Required Tools for PC Repair? 202
kennethrona asks: "I seem to be spending a lot of my time installing friends' WiFi access points, replacing power supplies, hard disks, blocking ports, installing software, etc. I can usually find any of the software I need on-line, but am thinking about putting together a "toolkit" for PC repair. What tools, both hardware and software, does the community think are essential for PC repair? Bonus points for free software (I always install a free firewall and spyware checker). Also, keep in mind that most folks are running Windows."
Hardware (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Hardware (Score:3, Informative)
They should be availible at most good hardware/tool stores- I'm sure RadioShack has them.
Re:Hardware (Score:2, Redundant)
Re:Hardware (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Hardware (Score:3, Informative)
It's a pretty cheaply made tool, it certainly does the job for electronics related jobs, but wouldn't stand up to any significant amount of torque.
This one here (scroll down) [toolsforstagecraft.com] looks to be of slightly higher quality. (now that I read the page, they have a few lighted screwdrivers)
They both seem dreadfully overpriced, my mom bought me mine from one of those dodgy characters that come into businesses and try to sell crap to the employees.
Re:Hardware (Score:2)
What failed on me was the switch mechanism, which is a very cheap plastic tailcap type. I still keep the screwdriver around for the grip, despite the fact that it no longer lights up.
Re:Hardware (Score:3, Informative)
In a pinch, you can make a crossover converter without any tools. They snap apart easily, and you only have to bend the contact pins a bit to pull them out and swap them.
Re:Hardware (Score:3, Interesting)
Always. A slatted screwdriver also comes in handy sometimes. If
you have to work with Compaq systems, you'll also want a set of
six-pointed-star ("Torx") bits, including a couple of the ones with
the hole in the middle ("Security Tee Star" -- you NEED these,
because the only _other_ way to get those screws out is with a
drill; Compaq is evil) and a spare NIC, because Compaq systems tend
to use a NIC that Windows will not recognise on install, and while
the OEM system
Defeating "security" TORX screwheads (Score:5, Informative)
A standard TORX driver plus a needlenose pliers (or other small-tipped, hard object) is all it takes. Use the needlenose or screwdriver to push the security pin off to one side or the other. They're just spot-welded in and break out really easily. Once the pin is gone, the standard TORX driver works just fine.
At least TORX bits are analog and I'm not violating the DMCA by telling you guys this. Of course, there's probably something in the USA PATRIOT act that prevents me from telling you how to open a power supply case... sigh.
Knoppix (Score:5, Insightful)
Other options for inclusion are to taste.
Re:Knoppix (Score:2, Informative)
I was working on a laptop, couldn't get the network card working for the life of me, My hunch was it was software, but I wanted to check. Knoppix to the rescue, booted up, and it Worked perfect in Knoppix, also known as, NIC works, Windows dosn't.
Turned out, the registry has gone currupt, so we had to rebuild it.
Re:Knoppix (Score:5, Insightful)
I had a Windows PC that had random crashes, etc. Typical hard-to-diagnose problems. It booted Linux just fine, but Windows would bluescreen anywhere from the Starting Windows 2000 screen to the login screen or even sometimes after logging in. Linux was (apparently) just fine. So I assumed something corrupt in Windows, and I decided to reinstall. Install wouldn't work, again, crashing at random points.
Most people who troubleshoot PCs are probably screaming "Bad RAM!" right now, and they're right. Some of the memory in the machine had gone bad. Apparently the way Windows and Linux allocate resources was different enough that Linux never hit the bad memory during the short periods I'd use it (for troubleshooting) but Windows tried to access it fairly early on in the boot cycle and crumpled.
So while there
Memory testing - memtest86 (Score:5, Informative)
The author has finally given in to popularity and set up a site for the program, MemTest86.com [memtest86.com]. I encourage anyone who's found bad ram with memtest to throw a few bucks his way. ("Professional" memory testers are nowhere near cheap!)
There's also a bootable CD
Re:Memory testing - memtest86 (Score:2)
When I compiled it, it created a
What I would like is an SMP-capable version of it which will let me test the cache on multiple processor systems.
