Computer Technician’s Toolkit – My Computer Tools List
As a computer technician you need to have the right computer repair tools in your ‘computer repair tool kit’ with you at all times in order to perform your job effectively. Showing up for a job only to have to leave right away because you don’t have the correct tool may not leave a good impression with a client. So make sure you read right through my computer tools list, check against your own PC repair kit and buy anything missing you need. Recently I added some pre-built kits to the many individual items I use.
Click on the titles or links below to go through to see more information, product reviews (by others), to buy and more (designed to open in a new tab, so you can continue reading through the list).
Note: If it is ready-made computer network installation tool kits you are after, checkout ‘Computer Network Installation Tool Kits Listed and Reviewed‘.
Note: These are not necessarily a recommendation to buy one brand over another. This list is intended to be just that – a list of useful tools that you can pick and choose from, that should save you time with helpful links to short cut finding them or something similar much quicker.
PC Repair Kit – Many in one Tool Kit:
I recently added these to my computer tools list, as no list would be complete without some good value all in one or ‘many in one’ kits. You will still need to be sure to check out the individual computer repair tools that follow.
This set has everything else you will need when working on laptops including MacBooks. It comes with Pentalobe, Slot, Phillips, JIS, Torx, Torx Security, Hex, Square, Triangle, Tri-Wing, and Nut driver bits.
This PC/computer Repair kit is a new addition. By buying all these items in one tool kit to your own toolkit, you will likely save money. It will jump start your toolkit if you are just starting to build one, which is why I place it near the top of this list.
This is my pick for the best computer repair tool kit as it makes a very handy all in one (or rather, many in one) repair tool kit. It actually includes the iFixit 64 bit toolkit (the big brother to the one above) along with many PC repair tools.
The one thing I can’t tell you? Why are all the tools blue?! Branding, I guess.
Here is another multi-set in which you can get spudgers, screwdrivers and more all in one.
All that said, I still believe the best computer repair tool kit is the one you build yourself.
So what computer repair tools do I carry?
In the following computer tools list I would like to share with you the individual network and computer repair tools I carry with me in my PC repair kit so I am always ready to tackle any job. Use this list to build your own tool kit so that you will always be prepared.
A Favorite PC Repair Tool of mine:
6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set
I still have and love my KR Tools 6-in-1 Auto-Loading many-in-one screwdriver set. Unfortunately it is not available anymore/for now (and I’m not sure when it will be). All of the bits are contained within the screwdriver itself and can be easily changed by simply twisting the shaft. I don’t have to worry about carrying around separate bits and finding the right one before attempting a repair. This set also includes a precision screwdriver that works great on laptops. It’s great because it makes your computer tool kit lighter!
I think the closest to it is probably the following one because it is also auto-loading:
This looks so similar my guess it is the equivalent. Otherwise I also found this multi-screw driver option that is different but might serve you similarly.
This one also carries the bits in the handle. Different mechanism though, but perhaps you’d prefer that for the other features.
Essential in a computer tool kit:
A flashlight can be very handy when trying to look into a dark computer case, behind a rack, or when tracking down rogue screws. I like this one because it’s bright, small, lightweight, and easy to use.
Many smartphones have a light but if you are a pro, you need to have a dedicated light in your PC repair tool kit.
I use these for not only making new network cables but also replacing damaged RJ45 connectors on existing cables.
This basic network cable tester is used to determine if cable is good, bad, or wired incorrectly.
I use the Pro3000 for toning and tracing out ethernet wires. It’s especially handy when the cable installers don’t label any of the ports.
These little pocket knives are very useful not only for the knife itself but also for the small scissors that make cutting wire ties and other things very easy. This one is basic but has the essential functions. If you want you can buy a bigger one with more blades and functions for your PC repair kit. It is an all-in-one but I think it is essential, hence I’ve included it under the ‘Essential in a Computer Tool Kit’ section.
Laptop Computer Repair Tools:
This tool is great for laptop repairs. It is especially useful when trying to pry open a stubborn case or when disconnecting small cables.
A multi-set can be found here.
I’ve used my needle nose pliers from everything to pulling out a stuck molex connector, removing motherboard standoffs, to reaching into a tight space to remove a screw.
Computer repair tools like this are essential in your kit.
Fewer computers are shipping with optical drives
Iit’s nice to have an external one with your laptop repair tools in case you need to access bootable media like a Windows install disc or repair tool.
These are a must have for any tech computer repair tool kit.
I primarily use mine for data recovery when the OS is irreparable and won’t boot or when the machine itself has a hardware failure and I need to recover something quickly.
It can also be handy when transferring data from an old PC to a new one.
Used to quickly check a power supply for problems and will sound an alarm if any abnormalities are discovered.
It can also check your Molex, PCI-E, and SATA power connections as well. This one is very popular!
Portable memory that doesn’t overload your computer repair tool kit:
Every tech needs a flash drive. I use mine to carry all of my portable apps and software updates as well as a place to store temporary files. The SanDisk Ultra Flair 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive is neither the best flash drive on the market nor is it the worst. It’s a good flash drive for a good price and it’s USB 3.0, which is great as a professional because it is faster.
Having a portable hard drive can be handy when your flash drive isn’t enough. I mainly use mine for large file transfers and storage. As a professional, it is important to have large storage without the bulk as I’m always carrying it. These days I also have a 4 TB portable external drive because with massive amounts of memory consumed with data files, image and video files even a 2 TB drive can be consumed pretty quickly – but which you buy depends on your needs.
Computer Repair Tools – Software:
The Hiren’s BootCD is a computer technician’s best friend. It’s a bootable CD that contains a huge set of tools to help you troubleshoot and repair even the most corrupt machines.
Let me know if you have trouble getting hold of this or where else you find it to help others like you.
Tools to test USB Speed
I have a separate article which gives you three utilities to test USB speed, and hard drive speed for that matter.
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
[Sorry – the site http://www.ubcd4win.org/ doesn’t seem to be responding anymore. I’m going to leave this in here as a placeholder in case they get up and running again. But for now sorry this link doesn’t work. -Ed.] If Hiren’s can’t do the job then the Ultimate Boot CD for Windows is another great option. It also contains a huge set of tools for troubleshooting various issues.
Techtool Pro is a suite of tools used to troubleshoot and repair problems on Macs. Like Hiren’s and Ultimate Boot CD for Windows, Techtool Pro can be booted from a DVD when the computer will not boot.
Windows 10 DVD, Windows 8DVD, Windows 7 DVD, Windows Vista DVD, and Windows XP CD
I keep Windows installation media with me also for the purpose of repairing corrupt windows installations.
Computer Technician’s Toolkit Summary
So there you go, those are what I have in my computer repair tool kit. I know it is one of the longest and best computer repair tools lists out there, so well done for working right through it. As I wrote above, the best best computer repair tool kit is ultimately the one you build yourself. Is there anything missing do you think, or what other tools do you keep in your computer tool kit? Does your tool kit have a slant towards being a PC repair kit, Mac Repair kit, for networks, software fixes, or everything you need for consulting? Did you decide to buy more tools, if so which ones? Please leave your comments below for feedback and to help others like you.
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