Technicians Toolkit

[squirrel]

Hi,

 

We're not actually back at school just yet so I've been doing a bit of personal research.

 

I am looking to start-up my own mini business, fixing PCs in the local area. Before I start actively advertising I would like to get things in place and one of the things I would like to get is a decent toolkit.

 

I just need one for general PC maintenance and with a little extra room to add a few of my own tools.

 

Has anyone got one of these? If so what do you think of them: Videk Online

 

Has anyone got anything different, any recommendations?

 

If not, has any one got a recommendation for a good carry case so that I can purchase tools separately?

 

Regards

[AyatollahPies]

Seems a lot of money.

 

Will you need a soldering Iron for clients computers?

 

I'd start off with some cheaper components, screwdrivers, tweezers etc. Then build your collection up from there.

 

I know a great site that sells a lot of the items you will probably need. Pm me if you want it, as it might break forum rules for me to post it in the thread.

[LosOjos]

That seems like major overkill to me, you really don't need all that for PC repairs and maintenance. A small kit like this one would be more than enough I reckon:

 

23-Piece Computer Tool Kit : Computer Tool Kits : Maplin

 

PS: Maplin aren't (in my opinion) the cheapest place in the world, you'll almost certainly be able to find something similar elsewhere, this is just an idea.

[pagelad]

Ive got a bigger one of these

 

http://www.tooled-up.com/ShowImage.aspx?Type=3&File=DRA78911.jpg&Man=DRA&Size=500

 

I just keep adding stuff as and when i need it, currently has

 

Selection of screwdrivers

40gb Laptop HD

USB IDE \ SATA adapter

Superglue

Hammer

Alan Keys

Pliers

 

etc,

 

loads more junk i just end up with, never know what you might need!

[LosOjos]

40gb Laptop HD

USB IDE \ SATA adapter

 

Always a great idea to have ways of backing up large amounts of data when you're going to do any kind of PC maintenance!

 

That kit seems like major overkill to me, you really don't need all that for PC repairs and maintenance. A small kit like this one would be more than enough I reckon:

 

23-Piece Computer Tool Kit : Computer Tool Kits : Maplin

 

PS: Maplin aren't (in my opinion) the cheapest place in the world, you'll almost certainly be able to find something similar elsewhere, this is just an idea.

 

[EDIT] - And as for a tool box, there are tons out there in every price range: think about how much space you actually need and how much you really want to spend on one (remember, it'll all come out of your profits!)

 

[EDIT #2] (I don't like to multi post if I can help it!) - Also it's worth getting yourself a software toolkit on a bootable CD, this one has saved me many a headache:

 

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

Edited January 4, 2010 by LosOjos
Forgot to say...

[pete]

You'd be much better off buying good tools as and when you can afford/need them than paying that much for mediocre ones that you won't use. 50% of the tools in that set you'll never use for your stated purpose or you'll discover are sub-par.

 

For screwdrivers I have a Wiha System 4 set that's awesome - accept no substitutes: Wiha SYSTEM 4 Sets Not cheap, but I really only want to buy a tool once.

 

A decent set of drivers, thin pliers, and an antistatic* mat will get you started. Add in a good network tester, punchdown tool with spare blades and crimper (with spare blades) if you're setting up networks.

 

*optional, but it looks like you care and customers like that.

 

I predict that the most frequently used tools will fit easily on a usb stick or read-only media.

Edited January 4, 2010 by pete

[LeMarchand]

Seems quite expensive to me!

 

I tend to carry WAY too much around. Currently use a Wenger laptop trolley compartmentalised with those clippy locky food storage things. Loads of tools and gadgets, mainly bought from cheapy/pound type shops or eBay. If I had to pick a bare minimum, it would be my pistol type electric screwdriver (and my 2 bit sets), my CD/DVD collection (recently rationalised down to the ones I actually use - favourite being UBCD4WIN), my USB key collection (needs organising, but loads of useful installation and portable software, hopefully soon to include a multiboot key with some of the above CD/DVDs on), my external drive, my IDE/SATA connection device, my mini maglite and my multitool. (Plus my laptop/smartphone, obviously).

 

I've toyed with getting one of those "workman's" type ABS trolleys, but I'm trying to cut down on the amount of stuff I cart around.

 

There's an interesting "sample" kit at Technibble.

[SYNACK]

Yikes, that does seem to be rather major overkill. I carry:

1x Screwdriver with multiple bits (phillips, flat head etc)

1x live cd UBCD4WIN

1x current install media for most common OSs

 

If it is likely to be a laptop or something I also have a few extra bits for the tricky screw heads. Anything else I tend to Macgyver as needed.

[Butters]

Hiren's Boot CD

Selection of screwdrivers

Different OS packs

Sata/IDE HD Caddy

[somabc]

That toolkit is for Network Engineer's you don't need it unless you are planning on making and running your own ethernet cable. The RJ45/BNC network tester is probably the most expensive part.

[jamesfed]

I've got one of these-

[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Tool-Kit-36-Piece/dp/B0002AGE4E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262625399&sr=1-3]Belkin Tool Kit - 36 Piece: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo[/ame]

Its a nice simple toolkit with nothing more than what I need (mainly screwdriver/anti static strap/yellow grabby thing for when I drop screws in bad places).

