As a computer technician you need to have the right computer repair tools in your ‘computer repair tool kit’ with you at all times in order to perform your job effectively. Showing up for a job only to have to leave right away because you don’t have the correct tool may not leave a good impression with a client. So make sure you read right through my computer tools list, check against your own PC repair kit and buy anything missing you need. Recently I added some pre-built kits to the many individual items I use.
Click on the titles or links below to go through to see more information, product reviews (by others), to buy and more (designed to open in a new tab, so you can continue reading through the list).
Note: If it is ready-made computer network installation tool kits you are after, checkout ‘Computer Network Installation Tool Kits Listed and Reviewed‘.
Note: These are not necessarily a recommendation to buy one brand over another. This list is intended to be just that – a list of useful tools that you can pick and choose from, that should save you time with helpful links to short cut finding them or something similar much quicker.
Best Repair kit for MacBook Air, Pro, iMac, Mac mini: Other Apple Device Toolkit for repairing gadgets All in one repair kit for all the smart devices like laptops, smartphones, MacBook, iPhone, iPad etc. This kit contains the total of 23 pieces of tools for the better experience of repair.
PC Repair Kit – Many in one Tool Kit:
I recently added these to my computer tools list, as no list would be complete without some good value all in one or ‘many in one’ kits. You will still need to be sure to check out the individual computer repair tools that follow.
This set has everything else you will need when working on laptops including MacBooks. It comes with Pentalobe, Slot, Phillips, JIS, Torx, Torx Security, Hex, Square, Triangle, Tri-Wing, and Nut driver bits.
This PC/computer Repair kit is a new addition. By buying all these items in one tool kit to your own toolkit, you will likely save money. It will jump start your toolkit if you are just starting to build one, which is why I place it near the top of this list.
This is my pick for the best computer repair tool kit as it makes a very handy all in one (or rather, many in one) repair tool kit. It actually includes the iFixit 64 bit toolkit (the big brother to the one above) along with many PC repair tools.
The one thing I can’t tell you? Why are all the tools blue?!
All that said, I still believe the best computer repair tool kit is the one you build yourself.
So what do I carry in my computer repair tool kit?
In the following computer tools list I would like to share with you the individual network and computer repair tools I carry with me in my PC repair kit so I am always ready to tackle any job. Use this list to build your own tool kit so that you will always be prepared.
A Favorite PC Repair Tool of mine:
6-in-1 Auto-Loading Classic and Precision Screwdriver Set
I love this screwdriver set. All of the bits are contained within the screwdriver itself and can be easily changed by simply twisting the shaft. I no longer have to worry about carrying around separate bits and finding the right one before attempting a repair. This set also includes a precision screwdriver that works great on laptops. It’s great because it makes your computer tool kit lighter!
Essential in a computer tool kit:
A flashlight can be very handy when trying to look into a dark computer case, behind a rack, or when tracking down rogue screws. I like this one because it’s bright, small, lightweight, and easy to use.
Many smartphones have a light but if you are a pro, you need to have a dedicated light in your PC repair tool kit.
TRENDnet RJ11/RJ45 Crimp/Cut/Strip Tool
I use these for not only making new network cables but also replacing damaged RJ45 connectors on existing cables.
Network Cable Tester
This basic network cable tester is used to determine if cable is good, bad, or wired incorrectly.
Fluke Network Pro3000 Toner and Probe Kit
I use the Pro3000 for toning and tracing out ethernet wires. It’s especially handy when the cable installers don’t label any of the ports.
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Pocket Knife
These little pocket knives are very useful not only for the knife itself but also for the small scissors that make cutting wire ties and other things very easy. This one is basic but has the essential functions. If you want you can buy a bigger one with more blades and functions for your PC repair kit. It is an all-in-one but I think it is essential, hence I’ve included it under the ‘Essential in a Computer Tool Kit’ section.
Laptop Repair Tools:
Spudger Tool
This tool is great for laptop repairs. It is especially useful when trying to pry open a stubborn case or when disconnecting small cables.
Stanley 8-Inch Needle Nose Pliers with Cutter
I’ve used my needle nose pliers from everything to pulling out a stuck molex connector, removing motherboard standoffs, to reaching into a tight space to remove a screw.
Computer repair tools like this are essential in your kit.
LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Ultra Slim Portable DVD Rewriter, External Drive
Fewer computers are shipping with optical drives so it’s nice to have an external one with your laptop repair tools in case you need to access bootable media like a Windows install disc or repair tool.
Sabrent USB 3.0 SATA/IDE 2.5″/3.5″/5.25″ Hard Drive Adapter
These are a must have for any tech computer repair tool kit. I primarily use mine for data recovery when the OS is irreparable and won’t boot or when the machine itself has a hardware failure and I need to recover something quickly. It can also be handy when transferring data from an old PC to a new one.
Thermaltake Power Supply Tester
Used to quickly check a power supply for problems and will sound an alarm if any abnormalities are discovered. It can also check your Molex, PCI-E, and SATA power connections as well. This one is very popular!
Portable memory that doesn’t overload your computer repair tool kit:
ADATA Superior Series S102 Pro 16GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
Every tech needs a flash drive. I use mine to carry all of my portable apps and software updates as well as a place to store temporary files. The ADATA Superior Series is neither the best flash drive on the market nor is it the worst. It’s a good flash drive for a good price and it’s USB 3.0, which is great as a professional because it is faster.
