back in the shop. I've also loaned out my extra tank several times to other flyers for this very reason.

i always add any tool that i end up using that was not orginally not in there.

If you play golf or know someone that does - if you play in local tourneys they always give out towels with a grommet in one corner with a little deal that hangs on a belt loop with a sponsor name on it.

These are the best things ever for carrying around on your belt, when dirty just toss it in the washer or get a new one.

Tattoo,

That spad to the bone website is a great idea. I have been toying with building something, but after you build it it could break your heart to crash it. But if it's junk to begin with. thats a great way to learn how to fly boldly.

Clean rags or towels nearby to add to the first aid kit. I have already seen plenty of injuries from minor cuts to more serious injuries in the two years I have been doing this. A clean towel to wrap your's (or anyone else's) injuries until medical attention is obtained is a great thing to have around. Fuel soaked towels (which are often more common and available at the field) are not a good idea.

July issue of RCM has a column devoted to just this topic! See page 34. The July issue is the one with the beautiful J-3 on the cover :-)

Jerry