A computer houses lots of components that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge, which cancause your system to fail.
It’s best to try and get tools that are designed to prevent this.
Phillips Screwdriver (Non-Magnetic)
This tool is probably the most important to have.
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Pretty much all computer parts are fastened to the computer through some form of a screw.
It’s important that the screwdriver not have a magnetic tip.
Having a magnetized object inside of thecomputer casecan damage some circuits or drives.
It’s not likely, but best not to take the chance.
If you plan to work on a notebook computer, they typically use a smaller style of a screw.
For this, you want to look for a Philips jeweler’s screwdriver or a 3mm sized model.
This much smaller version will fit the tiny screws.
Organizing the cables into bundles or routing them through specific paths can have two major benefits.
First, it will make it much easier to work inside of the case.
Second, it can aid in the airflow inside the computer.
Some reusable options are also available, such as hook-and-loop straps and large external cable management ideas.
Hex Driver
Not many people have seen these outside of a computer toolkit.
A hex driver looks like a screwdriver except it has a head like a socket wrench.
The 3/16" one is more common.
The smaller hex driver usually installs the brass screw standoffs inside of the case that themotherboardresides on.
Tweezers are helpful when working in tight spots or for retrieving that lost screw inside of a computer case.
Another area where they’re handy is for removing jumpers from motherboards anddrives.
Sometimes small gripper devices that feature a set of small wires in a sort of claw can really help.
It’s a high-quality rubbing alcohol that you’re free to find in most drug stores.
It does an excellent job of cleaning off thermal compounds without leaving a residue that could impact future compounds.
You typically use alcohol on theCPUand heatsink to see to it they’re clean before you mate them together.
It can also be useful for cleaning contacts that have begun to corrode.
It is typically used in conjunction with the next couple of items.
Lint-Free Cloth
Lint and dust can cause lots of problems inside of computers.
In particular, they build up inside the case and deposit on fans and air slots.
It also has the potential of shorting a circuit if the material is conductive.
Using a lint-free cloth to wipe down the case or components will help prevent the build-up of dust.
Cotton Swabs
It is amazing how dirty computers can get with the dust and grime from use.
The problem is that some of these small cracks and surfaces can be hard to reach.
This is where a cotton swab can come in handy.
Be careful about using swabs.
This tool is best used only for cleaning exposed contacts or general surfaces.
It helps prevent the loss of these small parts.
Another area where it is useful is for spreading thermal compounds.
Thermal compounds are directly impacted by the oils from the human body.
The easiest way to deal with this risk is to use a grounding strap.
Canned Air/Vacuum
Again, dust is a major problem for computer systems over time.
If this dust gets bad enough, it can cause overheating and potential part failures.
