Tool set worth getting?

[Sonokamome]

I've been thinking if I should go get a computer tool set but I figure that most of the tools featured in it are going to have stuff I already have (cable straps) and some other components (star socket?) that I don't think I will ever need.

Also, I see that most computer tool sets seem to have a reputation for having pretty cheaply made tools overall.

But I just wanted to see if anyone could give me a list of what tools I will most likely need, could need, and what I can do without overall.

Tools for what again? I'm building a rig.

 

[LikeLinus]

Can't say I ever use more than a phillips head screwdriver..lol

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Love my dremmel kit for modifying my case

 

[DaveSimmons]

2-3 sizes of Phillips head screwdriver and you're good.

 

[Sonokamome]

Hmm. Any particular sizes that I should consider?

 

[heyheybooboo]

I think Blain has a link to a really cool '4n1' screwdriver with 2 phillips and 2 flatheads that works great. Around $4 bucks.

I've worn the label off mine - it's something-Bros. Snag one at your local home improvement warehouse.

 

[TheStu]

Any old Stanley, craftsman, kobalt, whatever brand here, 12-16 bit screwdriver set will do the job.

I actually like using socket bits for the combination hex head/phillips head screws. More consistent grip on the screw in my opinion. However, I have since switched over to flat round headed screws for my builds and whatnot so that solution is out.

 

[baddog60]

You don't need any tools, just Ducktape.

 

[0roo0roo]

tools lol
good cases are relatively tooless these days.
black and decker electric screw driver ~ $15
beyond that just a regular screw driver for harder to reach bits. theres no need for a "kit". buy the screw driver you need.
i do use one with a head that is a socket for most of those case screws with the hex head. no stripping

dremel is for ghetto modding an old case. not totally necessary. but a good tool to have around regardless because it allows you to easily cut through most anything given enough time.

 

[0roo0roo]

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/002703.php
from frys or whatever for 5bucks. tiny, but wide enough to apply enough torque for those blasted machine tightened screws.
good for um taking apart things like harddrives to extract the magnets

for the rest..walmart/homedepot/lowes/frys all have loads of tools only so many are really necessary for a pc.

 

[lxskllr]

I use my Swiss Army knife for 90% of my PC work, the rest I do with a set of cheapo jewelers screwdrivers from the dollar store.

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
2-3 sizes of Phillips head screwdriver and you're good.

And a dremmel!

 

[MedicBob]

Magnetic screw drivers or a small magnetic pick up tool. You will drop a screw and not want to bend over for it.

 

[tcsenter]

I bought about 200 thumb screws in different finishes (black, gold, blue, silver) to use as a replacement for the chassis screws holding the shell or panels on. They've been very handy.

 

[Eureka]

Use a regular philips head screwdriver (the regular sized one, no clue what diameter that is), and one with a long reach for those hard to get screws. A can of duster to, well, dust. Dremel if you're into that case modding stuff. Zip ties and tie mounts are a lifesaver too.

Anything else is a gimmick, at least for general computer builds.

 

[elconejito]

i admit to buying a kit. I use the same screwdriver over and over and over again. Sometimes the wire-cutter/-stripper, sometimes the itty-bitty screwdriver, sometimes the pliers, and sometimes even the anti-static strap. Comes in a nice case though.

 

[Modelworks]

Buy a multimeter. Even if it is a cheap $20 model. I'm always surprised by the amount of people that don't own one, yet profess to work on a pc.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Buy a multimeter. Even if it is a cheap $20 model. I'm always surprised by the amount of people that don't own one, yet profess to work on a pc.

For a starting build, do you really need a multimeter? You can maybe check voltages from the PSU... really, its an unncessary cost.

That said, I got a $15 multimeter from deal extreme... fun little thing.

 

[corkyg]

My computer tools are basically Philips drivers and needlenose pliers. To that, I have added some things based on usage. One of the handiest tools is the surgical clamp. I picked up a pair of these at a New Orleans flea market for $5. They are great for grabbing and holding small things like jumper caps or LED connectors. They are also very useful to hold small parts for soldering. Yeah - there is a multimeter in the kit as well - but rarely used. Velcro is also handy.

 

[WildHorse]

Originally posted by: corkyg
My computer tools are basically Philips drivers and needlenose pliers.

that plus:

a length of wire - strip off insulation at one end far enough back to wrap & fasten bare copper around your wrist, and fasten other end to any hole in your computer case for ESD grounding,

a wood or other nonconductive non-wobbly table,

good light, <---

and I like to have the upturned lid of a cardboard box handy to put stuff in - the upturned edges of the lid prevent tiny screws from rolling away,

radio,

refreshments.

That's really all you need!

If you eventually get involved in other things you may need the right tool for the job, e.g.; if you get into a lot of hardware trouble shooting you'll eventually want a multimeter, if you make your own cables you'll need a solder iron, you might want a dedicated toolbox, etc. But that's all for "someday," you definitely don't need stuff like that for starters.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
tools lol
good cases are relatively tooless these days.

The majority of toolless cases aren't 100% toolless and the toolless portions usually do not hold parts in as securely as using screws.

I have seen some really nice toolless designs for certain parts (such as holding drives in) but other than that I don't find "toolless" a useful feature.

BTW, I would NEVER ship a completely built system "toolless."

On topic...

The tool I used around 80% of the time is a #2 Phillips screwdriver. My preference is for an electrician style with a long shaft and a magnetized tip.

Other handy but lesser used tools are a shorter #2 Phillips screwdriver, a "precision" small screwdriver kit, diagonal cutters, needle nose pliars, slip-joint pliars, dental pick set, LED flashlight, slotted screwdriver.

Useful but rarely used items include soldering equipment, digital multimeter, tape measure, micrometer, rotary tool with accessories (AKA "Dremel"), hot glue gun with glue, various tapes & adhesives.

Oh yeah, cable (zip) ties are fantastic. My local Big Lots often has 600 packs of various sizes in the tall plastic tubs for as cheap as $5.

For building a new computer, I usually just need the #2 Phillips screwdriver, cable ties, diagonal cutters (for the cable ties) and slip-joint pliars (to tighten case stand-offs).

The other stuff is needed for repair or modding.

 

[Modelworks]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Buy a multimeter. Even if it is a cheap $20 model. I'm always surprised by the amount of people that don't own one, yet profess to work on a pc.

For a starting build, do you really need a multimeter? You can maybe check voltages from the PSU... really, its an unncessary cost.

That said, I got a $15 multimeter from deal extreme... fun little thing.

Yes you really do need one, for the $15-20 cost it really is something that you should have.
If you assemble the pc and it doesn't start, without a meter what are you going to do ? If you had a meter you could verify the voltages on the PSU and move on to trying something else.

CMOS batteries, easy to check with the meter.
Push the power button and the pc doesn't start , set the meter to ohms or continuity and you can verify the switch works.

I always check the voltages on a newly built pc with the meter even if it is working 100%.