Over at Twitter, I was asked by TheLastRebel to recommend a computer repair tool kit that comes with a ratcheting micro-style screwdriver handle and a complete set of security bits.
TheLastRebel also mentioned interest in the mini Wera screwdriver bit holder that I wrote about last year, when I called it a perfect everyday carry (EDC) screwdriver.
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My first instinct is to recommend iFixit, whose tools and bit sets are pretty decent for regular use. For daily or demanding use I prefer individual precision screwdrivers (here’s my guide to the best precision screwdrivers). In the 3 years since that post went up, I have only bought additional Wiha precision screwdrivers for my evolving needs (mini ball hex in inch and metric sizes).
I have written about cheap security bit sets, a low cost Tekton “everybit” tool kit and bit set, and a Wiha security screwdriver bit set.
TheLastRebel also mentioned an interest in longer bits, which does limit the options a little. I know of Wera’s super-pricey interchangeable halfmoon drive bit sets, and plenty of interchangeable shaft screwdriver sets.
I’ve seen all-in-one computer repair tool kits over the years and, not to mince words, they all looked like garbage. They often included way too many tools that I didn’t need, and the pricing suggested lower quality main tools.
I have built and maintained my own desktop PCs for years, and upgraded and repaired a few laptops. All I ever needed were a couple of screwdrivers or screwdriver bits, pliers, and maybe hemostats for positioning smaller fasteners.
Some of my modding work required the use of specialty tools, such as Molex pin removers, but that goes beyond what I would consider typical PC repair. I have never used wire strippers or a soldering iron for basic PC repair or maintenance.
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I’ve got a good static dissipating wrist strap, and while I might have used one when I built my first PC, I don’t use one now, and not to any detriment. I make sure I ground myself to dissipate any charges, and don’t do things like wear socks when working over or near a carpet floor.
What do think would be great as an all-in-one PC repair tool kit? Or would you put together a hodge podge of just a couple of basic tools as I’ve gotten away with doing?
Needs vary depending on industry. Repairing an industrial computer, or the brains behind a fancy flavor combining Coke machines, obviously require different types of tools. But this question was in regard to general purpose use.
Nathan
I ended up receiving the kobalt double drivers – 1/8th precision bit kit and driver a few christmas’s ago. I already had a set of craftsman precision drivers – but only flats and philips.
the kobalt kit is fairly adept with bits of various sizes – and runs smooth enough to work on tiny stuff. You don’t have to use the double drive – but it occasionally comes in handy for some things. even in a computer case. It doesn’t appear to be magnetic.
Nathan
now if you mean beyond screws – and since the question was tool kit I think so. Then I’m at a bit of a loss. I know when I get started on something computer/electronic related. I setup a bag with the kobalt mini, but also my standard precision drivers (they don’t take up much room), 2 needle nose pliers, one straight one bent, fine cutters, and some scissors, electrical tape, some double side tape.
there are times I throw the multi-meter in the same bag too but not that often these days.
garrett
Yes. Add a couple of spudgers (I use the 3M kind), a variety pack of zip ties to keep everything in order, a set of heat-shrink insulation, a heat-gun and you’re set.
Roy
The iFixit 54 bit kit is not very good. It’s cheaply made, with a poor case and was lacking an expected size of Torx bit.
Tomas
OK Guys, I do hardware support for a living, and frankly I have yet to find the perfect screwdriver set (I’d like to talk to one of those repair centers for Lenovo/Dell one day and see what they’re setup is like)…BUT I do have a couple staples.
95% of my work is on Lenovo or Dell machines and monitors and let’s face it a magnetized size 0 Philips is going to get the vast majority of your laptops done, and a larger size 1 or 2 philips is going to get the majority of the desktops done. The problem with individual precision bits is that you don’t get enough torque…My best all purpose solution in one tool?
Mr. 7 Hands!
http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Precision-Tools-Flashlight-Screwdriver/dp/B003D3OFES/
This thing is so popular at my work I’ve bought one for every tech over the years. The large handle provides a ton of torque, the bit size is perfect for all laptop and desktop use, there’s a flashlight built in which is useful if you’re deep in a case without good lighting…and most importantly this ONE tool is all you need to take with you if you’re not quite sure what’s going to be required. This thing will likely take care of it.
