Posted: 3/6/13
The availability of ready-to-run products has had an incredibly positive impact on the RC hobby. Those looking to get into RC can do so quickly and easily thanks to preassembled vehicles such as the Honcho, Wraith, Ridgecrest and others. There is no denying that RTR vehicles have their place in this hobby. Axial, however, knows many enthusiasts want to experience building their own models. These are, after all, RC models. And, models and building go hand and hand.
THE RIGHT TOOLS
As any carpenter can tell you, having the right tools can make all the difference. You do not need an entire tool kit or expensive collection to build an Axial kit as Axial includes the basics with its kits. Investing in quality tools is just that, an investment. To make assemble and maintenance go a lot faster and be a lot easier, hex drivers are highly recommended. Not only do hex drivers make the work easier, but they last significantly longer (and the tips are replaceable on brands such as Axial’s and Duratrax) and hex drivers are far less likely to strip out hex screws. Buying a complete set of hex drivers such as Axial’s metric set (includes five drivers) will get you all of the drivers you’re likely to ever need. If you want to buy the wrenches one at a time, start with a 2 mm, followed the by 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm drivers.
AX20008 Axial Metric Hex Driver Set
Since a majority of the parts you have to assemble on RC kit come attached to a molded plastic parts tree, another valuable tool is a plastic cutter. Hobbico’s Diagonal Cutter costs only about $10. These small cutters allow you to trim parts flush from the parts tree without cutting too deep or leaving jagged nubs on the parts.
Hobbico Diagonal Cutter HCAR0630
THE WRONG TOOLS
The L-shaped hex wrenches included in your kit are designed to get you started if needed. Do not replace them withsimilar tools found at hardware stores or discount tool stores.
Do not use any sort of power tools to assemble your kit. Over tightening screws can strip out parts and ruin them. Using hand tools allows you to feel how tight you’re getting screws and bolts. Power tools, even ones with clutches, often spin with too much force. They also remove your ability to feel when hardware is properly tightened.
GET ORGANIZED
Many an RC vehicles has been assembled at the kitchen table. That works, but an even better idea is to get a workspace that can be left undisturbed for the duration of the build. The more space you have the better. Also make sure you have plenty of light.
The best way to keep a build organized is to use small paper bowels for the different parts bags. Even better—but not a necessity—a trip to a discount parts store can get you a selection of magnetized metal trays in a variety of sizes.
BUILDING TIPS
> Have a dedicated place to build
> Make sure you have plenty of light
> Read the instructions before you start
> Reread each step before starting
> Take your time
> Make sure parts are trimmed flush
> Do not over tighten parts