Re:Knoppix (Score:4, Insightful)
Under XP, stuff that 'isn't working' for whatever reason just vanishes from the Device Mangler with no clue as to why. And when you plug in a new device, windows tells you it found "A camera" or "A scanner"; linux will actually identify it so you know what drivers to go download.
Re:Windows re-configures without notice. (Score:2)
Users easily accept Microsoft's abusiveness. (Score:2)
This statement shocks me. It is amazing how easily users accept Microsoft's abusiveness. There are many configuration changes that are made but not entered into the even log. One example is when a critical bug fix from Microsoft sets network security to a less secure state than before the fix.
When a CD-ROM drive stops working because it has become disconnected due to oxide on the connector contacts, the user needs to know, immediately.
Re:Knoppix (Score:2)
simple (Score:3, Insightful)
Oh and replacement parts.
You usually replace the whole component rather than fix the component, so you would replace the video card, hard driver etc, rather than try to fix it as that is cheaper.
memtest86 (Score:5, Informative)
Re:memtest86 (Score:2)
Tape (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Tape (Score:4, Funny)
Thanks for the tip!
yikes! (Score:2)
You never losing *anything*? (Score:2)
Re:You never losing *anything*? (Score:2)
Re:You never losing *anything*? (Score:2)
Re:Tape (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Tape (Score:2)
Damn! Brilliant.
It Is Already There ( unlike the sticky-tape theory ), and it isn't likely to run away, either.
IWIHTOT ( I wish... )
Remembering to remove the magnets before putting the case back, though, yeah, that can be a problem...
Oh, wait! What about them new piezo speakers, that don't have magnets on 'em...
hmm..
Ah HA! just bring one's OWN magnets [leevalley.com], and put 'em in the computer for sticking screws on! Goody goody .. I love magnets...
Re:Tape (Score:2)
I think Blu-tak/Blue-tack is a trademark, other tacky gooey things in different shades of colours are available!
Baz
PS I disclaim responsibility for anyone who tries this and drops a screw into a PSU that th
Re:Tape (Score:2)
Bostik Blu-Tack is indeed a trademark. Some of the other brands seem like they're made of melty chewing gum, so I've learned to be picky and seek out the original...
Plastic boxes with partitions (Score:2)
-cp-
my toolkit (Score:2)
A few screwdrivers, wire cutters, electrical tape, multimeter, spare jumpers, spare screws.
Software;
Norton Systemworks, OpenOffice, knoppix, AdAware, SpyBot, klite, winMX, Mozilla, DixV, java, flash6, putty, WinSCP, RedHat and Mandrake.
I also carry warez copies of 98, XP, 2k and office, but I try and persuade clients to try Free alternatives first.
Re:my toolkit (Score:2)
Re:my toolkit (Score:2)
You'd be surprised how many times I've found what is supposed to be 110 ~ 120 volts AC is actually 90 ~ 109 volts, especially in the summer. What looks like a PS problem turns out to be an overloaded grid. Also, I'd like to have one of those nice but expensive ethernet cable testers, but the continuity tester built into my DVM works just fine, and it only cost me $30.
Re:my toolkit (Score:2)
Old zip ties?
Baseball bat (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Baseball bat (Score:2)
Then you call "The Geek Squad" and have them send someone out to pretend to be your buddy Ernie. It'll cost you $100, but you don't have to go over there, eat their stupid tunafish casserole and listen to little Karla sing her first-grade song. It's money well spent.
A Hammer, a Hacksaw, and a Power Drill (Score:2)
The type of hammer is a matter of personal preference. I always find a fairly weighty claw-hammer does the job.
(I almost hate to admit it but I have now fixed a CD burner, an old laptop, and a 2" rackmount server - all using only a hacksaw... and a power drill... sometimes it's the direct approach that works...)
Disclaimer: Powertools and the like are bad for computers.
If you are going to drill a computer component,
Check the previous Ask Slashdot... (Score:4, Informative)
-A.