 

I'd also suggest you get a copy of Windows PE (useful for somethings like running AV Scans without Windows running) on a CD/Memory Stick and copies of the most common Windows Editions.

[LeMarchand]

Hiren's Boot CD

 

You're a very naughty boy!

[russdev]

I've got one of these-

Belkin Tool Kit - 36 Piece: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Its a nice simple toolkit with nothing more than what I need (mainly screwdriver/anti static strap/yellow grabby thing for when I drop screws in bad places).

 

I'd also suggest you get a copy of Windows PE (useful for somethings like running AV Scans without Windows running) on a CD/Memory Stick and copies of the most common Windows Editions.

 

 

We brought that for our new tech when he joined quite a good starter kit.

 

Russ

[teddybear]

I have a paperclip attached to my keys, always handy for that stuck CD drive as you will never find a small enough on when you need it...

[squirrel]

Cheers guys. I've been making a list of bits to add to the toolkit. Think I am going to go with a smaller one and make the rest up with other things such as USB DVD drive, USB memory stick etc.

 

My next question is... I am setting up a receipt on A5 paper so that if I take someones computer away, I can leave them a receipt of exactly what I've taken. I want to create a duplicate of the hand written receipt. Can I buy something like carbon sheets so that I can make immediate duplicates or do I have to buy a pre-printed duplicate book?

 

Where can I buy carbon sheets from?

 

Regards

[Batman]

I find a soldering iron indispensable, not everyone is good with a soldering iron but there are definitely times where there are no other options - and you'll usually learn something if you give it a go. If your motherboard's knackered anyway it doesn't hurt to try changing the caps before you go order another... assuming can get the caps!

 

There's also a lot of general stuff, I can't tell you the amount of leads and connectors I've fixed that would otherwise go to waste and have to be replaced. My soldering iron has saved me and my employers a chunk of money over the years. When our VGA over Cat5 converters for the reception plasma screen went pop last year I made (or hacked) together two vga - cat5 leads as a temporary fix. We're still using them now, almost a year later, and nobody's noticed the difference

 

So don't write-off the soldering iron... unless you're cack handed or unadventurous

[LeMarchand]

Where can I buy carbon sheets from?

 

Most Stationers/WH Smith/Amazon, though I guess that carbon paper is pretty "old hat" these days.

 

So don't write-off the soldering iron... unless you're cack handed

 

Unfortunately, I am .

[Tcsltd]

Cheers guys. I've been making a list of bits to add to the toolkit. Think I am going to go with a smaller one and make the rest up with other things such as USB DVD drive, USB memory stick etc.

 

My next question is... I am setting up a receipt on A5 paper so that if I take someones computer away, I can leave them a receipt of exactly what I've taken. I want to create a duplicate of the hand written receipt. Can I buy something like carbon sheets so that I can make immediate duplicates or do I have to buy a pre-printed duplicate book?

 

Where can I buy carbon sheets from?

 

Regards

 

I can do 10 packs of 10 sheets of A4 carbon paper for £9.95 ex vat!! let me know if you want any

[squirrel]

I can do 10 packs of 10 sheets of A4 carbon paper for £9.95 ex vat!! let me know if you want any

 

Great - how long will each sheet last do you think? Is this the best way to be doing this?

 

Regards

[Tcsltd]

I think a duplicate book will be better personally as it will keep it a bit neater for you!! but the carbon paper lasts quite a while anyway!!

[AyatollahPies]

I have a paperclip attached to my keys, always handy for that stuck CD drive as you will never find a small enough on when you need it...

 

So true. Also useful for testing a PSU, if you know what you're doing.

[LosOjos]

So true. Also useful for testing a PSU, if you know what you're doing.

 

Is it wise to poke around a PSU with a paperclip?

[AyatollahPies]

I find a soldering iron indispensable, not everyone is good with a soldering iron but there are definitely times where there are no other options - and you'll usually learn something if you give it a go. If your motherboard's knackered anyway it doesn't hurt to try changing the caps before you go order another... assuming can get the caps!

 

There's also a lot of general stuff, I can't tell you the amount of leads and connectors I've fixed that would otherwise go to waste and have to be replaced. My soldering iron has saved me and my employers a chunk of money over the years. When our VGA over Cat5 converters for the reception plasma screen went pop last year I made (or hacked) together two vga - cat5 leads as a temporary fix. We're still using them now, almost a year later, and nobody's noticed the difference

 

So don't write-off the soldering iron... unless you're cack handed or unadventurous

 

Is their a handbags Smiley?

[AyatollahPies]

Is it wise to poke around a PSU with a paperclip?

 

Corsair actually recommend it for testing the "on/off" switch functionality. Clearly, one has to use common sense whilst doing it. (I did stick the paperclip through a rubber just to be extra cautious)

[LosOjos]

Corsair actually recommend it for testing the "on/off" switch functionality. Clearly, one has to use common sense whilst doing it. (I did stick the paperclip through a rubber just to be extra cautious)

 

Fair enough. I had images of somebody shoving a paperclip in to a live PSU and, well, I don't imagine they'd be doing much else after that!