What hardware tools do you recommend? Starting out...

[kryptonianson]

I am just starting out so I can try and survive this economy and I am not sure how long my job will last me. What tools would you recommend. I know there are probably some threads that discuss this, but I am curios on actual recommendations, like what pc tool kit would you recommend (hardware tools) and so forth. What voltage meter (if not already in the kit) and what brand etc. And any other suggestions you have. Thanks in advance to everyone.

 

[Blues]

I would get a screw driver set with different bits for different heads. I would aim for the smaller sized bits since most equipement on electronics is screwed together with rather small heads. I would say that is the only required tool set beyond that its all just extra that is convient or nice to have and simplfies work and adds a measure of confirmation to what you typically can determine in other ways.

 

[l337]

screwdrivers philips, flathead small and some larger ones sometimes the screws in old pcs can be huge lol. some allan/hex screwdrivers. static wrist strap if you belive in them.

cant think of anything else atm

 

[Tiddle]

Im also starting out.


I had google computer repair tool kit a few weeks ago. I came across one on tigerdirect. Im thinking about buying it since its only about $40.

It comes with:


Anti-Static Wrist Strap Three Prongs Holder
Electronic Tester
Brush
Knife
6 - Hex Key Bits: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm
4 - Piece Electronic Combination Wrench Set
8 - Star Bits: T10h, T15h, T20h, T25h, T27h, T30h, T35h, T40h
2 - Phillips Bits: #0, #2
4 - Tri-Wing Bits: #1, #2, #3, #4
4 - Square Bits: #0, #1, #2, #3
2 - Flat Bits: 4mm, 6mm
6 - Hex Key Bits: 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32"
6 - Hex Key Bits: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm
5 - Torque Bits: T8, T10, T15, T20, T27
7 - Sockets: 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm
3 - Way Reversible Ratchet Handle
9 - Hex Keys
4 - 1/2" Side Cutter
20 - Screws (2 Types)
10 - Jumpers
10 - Washers
10 - Cable Ties
5" Wire Cutter / Stripper
5" Long Nose Pliers
8" Crimping Tool
Pozidriver Bit
Mini Pan Flashlight
Spare Parts Box
I.C. Insertion-Extraction Clipper
Solder Reel
Solder Iron
Pvc Leather Zipper Case



Do i need all these? Or should i just stick to the basic screwdrivers mentioned in other posts?

 

[kryptonianson]

Tiddle:
Have a link to the kit?

 

[Tiddle]

Idk if can link to site but go to tigerdirect . com and search for tools
its the first one.

 

[RonWood]

-Power Supply Tester
-Working Laptop
-External Hard Drive
-Standard screw drivers- husky makes a little one that has a red cap and gray shaft, inside are phillips ends reversible to flat and fits most all screws from case screws to laptop screws.
-Husky makes a hex set as well
-Small and Large Needle nose
-A hammer( don't laugh or judge, Ive had many a IBM side panel rusted shut)
-Jigsaw
-Low and High temp hot glue gun
-Wire strippers( auto are great as long as they have a small enough gauge)
-Wire Cutters
-Drill

These will cover most any situation. The jigsaw is in case you need to replace a power supply in a dell desktop( never used it for any other brand ). You can always try to order the specific model, but if it is a full size desktop it takes 2 minutes of cutting max to put in any other power supply.

A few of these are not hardware per se however I feel they should always be included.

 

[darthpickle]

-Low and High temp hot glue gun

What scenerio would require this? Just curious.

 

[ClickRight]

What scenerio would require this? Just curious.

I've used it for securing power / reset buttons on cases after they've been replaced. It's usually how some are secured from the factory as well.

 

[capthookss]

I have compared many sites for tool kits and, the best prices and tool assortments I have found (including shipping & handling) seem to be at: newegg and cyberguys. A good basic toolkit from cyberguys is less than $8.

I have purchased many items from newegg and their shipping time and free shipping offers are GREAT! There prices are far better than tigerdirect over 90% of the time! Cyberguys will send you a free catalog as well.

Nelson

 

[Tiddle]

I have compared many sites for tool kits and, the best prices and tool assortments I have found (including shipping & handling) seem to be at: newegg and cyberguys. A good basic toolkit from cyberguys is less than $8.

I have purchased many items from newegg and their shipping time and free shipping offers are GREAT! There prices are far better than tigerdirect over 90% of the time! Cyberguys will send you a free catalog as well.

Nelson

Thx good thing i saw this before i ordered the other

 

[stevenamills]

I stronly suggest you buy the best tools your budget will allow. I know the old saw about tools not making the workman, but a good tool makes any level repairman better. It doesn't take long to feel the difference in a Panasonic power screwdriver with a quality, positive clutch and the latest special from Harborfreight.

 

[gunslinger]

All the screw drivers are great, but the one tool I could not live without is my SATA, IDE to USB adapter. It has saved me many times.

It goes like this: You get to a customers place and see there hard drive is on its last leg or their OS is so badly infected the system is almost non-functional. The customer has 3 years of photos, emails, and music on the HDD. It takes less than an hour most times to disconnect their drive, hook up the adapter, back up their data to my Macbook, run a scan for viruses and give the data back to them on DVD before I leave for the shop with their system.

 

[usacvlr]

I use a cables to go brand unit, what do you use?

 

[arrow_runner]

Screwdriver

Hard Drive Adapter

 

[Bullfighter]

usb to sata/ide

I use this sata/ide to usb, it has come in SO handy. It even works on DVD/CD drives.... if you ever desire.

Converter as TigerDirect

It looks almost identical to the one above...

EP

 

[usacvlr]

But harbor freight has those wonderful 2 dollar magnetic parts bowls

I stronly suggest you buy the best tools your budget will allow. I know the old saw about tools not making the workman, but a good tool makes any level repairman better. It doesn't take long to feel the difference in a Panasonic power screwdriver with a quality, positive clutch and the latest special from Harborfreight.

 

[stevenamills]

Converter as TigerDirect

Ah yes - TigerDirect - the place that has to "escort" you to take a whizz!!

 

[abe]

Hi all,

Did anyone try this place out
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.312

they do have some intresting bits and pieces, mostly cheap stuff. I have used them twice and was pleased both times.

 

[Jory]

I've ordered from dealextreme one time. They ship out of Hong Kong so it takes forever to get things, but they're pretty cheap and carry some cool stuff.