Upgrading and Fixing Computers: Do-it-Yourself For Dummies®

Chapter 2. Assembling Your Tools

Topics in this chapter

• The first tools to grab

• Turning household items into tools

• Using magnetized screwdrivers and dust blowers

• Dealing with a lost manual

When you're at the computer shop, be sure to pick up a computer toolkit, if you don't already own one. The toolkits include most of the tools mentioned in this chapter and a snazzy, zip-up case to keep them in. Most kits cost less than $20 and include the right sized screwdriver, some handy tweezers, and the right-sized nut driver. If you don't want to spend money, you can probably salvage most of this chapter's handy items from a garage, junk drawer, kitchen, or laundry room.

But no matter whether you buy a toolkit or assemble your own, make sure that you keep it within reach when you're ready to open your computer's case.

This chapter tells you about these and other tools to put on your Computer Repair Shop wish list.

The First Tools to Grab

You'll find these essential tools in nearly every household, but if you don't, they're at your neighborhood hardware store. After you collect them, keep them together, and leave them within an arm's length of your computer. You'll constantly be reaching for them.

• Phillips screwdrivers: Phillips screwdrivers have a little square cross on their tip, not a flat blade. The pointed tip fits directly into the crossed lines on the screw's top. Regular screwdrivers don't work.

  The Phillips screwdriver doesn't need to be a tiny thing, as most computer screws have fairly deep ...