Swiss Army knife? Get real... (Score:2)
If it was good enough for MacGuyver and the A-Team, it's more than good enough for the likes of anyone _here_.
Pillow (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Pillow (Score:4, Funny)
IBMs... (Score:2)
If it's a NetVista (new circa 2000-2001), then I'd just go ahead and order the new motherboard and hard drive before I even check the thing. At work, we had 6-8 NetVistas in our computer room that wouldn't work and we didn't know why. One of our help desk guys called IBM for parts, and the guy said that all the motherboards from a particul
Re:Tsk tsk.. (Score:2)
Re:Tsk tsk.. (Score:2)
B, buy gold tech support so you get to talk to someone in Austin first.
C, just tell them what they want to hear to determine that a part is broken and to send a replacement.
Needed tools to successfuly fix computer (Score:5, Funny)
2- Holy water
3- Garlic
4- Sacrificial knife
5- Lambs
Re:Needed tools to successfuly fix computer (Score:4, Funny)
Think more along the lines of chicken feet and pig's blood.
Re:Needed tools to successfuly fix computer (Score:4, Funny)
A Hammer, that's all you need! (Score:2)
Re:A Hammer, that's all you need! (Score:2, Funny)
Laptop (Score:4, Informative)
Non-Essential Tools (Score:5, Funny)
You could see into the shop through some bay windows, and every now and then the repair guys would haul out this old broken down HP desktop they had and "work on it" with the heavy tools. We'd get a kick out of watching customers watch our repair guys go at a desktop with a rotating saw and a nailgun.
CyberTool 34 (Score:5, Informative)
I find that since I started carrying a Victorinox [victorinox.com] CyberTool 34 [swissknifeshop.com] I very seldom have to go searching for any other tools. It has a built in socket set with a variety of Phillips and Torx bits, a pliers and the various other sundry clever things you'd expect to find in a Swiss army knife (ballpoint pen, straight pin, cork screw...).
It also happens to be the smallest Swiss army knife that has both a pair of scissors and a pair of pliers (make sure you get a pair, neither is worth a hoot singly).
Finally, since I'm posting anyway, does anyone know what that crazy hook thing is that appears on the "back" of most Swiss army knifes? I've been wondering for years, and the only thing I can figure is that it is very common in Switzerland to get from the top of a building to the ground by sliding down a thin wire.
that crazy hook thing (Score:3, Informative)
They have it simply billed as:
multi-purpose hook (parcel carrier)
Re:that crazy hook thing (Score:2)
Re:that crazy hook thing (Score:2)
I have a feeling even they don't know what it's for - like the engineer that thought it up was lost in the alps before he could explain its true meaning.
Future archaeologists, beware!
The reason I looked it up was because I figured - heh, it's for buttoning swiss boots. Boy, was I wrong.
Re:CyberTool 34 (Score:2, Informative)
My brother got me one of these for getting my CS degree...you are right there is not a more useful computer tool -Seraphim
parcel hook, insider's take (Score:3, Interesting)
When you buy something at a store (a set of wine glasses, a stereo, etc) that is packaged in a box, they tend to tie it up with string.
The hook is meant for lifting / carrying parcels wrapped in string.
That said, I've never seen it used for that.
The thing about
Robertson-enabled Multi-tool? (Score:2)
Free as in Pot (Score:2)
Windows (Score:2)
Rus
one word - Leatherman (Score:2)
Re:one word - Leatherman (Score:2)
With the round handles, I can really get a grip with the pliers, and it doesn't hurt my hands. The four main blades are all locking blades, and easy to get to even with one hand.
The only complaint I have is the difficulty in opening the inner screwdrivers (the side with the phillips and large flat blade.) There's so much friction that the thumbnail indents just bend my thumbnails.
Re:one word - Leatherman (Score:2)
Try spraying it (the pivot point) with some WD40.
When I first got it it was quite difficult to open, so I opened and closed it a lot until it loosened up. It was then fine (easily opened with thumbnail) until I let someone use the can/bottle opener at a party, and it came back hard to open. :( WD40 fixed it tho.
