Computer Technician’s Toolkit – My Computer Tools List

Here is my list of computer technician tools for you to check out. 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.  Some pros like to just compare their tools with this list. Do you have everything here? 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.

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 at the top 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 for professionals 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.

Legal note: Having said all that, we could make a small referral fee if you purchase from a link below and if that purchase qualities. We thank you if use them to help support this free site. Either way it won’t affect the price you pay.

[For workplace health and safety, do take particular note of Casey’s original inclusion of alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer, and his statement to keep healthy he always carries and uses some. This post has been around for years and if you have already followed his advice it could have been helpful even before we knew much about Covid-19. In these times after the worst of the Covid-19 virus, it is essential in any toolkit. -Ed.]

Computer Repair Tools List PDF Summary

Below is a downloadable computer repair tools list pdf file of all the tools in this list, so you can check them out when it suits you and work through them all. If you want links that work to see more about the products stay on this page, okay? Or check out both! Keep the PDF and review this page when you are online.

Download computer_repair_tools_list_pdf

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.

iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit- my pick as the best computer repair tool kit

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?! Branding, I guess.

iFixit 64 Bit Driver Kit

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. Its useful because of these various bit shapes. Otherwise make sure you note my preferred auto-loader screwdriver below.

Here is another multi-set in which you can get spudgers, screwdrivers and more all in one.

Any of the above kits are likely to just be a part of your larger set of tools.

All that said, I still believe the best computer repair tool kit is the one you build yourself.

So what computer repair tools do I carry?

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 still have and love my KR Tools 6-in-1 Auto-Loading many-in-one screwdriver set. The link below is to an equivalent. Unfortunately the exact same as mine is not available anymore. All of the bits are contained within the screwdriver itself and can be easily changed by simply twisting the shaft.  I don’t 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!

I think the closest to it is probably the following one because it is also auto-loading:

Multi-Bit Auto Loading Barrel Screwdriver

This looks so similar my guess it is the equivalent.
Otherwise I also found this multi-screw driver option that is different but might serve you similarly.

Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 RA Slotted Ratcheting Screwdriver

This one also carries the bits in the handle. Different mechanism though, but perhaps you’d prefer that for the other features.

Essential in a computer tool kit:

LED Pen Flashlight

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.

Your smartphone likely has a light but if you are a pro, you need to have a dedicated flashlight in your PC repair tool kit. Easier to hold and point to exactly where you need.

 

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 old-style 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 Multi-Tool, Tinker 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 Computer 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.

A multi-set can be found here.

Here is a set of metal tools.

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

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:

64GB or larger USB 3.0 Flash Drive

Every tech needs a flash drive. I liek the link shown but alslo I love having a set of colored USBs so it is a quick visual to each one for their different purposes. I use mine to carry all of my portable apps and software updates as well as a place to store temporary files. The SanDisk Ultra Flair 64GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive 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 or larger 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 Tools – Software:

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.

We all know USBs are far more common (see above). Many clients still use these!

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.

We have another article where I show you many more Ethernet cables here (from ‘cheap and cheerful’ to spectacular and more).

Additional Cables

• SATA Cable

• Firewire 800 to Firewire 800

• Firewire 400 to Firewire 800
• USB A to Type B
• USB A to Mini B
• USB A to Micro B
• USB A to USB C

Absolutely not to be missed in your knowledge bank!

Use the tools in this article to wire your own RJ45-ethernet cable to make cables of your specific length needed. (This must-read will save you time AND money!)

Computer Repair Tools – Consumables, Health and Office

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 or other 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.

Note: The Germ-x brand might be currently unavailable online. There are other brands available as alternatives to Germ-X (click the image to go to an alternative).

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.

 

Apple MacBook Air Laptop

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 (like Jeff owns) or Surface Tablet, this is one brilliant work machine that impresses anyone who sees it.

You might think it a stretch, but a 2-in-1 is a very handy item among your computer repair tools – for troubleshooting on the go (and for running your Office!). If you are considering one, also have a look at some Surface accessories here. That list includes a portable second screen (nice!) and plenty of items to help look after it. Speaking of the office…

For the office

If you’ve thought about office design, then you might have considered how to mount your printer.

Desk-side machine stand for your office Printer(s)

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.

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 completeness computer network installation tool kits.

Computer Technician’s Toolkit Summary

So there you go, those are what I have in my computer repair tool kit. I know it is one of the longest and best computer repair tools lists out there, 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.