How to set up an ESP32 electronics lab: Hakko FX-888D, KAIWEETS HT118A, Tekpower TP3005T, FNIRSI 2C53T and FNB58, Innomaker LA2016, YIHUA 8786D I, Andonstar AD407 Pro and iFixit Mako compared.
The best ESP8266 boards compared: D1 Mini, Adafruit Feather HUZZAH, SparkFun Thing Dev, HiLetgo NodeMCU (micro USB and USB-C), WeMos D1 R2 and ESP-01S modules, plus ESP8266 vs ESP32 advice.
The best component storage for ESP32 makers: Akro-Mils 10164, 10144 and 10126 drawer cabinets, DEWALT Deep Pro, Stanley 25-compartment, Milwaukee PACKOUT Compact, Plano 3700 and ArtBin boxes.
The best microscopes for ESP32 PCB inspection and soldering: Andonstar AD407 Pro, AmScope SE400-Z stereo, Dino-Lite AM4113T, Plugable 250x, Jiusion, Andonstar AD249S-M and TOMLOV screen scopes.
The best soldering accessories for ESP32 work: Kester 44 solder, Chemtronics Soder-Wick, Engineer SS-02 sucker, Hakko FA-400 fume extractor, MG Chemicals and Chip Quik flux, tip tinner and a silicone mat.
The best hot air rework stations for ESP32 work: YIHUA 8786D I, 959D, 995D+ EVO, 862BD+ and 853D, WEP 882D and 8858-V, Aoyue 968A+ and ATTEN ST-862D, compared with verified Amazon links.
The best wire strippers, flush cutters and pliers for electronics: Hakko CHP-170, Engineer PA-14, Klein 11055, IRWIN self-adjusting stripper, Xuron 450 tweezer-nose pliers and Knipex Super Knips and ComStrip, compared on wire gauge range, cut quality and use cases, with verified Amazon links.
The best precision screwdriver sets for electronics and maker projects: iFixit Mako and Moray, Wera Kraftform Micro, Wiha precision drivers, Fanttik E1 Max and E2 Ultra electric screwdrivers and the STREBITO 142-piece kit, compared on bits, build quality and use cases, with verified Amazon links.
The best helping hands and PCB holders for soldering: Hakko Omnivise, PanaVise 201 and 324, Stickvise, QuadHands, NOEVSBIG, KOTTO and XYK with magnifier, compared on grip, stability, rotation and what each one holds best, with verified Amazon links.
The best USB power meters for makers, charger testing and low-power electronics: FNIRSI FNB58, ChargerLAB POWER-Z KM003C, AVHzY CT-3, RD UM25C, Plugable USB-C meter, Treedix and the Nordic PPK2 current profiler, compared on accuracy, logging, PD support and current range, with verified Amazon links.