Short answer: a beginner RC tool kit should start with metric hex drivers, a small nut driver or wrench set if your car needs it, body scissors and a reamer for clear bodies, a cell checker for LiPo packs, and a parts tray. Buy tools that fit the screws on your actual RC car. Cheap all-purpose drivers can strip small hex screws and turn a five-minute repair into a parts order.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. RC Tech Tips may receive a commission if you use Amazon links on this page. Match tool sizes to your vehicle and battery setup before buying.
Beginner RC Tools To Compare
| Tool | Best for | Verify first | Avoid if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metric hex driver kit | Most hobby-grade RC maintenance | 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0mm coverage | Your vehicle uses mostly Phillips screws or odd sizes |
| Budget multi-driver kit | First bench setup on a tighter budget | Driver tips, handle grip, and size labels | You already strip screws with cheap tools |
| Body scissors and reamer | Painting or fitting clear bodies | Curved scissors, reamer size range, and shell fit | You never trim bodies or mount new shells |
| Traxxas tool kit | Traxxas receiver boxes and simple service | Exact tool contents and sizes | You need a broader non-Traxxas bench kit |
| LiPo cell checker | Battery diagnosis and safe charging prep | Balance plug and cell-count support | You only run NiMH packs |
Basic RC hex driver options
INJORA metric hex driver kit
INJORA Short Handle Hex Screwdriver Nut Driver Tool Kit for 1/18 1/24 RC Mini Crawler Car TRX4M SCX24 FCX24,7PCS
Best for: new hobby-grade owners who need basic metric hex drivers for maintenance
Avoid if: toy-grade buyers who do not need hobby tools yet
Verify included sizes such as 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm before buying.
Buy on Amazon
16-piece metric hex driver kit
havcybin Hex Allen Screwdriver Kit - 16pcs RC Car Traxxas Helicopter Tool Set
Best for: beginners comparing a broader low-cost tool kit
Avoid if: readers who need premium RC-specific drivers right away
Verify included sizes, handle quality, and fit before buying.
Buy on AmazonBody, Traxxas, and battery tools to verify
RC body scissors and reamer kit
RC Car Body Reamer 0-14mm Hole Puncher Tool Kit with Curved & Straight Lexan Scissors, Hobby Knife, RC Accessories, RC Shell Mounting &Trimming Tools for Trucks & Plastic Model Building (Black)
Best for: new body painters trimming a clear shell
Avoid if: readers who already have curved scissors and a body reamer
Verify tool contents and quality before buying.
Buy on Amazon
Traxxas tool kit
Traxxas Tool Set with Pouch (TRX3415)
Best for: owners who need correct hex drivers for service
Avoid if: readers who already have the correct driver sizes
Tools do not fix binding by themselves; diagnose first.
Buy on Amazon
LiPo cell checker
QWORK RC Battery Capacity Checker 2–7S LiPo Li‑ion NiMH – Multi‑Mode Voltage Display for Drone, RC Car & Airplane
Best for: Readers who want a quick way to check individual cell voltage through the balance plug
Avoid if: Readers expecting it to replace a real balance charger or fix a damaged pack
Use it as a voltage checker only and stop if cells are far out of balance
Check current price on AmazonStart With Hex Drivers, Not A Huge Tool Box
Most hobby-grade RC cars use small metric hex hardware. A better 2.0mm driver can save more frustration than a giant cheap tool set because stripped screws are common when the tip does not fit cleanly. If your car is Traxxas, ARRMA, Axial, Redcat, or another hobby brand, check the manual and buy sizes that match the screws you actually touch.
If this is your first vehicle, use the beginner guide to RC cars to decide whether you are buying for crawling, bashing, drifting, or a kid’s first truck. Different vehicles need different bench habits.
Body Tools Only Matter If You Paint Or Replace Bodies
Curved body scissors and a body reamer are worth owning if you paint clear bodies, mount a new shell, or open body-post holes cleanly. They are less urgent if your vehicle came with a painted body and you only need basic repairs.
If you are painting a body, read how to paint an RC car body before buying paint or a shell. The big mistake is buying paint for hard plastic when the body is clear polycarbonate.
Battery Tools Belong In The Kit If You Run LiPo
A cell checker is not a wrench, but it belongs in a LiPo owner’s tool kit. It helps you check individual cell voltage before charging, after a run, or when low-voltage cutoff happens early.
For battery setup, pair this page with how to charge a LiPo battery safely and RC battery connector types. Tools do not help much if the charger, connector, and pack are mismatched.
Small Bench Habits Prevent Lost Parts
Use a tray, small cups, or a magnetic mat when removing screws. Take phone photos before pulling apart a steering link, receiver box, or shock mount. Many beginner repairs go wrong because parts are lost or reinstalled in the wrong order, not because the part was hard to replace.
For Traxxas-specific radio work, keep the Traxxas TQi binding guide nearby before opening a receiver box.
FAQ
What size hex drivers do RC cars use?
Many hobby RC cars use small metric hex sizes such as 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm, but check your manual. Do not buy by guesswork if you already have stripped screws.
Do beginners need RC body scissors?
Only if you plan to trim or paint a clear body. If your first RC is already painted and you are only doing repairs, hex drivers are more important.
Is a cheap RC tool kit good enough?
It can be fine for light use, but driver fit matters. A sloppy hex tip can strip small screws, especially on frequently serviced parts like shocks, arms, and receiver boxes.
