I have seen an opportunity to start a discussion on tools that are common (and uncommon) in our toolboxes. I have compiled tools into this list and hope that our friends contribute to this list in the comments so I can add it. The goal of this is to provide insight to generate “toolkits” that would reflect the level of work that they would be used in.
Disclaimers:
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[]I have no affiliation to any of the vendors mentioned here, I am quite satisfied with the services and parts all of them offer. If any vendor feels left out or has a part they want me to include pm me the link and part and I will add it without problems.
[]As many members have mentioned to me, price goes with quality on tools, so keep that in mind for some tools (damn you Hakko…)
[*]If you have a local electronics/hardware store BUY THERE. You will be helping them and also they will be able to help you determine what level of tools you need (plus store diving is awesome!).
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TOOLS
Whether you are fixing a bad solder connection, replacing a broken cable or Quad-modding your SNES controller you are most surely going to need this:
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[*]Digital Multi-meter
A multimeter is the modders bnb. You will want a model that can read voltages and test continuity(VERY important). Basic ones can go for $10 if you are on a tight budget or just want something to begin with.
[]Soldering Iron
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With any job you may have the need to change the layout of wiring, swapping the wires or replacing a component(if you are one of those guys who understand what they are changing). Here is where your soldering iron comes into play.
[]Basic ones range at about $20 and can be found at RadioShack (if yours didn’t implode with their recent bankruptcy). One step above is where I am personally at and involves a temperature controlled iron with a base station. Weller has a few models with analog or digital temperature control and go from ~$50 well into the hundreds.
[*]**From @FattyWinnarz **
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[] A good set of helping hands will enable you to make difficult connections that would require another person to hold the components. A magnifier glass is a must for those jobs that have tiny connections.
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[]Solder, Flux and Solder wick
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Think of solder as a glue made of metal that enables components to stick together and conduct electricity. There are many variations and sizes but for basics a solder with a rosin core will be your best bet. This rosin core acts as a flux, which is a material that allows the solder to flow into the parts you want to connect and make a more secure bond. Flux is also sold as a paste or gel that you can apply to the area for the reasons stated before. A solder wick or desoldering braid is a threaded copper strip that attracts solder the same way components do and enables you to remove solder from an already soldered connection.
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[*]Screw drivers and bits/tips
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Open cases, close cases, remove components. Pretty basic right? My suggestion is to have a “regular size” set (the ones sold anywhere) and a Precision set. This last one will enable you to unscrew smaller, tougher to reach screws and is handy around the house also.
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[*]Glue Gun
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Not too long ago I was in the camp that believed that a glue gun meant those pink $5 plastic ones you buy at walmart. Then Jasen from Jasen’s Customs mentioned he owned a Dewalt one. Wait what?! Here the above advice of higher price brings better quality rings all too clear.
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[]Wire Crimper/Stripper/cutter
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Sometimes one tool, sometimes three. If you plan on doing a lot of button swaps, cable sleeving or anything related to wires you will want to get separate tools.
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[]Drill
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For some projects, having a cordless drill speeds up assembly/dissassembly time and is great when you need holes made.
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[]Rotary tool (AKA Dremel)
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This… This is the tool that modders who want to step their game up to the next level look for. The most mentioned brand here in the forum is Dremel but there are a variety of brands each with their own implementation of this concept.
What can you do with this tool? The tool comes with tips and attachment for a lot of jobs. Note that generally these tools are used on small/medium projects while dedicated tools take its place in larger ones:
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[]Cutting
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[]Wood
[]Soft metals
[]Plastic
[]Tile
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[]Sanding
[]Grinding
[]Drilling
[]Routing
[*]Engraving
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[]Desoldering Iron/ Pumps
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So you want to replace the Kaimana PCB’s headers for screw terminals, how do you go about it? There are two options, use a solder wick as explained above or use a desoldering iron/pump.
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[]The first type of tool here is the “Solder Sucker” or “Solder put”. These are plastic syringes that have a chamber inside of them and a mechanism that pulls air into this chamber. In order to make these work you need to heat up the solder with your regular iron and while its melted use the sucker on it.
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[]Sample
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[]A step above that are the Irons, these both heat up the solder and perform the extraction and come in both a Sucker type and a bulb type.
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[]Sucker
[]Bulb
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[]The top level tools are bounds and leaps better than the two previous ones but with a price tag to match.
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[]Hakko
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I will continue to add tools that you suggest to this list, no tool is to eccentric but i may separate them into primary and secondary tools.
Thanks to all of you who keep modding and inspiring people like me to venture into the warranty-voiding world that is Tech Talk.
Parts List
As @presidentcamacho suggested a part I decided to include this as an addendum. Some of the most common parts you will find in a modder’s boxes are:
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[*]Terminal Strips
As @presidentcamacho mentions:
[]PCB feet
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Make short work of securing PCBs to your case by using these feet. Just tape,screw or glue them to the bottom and you have instant screwholes for your pcbs.
[] Paradise Arcade Shop
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[]Tie Wraps/ Velcro ties
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The bane of the unruly cable messes, also good for securing PCBs if you buy some securing bases and reattaching that old bumper to your car 
Also, Velcro ties are reusable.
[]Tie wraps in Amazon
[]Velcro ties Amazon
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[]Double sided tape
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An easier to find alternative to pcb feet and can be used to attach PCBs and other componeents to the inside of the case. They make good spacers in a pinch.
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[]Alligator clips
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Awesome for testing wiring and certain components.
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[]Disconnects
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[]For button connecting, these are a must. DO NOT solder directly into a button because we WILL send the hounds of Hell to get you (unless you are unable to get them, we are merciful sometimes)…
[].110" disconnects (SANWA OBSF’s and similar switches)
[].187" disconnects (Happ buttons or any joystick)
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[]Wire
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The higher the gauge (AWG) the thinner the wire. Any questions?
[]Recommended 22-26AWG
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[] Hole Saw
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Now you want to join the pros and make your own top panel. These will make your button holes right 100% of the time
[] 30mm
[] 24mm
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[*]TechFlex and Heatshrink for sleeving
One (or a couple of) steps above managing your cables. This combination has made a lot of builds shine and brings the ultimate air of professional installation.
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