Skip to main content

Introductory Tools and Machines for FRC/Everybot

danger

This is not the current season's Everybot tool list, this is a general guide meant to assist teams who are looking to acquire items before this season's Everybot tool list is released or to prepare for next season.


With this section we hope to give you some suggestions for tools when starting off. When considering what tools to buy and use early on it is important to consider not only which tools you can afford to purchase but also how effectively you will be able to use them. Here is a clip from Adam Savage on early tool purchases:



Many of the following suggestions come from FIRST's Tool Recommendations, linked below.

Tool Recommendations for FIRST Robotics Competition Teams​

The link above is the best place to start. This resource was made by Team 3847, Spectrum, in combination with guidance from FIRST. This list was not made with the Everybot specifically in mind, so here are some additional recommendations based on past Everybot build requirements.

Must Haves For Everybot Teams​

  • Digital Calipers: For precision measurement and marking.

More details

  • Digital Calipers: When the Everybot build guide is released (or shortly thereafter) there will be engineering drawings provided that contain the information needed to manufacture the various parts of the robot. Digital calipers are the best measurement tool for finding and scribing the location of most of the desired features in the engineering drawings (typically holes).

Tools To Consider Skipping​

  • 3D printer: Historically the Everybot has never required a 3D printer, although one could be used to produce substitutes for PVC spacers or similar components.

  • Anderson Crimping Tool: The Everybot will not require the use of an Anderson Crimping Tool.

More details

  • 3D printer: If your only goal this season is to build the Everybot, then a printer is not needed. Additionally if nobody on the team has experience using one it can be tough to gain experience during the season. That being said, it is an amazing purchase for students who wish to get experience using them as well as learning CAD and 3D design and they are useful for making improvements to the Everybot/designing and building your own robot.
  • Anderson Crimping Tool: Anderson connectors are amazing for making strong wire to wire connections but the Everybot has moved away from using them. Instead we use inline WAGOs which are significantly easier to use while still providing a great connection. Other styles of “quick disconnect” wire connections may also be used as long as they follow the robot construction rules and electrical requirements as outlined in the FIRST Game Manual.

Clarification For Specific Items​

  • Corded Drill: An additional drill is very useful, cordless drills are very convenient if you can afford them.

  • Drill bits: Good sizes to have multiples of: #7, 5/32", and 1/4".

  • Hex Key Set: Multiple 1/8" and 5/32" hex keys are handy. Andymark and McMaster Carr are good places to buy them.

  • Combination Wrench Set: Ratcheting is a very useful feature if buying additional 3/8" or 7/16" wrenches. This is an amazing option but make sure to have a standard version as its smaller size may be important.

  • Chop Saw: Purchase one with a toothed blade that is able to cut metal, do not get an abrasive cutoff wheel.

More details

  • Corded Drill: Typically the Everybot requires many holes to be drilled. Having two handheld drills allows for multiple students to work on different assemblies (or drill out mistakes faster). Additionally, cordless drills are always nice to have if you can afford them. You will also likely need additional drill bits.
  • Hex Key Set: Everybots typically use 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16" more commonly than other sizes, having two or more 1/8" and 5/32" hex keys will be useful. Some components may require the usage of a metric set. Other components may require odd sizes. Sometimes you can get away with adding a layer of tape around the end of a slightly undersized hex key. Folding hex key sets are generally not recommended.
💡Additional Info
  • 1/8" hex key = #10 button head bolts
  • 5/32" hex key = #10 socket head and 1/4"-20 button head bolts
  • 3/16" hex key = 1/4"-20 socket head
  • 3/8" wrench = #10 nut

#10 (0.19") hardware is incredibly common in FRC and 1/4"-20 is also popular. Manufacture’s product pages for FRC components typically include documentation showing what hardware is required for assembly or mounting.

Additional Tools That May Be Needed​

  • Tap and Die Set: Some Everybots have required the use of a 10-32 tap to thread the inner diameter of a hex shaft to be able to attach a bolt to the end. Some Everybots have used 1/4" threaded rod, which after cutting may need to be rethreaded with a 1/4"-20 die to allow nuts to fasten properly again.

  • Arbor Press: Many gearboxes require you to press a pinion onto the shaft of a motor and an Arbor Press is the best tool for that job. There are ways to press pinions without an Arbor Press but using alternate methods increases the likelihood that a mistake will be made.