Recommended Gear
Over the years of building, bashing, and upgrading RC cars I've accumulated a list of tools, supplies, and hardware that I actually use. These aren't random Amazon finds -- these are things that live on my workbench or in my parts bin and get used regularly. If you're serious about maintaining and upgrading your rig, these are worth having.
This list is updated regularly. Bookmark it and check back.
Category: Hardware and Fasteners
M3 CS Washers - Add that special finishing touch on your M3 screws - https://amzn.to/4mzfGcz
RC Diff Shims 13x16x0.1mm - Proper shimming makes a real difference - https://amzn.to/4cAeFw9
Steel Shock Springs - X-Maxx Shock Springs. Pair these with our GPM Shock core and cap - https://amzn.to/486DBdm
Category: Tools and Chemicals
MIP Toolset - Buy once, cry once. These bits are top notch and some of the only bits I will use on my rigs. -- 1.5mm, 2mm and 2.5mm Hex Wrenches - https://amzn.to/3Om8pOH
Thread Lock Orange - Not blue, orange. Blue loosens with hand tools. Orange is semi-permanent and what you want on anything that takes real impact -- bash bumpers, motor mounts, skid plates. Don't skip this - https://amzn.to/4vqksgm
Category: Electrical and Connectors - If you're upgrading your power system having these on hand saves you a trip to the hobby shop.
Solder Wire - https://amzn.to/4vPEQrE
Spektrum IC5 Connector Pair - https://amzn.to/3Q6JJMD
XT90-S Connectors (5 pair) - https://amzn.to/4chjKuy
QS8 Connectors (3 pair) - https://amzn.to/3Qu7KMT
Waterproof Servo (1/5 - 1/16 scale) - https://amzn.to/3Ou8TnF
Category: Safety and Organization
Zip Ties 12 inch Black - What we use to secure all of our motor and ESC shrouds - https://amzn.to/42ecd9K
Hoovo Lipo Storage Bags - https://amzn.to/4tSPxYA
JST-XH 3S Balance Lead Extensions - https://amzn.to/4tMXcHQ
Car Door Trim - A clean way to protect the edges of your body and wing panels. Easy to apply and adds a finished look - https://amzn.to/41Epybf
Category: Maintenance
Diff Oil - Diff tuning changes how your car drives more than almost any other mod. Having a range of weights lets you dial in your setup for different surfaces and driving styles.
100K CST (70ml) - https://amzn.to/4ucZIaL
30K CST (70ml) - https://amzn.to/4epRnvo
20M CST (TRA5040) - https://amzn.to/4mzmB5n
Shock Oil - Shock oil is one of the main tuning tools in your suspension on an rigs. It directly controls how the truck reacts to bumps, jumps, and weight transfer.
80wt 1000 CST (70ml) - https://amzn.to/4vuwSUt
70wt 900 CST (70ml) - https://amzn.to/4es12lc
50wt 640 CST (70ml) - https://amzn.to/4tSYfWS
I'll keep adding to this list as I find things worth recommending. If there's something you swear by that isn't here, message me on Facebook or via email -- I'm always looking for what the community is actually running.
**Affiliate Disclosure: 3D Abilities is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or have verified as quality options for RC hobbyists.**