Hello, I am not really sure about which section this belongs in, but this sub-forum seems the best fit. I’m going to start taking apart and putting together old-ish PCs and figured a building kit (screwdrivers and all that) would be needed. I’ve seen a few online, but it seems they are cheaply made and only good for one use – or so the reviews say. I will also need thermal paste and a can of compressed air (not sure on what brands). Also, with thermal paste, once opened, does it dry out? Probably a silly question, but I thought I would ask. Any recommendations/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I'd sack all the rubbish kits off and just get half-decent (i.e. good amateur) tools tbh. A sample basket of my choices: Pick a couple of those screwdrivers you like (a long and short) and pack it all into a small toolbox. Sorted. For thermal goop I'd pick up the cheapest available - there's very little difference between them if you're not chasing temps. In fact, I've been recycling the stuff that comes free with heat sinks for years. Never known it go off, although sometimes it can separate a little.
Some great stuff there; thank you for your input. The Draper screwdriver looks good; pity they don't do the same one in 'short form' (as in a shorter base). Now to hunt for a small-ish toolbox.
I'd add... 1. Cable ties of various sizes. 2. A brush of some kind. 3. ESD gear and spare anti static bags (put components in the bags when they are going to be out of the machine for extended periods of time). 4. TIM cleaner 5. Spare cables (SATA, Molex converters, legacy leads, video cables etc). 6. Known working common components e.g. Graphics card PCI-e/AGP, memory of various types, Hard Disks. 7. Working PSU or a PSU tester All things that aren't essential, but invaluable in some situations!
Krikkit, thank you for your reply - look to be good suggestions. Pity I can't seem to find a similar screwdriver to the draper (I will forgo the Silverline) but with a shorter base (as per your suggestion). MrJay - right now, those are not necessary - but will be in the future, so thank you too.
2nd on the cable ties actually, extremely useful! The rest are good suggestions, although I was thinking more along the lines of essential hardware rather than "nice to have".
Sorry for the double post; didn't realise posts need approving. I should have mentioned that they are not (currently) necessary for what I am doing - bar the wrist band. But yeah, as a profession or something, they are essential. Thanks again.
If you're not going to do it often, set yourself up near a radiator. They're earthed so once you touch it you dissipate all the anti-static electricity you're conducting. Or so I'm told, followed this rule for a number of years and not had a problem. Depending on your lighting situation (my house has numerous dimmer switches) you could grab one of those head torches to help with lighting. Situational but a thought.
as a tip for cable ties, CPC farnell have dirt cheap cable ties and they give free delivery on all orders. I've got about 600 now,
The draper precision set (that krikkit linked) is what I am currently using. I have had no problems with the extensions/screwdriver, I think its a very good bit of kit, for the price.
and one or two pen drives with hiren bootcd or something similar and a couple of OS's at least that's one of my main tools lol
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