What do I need to build my own Bottlehead kit?

Anyone can build our kits! We provide you with the materials you need to create your amplifier or speakers, but for many of our kits you'll require some tools and consumables to assemble. Here's a helpful list of supplies to get you started. Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on links to various merchants on this channel and make a purchase, this can result in this channel earning a commission.

• Soldering iron/station - While a soldering pen with a stand and a sponge will do, this is the tool where making a bit of an investment in this tool will pay off in the long run. This Weller station is a good starter option - just turn the heat all the way up - and this Weller model is a nice, sensible step up. Those are just two options. You'll want something that is at least 60W. If your kit doesn't include them, you may want to get a set of tips. Some of us here at Bottlehead like small chisel tips, others like needle tips. Try a few and see what works best for you.
• Solder - This is another personal choice, and there are many options. However, it is critical that the rosin (or flux) core is made for electronics. DO NOT USE ACID CORE SOLDER!  It will ruin your kit. Do not buy anything that is for plumbing. We also advise that you stay away from lead-free solder. We often find that builders report is hard to work with and it is the source of many cold solder joints that affect performance. A common choice for many Bottlehead builders is Cardas quad eutectic solder that has some silver in it, but most 63/37 solder (like this) with lead should work.
• Digital Multimeter - You need a meter that will measure 200V AC and 500V DC safely.  Those values are rounded to the next 100V increment above what is often seen in Bottlehead kits. Often we find that super cheap multimeters don't measure well. We recommend this multimeter as a decent choice. We'd also recommend getting some alligator clip leads for your multimeter for added safety.
• Small needle nosed and small flush cut pliers to cut wire and excess component leads. You don't need super expensive gear here, but you do want them to be small enough to work in tight spots. Here's a set of competent cutters, and here's a two-pack of pliers - one even has an angle for more versatility.
• A medium sized flat bladed screwdriver and a small wrench of some sort to tighten nuts.
• Wire strippers can be as simple as cheap strippers like these that will work just fine. A good upgrade for not a lot more money are strippers like these that pull the jacket off the wire for you.
• A ruler or tape measure.
• Wood Glue and masking tape for assembling the base that comes with most amplifier and preamplifier kits. We use Titebond. Original will do fine - Titebond II and III are waterproof so may be harder to clean up and are more expensive.
• A vacuum desoldering tool or solder wick to correct mistakes. I use this Engineer sucker, but you may prefer a simple solder wick like this copper braid.

Those tools are what you need, but there are some others you may want. Are there other essentials that we missed? Drop them in the comments below or visit us in the forums.