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| Issue 40 (October 2009) |
Words: Staff |
This month's Tools of the Trade is based on the seven most important tools, so what better way to list these tools and have a kit with pretty much everything you need. Century has developed an all-in-one kit that covers every inch of a helicopter build and then some. Let's take a look at the new Century Heli Tool Box and find out what it includes.
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Features
Century offers two different kits, which include a 15-piece set and a 20-piece. Both sets are packaged in an aluminum hard case, making transportation a simple matter. Inside the case, there are three levels of foam, each with specific cutouts for the designated tools. The 20-piece kit comes with just about anything you could ever possibly need in a toolkit. After opening the case, you'll see that there is a piece of foam glued to the lid of the case that contains all the different drivers in the set. You have your classic hex driver set that comes in the typical 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and even 4.0 sizes. Each hex driver has a different colored anodized handle so it can be easily distinguished. There is also a pair of Wiha 5.0 and 7.0 nut drivers, and a pair of Wiha Phillips head screwdrivers that come in small and medium sizes. Also sharing the top level is a CNC anodized ball link sizing tool, a CNC ball link driver (for assembling ball links), and a unique crank lock tool for your engine. Of course, no tool set would be complete without a bottle of blue thread lock so naturally it is included in this kit.
On the lower level of the case, all the necessary larger tools are fitted in a piece of foam. Perhaps the one that stands out the most is the unique Century pendulum pitch gauge that is pretty easy to use since it displays the reading for you. Gone are the days of squinting one eye while trying to line up your flybar to the pitch gauge. There is also a pair of large curved tipped ball link pliers and a pair of needle-nose pliers to take care of all your pliers needs. Century also included its easy-to-use ball link-assembling tool for accurate measurements during setup. There is even a glow driver, which helps pilots not to forget it at home or at the field. At first glance, it appeared that these were all the tools included in the kit; however, we learned that there is another level at the bottom. After lifting up the foam containing the pliers and pitch gauge, we found another layer of foam glued to the base of the case. This layer contains the paddle alignment gauges and the charger for the glow driver. There are also more foam cutout opportunities if you ever have the desire to carry anything extra in the case to the field.
Conclusion
The new Century toolkit is a pretty impressive set of tools that comes in a very well-organized package. It is relatively pricey, but considering that it comes with pretty much all the essentials, it proves to be quite a bargain. This is especially perfect for any first-time builders looking to buy themselves a nice set of tools to begin building their first helicopter. It can also be an option for just anybody who is looking to upgrade their tired tool set. The 15-piece set is a little cheaper but doesn't come with the Wiha set and the glow driver. Overall, this is a very impressive set of tools, and Century did a great job packaging them all together.
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HITS
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• Well organized
• Great quality
•Comes with everything
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MISSES
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• Drivers fall out of foam cutouts
MANUFACTURER: Century Helicopter Products
PART NUMBER(S): CN204NA
STREET PRICE: $139.95 (20-Piece) $109.95 (15-Piece)
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