Top Ten Tools for Indoor Racing - ProTek RC

Hex drivers are absolutely essential for RCers of any level, whether you’re a racer or fun-runner. As a racer, you probably already have a set—but why not upgrade for the indoor season? If your drivers’ tips are looking worn, or you’d just like a more premium set of tools, adding a set of TruTorque SL Drivers will instantly improve your wrenching experience. The 20mm machined aluminum handles are knurled for grip, hollowed out for lightness, and the tip sizes are laser-etched in three locations, so you’ll always grab the correct driver. The precision tips are made of high-speed steel for long life and perfect fit, and if you ever do wear out a tip, replacements are available, so you don’t need to replace the entire driver. Also available in standard sizes (0.05, 1/16, 5/64, and 3/32”), item no. PTK-8418.

Have you ever stripped wires just for fun? You might start with this tool. Just insert the wire into the jaws to the mark that shows the amount of insulation you want to be removed, then squeeze—the tool grabs the insulation and strips it off in one motion. There’s also a cutting jaw to easily snip wires to size, and the tension-setting knob on the back of the tool lets you adjust the stripping jaws to grab gently for soft silicone wire or bite more firmly to strip plastic-coated wires.

You’re not still fumbling around with the stamped turnbuckle wrench that came with your kit, are you? You deserve much better—every racer does. ProTek’s aluminum turnbuckle wrench set is the way to go. The machined aluminum jaws fit precisely, and the 45-degree jaw angle means you’ll always be able to get a good pull on the turnbuckle. And unlike thin stamped wrenches, the ProTek tool’s thick aluminum stock won’t slide off the turnbuckle flats even if you need to engage the turnbuckle at an angle. So, treat yourself to the 4-piece set to cover every car and truck in your fleet (and any kits you build in the future), or get the wrenches individually: choose 5.5x 6mm, 4x5mm, 3.5x3.7mm, or 3x3.2mm.

Everyone knows shock shafts must be free of scratches and gouges, or else your shocks will leak. So how do you hold the shafts tight enough to screw the rod ends on without damaging the shaft finish? TruTorque Shock Shaft Pliers are the answer. The front-hinge design amplifies clamping power to hold the shaft tightly, yet the jaws will never scratch because the aluminum tool is softer than the steel shaft. Two openings cover all shaft sizes used by 1/10 and 1/8 scale vehicles, but that’s just the beginning of what this tool can do. There are also two large openings for 1/10 and 1/8 scale shock bodies and caps, and the built-in pivot-ball tool effortlessly installs and removes pivot balls from shock caps and rod ends without marring. So, you’ll never fear damaging a shock shaft, pivot ball, or rod-end again!

Some tracks have plenty of lighting in the pits. Other tracks … not so much. ProTek’s folding pit light is the easy way to brighten up your space with 28 high-power LEDs and get all the glow you need to work comfortably. Five brightness settings and three color-temperature modes let you customize the rotating head’s light output to suit conditions and your preference, and you won’t need an extra outlet to fire it up. The pit light runs on 6-15 volts of DC power from a USB plug, LiPo battery, or your power supply via the included USB and bullet-plug adapters. The pit light is built to last with aluminum construction for years of use at home and at the track.

Temp guns aren’t just for nitro guys—electric racers also need accurate temperature data, and the TruTemp Infrared Thermometer delivers high accuracy in a compact, lightweight unit. Is your gearing too tall, or do you have room to go up a tooth? Your motor’s temperature will tell you. Is your soldering iron up to temp—or cool enough to put away? Shoot it with the TruTemp, and you’ll know for sure, with all the data on a crisp LCD display. The TruTemp is also perfect for checking track and tire temperature, speed control and servo heating, and french-fry freshness (very important). The TruTemp runs on two AAA batteries, saves your maximum and minimum recorded temperatures, and conserves power with its auto-off function.

Every racer owns a set of hex drivers. Unfortunately, way too many racers do not own a set of nut drivers—they’re the guys hassling with a tiny 4-way wrench whenever they need to turn a nut. ProTek’s 4-wrench set is equipped with precision 5, 5.5, 7, and 8mm sockets for a no-slip fit on shock-mounting nuts, wheel nuts, and any other nuts you encounter. Premium construction features steel tips with an attractive and corrosion-resistant bronze finish, and the sockets are deep to swallow extra-long screws. The 20mm aluminum handles are knurled for grip, hollowed for lightness, and the socket size is etched-in for easy identification—a must-have for race-worthy wrenching.