Are all tool kits the same?

[GoBigGuy]

Hi All,

Well after almost 2 weeks of getting back into vaping I have decided to go the RTA route and start building my own coils because I want better flavor, (currently using Melo 3 mini and Triton mini).

After reading many reviews and watching a ....e load of YouTube videos on RTA's I think I am going to get the Gemini RTA hoping it will give me better flavor.

Started reading up on building coils and it's clear I need some tools so I figured I would just get a tool kit but there are so many choices.

Do I spend the $50 for the 521 Master Kit
521 Master Kit by Geek Vape - Tools - Accessories

Or do I spend about half that on Sunreek Complete Kit
SUNREEK™6 IN 1 Jig Complete Kit Coil DIY Vape Tool Kit PE Box Tool Kit Vape Tool Set - - Amazon.com

Because I am going for flavor I figured I would just start with the Clapton wire and organic Japanese cotton.

Thoughts?

 

[retired1]

Never could understand the need for fancy builds. I use a drill bit for my genesis builds.

 

[CharTech]

I would go for the Geek Vape kit for the better 521, coil jig, and wire cutters.

 

[Tonkpils]

I bought the GeekVape 521 tab by itself for about 30$ CDN and it has been one of my best vape related purchases to date, easy to build on and frees up a mod to vape away while you rebuild.

 

[NicoHolic]

My tool kit is fancier than retired1's. I use 1/16", 5/64", and 3/32" drill bits... with a pocket screwdriver and any allen keys that came with the attys. A pair of fingernail clippers and ceramic tweezers top it off. When I only had mechs, I used a 510 ohmmeter.

 

[jdrewry]

If you don't have the odds and ends laying around to use to build coils (drill bits, tweezers, etc.) then a tool kit isn't a bad investment.

 

[AzPlumber]

Well I use an 1/8" brass tube for my coils but it was easy to acquire off the truck in my driveway.

 

[GoBigGuy]

So it sounds like I really don't need an ohm meter and just use my Pico?

 

[AzPlumber]

So it sounds like I really don't need an ohm meter and just use my Pico?

An ohm reader makes a great base for building on.

 

[GoBigGuy]

so then maybe the kit does make sense then?

An ohm reader makes a great base for building on.

 

[AzPlumber]

I built my ohm readers before they became fashionable and already had more tools than one man needs. A kit would not suit me well but I can see how it would be a wise investment for some.

 

[Imfallen_Angel]

I have the "Magic " kit (like this one https://www.amazon.com/Yonala-Magic...dp/B00ZUC502G?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0) and love it. I just got the Pilot Ohm tester because I wanted more options than a basic tester.

BTW... the coils for your Melo2, etc. are rebuildable.. and easily done too.

I've been rebuilding mine for a long time now... much easier if you prefer vertical coils as with RTAs, they require more precision and easier with single center coil setups.

I started my "kit" using a large nail (3.4 mm width size) that I cut a notch for the tip of the wire and softened the tip... and still use it to hold my coils in place while I position them.

I've got my small screwdriver set from 30 years ago that are still great, and I use my folding mini-pliers. I did get some proper cutters as nail-cutters aren't that great after all with some wires gauge being very hard to cut with them, while with good cutters, it's no problem at all.

So my recommendation kit consist of: (approx. prices)

1) set of screwdrivers (you can get a cheap set at a dollar store for 1-2$)(1-10$)
2) small needle-nose pliers (you can get cheap ones at a dollar store for 1-2$)(1-10$)
3) proper cutters (5-10$) (I got mine as a set with the tweezers for under 10$)
4) jig set (but if on budget, use the screwdrivers or anything with the proper diameter) (10-20$)
5) tester (I highly recommend the Tab 521 or the Pilot, both are 30$ online) or if on budget, just use your Mod if regulated.
6) ceramic tweezers with the tank squeeze/opener (I didn't think it at first, but now...these are a MUST HAVE)

 

[GoBigGuy]

I might just order some pre-made coils and a bunch of cotton to start so my wife doesn't freak out and order a kit next paycheck

What do you guys think about this cotton?
http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Jap...1DFVA35LDC3LG&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

 

[Vizzle]

I think kits are overrated, but it's nice since everything you need is essentially in the kits. The bare essentials for standard coil building is a little screwdriver kit (can be bought for less than 5$ at walmart or anywhere really) some ceramic tweezers(5-15$) and wire cutters (5-15$) depending on how fancy you want to go in your supplies.

