Essential Battery Building Supplies

Salvaging tools

Such a simple tool but I cannot stress how much I end up using these for a lot of other tasks in my life. If you are going to be breaking down a lot of packs I highly suggest getting the more expensive set, they last much longer.

Cell Chargers and Testers

Testers are a product that are very much you get what you pay for. Although you will never get the same accuracy as a lab-grade tester with a hobby one the SkyRC will get you close. The most important thing is only to get the same brand and model if you plan to test a lot of cells.

Not sure which cells you are testing? Browse the cell database to look up specs and compare discharge ratings before you test.

Pack Capacity Testers

If you are looking to test the capacity of a fully completed pack one of these are the way to go. If you are buying a pack having one of these to confirm you got what you paid for will pay for itself. Plus other uses like discharging a pack before shipping or running a pack through a full charge/discharge cycle.

Internal Resistance (IR) Testers

Testing IR is in our opinion one of the best ways to judge the health of a cell. Using the IR reading from a charger/tester screen will be nowhere near as accurate as a standalone tester. You cannot go wrong with either of the two listed here.

Not sure which cells you are testing? Browse the cell database to look up specs and compare discharge ratings before you test.

Soldering Irons

Having a good soldering iron is crucial when building packs and working with electronics. I have two different in my battery-building supply kit. First I have a no-name 100W and in addition, I have the Weller 260W. Each is used for different things but in general the higher the watts the faster you can solder.

Metal Strips and Sheeting

Finding solid nickel and copper strips has been the bane of my battery supplies hunt. I cannot tell you how many different suppliers I have tried but you are in luck. Below are the best I have found. I know I have nickel-plated steel listed and the reason is when doing a copper-nickel sandwich it is easier to use than pure nickel strip.

Choosing between nickel and copper? Our copper-nickel sandwich guide explains when pure nickel is fine and when adding copper makes a difference.

Heat Shrink and Insulators

Using insulating layers and proper tapes is a good way to add some safety to your battery pack. Not only does using multiple layers help avoid certain components rubbing on each other but it will also add a barrier to slow water entering the pack. If wrapped and sealed properly you can make a pack water resistant and add some cushion for bumps and bangs.

Starter Spot Welders

The first tool in your battery-building supply arsenal is a quality spot welder. This is a crucial bit of kit as it will dictate your overall pack quality and look. If you are building a single pack going for a lower-end portable spot welder is totally fine. If you plan on building many packs best to bite the bullet and get the best spot welder you can.

Misc. Tools

Choosing a BMS? The BMS Picker matches your series count and discharge current to compatible products.

Partnered Suppliers

Stores we buy from ourselves. Some have given us discount codes for our readers.