If you choose to go mechanical & use an RDA you will want to learn about battery safety so you can know the batteries you're using will be able to handle the coil you build. Please check out this thread for more info on that: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...eeper-understanding-mod-batteries-part-i.html
for any rda/rba you will need an ohm reader/mulitmeter, Kanthal, wicking (could be cotton, silica, ekowool, etc.). Many rebuilders have other tools such as needle nose pliers, tweezers, drill bits (for wrapping coils around), mini screw drivers, small torch or torch lighter & maybe a dental pic for adjusting coils. You can get many of these things at the dollar store.