After years of working on computer hardware, whether assembling things or fixing broken things, I’ve learned there are certain tools that tend to come in handy. Not all of these are specific to IT, so you may have them hanging around somewhere. For the most part, I keep all of this in my bag. It saves me a trip to the nearest hardware store.
Screwdriver Set
This is pretty obvious. Laptops, desktops and server racks all have components that you’re going to need a good screwdriver set to work on. Specifically, a set that includes some rather small bits. Manufactures rarely adhere to any convention, so you never know what type or size bit you’ll need. The more expansive the better. I have a rather simple set, but it covers general use cases. Something like this is cheap and portable, and can really save the day.
Canned Air
The number one enemy of your computer is dust. If enough of it builds up inside your laptop, it will basically be unusable. Keep the ventilation for your devices optimal by blowing out wherever air is pushed or pulled out. Also great for getting crumbs out of keyboards or keeping cool on a hot day. Although, many a tech (including myself) has opted for a vacuum to clean out computer towers, it’s generally not recommended; a significant amount of static electricity builds up as the air rushes past whatever attachment you are using.
Lint Free Cloth + Isopropyl Alcohol
Screens. They get dirty and dusty. It’s inevitable. From phones to TVs our lives are filled with screens. Always have a lint free micro-fiber cloth on hand. Generally, a little water or an ammonia-based non-corrosive cleaner should be used if you need to clean your computer screen without damaging it.
For connecters and other components that become gunky, Isopropyl alcohol is a great answer. Note that this should not be used on screens.
Grounding Bracelet
This is often one of the first pieces of equipment a tech will receive. Humans can generally sense static at around 2000 volts. It only takes 5 to 10 percent of this to potentially kill whatever component you are working on. A grounding bracelet can prevent this from happening. It’s super-nerdy, but comes in handy.
Knife
The universal tool. Whether unboxing a shiny new computer or trying to pry something out of an old one. Always good to have on hand.
Baseball Bat
PC LOAD LETTER? This tool fixes everything. Printer won’t print? Take a bat to it and show it who’s boss. Computer unusably slow? Baseball bat. You needed a new one anyway.