These are some of the things I try to bring with me when I have to fix computers (Hardware or Software) or networks. Most will
be helpful for all types of PC or network troubleshooting/repair. Each persons situation is different and will need tools/softare for the type of work you regularly
do. Pick an choose from the lists to make your own toolbox for your own situation.
| Hardware/Tools |
| A multi-tool (like the leatherman wave) can replace many tools listed below. It will get you out of many jams. |
| A set of screw drivers (flathead and phillips) about 4 sizes of each from medium to small sizes. Also, a set of very tiny ones for laptops. |
| A set of hex and torx bits. |
| Wire cutters and wire strippers. |
| Needle nosed and regular pliers. |
| Shrink wrap tubing. |
| Lighter. |
| Magnet on a stick (for retriving screws that fall in tight spaces). |
| Regular magnet to keep all of your screws together or just a small container. Heck tape all the screws to the side of the machine. |
| Small flashlight (I like the mini-maglight). |
| Pocket knife. |
| Scissors |
| Electric and Duct tape. Also, some super glue could help. |
| Measuring tape. |
| Voltage/Multimeter. |
| Paperclip (for ejecting stuck CD's). |
| Plastic jumpers to open and close pins on boards. |
| Zip and velcro ties. |
| A kit to mount a 3.5-inch drive in a 5.25-inch bay. |
| Good known pieces of hardware (w/drivers would help): NIC (PCI and handy USB NIC) and PCI Video card. The more generic (and a little older)
the better so that most OS's have drivers. Also, all other pieces of hardware could come in handy. Hard drive,CDROM,Floppy Drive,mouse,keyboard,etc. |
| Many different types of cables: CAT-5 patch cable (25',15',6'), crossover cable (or crossover box), rollover cable (for cisco routers), IDE cable
(ATA100 and the ATA33), floppy cable,power cable. |
| Pen/Pencil and a pad of paper. |
| Can of compressed air. |
| Spare floppy disks. |
| Cheap (in case it gets broken) laptop (with PCMCIA nic and modem). For downloading anything needed or checking net connections and tons of other
stuff. |
| Punch down tool for patch panels or phone blocks. |
| RJ-45 crimper and ends. |
| Spool of CAT5E cable and RJ45 ends. |
| Outlet polarity and ground tester. |
| ATX Power Supply Tester.Antec has a good one. |
| RJ-45/RJ-11 cable tester. |
| Laptop IDE to 40pin IDE adaptor. |
| Dental mirror. |
| Forceps and or channel locks. |
| Lockpick set. (You never know.) |
| Magnifing glass. |
| Tweezers. |
| Lots of different gender/type changers. Any you can get your hands on like: PS2 keyboard to AT keyboard. PS2 mouse to serial mouse. |
| Cable tracer tone generator kit. |
| Label maker. |
