Recommended PC Tools
Personal computers are relatively homogeneous, and a basic set of PC tools will work across most manufacturer designs. You may need to have special driver tips occasionally, but most PC work can be accomplished with little more than a screwdriver and some tweezers. A basic PC repair kit includes a few common tools and one or two others that might surprise you.
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Screwdrivers
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An assortment of screwdrivers is helpful. Working on a PC requires several different screwdrivers. You will need a small Phillips (#1 head) and a medium Phillips (#2 head), a small straight head and a medium straight head. Some computers use star bits or hex-head bolts. A PC is sensitive to magnetic fields, so avoid using magnetized screwdrivers. A ratcheting driver with an assortment of interchangeable tips saves a great deal of time and reduces the amount of equipment must be carried.
Long Tweezers
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Long tweezers can reach into spaces too small for fingers. A long, thin pair of tweezers allows you to reach into hard places to retrieve a dropped screw. Tweezers are also the best tool for pulling or installing jumpers. Most of the screws and bolts used inside a computer are quite short, and it is often easier to hold them with tweezers than with your fingers.
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Needle Nose Pliers
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Needle nose pliers have many uses. It is a good idea to keep a pair of pliers in your PC toolkit, and needle nose pliers have several benefits. The long, tapered head reaches into small places, the jaws are strong enough to crimp or clamp an object, and most brands include a wire cutting edge. You may still want to have a pair of lineman's pliers for "heavy" work, but a solid pair of needle nose pliers is usually sufficient.
Magnifying Glass
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A magnifying glass reduces eye strain. A magnifying glass will allow you to read fine print on a circuit board more clearly. It is unusual for a motherboard to be printed with helpful information, but the text may be too small to see clearly without aid. Working with small screws is much easier if you magnify the work area.
Compressed Air
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Compressed air is used to clear dust from a circuit board. Computer cases are notorious for collecting dust. Air is drawn into the machine and circulating for cooling, but it deposits airborne pollutants as it passes. A spray can of compressed air will remove dust from card and chip slots, and may even allow the CPU to run cooler.
Flashlight
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Use a flashlight to peer into dim computer interiors. A small, powerful flashlight is a must have, but a light that can be clipped to another surface and positioned for the most benefit is worth the investment. Even something as simple as installing RAM chips is easier if you can shine a light on the socket instead of wiggling the chip into the slot.
Testing Equipment
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Multimeters are handy, but not used as often as you might think for PC repair. A decent multimeter should be available, but it is important to understand that a lot of PC repair involves removing the old component and plugging a replacement into place. One of your most useful diagnostic tools will be the POST (Power On Self Test) performed by the computer BIOS at start up. Testing the voltage on leads coming out of the power supply needs to be done on occasion, but a majority of the work involves little or no electrical testing.
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References
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