Wondering about the essential tools to run your 1/8 buggy? Dive into our comprehensive guide where we answer common questions like what tools are necessary and why they’re important.
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| Tool Lists | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Nitro Starter Set | – The Nitro Starter Set is only recommended if you are on a tight budget, Our Pick is the better option. Our Pick – Redcat Racing 80142A Nitro R/C Starter Kit Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #1 Fuel Bottle | – Make sure you get one soft enough to squees but hard enough to return back to its proper shape. Our Pick – Dynamite Fast Fill Fuel Bottle 500cc DYN2003 Gas Car/Truck Fuel & Accessories White or Protek Fuel bottle Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #2 Glow Igniter | – Getting one with a replaceable battery is a bit better Our Pick – ProTek RC “SureStart” Pencil Style Glow Igniter Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #3 Tuning Screw Driver | – Make sure it’s narrow enough to fit the engine adjustment screws and long enough to adjust without taking the body off Our Pick – Losi Tuning Screwdriver LOSA99167 Hand Tools Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #4 17mm Wrench | – You probably have one lying around if not use the link Our Pick – ProTek RC Aluminum Hex Wheel and Flywheel Wrench (Buggy, Truggy 17mm & 23mm) Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #5 Hex Driver Set | – We highly recommend getting 1/4 bit with this Cordless Screwdriver to make things faster Our Pick – ProTek “TruTorque” 1/4″ Power Drill Tip Set or MIP Speed Tip Ball Hex Driver Wrench Set Metric (3), MIP9516 Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
| #6 Nut Driver Set | – Same as before 1/4 bits with Cordless Screwdriver Our Pick – DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set with Nut Drivers, 71-Piece (DWMT73808) Deals – Amazon (Ad) – eBay (Ad) |
Nitro Starter Set
A nitro starter set for RC buggies typically includes essential components needed to start and maintain a nitro-powered RC buggy. These sets commonly contain items such as a glow plug igniter, a fuel bottle for refueling, a rechargeable battery pack for the igniter, and sometimes additional tools for maintenance.
- Budget Pick – Redcat Racing Nitro R/C Starter Kit, only if you are on a pure budget!
- Our Pick – The Budget Pick is the bare minimum to start with. we recommend going with Our Pick or Racer Pick on the lists below to get the best experience with your tools
Fuel Bottle
A fuel bottle is used to store and dispense fuel, typically RC nitro fuel. It allows users to conveniently refuel their RC vehicles during operation without the need for specialized equipment
- Our Pick – the importance of a fuel bottle is high but they all are pretty much the same. Make sure you get one soft enough to squees but hard enough to return back to its proper shape.
Glow Plug Igniter
A glow plug igniter is used to start the engine of nitro-powered remote control (RC) vehicles, including 1/8 RC buggies. It delivers an electric current to the glow plug, heating it up to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber, initiating the engine startup process.
Our pick – Uses any Glow Igniter, but one where you can replace the rechargeable battery (which is a tiny bit better), this makes it so that if the battery goes bad you don’t need to buy a whole new unit
Tuning Screw Driver
An engine tuning screwdriver is a specialized tool used to make precise adjustments to the engine settings of RC cars, such as 1/8 buggies. It allows users to fine-tune parameters like air-to-fuel ratio and idle speed, optimizing engine performance.
- Our Pick – whether you get a dedicated Tuning Screw Driver for your RC or a Screw Driver you have laying around, make sure it’s narrow enough to fit the engine adjustment screws and long enough to adjust without taking the body off
17mm socket/wrench
A 17mm wrench is commonly used in RC vehicles, particularly 1/8 scale RC buggies, for tightening or loosening wheel nuts. It provides a secure grip and leverage to ensure the proper installation and removal of wheels during maintenance or upgrades.
- Racer Pick – use a dedicated 17mm wheel wrench
- Budget Pick – is to use a 17mm socket that you probably already have lying around the house
- Our Pick – For around the same piece as a dedicated 17mm wheel wrench you can have two tools in one ProTek 17mm & 23mm Aluminum Hex Wheel and Flywheel Wrench
Hex Driver Set
For a 1/8 RC buggy, you typically need hex drivers in various sizes, including 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm. These sizes cover the range of hexagonal fasteners commonly found on 1/8-scale RC vehicles.
- Racer Pick – MIP for quality or ProTek for better ergonomics
- Budget Pick – EcoPower
- Our Pick – Hex Driver set is one you don’t want to cheap out on or you’ll be left with stripped-out screws ProTek “TruTorque” 1/4″ Power Drill Tip Set with a Dremel 4V Cordless Screwdriver will give both speed and quality precision.
Sockets or nut driver set
To choose the right nut driver size, you’ll need to determine the sizes of the nuts commonly used in your RC car. Measure the diameter of the nuts with a caliper or consult the vehicle’s manual to identify the appropriate sizes. It’s also helpful to invest in a set of nut drivers with multiple sizes to cover a range of nut dimensions. Yet the most common size you probably don’t have is 5.5mm. also, 8mm is usually the size for the glow plug, you’ll need it long enough to fit down the cooling head.
- Racer Pick – ProTek RC “TruTorque SL” 4-Piece Nut Driver Set 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 7.0mm, 8.0mm
- Budget Pick – Most kits come with a 4-way tool if not you might be lucky and have a 5.5mm socket in your regular toolbox
- Our Pick – any 1/4″ nut driver set that has 5.5mm, and 8mm Paired with the Dremel 4V Cordless Screwdriver mentioned before