What’s on My Bench
The tools and supplies I actually use for arcade PCB, monitor and cabinet repair. The same ones you’ll see in my repair logs.
New to board repair? Start with my Starter Bench below, then read my Arcade PCB Repair Tips & Tools post.
Starter Bench: The 10 Tools I’d Buy First
In the order you’ll reach for them on a typical board repair. Tap any one to jump to its full card.
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Soldering & Desoldering
Heats fast and I have it on all day. Great tool. Mine is the FX-888D; the FX-888DX is its current replacement.
Hakko N61-13 Nozzle (1.3mm Long)
For the FR-301 and FR-4101. Gets into tight spots with minimal overhang and pad destruction. My new go-to tip!
A nice size for caps and parts with thicker legs than ICs, and for small component removal.
Hakko N61-15 Nozzle (3mm x 1mm)
Lots of contact area and really clears the vias and wider solder pads.
The best tool you can use to remove chips when the desoldering gun doesn’t finish the job. Heat the legs and it will lift right out.
Fantastic little chip lifter. I have 3 of them because I got tired of looking for it, and refused to use a screwdriver after using this!
Test Equipment
I was buying the Fluke branded ones, but they were failing too often for the price. These are just as nice.
For testing chips on a circuit board. I’ve tried a few different styles and these are the best cost-to-quality clips I’ve found to date!
Comes in handy for spot checking caps. Mine is a Peak ESR70, which does a nice job in circuit but is no longer available. The GME in-circuit ESR tester is a well-reviewed alternative.
Chip Testing & Programming
Cleaning & Battery Damage
A must for PCB repairs. Protects freshly cleaned edges and chip legs and reduces oxidation over time.
Also a must for board repairs. I use this for cleaning chip legs and parts-side traces on exposed Atari boards. This one is a little better made than the cheaper versions.
Really the best tool I have for cleaning the outside of chip legs, edge connectors and pin headers. Now sold separately in Medium and Fine.
I use this for washing PCBs and chassis. Works incredibly well and somehow cleans sockets nicely.
Trace & Edge Repair
I use this all the time for locking in the Kynar wire in trace repairs and chip leg repairs.
I’ve used a regular X-Acto for years and somehow lost it. This one holds the blade MUCH better!
Most of the time I’m scraping solder mask off traces with the pointy blade. These work much better.
Wire, Harness & Connectors
Spare Parts & Components
A perfect replacement for missing Atari PCB reset switches. Not the same size, but the footprint is the same.
I’ve had good luck with these replacing audio amps on the ARII. Price is right!
Monitor Repair
Cabinet Hardware
By far the best casters for your cabinets if you need to move them frequently. Very strong and low profile.
#8 x 3/8″ Hex Washer Head Screws
Thread-cutting machine screws used on many chassis and games. These match the originals nicely.
My Star Wars and Pole Position fans are really loud. Found a nice replacement that is super quiet. Works great!
Amazingly helpful for applying artwork. Large side art can be installed 100% bubble free.
Shop & Organization
I get these 4 at a time. All of my ICs are in these. Some like drawers on a wall, I prefer portability.
