Precision Tools For Computer Repair

[FFTT]

I know many of us don't mind working on our systems.
It always helps to have the right tools for the job.

If you know of any special tools or tricks of the trade that help to
get the job done feel free to post.

Last year I was looking for a precision tool set as a gift
and found Wiha Tools.

I'm really impressed with the quality and selection they offer
and you may want to take a look at their ESD safe products.


http://www.wihatools.com/indexes/ESDindx.htm

 

[musicpyrite]

My tools consist of an anti-static wrist strap, about 6 different flat head screw drivers, in various sizes, 3 phillips screw drivers, voltmeter, tweezers, needle nose pliers, can of compressed air, small flash light, pocket knife, about 3 feet of copper wire, like 8 different types of COMS batteries, USB flash disk, DSL, Knoppiex, Bart-PE, Ultimate Boot CD, MRCD, binder with over 300 pages of service manuals and common problems/solutions (BIOS error codes, etc.), box of roughly 250 different screws/washers and steel wool, RJ-11 cables, RJ-45 cables, power cables, PS2 mouse, USB>PS2 converter, PS2>USB converter, thermal paste, blank CDs, blank floppies, boot floppies, USB cables, Firewire cable, external USB/Firewire hard drive (if needed), Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/2003 Server CDs, Mac OS 8.6/9.2/10.2/10.3/10.3 Server CDs, Red Hat, Gentoo, and Ubantu Linux CDs, various Norton/Symantec boot CDs.

There's probably more that I'm forgetting.

It varies on what I have to do for a specific computer, but I'm always carrying those items around.

Nothing part of a set, just random things that I have collected... each has their specific function.

 

[FFTT]

http://www.adorama.com/GTRAB.html
The rapid temperature changes caused by air canisters can actually
damage delicate components.

I've considered getting someting like this to help me with cleaning.

Plus what a nifty desktop toy/ conversation piece!

 

[musicpyrite]

I've never had a problem with compressed air before.

I do notice that the outside of the CO2 cartridge starts to ice over if I puncture a hole in the top of it with a nail and all the gas comes out in only a few seconds.

It would be nice to have a hand held blowing vacuum to carry around, I just use the blow end of a shop vac when I'm at home.... that pic you posted looks pretty nifty.

 

[FFTT]

The danger with canister air is the rapid temperature difference when used on hot components.

We have to keep in mind how delicate some of those micro circuits are.

Vacume cleaners have a magnetic field that can actually magnetize
electrical components with continual exposure.

Anyway,

Does anyone have " the perfect " Mac mini tool kit?

I could imagine many users who might shell out $20.00 or so
for a pre-packaged mini service tool kit.

I've heard of all kinds of spatulas being used, but which is the best
that reduces the chances of user damage?

 

[superbovine]

http://www.adorama.com/GTRAB.html
The rapid temperature changes caused by air canisters can actually
damage delicate components.

I've considered getting someting like this to help me with cleaning.

Plus what a nifty desktop toy/ conversation piece!

looks like a sex toy...kinky.

 

[vniow]

looks like a sex toy...kinky.

Too small and not powerful enough. It would probably have as much stimulation as a Gilette M3 Razor.

 

[superbovine]

Too small and not powerful enough. It would probably have as much stimulation as a Gilette M3 Razor.

so noted.

 

[LeeTom]

so noted.

Yeah, take it from me. Gillette M3 Razor + genitals = NO GOOD!
ahhh, high school.

Lee Tom