WD 2TB My Passport Ultra Portable External Hard Drive
Having a portable hard drive can be handy when your flash drive isn’t enough. I mainly use mine for large file transfers and storage. As a professional, it is important to have large storage without the bulk as I’m always carrying it. These days I also have a 4 TB portable external drive because with massive amounts of memory consumed with data files, image and video files even a 2 TB drive can be consumed pretty quickly – but which you buy depends on your needs.
Computer Repair Software Tools:
Hiren’s BootCD
The Hiren’s BootCD is a computer technician’s best friend. It’s a bootable CD that contains a huge set of tools to help you troubleshoot and repair even the most corrupt machines.
Let me know if you have trouble getting hold of this or where else you find it to help others like you.
Tools to test USB Speed
I have a separate article which gives you three utilities to test USB speed, and hard drive speed for that matter.
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
[Sorry – the site http://www.ubcd4win.org/ doesn’t seem to be responding anymore. I’m going to leave this in here as a placeholder in case they get up and running again. But for now sorry this link doesn’t work. -Ed.] If Hiren’s can’t do the job then the Ultimate Boot CD for Windows is another great option. It also contains a huge set of tools for troubleshooting various issues.
Techtool Pro DVD
Techtool Pro is a suite of tools used to troubleshoot and repair problems on Macs. Like Hiren’s and Ultimate Boot CD for Windows, Techtool Pro can be booted from a DVD when the computer will not boot.
Windows 10 DVD, Windows 8DVD, Windows 7 DVD, Windows Vista DVD, and Windows XP CD
I keep Windows installation media with me also for the purpose of repairing corrupt windows installations.
Blank CD-R, DVD-R, Dual Layer DVD-R
I never know when I might need to burn something while on-site with a client so I keep a few blank CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, and DVD-R DLs with me just in case.
More for the Network and IT Tool Kit:
25ft CAT6 Patch Cable
I carry a patch cable for obvious reasons. The longer the better especially when trying to plug in to a distant wall port or switch. The max Cat6 cable length you can use is about 330 ft (i.e. 100 meters), though it might be less in certain circumstances.
Additional Cables
Absolutely not to be missed in your knowledge bank!
Use the tools in this article to wire your own RJ45-ethernet cable (this must-read will save you time AND money!)
Add this must-have knowledge to your computer tool kit (you might just be surprised that you will never need to search for this again!). Click the image!
Miscellaneous Screws – Computer Screws Kit
I carry a random assortment of screws that can be used for securing drives, cases, and motherboards.
RJ45 Connectors
Used with my TRENDnet Crimp Tool to make new cables or repair damaged ones.
RJ45 Female to Female Straight Coupler
I carry one of these around with me just in case I need to quickly make a longer cable.
Arctic Silver 5 Polysynthetic Thermal Paste
Some of the best thermal grease on the market in my opinion. Used primarily for dealing with heat issues.
2.5 Oz. Germ-x Original Hand Sanitizer
It’s no joke that this is in the list of computer tools. I use this stuff to stay healthy especially after touching all those mice and keyboards.
Mini Pc Kit
The Mobile Office:
Samsonite Vinyl Bifold Writing Pad
I use this for writing down notes, storing forms, and a place to keep extra business cards.
Since I need to have both a Mac and PC repair kit, this is my machine of choice. If I need to boot into Windows, I use VMWare Fusion. For techs that don’t want to buy a MacBook but would still like to have the ability to troubleshoot OS X issues, you can run OS X inside of Windows using VirtualBox.
Microsoft Surface Book Notebook
If you are keen on PC, I recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro or Surface Notebook (like Jeff owns), this is one brilliant work machine that impresses anyone who sees it.
For the office
If you’ve thought about office design, then you might have considered how to mount your printer.
By all accounts this one is very study and comes in two designs. I like the taller one that sits beside the desk, though some will love the very low one that can hide under your desk. They’re on wheels so you can move it exactly where you want.
I know of people who have a wireless printer a little remote from their desk, but pull it closer when they have to do a lot of scanning. Click through (via the link or image) to see the under desk version.
Mac System Tools
The Computer tool kit:
You must think about where you are going to keep all these tools!
Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Laptop Bag
And this is where I keep my laptop and immediate tools. The Kenneth Cole Reaction Laptop Bag looks professional, makes a great computer repair tool kit and comes in three different colors. It has just enough pockets and space for my tools and also fits my 15 inch MacBook Pro perfectly. The rest of my tools are stored in a toolbox that stays in the trunk of my car.
Interested in starting an IT consulting business? Check out my free guide on How to Make Your First $1000 as an IT Consultant.
Also, if you have a particular interest in Mac’s, check out my article which lists the Top 10 Mac Repair Tools.
Again here is that link for complete computer network installation tool kits.
Computer Technician’s Toolkit Summary
So there you go, those are what I have in mycomputer repair tool kit. I know it is one of the longest and best computer tools list so well done for working right through it. As I wrote above, the best best computer repair tool kit is ultimately the one you build yourself. Is there anything missing do you think, or what other tools do you keep in your computer tool kit? Does your tool kit have a slant towards being a PC repair kit, Mac Repair kit, for networks, software fixes, or everything you need for consulting? Did you decide to buy more tools, if so which ones? Please leave your comments below for feedback and to help others like you.
Macbook Tool Kit
Tool Kit For Mac
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