Component & Tool List

This is a list of commonly used components and tools for switch adapting toys. Most components can be purchased from different manufacturers for various prices, and the tools listed are widely available at most local hardware stores but you can also use the link below to find our recommended links. Not every tool and component is needed for every toy. Please check the first page of a toy's Maker Guide to see what it specifically calls for.

Click to Find Where to Purchase

Components

Mono Jack

3.5 mm Rectangular Mono Jack

The most used mono jack. Solder wires onto the two tabs closest to the cable input.

Example: wires soldered onto the two tabs closest to the cable input

3.5 mm Square Mono Jack

Solder wires onto the two tabs directly across from each other.

Example: wires soldered onto the two tabs directly across from each other

3.5 mm Mono Jack Flat Rectangular

3.5 mm Flat Mono Jack

Cables

3.5 mm F/Bare Mono Cable (1 ft)

~$20.22 CAD / 10-pack

Standard mono cable, ready to use as-is.

3.5 mm F/Bare Stereo Cable (1 ft)

~$10.99 CAD / 10-pack

To use as a mono cable: fully strip the insulation off the white wire, and 0.5 cm from the red and black wires. Wrap the exposed wire around the red cable.

Stereo cable stripped and wrapped as a mono cable

Example: stripped and wrapped to use as a mono cable

Battery Interrupter

Flex PCB

Request directly from Makers Making Change.

Additional Components

22 AWG Wire

Any 22 AWG silicone wire will work.

10,000 pf (103) Capacitor

Used for adapting multiple RC cars, including the Amazon Dinosaur RC Car, the Prextex RC Race and Police Car, and the Prextex RC Truck and Tractor.

Toggle Switch

~$15.98 CAD / 10-pack

Used in the Nerf N-Strike Elite Hyperfire Blaster.

Tools

Soldering Kit

~$39.99 CAD

An easy and cheap way to acquire a lot of tools at once. Includes a soldering iron, solder, soldering iron stand, sponge, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, flush cutter, tweezers, and more.

Wire Strippers

~$21.43 CAD

Required for mono jack / cable toys.

Multi Head Screwdriver

~$31.77 CAD

Comes with 26 bits. Helpful to have a few more screwdrivers than soldering irons on hand at events. Most toys use Phillips screwdrivers.

Cable Tie

~$10.99 CAD

Attach to the mono cable on the inside of the toy for strain relief. A pack of 150 typically includes 50 each of 10cm, 20cm, and 30cm ties.

Flush Cutter

Used to cut wires. Already included in the soldering kit above.

Drill and Drill Bits

~$69.99 CAD

Needed to create a hole in hardshell toys for a cable or jack. Use a 1/8" drill bit for a mono cable, and a 1/4" drill bit for a mono jack.

Safety Glasses

~$39.50 CAD / pack of 28

One pair per person is a good idea at events.

Silicone Mat

~$9.99 CAD (often on sale for $5)

Useful to have one with each soldering iron at events.

Silicone Mat (Personal Workstation)

~$25.99 CAD

A larger mat, good for a personal workstation.

Pliers

~$11.99 CAD

Long Nose Pliers

~$11.99 CAD

Multimeter

~$23.99 CAD

Useful for deciding where to solder new wires onto a PCB.

Electrical Tape

~$4.70 CAD

Often required for toys adapted with a mono jack.

Helping Hands

~$29.99 CAD

Can be helpful when soldering.

Hot Glue Gun

~$19.99 CAD

Needle and Thread

Sometimes needed to close plush toys back up.

Want to learn more about this program or request a device?

Copyright © 2026 Neil Squire / Makers Making Change. Content is licensed under the CC BY SA 4.0 License. This website is built with MKDocs. MKDocs is MIT-licensed software and is not covered by the CC BY-SA license applied to this site's content.