PC repair toolkit
This is a really simple question, but I'm in need of a good PC repair toolkit.
I'm a computer technician, and I work mainly on desktop pcs. My main concern is finding something durable and well-organized. I've been looking at things online, but I can't find reviews of toolkits, and I don't really trust the tiny pictures on resellers' websites. I don't know where to look locally in the Tampa Bay area for one.
Where I'm at right now is I'd like to get a nice case with appropriate pouches that I could fill up. It could even come with tools that I could replace. I basically need a couple standard screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, wire cutters, network cable crimpers, socketed screwdriver with all the unusual bits, tweezers/forceps, electrical tape, compartmentalized screw box.
Any suggestions? Can anybody vouch for the quality of anything online? What does YOUR toolkit consist of? I was looking at http://www.tecratools.com/pages/assorted/cases.html for ideas.
I'm a computer technician, and I work mainly on desktop pcs. My main concern is finding something durable and well-organized. I've been looking at things online, but I can't find reviews of toolkits, and I don't really trust the tiny pictures on resellers' websites. I don't know where to look locally in the Tampa Bay area for one.
Where I'm at right now is I'd like to get a nice case with appropriate pouches that I could fill up. It could even come with tools that I could replace. I basically need a couple standard screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, wire cutters, network cable crimpers, socketed screwdriver with all the unusual bits, tweezers/forceps, electrical tape, compartmentalized screw box.
Any suggestions? Can anybody vouch for the quality of anything online? What does YOUR toolkit consist of? I was looking at http://www.tecratools.com/pages/assorted/cases.html for ideas.
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thegnu,
These are all great suggestions! I just wanted to add to what J-A-L stated about the soldering iron. I recently purchased the "cold heat" soldering tool and I love it:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/69d3/
The only downside is that the smaller tips are sold seperatly for half the price of the tool.
These are all great suggestions! I just wanted to add to what J-A-L stated about the soldering iron. I recently purchased the "cold heat" soldering tool and I love it:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/69d3/
The only downside is that the smaller tips are sold seperatly for half the price of the tool.
ASKER
Thanks guys!
All great suggestions. I just haven't really interfaced with other people who do the same work I do. I've generally worked with older guys who used to work on huge mainframes, and they pack accordingly. I've got Knoppix, the Windowses (I've dragged my feet on WinMe, and so far I haven't had to use it), a diagnostics multitool I put together (HDD tests from different manufacturers, the Microsoft Memory tester), etc. But I've struggled with the hardware aspect of it. Thanks a lot!
Speaking of diagnostics tools, what do you guys use? I need to get a bootable disk with memtest86.
All great suggestions. I just haven't really interfaced with other people who do the same work I do. I've generally worked with older guys who used to work on huge mainframes, and they pack accordingly. I've got Knoppix, the Windowses (I've dragged my feet on WinMe, and so far I haven't had to use it), a diagnostics multitool I put together (HDD tests from different manufacturers, the Microsoft Memory tester), etc. But I've struggled with the hardware aspect of it. Thanks a lot!
Speaking of diagnostics tools, what do you guys use? I need to get a bootable disk with memtest86.
Great suggestion Nobus, I use that as well.
ASKER
Thanks again, guys. I'll check out the UBCD.
improveyourpc,
I had a cold heat soldering iron, and I broke it. I really try to reserve soldering as a last resort, because I'm a little (or a lot) clumsy. It's a great concept, though. :)
improveyourpc,
I had a cold heat soldering iron, and I broke it. I really try to reserve soldering as a last resort, because I'm a little (or a lot) clumsy. It's a great concept, though. :)
ASKER
I find most toolkits to be either a)shoddy or b)too much and too heavy.