The 11 Tools Every System Builder Should Own

Whether you're a system-building newbie or an accomplished veteran, having the right tool for the job can make your products easier to build, resulting in higher quality. What's more, a well organized, well equipped bench can help speed your assembly and repair work.

In this TechBuilder Recipe, I'll show you the 11 essential tools that every system builder should own. I will also discuss some important maintenance tools, as well as four special-purpose tools that can come in handy. Finally, at the end, I offer my top three tips for system-building tools.

THE 11 ESSENTIAL TOOLS

These are the basic tools every system builder needs to build and repair PCs.

1. Screwdrivers: These are your most essential system-building tools. Have several screwdrivers on hand, or at least have one with interchangeable bits and a comfortable handle. I prefer drivers with long shafts, which allow me to keep my big hands out of small places. Most of the screws encountered in system building are Phillips head screws (with slots in the shape of a cross), so you'll certainly need a driver with the appropriate bit. But I also find that small, flat-blade screwdrivers come in handy, too.

Either way, the key is to have screwdrivers in appropriate sizes. Avoid the temptation of using anything but the one that fits exactly in the slots with the least amount of play. The chief problem with Phillips-head screws is that they "cam-out" or slip if the tool doesn't fit exactly. This tends to damage both the bit and the screw, and soon your screwdriver will be slipping out every time you use it. To avoid this problem, always use the correct-sized screwdriver. The most popular screw sizes you'll need to work with will be drive mounting screws (#4-40) and case screws with hex-head (#6-32, in 0.25-inch and 0.15-inch lengths).

Many system builders like the advantages of a screwdriver with a magnetic tip. It can fish out screws that have fallen into a tight corner, or help insert screws into narrow spots. But these tools carry the risk of zapping sensitive electronics with their slightly magnetized tip. If you choose a screwdriver with a magnetized tip, be careful where you put it.

2. Needle-Nose Pliers: These are useful for grasping small items and for removing and replacing jumpers on circuit boards. I like to have two pairs on the job: one very long, the other short and sturdy. Use the long pliers for getting into tight spots where your hand won't reach. Use the short pliers for holding and adjusting parts.

3. Wire Cutters: Use these diagonal cutters, or wire snips, for cutting wire, trimming nylon ties and stripping insulation. Buy a good-quality pair that is small and can fit into tight spots.

4. Small Flashlight: Even in a well-lit area, some additional light is extremely useful when you're working inside a PC box. There are lots of very small things you'll need to see, such as the "pin 1" marking on a connector. Don't rely on ambient light, especially if you have middle-age farsightedness.

5. Magnifying Glass: Use this to make small printing appear bigger, especially the small, cryptic and sometimes flawed printing on components. Occasionally, you'll also want to take a very close look at parts and contacts. (Further down in this list, you'll find that a jeweler's loupe can be an even better tool to have on hand during some jobs.)

6. Long Tweezers: Use these to retrieve screws that have dropped into the box. Another tool similar to tweezers is a part retriever; it has a tiny set of retractable claws and a spring-loaded handle.

7. Compressed Air or Vacuum: Canned air can be OK for cleaning a PC's inner workings, but a small vacuum is actually better. It traps the dust and sucks it out, rather than merely blowing it around.

8. Parts Tray: This is a place to keep all the loose hardware you're working with, so it doesn't get scattered over the bench. Your tray could be as simple as a small plastic box. Or it can be a more elaborate metal magnetic sheet. Either way, a parts tray will help you enormously. In addition to a stocked parts box, I have an old change drawer on my bench that makes it easy for me to store the screws I use most often for assembly or pluck out the ones I need for quick reassembly on repairs.

9. Electrostatic Discharge Wrist Strap: I know a lot of builders who don't bother with this anymore and who've instead become mindful to touch a chassis before working on it. But an inexpensive device worn on the wrist can reduce the electrostatic potential between your body and whatever part you're working on. It's certainly easy to have one around in case you want to absolutely sure static doesn't damage a system's components. I especially recommend using a wrist strap when working with expensive data-acquisition, communications and other specialty cards.

10. Cable Ties: The use of simple plastic ties can make all the difference between a jumbled mess and a professional-looking build. Either organizing the cables into bundles or routing them through specific paths can have three major benefits. First, it will make it much easier to work inside of the case. Second, it can actually aid in the airflow inside of the computer. Finally, organized bundles of cables or wires simply makes a build look better.

11. Pencil and Paper: Such a common household item doesn't initially sound like it would be important, but having a way to record settings and options can prevent a lot of errors during configuration. Consider keeping a notebook with your information, contacts and system specifics for each build. My guess is you'll be surprised at how often you reference it.