Computer Tool Kit

Rosewill Tool Kit RTK-045

I recommend the Rosewill 45-Piece Premium Computer Tool Kit. This budget minded kit has more than the  minimum needs for assembling computers. Designed with the most popular tools for assembling, fixing and performing just about any task including computer/electronic repairs.  

The case is durable and can be dropped. Included is an anti static wrist strap, big enough for large wrists.  Also, the alligator clip is removable from the end of the wrist strap to reveal a ground prong. The whole tool kit is very good quality, unlike the dollar store sets.

It includes a screw pronge device with claws. Looks like a syringe and when you push it down a little claw can pick up whatever. Excellent for picking up screws or nuts where you can't get your hands.

Get this kit if your money is tight. 

Rosewill Tool Kit RTK-146

The ultimate tool kit the Rosewill RTK-146 Computer Tool Kit, has everything 

 you need for home computer assembling,  or office repair & maintenance. Use these tools to take on  any challenging tasks.

 This uses the same tools as above but now it is 146 tools The kit boasts the most comprehensive tool combinations, including the most frequently used tools. If you can fit this toolkit into your budget this is obviously the choice.

A solder iron is included in this kit, so you will not need the solder iron below at the bottom of this page. Get this kit if you have the budget.

Safety Glasses

An absolute must have. Problem with not wearing a pair of safety glasses is stuff happens. You may think that these glasses are too geeky, but you may be surprised. One unsuspecting incident is all it takes. You have saved your eye(s).

This is a story from my bench technician days, I was soldering and accidentally flicked my solder iron up, which had a dab of solder on the tip of the iron and boom, solder on my right eye. Guess what? I did not have my glasses on.

I can still remember the horrific pain. You will understand the pain if you have ever had boiling water splash onto your body. I am lucky I did not lose my eye. On the other hand, I could not see out of the eye for a week.

Make sure you pick up a pair and wear them each and every time you work on your computer.

Anti Static Mat

The next thing that you will absolutely need for building computers or any electronic assembling and repairs is an anti static mat. The idea of the mat is to keep you and everything else at electrical ground potential.

Digital Multi Meter (DMM)

For those of you that will be testing and troubleshooting, you will need a DMM. Great for measuring AC volts, DC volts and resistance. Not an absolute necessity, but if something doesn't work, you won't know until you check basic voltages.  

You will need to learn how to use the DMM if you have not used it before. A very short simple lesson, touch the leads where you want to measure. Make sure you have the meter setting on what ever you are measuring.  

Take a reading. For those of you that don't understand, I suggest you read the manual before use.

Solder Iron

For those of you who are doing any kind of repairs you will need a solder iron kit. This is also something that has a bit of a learning curve. I will give  you a quick lesson.

Plug the iron in and give it a minute to heat up. Tin the iron with solder, this means touch the solder to the iron. The solder will liquefy and flow onto the iron, give the iron a very light coat.

To apply solder touch the solder to the iron and item that you are soldering let the solder liquefy and then flow. The solder should be applied smooth and even.   Practice applying solder as much as you can, let it liquefy and flow.

No need to move the iron around. Do not apply too much heat. Soldering is an art that can easily be perfected, practice makes perfect.