PC Tools

A technician’s best tools are his or her senses and hands. However, a technician needs hardware tools to open the personal computer (PC) and to install and replace components. There are several PC tools that should be a part of every technician’s toolkit including

• Phillips and straight-blade screwdrivers— Used when hex drivers are not compatible; non-magnetic preferred

• Torx drivers— Required for some Compaq models; non-magnetic preferred

• Hex drivers— Used for opening and closing cases and securing and removing cards and motherboards; non-magnetic preferred

• 3-claw parts retrieval tool— Retrieves loose parts from computer interior; prevents lost parts, which can lead to dead shorts

• Hemostat clamps— Replaces tweezers for inserting and removing jumper blocks and cables

• Needle-nose pliers— Straightens bent pins

• Eyebrow tweezers— Replaces normal tweezers in toolkit for removing and replacing jumpers

• Penlight— Illuminates dark cases

• Magnifier— Makes small parts and markings easier to read

• Jeweler’s screwdriver set— Enables repairs to devices that use small screws