With the holiday season upon us, many folks are looking for those perfect last minute stocking stuffers for their favorite RC enthusiasts. No matter if they like to race, bash, or simply build RC models, a good set of tools is always a necessity. So if you are looking for some great last minute gift ideas for someone passionate into RC, then check our Top Ten Tools for 2020!
Every hobby enthusiast needs a good pair of scissors so look no further than the JConcepts Precision Curved Scissors. These are comprised of two stainless steel blades with a slight curve to them. Etched into one of the blades is an authentic JConcepts logo and the blades are wrapped in black, ergonomic handles. The curved blades will come in handy when trimming out lexan bodies especially in the wheel wells, but they can also be used to cut soft plastic and rubber, fabric and thin paper products. You can cut into harder materials but do note that this will shorten the life of the blades.
#2 Precision Hobby Knife Handle
Another commonly used tool for those hard to reach areas that you can’t access with scissors is the common hobby knife, but there is nothing common about the JConcepts Precision Hobby Knife Handle. This is constructed of lightweight, machined aluminum, and is available in black or blue color options. Technically this product is only a handle since a blade is not included, but this allows you to install the blade of your choice. The most commonly used blade for hobby knifes is a #11 blade, but the Precision Hobby Knife Handle is also compatible with other popular blade sizes.
The long handle on the opposite end of where the blade is located is hollow which allows you to store extra blades inside. Simply remove the knurled end cap to access them and to keep your installed blade out of harm’s way thread on the included aluminum blade cover.
#2552-1 – Blue – MSRP $36.00
#2552-2 – Black- MSRP $36.00
Anyone into RC needs a good reamer when mounting a new body shell and JConcepts offers a reamer that is both stylish and highly functional at the same time. The Fin Reamer is available in both blue and black color options, and each one is comprised of lightweight aluminum material. The handle incorporates tear-drop recessed pockets which act as a way to reduce the overall weight and increase your grip on it. Forged into the top of the handle is a 2mm set screw that holds the steel tip in place, but no assembly is required upon purchase. On the bottom of the handle is black end cap which features a JC logo.
The steel tip uses a tapered design with a circumference range of 0mm (the top of the tip) to 14 mm (the base of the tip). Also included is a molded plastic cap that fits securely over the steel tip. The cap keeps the tip from coming into contact with other materials when not in use, and ribbing has been added to it so it is easier to grab when it needs to be removed.
#2452-1 – Blue – MSRP $45.00
#2452-2 – Black- MSRP $45.00
#4 Tire Break-In Drill Adaptor Kit
Tire prep is key in today’s off-road racing, so JConcepts has released this product to make that task much easier for any driver. This is constructed from both machined steel and aluminum. The long hex drive shaft is comprised of steel and will fit many common drills of today. The large flywheel nut is crafted from aluminum and has several large circular patterns of material removed to cut down on its weight plus enhance its overall appearance. Resting on the steel shaft is a double-sided hex adapter that is also constructed from aluminum and anodized in black.
One side of the hex adapter is used for 12mm hex wheels which is common in 1/10 vehicles like 2wd/4wd buggies, stadium and short course trucks. The other side is larger at 17mm which is common for 1/8 wheels for vehicles like buggies and truggies. The shaft has two flat spots on it that will help to seat the hex adapter and position it correctly. Then slip on the correct wheel and tire combo and secure it into place by tightening the flywheel nut.
After you get your tires to the correct tread height, a lot of times you need to add tire additive and JConcepts has your back once again. This brush is available in both blue and black color options. Both brushes are comprised of firm plastic with white, durable nylon bristles at one end, and a thick, durable handle on the other end. A JConcepts.net logo is engraved into the handle on the top side, and it features several cut out slots or pockets.
Another unique feature of the JConcepts Liquid Application Brush is the recessed thumb area located right above the handle on the top side. This allows the brush to fit comfortably in either hand, and you can use it to add more pressure to the brush when applying tire sauce if needed.
#2555-1 – Blue – MSPR $11.00
#2555-2 – Black – MSRP $11.00
To keep your car’s handling consistent you need a tool to set the correct ride height and sometimes you also want something more stylish than the run of the mill plastic gauges. If that is the case then look no further than the JConcepts Aluminum Ride Height Gauge. This gauge comes pre-assembled and includes a latch box with foam cushion that snugly stores it in place when not in use. It is constructed from lightweight, aluminum and is available in both blue or black anodizing.
