Here's an off the wall question for the TEA crowd: what's your favorite nonconductive adjustment/alignment tool(s)? I'm looking for some that don't end up twisting and breaking like the plastic ones I have.
1.) Bernstein combo kit 1-250 (with add ons, also applies to 1-200, both contain a mix of 1-30x/1-15x + other)
2.) Bernstein 1-750 exchangeable tip ceramic+plastic (absolute supreme)
3.) Aven Tools #13016 9-pc. ESD-safe (via Digikey)
4.) Belzer 5500/12
5.) Belzer 5500/?? (ca. 35pc)
6.) Bernstein bronze tip 1-300
7.) Bernstein 'Bernsteinit' with special plastic blades 1-150
8.) FriDaRem #777
(also any other Bernstein like 1-160, 1-190, as well as the Contrelec and Bourns tools for their trimmers)
Yes, I also own the GC Electronics #8283, but I was not overly thrilled by it. It is tucked away with the big XCelite Toolkit, so that I can go totally 'merican, if needed.
The tools from the trimpot manufacturers were 2 sizes at first, with the micro form factor they have added a third.
They are useful in that they prevent you from slipping. Of course, here the dielectric construction isn't as important as in RF, and Belzer made a very nice pair in metal with little handles.)