My most interesting tool? (Score:2)
Here's a few tool ideas... (Score:5, Informative)
A power screwdriver. Most PCs have a large number of screws and doing them all by hand is (literally) a pain. I like the Milwaukee 2.4-Volt 2-Speed Cordless Screwdriver -- it's more expensive than some but is a quality tool that'll last. Get several extra batteries and an extra-long driver bit for easier access to motherboard screws.
A set of nut drivers. These are screwdrivers for nuts, especially those little nut-screws on the back of the PC that hold the serial and video connectors on.
A multimeter. Useful for all sorts of things from checking power at the outlet to grounding. Skip past the Wal-Mart cheapies and get a quality instrument like a Fluke.
A set of ball-drivers. These are hex (a.k.a. Allen head) driver tools with a ball on the end so you can work at an angle.
Torx drivers. Handy for working on laptops or newer machines. When you need it you need it -- no other tool will work.
A DOS boot disk.
An assortment of cables: a normal Ethernet, a cross-over, IDE, Floppy, USB, and serial. If you work on Unix or Linux servers or routers you might need to be able to hook up a serial terminal connection. I also like to have a set of extension cables for keyboard, mouse, and video for hooking up to equipment on racks.
Several extra PC power cords.
A cordless soldering iron (and the knowledge to use it). Not used very often but you never know...
And, last, a book: "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" by Scott Mueller. This books is an amazing resource -- it'll tell you the pin-outs for everything from an ATX power supply to an IDE hard drive. It's handy to have when working with old or odd hardware.
Skil nuts (Score:2)
Why do you own a separate set of nut drivers? Wouldn't it make more sense to have nut bits for your electric screwdriver?
I once needed one of these in a hurry, and had to spend way to much for it. Then I saw a pile of them at a computer surplus store, and bought about a dozen of them. I'll never use them all, but better to have too many than...
Re:Skil nuts (Score:2)
Other folks that know tools will make fun of you. A Milwaukee is a Real Man's(TM) tool. Seriously, it make little difference -- working on PCs isn't like driving screws through hardwood so any tool will get the job done.
I don't remember why I have them, but yes, a bit set for the electric screwdriver would do the job, too. But I
A few more items you might want... (Score:4, Insightful)
My Suggestions (Score:5, Informative)
This might be overkill for the average hobbiest repair kit, but I find that it works well.
First, a binder of software:
Now, the tools:
Now, replacement parts to be able to swap in and out:
Re:My Suggestions (Score:4, Funny)
Re:My Suggestions (Score:2)
I'd include a crossover cable too, and any slow laptop (P166 etc) which is powerful enough to run a post 97 os should be useful, even if the battery's gone (testing network for example). An AGP card might be useful to check the slot works, and a USB devic
Dont forget Network tools (Score:2)
Something to test for wiring problems in ethernet cables/ports. ( yes a multimeter will suffice, but will save you hours having a cheap tester of some sort )
A toner set to find 'the other end of this damned wall jack '....
A butt phone, if you do ANY analog telephone work.
Small breakout box is nice too.. just in case..
Magnetize screwdrivers ... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Magnetize screwdrivers ... (Score:2)
Re:Magnetize screwdrivers ... (Score:2)
No, they aren't really strong enough to damage anything. Magnetize it so it's just barely strong enough to hold a single screw. It really makes your life a LOT easier.
An alternative is to gum up the end of your screwdriver with something sticky. That way screws will stick to it. But personally I prefer the magnetic approach.
Essential Tech Tools (Score:2)
Needle nose pliers, 2 or three types, small precise snips, butane solder iron, electronics solder, RJ-45/RJ-11 crimp tool (cat5 and phone cable), cat5 cable tester. Quality m
Corproate ModBoot (CD) (Score:2)
Customize your own boot CD. I have MemTest86, PartitionMagic, Norton Ghost, etc.
It works great. No more 3.5" disks for each program.
