Computer hardware repair tools

Repair Safety Tips

We are going to be blunt with this, however, we are putting it before anything else as it is essential and before you start touching any tool you should check out this list and if you don’t meet any of its items then look for the easiest way faster to solve it.

• Always have a first aid kit at hand, setting up a computer may seem trivial, however, repairing it is not and in some cases there can be accidents.
• Do not work with any part of your body wet.
• Do not work barefoot.

Yes, we know these are platitudes, but it’s important not only to work with the right tools, but also with optimal safety.

Indispensable tools for repair

Next, we are going to give you a series of tools that you should have at hand when handling the hardware components of any computer. Let’s not forget that we are talking about devices that use very high integration electronics that are not only very sensitive, but we are also talking about working with products that work with electricity.

That’s why we’ve made a compilation of the different repair tools you’re going to need. Some of them are used to play directly with the PC, while others are designed for security.

Screwdrivers and essential hardware

The first thing you will need are the tools to screw and unscrew the different parts of the motherboard, as well as the essential screws of each type. Our advice for computer troubleshooting? Whether you opt for complete kits that have everything you need right from the start.

Screwdriver

In order to make it difficult for users to repair and make after-sales services cost-effective, many manufacturers use special and unique screws that require the use of special screwdrivers. Don’t worry, the solution is as simple as having these tools handy.

Due to the nightmare it would be to have a large number of screwdrivers, one for each head, we recommend using one that has interchangeable heads and having them neatly organized, if possible in the same case as the screwdriver , which we recommend is automatic.

Screws

Regarding the screws you will realize that there is a wide variety on the market, the normal thing is to reuse the same screws supplied as standard with the system and put them back, but it is possible that those – these have been lost. That’s why having the necessary screws well classified does not hurt and will save you more than a haste.

To complete this section, don’t forget the full nylon washers to the screws, which will prevent electricity from passing through them.

digital multimeter

The first repair tool you will need is a digital multimeter, which will allow you to take various measurements on different hardware components. However, it won’t work for you with just anyone, as some lack the measurement capabilities that other models have.

We need to make sure our multimeter can measure the following:

• AC electrical voltages, one that can operate between 0 and 500 volts is recommended.
• Alternating current.
• DC electrical voltages, in this case the recommendation is for a multimeter capable of measuring between 0 and 30 volts.
• direct current.
• Endurance.
• Capacitance.
• Inductance.

Some multimeters have the ability to test for the possibility of shorts in components, this will be extremely useful in detecting if your hardware has such a problem.

Soldering gun and goggles for repair

When it comes to replacing certain components of an electronic board or having to re-solder one of them due to the pins or pins making poor contact, you will need a soldering gun as an assembly tool, as well as always having a pot of solder paste on hand. We also recommend the use of welding goggles to protect your eyes when welding.

Of course, its use is reserved for experienced users who know very well which parts of their computer they are going to play, that’s why we recommend having all the manuals of the different components at hand where it is specified what corresponds to each motherboard pin. for and Which components were used? Unfortunately, some brands are totally opaque on the different chips present on the board.

infrared thermometer

Many will recommend the use of software to monitor the temperature of computer components, however, as a tool we recommend supplementing it with something more straightforward and rudimentary, an infrared thermometer designed to measure temperature of this component without having to touch it with your Hands.

It is an essential repair tool, because with it you will know if, for example, the heat of a component is dissipating correctly or not or if the overclocking exercise you have done can affect the life of your the computer. Of course, we recommend that you carry out the relevant measurements on the component in question and with an uncovered base plate, i.e. without housing.

Finally, look for one at a hardware store, as the ones you can find at the drug store are not designed to measure the high temperatures that computer components can reach, especially those with a laser pointer.

antistatic gloves

Due to the fact that we are going to handle components that carry electricity, you may suffer shocks, which is why wearing gloves when handling the components of your computer becomes an essential repair tool, especially for the times when you can’t unplug the computer.

They are also ideal when we do not want the components to get dirty when handling them and therefore our fingers remain on the case or the screen of the device we are handling.

Extinguisher

Handling electronic elements can cause a fire at any time and it can happen at any time. This is why it is important to have a fire extinguisher always charged, apart from the repair tools, in case this eventuality should occur and to be able to put out the fire in a few seconds.

When buying the fire extinguisher, not just any fire extinguisher is worth it, as you will need one that is rated for the fire produced by electronic equipment. This is very relevant, because a wrong choice could be an even bigger problem. Since some fire extinguishers use chemical elements that could harm the material, not to mention those based on water, which we do not recommend 100%, as well as those based on foam.

Our recommendation is that halocarbon based extinguishers, generally class C extinguishers that are used for this type of equipment will work for you, so make sure they have the correct label when purchasing them.

laboratory goggles

Not sure if at some point a capacitor can explode during a repair, in any case it is one of the repair tools that we find indispensable when handling equipment, and although it does not It usually doesn’t happen that a component flies through the air, it’s always good to have your eyes protected against any eventuality that may arise during the repair.