Once you get better in the build game, there's many tools some of us use to make our lives easier for building fused claptons/aliens/etc etc.
Just to fire off some items off the top of my head:
Power drill(or dremel for some people who want higher rpms)
Toothless pliers(or those rubbery tipped ones)
Swivels
and lastly something to hold the swivels(e.g. a table vice or clamps).

 

[NicoHolic]

Don't know anything about it. This is what I use:

Amazon.com : Koh Gen Do Organic Cotton 80 sheets for Skin Care : Beauty

And this is where I get my wire:

items in store on eBay!

 

[GoBigGuy]

I was thinking about this wire:
Clapton Wire by Youde $6.99 5 Meter Roll - Wick & Wire - Accessories

Don't know anything about it. This is what I use:

Amazon.com : Koh Gen Do Organic Cotton 80 sheets for Skin Care : Beauty

And this is where I get my wire:

items in store on eBay!

 

[Jim_ MDP]

I might just order some pre-made coils and a bunch of cotton to start so my wife doesn't freak out and order a kit next paycheck

What do you guys think about this cotton?
Amazon.com : Authentic Japanese 100% Organic Cotton By InnoVaper - 30, 90, 150 Sheets Unbleached And Untreated Grown Free of Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers : Health & Personal Care

Pricy thanks to being "Vape" labeled.
Nordstrom's will ship you a stupid large pack of KGD for about $11.
I have something similar of Muji, but it's a common beauty product available all over.

You'll need something to snip coil legs and clippers will do (use the larger toenail version) but $6 flush cutters are much, much better (regular diags wont cut close enough).

We can't put enough torque on our post screws to hurt the $5 screwdriver kit models so pricy tools are unneeded if you don't already have them. Plus... you'll be collecting the standard Magic Blue drivers soon enough.

Those $5 screwdriver also work perfectly as mandrels for rolling coils, but I'm getting several nice ones in "RBA Kits" recently as well.

You don't need ceramic tweezers, but if you find yourself making mostly contact builds they're more convenient for the pulse firing/tweeze portion of our program.

As said... a $10 Eleaf ohm reader is a convenient base for mounting and wicking but not reliable as a meter. Get the Tab or its' competitor if you wish... it's really not needed unless you use mechanical mods or regulateds without a resistance display. Having multiple mods to cross check one against another works too.
Your decision.

If you do start rolling your own Claptons etc., then you will need to gather a few more items.
Plenty of tricks and creative solutions out there (the swivels etc.).

What else... the kit is a convenient way to get the basics and a case to boot, but from what I've seen... the tools are either not high quality where you'd want it, and higher than needed everywhere else... and overpriced just because, again... "vape" branding.

It wont be your worst purchase if you get one but I'd go the ala carte route.

Come to think of it... I have three various "CoilMaster" style coiling tools.
Never use any of them.

 

[Jdurand]

I bought the GeekVape 521 tab by itself for about 30$ CDN and it has been one of my best vape related purchases to date, easy to build on and frees up a mod to vape away while you rebuild.

+1 on the 521 tab, it rocks. I'd get the rest of the kit just so I could have that item alone.

 

[Rule62]

The 521 Tab is a handy gadget, if you're a serious coil builder. I don't like using my mods for anything but vaping. I don't like using them for building stands. With the 521, or the pricier, but better built USAohmmeter Fire Meter, you can set up your coils, adjust them, fire them, wick them, so that when you put the atty on the mod, it's ready to go.

 

[Hightech Redneck]

I have the coilmaster kit. The ohm reader is kind of just a paperweight lol. The main reason I went with that kit is the rods for the jig. They are maybe twice the length of others and seem easier to use when adjusting coils. The tweezers that come with it are good and the scissors work surprisingly well. Just thought I'd throw that one out there too. Found it on amazon.
Coil Master 100% Authentic DIY KIT Tool SET V2 with Latest Coil Jig (V3) Ohm Meter Tweezers 24g A1 Heat Resistant Wire - - Amazon.com