What tools for upgrade and repair of Mac + PC ?

[MIDI_EVIL]

Hi,

I have been reading these boards for months now, and i've gained a lot more knowledge and understanding of Macs and how you can upgrade them etc.

I am looking for some advice, on what kind of tools i would need to do all or most jobs on either a Mac or PC.

A PC builder or tech repairer might be able to guide me.

Are there any toolsets for computer techs? What sort of size screwdrivers am i looking for... any guides you can recommend ?

Put simply, I would like to be able to upgrade and repair Macs and also build PC's.

Thanks again, i am confident you can help me.

Rich.

 

[livingfortoday]

Well, I have a regular size Philips head screwdriver that'll get you into most PC's, but you'll probably need a set of Torx screwdrivers, sizes between 4 and 10 if you're working on a laptop. Also, I recommend getting a set of really small Philips screwdrivers, since they love to toss tiny screw into things.

That's pretty much all you'll need, at least as far as I've found. A good set of pliers is sometimes handy if stuff gets stuck, too.

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

Thank you very much.

Rich.

 

[robbieduncan]

My advise would be to have the heads of the screw drivers very slightly magnetic. I know this sounds like a bad idea but if it's only slight it does not effect the components in the machine but does stop you loosing screws.

 

[livingfortoday]

My advise would be to have the heads of the screw drivers very slightly magnetic. I know this sounds like a bad idea but if it's only slight it does not effect the components in the machine but does stop you loosing screws.

Yeah, I second that. i forgot to mention that my main screwdrivers are all like that. Makes it a lot easier to install things in a computer case, and to retrieve fallen screws!

 

[ChrisA]

You said "Repair". That means someone hands you a dead PC and you have to make it "un-dead". For that you'd maybe want to add a small digital multimeter. Comes in handy for testing power supply output, open solder joints and simple stuff like that. at least 25% of the time the problem will be a dead power supply

an antistatic pad and grounding equipment.

A few cans of conpressed air and maybe some very small brushes so you can clean out dust.

A large assortment of common spare parts

and of couce the screwdriver assortment others wrote about

For the Mac Mini you will need a pair of thin and wide putty knives to open the case

A thick towel so you can set an LCD face down without damage.

If you are really in need of the above advice, I'd suggest first placing a WTB add for "any and all broken PCs and Macs. Offer to pay shipping plus $5 or $10. If you have enough broken stuff you can build a few working computers, sell them and break even and gain a great education for little $$$

 

[MIDI_EVIL]

You said "Repair". That means someone hands you a dead PC and you have to make it "un-dead". For that you'd maybe want to add a small digital multimeter. Comes in handy for testing power supply output, open solder joints and simple stuff like that. at least 25% of the time the problem will be a dead power supply

an antistatic pad and grounding equipment.

A few cans of conpressed air and maybe some very small brushes so you can clean out dust.

A large assortment of common spare parts

and of couce the screwdriver assortment others wrote about

For the Mac Mini you will need a pair of thin and wide putty knives to open the case

A thick towel so you can set an LCD face down without damage.

If you are really in need of the above advice, I'd suggest first placing a WTB add for "any and all broken PCs and Macs. Offer to pay shipping plus $5 or $10. If you have enough broken stuff you can build a few working computers, sell them and break even and gain a great education for little $$$

I'm liking that a lot!!!

Might start searching eBay for BROKEN Macs instead.

Thanks for all your replies, this is great!

Rich.