The various measurements and JConcepts logos of authenticity are laser etched onto it and chamfer edging highlights have been added to increase the looks of this tool. Simply move the ride height gauge to the desired setting and then lock it into place by tightening the included turn knob. Height ranges from 10-40mm are available which will work on a variety of different RC classes.
#2282-1 – Blue – MSRP $40.00
#2282-2 – Black – MSRP $40.00
When rebuilding a diff at the track, or at home, staying neat and organized is critical to make sure you get the job done swiftly and correctly and that is where the JConcepts Rubber Parts Tray really shines. These trays are comprised of soft, flexible rubber that still hold their shape after repeated use and are loaded with many nice features. There are 10 different compartments molded into them with one main large compartment that is the entire length of the tray. Six smaller compartments can be used for small screws, body clips, wheel nuts, or those pesky diff balls that always seem to roll off your pit mat during a build.
There is one medium size compartment to left of those smaller compartments. Along the top there are six holes that are designed to hold your differentials when you need to top them off with fluid or when performing a full rebuild. There are also small compartments between each set of holes which can be used to store small pins, shims, etc. With nine different color options to choose from, you can’t go wrong with the JConcepts Parts Tray!
#2550-1 – Blue – MSRP $16.00
#2550-2 – Black – MSRP $16.00
#2550-3 – White – MSRP $16.00
#2550-4 – Pink – MSRP $16.00
#2550-5 – Green – MSRP $16.00
#2550-6 – Orange – MSRP $16.00
#2550-7 – Red – MSRP $16.00
#2550-8 – Gray – MSRP $16.00
#8117 – Yellow – MSRP $16.00
Don’t let the size of this tool fool you, it can come in quite handy on those major thrash sessions on your work bench. The Combo Thumb Wrench is comprised of light-weight aluminum, and is anodized in blue or black color options. On one end of the tool is a 7.0mm wrench, and the opposite side is the 5.5mm wrench. Each side of the wrench is laser etched to distinguish the individual sizes, plus an authentic JC logo. Chamfered silver edging has been added to each end to enhance the appearance, and the center of the Combo Thumb Wrench is completely hollow to reduce its weight.
Since many of today’s vehicles use these very common hex nut sizes this tool is a must have for all racers. By purchasing this one tool you can wrench on two different areas of your vehicle, and save some space and money at the same time.
#2556-1 – Blue – MSRP $12.00
#2556-2 – Black- MSRP $12.00
For nitro fans this is a must have item in your toolbox. A 4-shoe clutch is popular with today’s nitro engines so Ryan Maifield and JConcepts engineers worked together to craft a tool to make maintenance easier in this area. The RM2 Flywheel Wrench is offered in black and crafted from precision machine aluminum. Its design features chamfer highlight edging and will provide a clean and tight fit on many 4-show clutches out on the market today.
#10 RM2 Aluminum Camber Gauge 120mm or Aluminum Camber Gauge
Finally, for #10 we actually had two different camber gauges listed. The reason is that one of them was designed primarily for 1/10 vehicles and the other is more suited for 1/8 or larger rides. So depending on your RC discipline, you might choose one over the other, or decide to pick them both up! So let’s go over each one briefly.
The RM2 Aluminum 1/8 Camber Gauge is crafted from billet aluminum material and has been anodized in a brilliant red color. Laser etched into the gauge are camber increments that span from -10 to +10 degrees, and it also features chamfered silver edges which enhance its appearance even more. The gauge is 120mm tall so it is the perfect pit tool for racers who compete with larger tires commonly found on today’s 1/8 buggies and trucks. And to store and protect it while not in use it also comes with a latch box with foam cushioning.
The Aluminum Camber Gauge is also crafted from lightweight, aluminum and is available in both blue or black color options. Just like the RM2 gauge, laser etched into it are camber increments that span from -10 to +10 degrees. Chamfer highlighted edging has been added to give it that appealing aesthetic look, and it also comes with a storage box with custom cut gray foam to store it when it is not in use.
#8128 – RM2 Aluminum Camber Gauge 120mm – MSRP $55.00
#2283 – Aluminum Camber Gauge – MSRP $42.00