Basic tools help

[BigGunn]

After years of fooling around with PC's i'm finally starting to make the push to do everything myself, thus the appearance on this board. I know this may seem small but the basic setup is mentioned a lot but i would like to know what brand i should use for particulars. So far i know i need a good magnetic screwdriver, grounding band, work pad "would be nice", and that's about it. Any suggestions with what else would be great to have would be a big help please give the brand also thanks a bunch and have a great day.

 

[SuB]

Dremel, needle files, calipers, tap & die, wet & dry paper of various grains, Hex/Allen keys of all sizes you can afford, as small as you can manage.

If you're after a tool list, honestly it's endless there's always room for more tools

Dremel is probably number 1 tbh, get one, practice, practice more !

 

[BigGunn]

Thanks a bunch i have a dremel already that i use for miniatures i paint.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Magnetic screwdriver! Honestly i wouldn't build without one.. makes everything so easy.

 

[JR23]

I don't actually like using magnetic screwdrivers, they are ok in impossible situations or when you've dropped something. I've got a PH0 and a PH1 of these Stanleys and they get the most use of all my tools.

Erm TIM cleaner is always good to have, I always keep the two stage Arctic Silver kit, then some actual TIM of course. Microfibre cloth is always good, I find them hard to buy though actually, Jessops used to do an XL blue one and that was sweet, some are just awful. Your gonna need compressed air too, standard issue, don't buy it from maplins unless you are a billionaire (millions won't cover it). Cables ties, all of the cables ties! Some form of adhesive is actually handy, I like tapes. The harris number plate tape from halfords is my favorite because it's great at dealing with plastic and painted surfaces and it's black. +1 to dremel but your gonna need a quality file to go with that to finish your cuts and always keep some edging trim on the shelf, I personally superglue that in place so add superglue! Most things after that are down to the more specialist jobs you do.

JR

 

[RobCrezz]

A small set of screwdrivers/torx. You can find these in ebay/maplins etc. Invaluable if you have to open a laptop or graphics card etc anything with small screws.

 

[Davva2004]

Magnetic PH1 and PH2 screwdrivers, isopropyl alcohol 99% and soft lint free cloths, gelid GC-3 Extreme thermal paste, and an air duster. With those you can build and maintain any air cooled rig.

Things get a bit more complicated when you venture into water cooling or case modifications.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Hammer. everyone needs a hammer.

 

[barnsley]

I also have a low power gpu (something like a gt 210) as its surprisingly useful for troubleshooting.

 

[Pugsport]

i use these screwdrivers

Wera Extra long http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wera-Scre...t=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item27caf2b6eb

all my screwdrivers, torx keys and socket set is made by Wera. Wera make some very good tools altho its not cheap its worth buying a good brand

 

[Macroman595]

This thread has got me wanting to get a "toolkit"

 

[Wraith]

Tape measure, a good craft knife set, laser thermometer... blah blah blah

Best tool in the box is Common sense. Keep fleshy bits away from sharp pointy bits. My old wood works teacher lived by this mantra.

 

[Mysterae]

A great tool to have is a gas soldering iron. Not only is it portable (for working on the car for instance) but they usually come with other attachments to turn it from a soldering iron to a heat knife, blow torch or a heat gun. Runs off normal butane gas used to refill lighters.

Here's an example.