For those pesky jumpers... (Score:2)
Re:For those pesky jumpers... (Score:2)
Also, it helps if I can learn the model number of the drive and look up (and print out) the jumper settings from the web. I hate having to remove drive cages, cables and drives just to learn the stupid MASTER / SLAVE settings. Plus, I make the notes about the current jumper settings right on the printout.
Hammer (Score:3, Funny)
AVG free anti-virus sw (Score:2)
In Canada... (Score:2, Funny)
We bring:
0. Duct Tape
1. One Toque.
2. Two Snowshows.
3. Three Prophets!
what you really need... (Score:2, Funny)
... is this shirt [thinkgeek.com].
Tape. Preferably of the duct variety. (Score:2, Informative)
I generally keep the WD-40 away from the PC's, but tape has all sorts of uses. Such as:
Both worthless (Score:2)
Both of your suggestions are worthless. Common, but you are better off with better tape, and oil.
WD-40 is for water displacement only. If you have water in the case, WD-40 is perfect for getting it out fast. Otherwise don't use it, the oil is designed to evaperate quickly and then you are back to where you started. A bottle of liquid wrench, and a bottle of sewing machine oil will not only be the same price, but work much better. (Don't get the spray cans, you don't want to spray the stuff all over a
Re:Both worthless (Score:2)
If you ever see a HVAC technition using duck tape fire him immeadiatly. The stuff does not hold up to use in duct work. (Exception: a temperary fix not intended to last more than a week) The glue will let go and then you have unsealed ducts. There are ways to seal ducts, but they are not tape.
Duck tape is not just a brand name, according to snopes.com's duct tape [snopes.com] page:
Bart's Boot CD (Score:2)
I did a little hacking on it this week so that we could use it for drive imaging the computers in our labs at school.. Two key strokes and my brain dead co-workers are at the Drive Image screen. We have t
All this other stuff is fine to have but... (Score:2)
You need the paper-clip to eject jammed disk drives and you need the bic pen to squeeze the plastic fish-hook-like motherboard fasteners together so you can pop them backwards off the motherboard.
I suppose you don't need the bic pen if you've got one of those snazzy new cases that use screws for everything.
Boy you kids have it easy today. When I was a kid we had to edit the inodes by hand
Better than any electric (Score:2)
They're meant to work, hard, consistently. And they do!
Firewire is your friend. (Score:2)
* a firewire-ide bridge (here [wiebetech.com], look for firewire drivedock)
* an IDE cable
* a floppy cable
* a network cable
* several usb/serial/parallel cables
* a laptop with firewire and a cd burner, IE a Sony Viao or Apple iBook with windows or mac os and linux installed
* a hard drive full of cd images for various operating systems
* a hard drive full of windows updates/mac updates/updates for whiche
Tom's Hardware article (Score:5, Informative)
GOes into a lot of detail on the various tools needed for PC repair.
Gotta have a Wiha (Score:2)
High voltage insulated, hardened steel bits, German engineered. I've had many screwdriver bit sets that the bits just got destroyed but these are pretty much indestructable. Also a few years ago I picked up a Micronta (Radio-Shack) multi meter with serial port interface rather cheap. The manual contains sample code in BASIC on how to write your own software. If you were testing a flaky power supply, you could write a program that you could leave running for a long period of time
tools (Score:2)
Another gadget that's nice for working with any kind of electronics, especially in the field, is made by Ideal: it's a electrical outlet tester with a socket for a grounding plug. So you know that the socket is wired correctly before you ground yourself to it. Model 61-051. 10x the price of a
How To Store It (Score:2)
LED Torch (Score:3, Insightful)
I've got a small LED torch permanently on my work keyring, it's invaluable, even if its just for rooting around the back of PCs, trying to read serial numbers and plug mice back in.
Handy-Vac (Score:2)
Invaluable.
Re:5 Years repairing computers (Score:2)
An ordinary hand drill with a standard bit won't fling such tiny bits around. Yes, they're still metal chips, but not nearly as problematic as conductive dust.
Hey, I have fun with my Dremel, but I don't use it on circui
I hate to give up mod points for this but... (Score:2)