I hope you didn’t
think the last time you’d hear “safety first” was in your Drivers Education
classes! Working on any electronics, including computers has its risks and
requires certain precautions. Having said that, what’s the first part you
should purchase when building your own computer?
A forceps ESD
tool kit should be the first thing you purchase. Normal household
tools aren’t suited to working on a computer because they’re often dirty,
rusty, and magnetic. Here are some things you must have in your computer tool
kit:
Safe
Anti-static Tweezers– This is a must-have for any computer
builder. Your computer's components are very sensitive to static electricity.
Make sure that you ALWAYS have your antistatic wrist band on when working on
your computer. You must attach it to a ground source, usually a large piece of
metal works well. This removes any free electrons, which cause static charge,
from your body to the ground. Also, as an additional measure, before touching
any hardware, touch your computers metal frame. This will also help put your
body’s charge at equilibrium with your PC’s.
Needle-nose pliers
and Tweezers - These tools are useful when handling small screws and bits of
metal. Your computer's circuitry is very precise and you'll need some good
tweezers and pliers to hold things into place. Screwdrivers – This is an
obvious requirement for computer tool kits. You should have at least one small
Phillips and Flathead screwdriver in your kit. Spare parts container - You'll
be surprised how handy one of these will be. They can be used to store small
parts, screws, spacers, etc. Nut drivers - Although these aren't a requirement
for your tool kit, most tool kits come with some nut drivers. I have yet to use
mine, but someday I'll probably need them.
Also, make sure
all of your tools are NOT magnetic. Many screwdrivers for small screws are
magnetic to help hold the screw in place. You don’t want this when dealing with
your computer hardware because the magnetic field could damage your components.
I can’t stress this enough; having the correct tools is the easiest way to
avoid damaging your components that could easily cost you hundreds of dollars.
And please turn off and UNPLUG your computer before working on it, the last
thing you need is a phobia of computers after you’ve been inadvertently shocked
by one.
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