What's a good laptop repair tool kit?

Yesterday on Newegg, one of their daily deals was a Rosewill computer tool kit and I was thinking of getting it, but the tools were for desktops and I don't have a desktop. It got me thinking, are there any tool kits meant for laptops? I'd like to get a laptop tool kit or at least a good set of screwdrivers. The screwdrivers I've been using are the thin metal ones that are hard to grip and stuff. So, any recommendations?

 

I'd say just grab a standard kit of magnetic screwdrivers with varying sizes and a decent grip. Or if you know what size screwdrivers you need, get them individually if you prefer. Don't get one of those with the changeable heads though. Those usually end up being too short to take out the screw or too large a size.

 

How are screws/screwdrivers measured?

 

I just use a set of small screwdrives (mine happen not to be magnetic, but get them if you can) and an ESD band. For the ESD band to work, you'll need to connect it to something that's grounded; I use an old desktop computer that's plugged in, for example.

A decent, cheap set of screwdrives (like a DollarGeneral set) should come with the most common screw sizes:

Phillips #1 and #0 (0 is smaller)
Standard 3/64", 5/64", 3/32", and 1/8" (or 1.19mm, 1.98mm, 2.38mm, and 3.17mm).

If you're buying a kit to work on other peoples' computers, I'd also recommend getting an external HDD dock as well. Most of the computers I work on typically amount to "my computer won't turn on, can you please get my files?".

 

I wouldn't get the cheap set of screw drivers. Those hard drive screws are sometimes set in 'loctite' and are very hard to break loose. You need a quality driver that doesn't get stripped. Some of the cheap drivers are made of a softer metal that is easily damaged by a screw that doesn't want to come out.

I just bought a screw driver kit at Best Buy and those seem to OK.

 

Eh, for those I just get a pair of pliers and use the extra torque to boost the screwdriver's ability to get a screw loose. Either that or I get a screwdrivers with a handle that has a wider diameter for the same effect. So far my DG drivers are holding up fine, and I've used them for a year thus far. Actually bought a second set because I left my first in my dorm one time (needed them at home).

 

For laptops: one small screwdriver, philips head and another with a flat head*.
For desktops: one large philips head screwdriver.

For both: pliers,side cutters, scissors, huge box of zip ties, antistatic tape, superglue, thermal paste, multitool...

*get two. No-one has has fingers/nails long and small enough to fit everywhere that a flat screwdriver gets into. Lift plugs off the motherboard or poke wlan cables in place... So many uses

And the special tool: socket screwdriver in two sizes, one 5mm that fits on those screws used in vga/etc connectors. Best tool ever

Another socket screwdriver, bigger one that fits on those generic desktop screws.

 

Screwdrivers, finger nail, teeth in no particular order.

Find some multi compartment container for screws.

 

For screwdrivers - this is what I personally use StarTech.com 7-Piece Precision Screwdriver Computer Tool Kit (CTK100P)
Includes:
Slot 2.0x50mm
Slot 3.0x50mm
Phillips No. 00 (50mm)
Phillips No. 0 (50mm)
Phillips No. 1 (50mm)
Torx T20x50mm
Torx T15x50mm

 

I got this set for a desktop a while ago which gets the job done, but some of the screwcriver tips are a bit on the soft side. I haven't damaged them though: Newegg.com - Rosewill RTK-045 45 Piece Premium Computer Tool Kit

Then i also got these two:


Out of the three, i'd say the mini screwdriver set is the most useful for laptops. I got the second set mostly because ti has security tips as well so i can pretty much dismantle anything including Wii remotes.

 

That Rosewill kit is the one that was on Newegg yesterday! It was like $15.


@KLF: Why would you put zip ties under both? When would you ever use a zip tie in a laptop?

And no, I'm not working on other's laptops. Just my own.

Also, is this a good set? http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26194-Screwdriver-Phillips-Precision/dp/B000NZ5QGK/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
It has really good reviews (some mentioning laptops) and the reviews say they're well made and whatnot. The sizes seem good.

Or maybe this set? http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-66-05...f=sr_1_22?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1339020106&sr=1-22

 

I use precision screwdrivers, dont cheap out here since even good ones are not very expensive and will last you forever.

Go and get ones that are for mechanics or electrical work, that is a pretty solid way to know you got good ones.

On the cheap I got these: http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-electricians-micro-screwdriver-set-96075.html

Worked really well for me so far, far above other "cheap" stuff, came with a nice hardcase that I like a lot for them. Used it in my most recent tech video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY58vyBVXyg

Other Stuff:

Soldering Iron

Dremel

Wire Strippers

Wire Cutters

Electric Tester (Multitester? name escapes me at the moment)

Needle Nose Pliers for desktop, Tweezers for laptop

Bandaids (for desktops mostly when playing with sharp metal or moving fans)

 

Digital Multi-Meter?
What would the dremel be for?
I have wire cutters and strippers, and a soldering iron, but I need my dad to teach me how to use it =þ

Also, in the link you gave, that set contains flat screwdrivers, but I've yet to come across any in my laptop (I think they're all phillips).

Also, I figured out that the screwdrivers I've been using are called jeweler's screwdrivers and it's hard to grip them for screws that are really stuck.

 

Everything ViciousXUSMC listed and I also have more, jewelers magnifying glass, and a small microscope. Exacto knife set, electrical tape, few sizes of crescent wrenches, sharpie, razor blade, hot glue gun, super glue.

I've got about $250 into tools in my small electrical box. I use it at least once or twice a week.

 

Lol I have more too, I was just listing the essentials.

Q&A

Dremel: Its one of the best tools to have even if its not for laptops really it comes in handy. I have used it for laptops though to do say a cooling mod.

Flat Screwdriver: To take apart a laptop often (always) requires prying so you need something to pry with and thats what the screwdrivers are good for. There are some specialized very flat high surface area pry tools that would be worth picking up if you worked on laptops all the time, but for just servicing your own stuff the screwdrivers get the job done.

 

So what about these sets?
http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26194-Screwdriver-Phillips-Precision/dp/B000NZ5QGK/ref=pd_cp_hi_1
or
Amazon.com: Stanley 66-052 6-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set: Home Improvement

 

I got a Stanley set and it is just a great screwdriver for anything. That Stanley is great for desktop and laptop builds. The biggest thing for laptops in particular is really get a good precision screw kit and a flathead for prying. Those two things are really the bread and butter to laptop repair.

 

So do you think I should get the Stanley set that I linked to?

I might end up getting a Black & Decker RTX-B. Apparently, it's more powerful than the Dremel 4000 and it's way cheaper.

 

Not necessarily inside the laptop. You'll know it when you need it

 

Wiha is pretty good, the Stanley remind me of the dollar store stuff still they would probably easily get 99% of what you need to do done.

 

Yeah it looks tacky but they are really well made. They aren't dollar stuff material!

The Wiha is tempting on my end to have too and Wiha has good stuff for precision sets.