Basic Tools for Computer Repair
Tools of the Trade
1. Most computer repair and maintenance tools used in the computer workplace are small
hand tools.
2. They are included as part of PC toolkits that can be purchased at computer stores.
3. If a technician is working on laptops, then a small torx screwdriver is necessary.
4. The right tools can save a technician a lot of time and help the technician avoid damage to
the equipment. Tool kits range widely in size, quality and price.
Troubleshooting tools fall easily into two categories: hardware and software.
Basic Hardware Tools
1. Screwdrivers – the most basic tool for working inside the PC.
a. Phillips Screwdriver – most computers use Phillips-head screws. A short-
handled, number 1 Phillips screwdriver will probably be the most-used tools in your kit.
b. Hex-Nut Drivers – used in removing hexagonal head screws.
c. Torx Screwdrivers – the least familiar screws used in PC, it has a slot shaped
something like a six-pointed star. This is probably the best kind of fastener for a PC. The
driver fits securely into the screw-head, so it will not easily slip, and it is much less likely to
become worn than any other type.
2. Parts-Retrievers or Tweezers- parts-retrievers or parts-grabbers are very useful for
retrieving screws you’ve dropped inside the computer case, as well as for other
purposes.
Sector: EVOC - CTP Module Title Lesson 4
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Marikina Polytechnic College
Basic Tools for Computer Repair
3. Needle-Nosed Pliers – also useful for grabbing screws and removing and installing
jumpers in the PC.
4. Flashlights
5. Static Control Products – static electricity, formally know as electrostatic discharge
(ESD), is the enemy of electronic components, and particularly of those inside the
computers. To protect the components from ESD, ESD protection device is used such as
grounding wrist straps and static-dissipative mats and bags.
6. Cleaning Tools – soft cloth, brush or compressed air can used for removing/blowing out
the dust in your PC.
Advance Hardware Tools
1. Multimeter – A device used that is use to measure the voltage, amperage or resistance
of an electrical circuits.
2. Digital Thermometer – used to measure the temperature inside the PC. Intermittent
failures and lockups can be due to over heating.
Sector: EVOC - CTP Module Title Lesson 4
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Marikina Polytechnic College
Basic Tools for Computer Repair
Software Tools
1. Installation CD – Windows, Office Application, Anti-virus software and utility program.
2. Emergency Boot Disk – a floppy disk that provides you with ability to boot up a
system when the normal boot process has failed, and which contains several basic utility
programs that come with both DOS and Windows.
3. Disk Management Tools
a. Fdisk – create and delete partitions
b. Format – prepare hard disk drive prior to use
c. Scandisk or CHKDSK – check for physical errors on the disk surface
d. Defrag – optimize use of space on a disk
e. Disk Cleanup – removed unused files
f. Disk management – creates partitions and formats disks
g. System File Checker – scans the operating system critical files and replaces
any files that are corrupt.
4. Device/Hardware Drivers
Miscellaneous Tools
1. Personal Reference Tools – notes, journal, history of repairs.
2. Internet Reference Tools – search engines, news group, manufacturer’s FAQ’s, online
computer manuals, online forums and chats, technical websites
3. Spare parts
4. A working laptop
Sector: EVOC - CTP Module Title Lesson 4
Danilo S. Ibarrola Computer Troubleshooting and Repair Page3
Marikina Polytechnic College
