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    Good computer tool kit recommendations?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Lickwidpain, May 11, 2011.

  1. Lickwidpain

    Lickwidpain Notebook Consultant

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    Didn't know exactly where to put this thread. I will get another Sager soon and since I know I have to send it out for weeks if something happens, I rather fix a simple problem myself. Just need the right tools for the job. :)
     
    Lickwidpain, May 11, 2011
    #1
  2. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    Dont need any kits just a few select tools.

    Nice strong tip philips screwdriver maybe a few sizes but actually I just use one size these days for everything other than micro screws (#0 I think)

    Maybe some tweezers for ribbon cables and stuff

    I also like a magnet to magnetize the screwdriver.

    One reason I like to work on computers rather than say cars is that you do not need much in the way of tools and the tools are rather cheap. I have maybe $100 worth of stuff while my step dad who is a mechanic has about $50,000 worth of stuff.

    My collection

    Dremel
    Soldering Iron
    Solder
    Spare Wire
    Cable Ties
    Heat Shrink Tubing
    Magnitizer/Demagnitizer
    Persison Screwdriver Set
    Needle Nose Pliers
    Multi-Meter
    Velcro
    RJ45 Crimps & Crimp Tool
    Wire Cutters
    Wire Strippers
    + A bit of misc stuff
     
    ViciousXUSMC, May 11, 2011
    #2
  3. Lickwidpain

    Lickwidpain Notebook Consultant

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    Ha! I used to be a techician for BMW so Im used to workin on cars! Lol! I don't really have much experience on computer though I did reflow a bunch of Ps3s succesfully. If I can do that then I should be able to handle anything short of a bricked mobo right?

    I'm torn between an M18x for in home warrenty and the x7200 beast. I dealt with Sager before when it comes to warrentys and don't know if I'm comfortable with sending my lappy out for weeks on end, especially for something that can be fixed with simple tools but I love Sagers
    alot.
     
    Lickwidpain, May 11, 2011
    #3
  4. svl7

    svl7 T|I

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    Nice list ViciousXUSMC!

    @Lickwidpain:
    Some ESD protection (mat and wristband) can be really useful. I know that a lot of people don't care about this when they work at their systems, but I'd say better safe than sorry.

    Edit: AW has a really good warranty imo.
     
    svl7, May 11, 2011
    #4
  5. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    ESD kits are a pain in the butt. If you're in the comfort of your own home, take your shoes and socks off and work on the computer barefoot, don't wear gloves while you're working. And of course, take off that wool sweater.

    As far as tools for the bulk of work, a variety of small philips head bits will undo most screws, some double-sided or looped single-sided tape to keep tracks of screws, a magnet on a stick to retrieve dropped screws, and a plastic/nylon spudger. Everything Vicious listed can come into play, but only when your problem has already hit the fan.
     
    woofer00, May 11, 2011
    #5
  6. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    define the kind of 'simple repair' that if you DIY it won't invalidate your whole warranty.......
     
    newsposter, May 11, 2011
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  7. Hungry Man

    Hungry Man Notebook Virtuoso

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    Sonic screwdriver.
     
    Hungry Man, May 11, 2011
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  8. Lickwidpain

    Lickwidpain Notebook Consultant

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    Something like putting on new thermal paste. If my CPU or GPU seems abit hotter than normal, I rather do the past myself than send my lappy from NJ to CA.

    Thanks for the tips guys. I will pick up a simple magnetic screwdriver set.
     
    Lickwidpain, May 12, 2011
    #8
  9. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, opening up your machine that far is sure to void a warranty.

    But that's the choice you make.
     
    newsposter, May 12, 2011
    #9
  10. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    A really really BIG hammer.
     
    HTWingNut, May 13, 2011
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  11. Lickwidpain

    Lickwidpain Notebook Consultant

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    Actually, when it comes to Sagers, changing thermal paste does not void the warranty.

    LOL! Maybe a saw will be more efficient?
     
    Lickwidpain, May 13, 2011
    #11
  12. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    You can swap out pretty much any component in a Sager and they will still warrant the laptop, but obviously not the new component.
     
    HTWingNut, May 13, 2011
    #12