The other item I’ve been using is an electric precision screwdriver, as some of the newer laptops require so many screws to remove that I’m just getting tired of doing them manually. I found this thanks to a ToolGuyd post – it’s OK but I would love something with a little more power and magnatized bits. It’s nicer than a manual screwdriver when you’re removing 15+ screws but If anyone out there has a better version of this please let me know
http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-Instruments-500-Screwdriver/dp/B002XZLTQO/
John
I also do computer hardware for a living and most of the “kits” are pure junk. As far as a all around kit I was originally a fan of the” iFixit 54 bit driver kit” and “Pro Tech Toolkit” but I’ve found long term they’re also not as great. They seem to make the same production mistakes that I’ve run into which is “chromed tips” which for me generally produce much more slipping in tiny screws resulting in cam out and stripping the head. Particularly on those extra small and terribly soft 000 size screws. I prefer now the ones like Eclipse tools which are black tipped which appear to have a slightly better “bite” to them and staying power, it may be some very microscopic texture to them without the sleek chrome finish that gives it that. Plus I’ve not had one of those break on me after frequent use the chrome ones seem to be some really cheap base metal under the finish.
Be sure that whatever “kit” you make has actual JIS Type S screw drivers or tips. I’ve seen way too many people make the mistake of thinking they’re just regular 000 philips and tear the hell outta those screws making them impossible to cleanly remove without drilling them out.
As far as name brands go, I don’t think you can go wrong with Moody Tools, Wiha Precision screw drivers and tips, and of course Wera. I’m a big fan of Wera, however it rubs me the wrong way that Wera has that proprietary “half moon” in their precision muti bits, but their stand alone drivers and standard 1/4 inch bits are amazing.
Here are JIS Type S drivers I use which Im enjoying:
“Moody Tools – JIS Type S Driver Set, 4Pc Pollicis – 58-0405”
http://amzn.com/B0001X0SK8
As well invest in a good micro screw extractor setup like:
“Moody Tools 58-0670 6-Piece Slot/Phil/Screw Extractor Combo Reversible Driver Set”
http://amzn.com/B000JCT3W0
as well as the Vampliers Mini (rebranded Engineer PZ-57):
http://amzn.com/B00LMMU2HG
http://amzn.com/B001D7KU7W
because you will run into damaged tiny screws. As well as a good set of prying separating tools like various sizes of metal and plastic spudgers
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Metal-Spudger-Set/IF145-017-1
https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Plastic-Opening-Tools/IF145-000-1
that should get you pretty far along.
Nate 818
Klein makes the best “thermostat” screwdrivers
RocketTech
Another IT professional here, and I’ve never seen a kit worth buying, with the possible exception of Wiha’s Technician’s Bench Set. The size 0 Phillips is going to be the go-to driver for 95% of work. T5-20 will get you another 4.5% I carry a Klein 10-in-1 driver and a Wiha 62993 Proturn Multi-blade set in my EDC bag. I don’t run into the security fasteners often; when I do I just order the appropriate bit. I seriously question the utility of a ratcheting driver.
Every single pre-assembled tool kit I’ve ever had is in the garbage. What I consistently use is the Klein 10-in-1 and Wiha drivers. My suggestion is to buy good quality tools individually or in small sets and build your own kit.
Nick Marques
Checkout the kits at iFixit. Great stuff, pretty cheap.
Robert Boerner
I have one of these sets for that kind of work and it is a great balance of items.
http://amazon.com/dp/B00JQ753W8
Tom
I carry a Victorinox Cybertool that I got when they 1st came out. It’s got a 4mm socket & 4 double ended bits. It can also fit the serial port screws. I use the #2 mostly. It has a pin, pen, eye glass screwdriver. If I forget my real screwdriver I almost don’t miss it.
The cybertool isn’t centered so I’ve been looking for a real screwdriver with bits that I can pocket all the time and a knife with replaceable blade, and pen, and… It’s hard to replace the one tool with equivalent or better.