Downing's Basement

Having the proper tools when working on portables or small electronics makes all the difference in the world! Below is the list of tools and consumables that I personally have used in the past or some variant of them.

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• The KSGER T12 Soldering Station is an amazing iron for the price. It is very easy to use, has smart features and settings depending on which tip you have installed and is just overall a very solid unit.
• This extra set of tips I also recommend as it will pretty much give you all the soldering capacity of just about every soldering situation you’d run into with portable projects.
• Kester Solder is a very good general purpose solder for these projects and the Rosin core helps to insure a durable solder joint.
• Flux is another critical component you will need and these MG Chemical Rosin Flux pens do an amazing job.
• This Gamebit screwdriver is used to open up the N64 and other various Nintendo products. With both sizes in one bit, this lets you open the system and games with ease.
• A precision screwdriver set is critical, but ones that give you a bit of leverage will be a huge help. The Phillips #0 and #1 are critical to N64 portable builds.
• A good set of Tweezers are also invaluable, especially when it comes the the 34AWG wire we’re going to have the handle where standard pliers aren’t a practical fit.
• A Dremel is also an investment purchase, but this tool has multiple uses outside modding and is just plain handy to have. I’d go Brand Name with this as the Dremel quality and reliability is just unmatched.
• A set of mini pliers with needle and flat nose are a must have for any electronics work.
• There are three gauges of wire that are commonly used and having on hand will be required. First, a spool each of 22AWG stranded in Red and Black is needed for proper power distribution. It’s thicker and can handle the power loads in most portables.
• 30AWG Wrapping wire is what I use for all controls, audio and video connections. Having a spool of each color will help keep connections easy to identify in the build and will prevent connecting wires to the wrong place. I recommend a spool each of White, Black, Green, Orange, Red and Yellow. You will need a special wire stripping tool to strip the 30 AWG which I’ll have listed above.
• 34AWG Magnet Wire isn’t 100% required for N64 portable builds but more so if you’re getting into Wii modding with crazy board trims. It’s very handy to have for small precision wiring that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
• This 20-30AWG wire stripper is an amazing product that lets you adjust the gauge wire on the fly. Though it will work on 22AWG, I’d recommend a “plier” or automatic style stripper for that.
• Goop is one of my favorite general purpose adhesives. Though it takes about an hour for it to cure, when it does, it remains flexible, so it will not crack and has amazing strength that can still be removed if need be.
• Cyanoacrylate Instant Adhesive is another favorite of mine for plastic bonding. With maybe 3 seconds to work with, the chemical reaction basically fuses two pieces of plastic together making a bond that is damn near unbreakable. Great for enclosure work.
• Hot Glue Gun, though not recommended for anything structural, I find myself still using one in 2025 for wire management or tacking components in place before Goop or Superglue for the final bond.
• A versatile X-acto knife set will help a great deal with decals and fine trimming parts of the 3D printed casing.
• I know Nail Files may seem a bit out of context here, but they are amazing tools final finishing and de-burring. Having a set on hand will be a great help.
• A basic Drill Index is highly recommended, if for nothing else, is good to have around the house. Certain sized drill bits may also be required for certain projects as well, so having one on hand will be very useful.
• A Step-Bit set will be needed in some cases as well to “smooth out” 3D printed holes and clean up burrs that the process leaves behind. A basic set will do.
• A Cordless Drill will also be required for general console modding. I personally like the 12V Makita or Bosch drills, but any will do.
• Rapid Tact is a liquid used to adhere vinyl decals to the enclosures. It allows for the decal to be positioned before sticking permanently to the surface.
• Anker USB-C 45W Power Delivery charges and cables work very well for all USB-C compatible mods.
• A good set of Digital Calipers is a must in any Electronics work shop. Fowler makes a good and reasonably priced set.
• A quality Multimeter will be a requirement for all Electronics work. I would highly recommend not skimping on this as accurate readings will be crucial in successful portable making.

I’m sure I’ll be adding more to this list as time goes on, but this is a good starting point and if you’re new into the hobby, yeah it’s a lot to take in just get started, but don’t let that stop you. Bring in little bits at a time and overtime, your shop and abilities will grow!