Tools You Can Touch

Unless you maintain many PCs, you don't need one of those fancy PC tool kits that cost over $50 (although Belkin's $15 Standard Computer Tool Kit is a good low-price alternative). In fact, the list of hardware you really must have isn't long.

>>TIP Screwdrivers: You only need two small screwdrivers: one with a standard slotted head, and one with a Phillips head. They should be less than 6 inches long--and make sure they're not magnetized.

>>TIP Tweezers: A small pair of tweezers with a good grip is invaluable for placing and removing jumpers and for retrieving lost screws. Tweezers with flat tips are more useful than those with pointed tips.

>>TIP Flashlight: Even in a well-lit room, it can be tough to see small cables and connectors inside your PC's case.

>>TIP Parts container: A small container--preferably with a lid--is essential for holding screws and jumpers. A plastic cup or old prescription bottle works well.

>>TIP Needle-nose pliers: A small pair of needle-nose pliers is useful for grasping parts and bending wire and bits of metal.

>>TIP A can of compressed air: Keep your PC's interior and ventilation ducts free of dust to prevent overheating. A quick blast of air is by far the easiest way to do this. Canned air is available at most computer and electronics stores for less than $10.

>>TIP Antistatic wrist band:One jolt of static electricity moving between your body and your PC can fry the machine's circuitry. When you add or remove hardware, or perform any work inside your PC's case, wear an antistatic wrist band. One end attaches to your wrist, and the other attaches to a ground. They, too, are available at computer and electronics stores for less than $10. See Avoid Static Damage to Your PC for an antistatic guide.

>>TIP Nut drivers and other special tools: Many computer tool kits include nut drivers, chip removers, and other specialized tools. I consider these to be overkill for the average user because screwdrivers and pliers should suffice for most jobs.

SUMMARY

Standard Computer Tool Kit $15 Belkin

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