majerus
Well-known member
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A system administrator's toolbox
- Thread starter Weird Tolkienish Figure
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damnesia
Well-known member
Wow SATAN and SGI... Two term I thankfully haven't heard for a while.
damnesia
Well-known member
nmap, lsof, standard gnu utils, zsh and emacs was all I ever really needed.
damnesia
Well-known member
forgot to add strace ( or truss ), ldd and tcpdump.
Greatest ever!
Path Finder, Quicksilver, DragThing, and of course Onyx really make the most of the Mac although only Onyx can really be called a tool. Most everything else you need TechTool can do. And Monolingual for fresh installs.
BlueHarvest makes things nicer on the server side, but is hardly a necessity anyway.
When I did admin for Windows environments the tool I used most often was canned air. Second most was ubuntu. Some good tools mentioned here but depending on the environment nothing is ever as good as a format/reinstall. Spending the time to make your wsus server awesome is the best ROI for your time. Then everything else you do is 'real' admin work and networking.
I've worked in computer stores and on my own as pc repair and the toolkit is very basic, #2 phillips will get you 90% there for desktop support and a good Wiha set for notebooks. ifixit has the rest of what I use for notebooks, tablets, phones etc.
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Jawn
Well-known member
Cool! Mighty nice of you, Eric!
Eric Essen
Well-known member
What's your favorite in-the-trenches IT repair story? I did lots of hardware repair, my software/network work was mostly license servers and render farms.
Mine was a RAID from a studio working on a major animated feature, 30? drives full of data (probably 1/2 a terabyte if that back then, I remember upgrading RAIDs from 4gb to 8gb drives) with a dead power supply and no part available.
I took 10x ATX power supplies, plugged all the drives into them, plugged them into 2 daisy chained power strips, then switched them on together to boot it up and do the data recovery.
Mine was a RAID from a studio working on a major animated feature, 30? drives full of data (probably 1/2 a terabyte if that back then, I remember upgrading RAIDs from 4gb to 8gb drives) with a dead power supply and no part available.
I took 10x ATX power supplies, plugged all the drives into them, plugged them into 2 daisy chained power strips, then switched them on together to boot it up and do the data recovery.
Eric Essen
Well-known member
Cheechi,
Did you send me your address? Do you have our "PC driver" (try to find that with a google search) yet? I'll send you one! Has Phillips/flathead plus nutdriver for standoffs and T15 for OEM's.
What iFixit stuff do you have?
- Eric at ifixit dot com
Eric, the tools arrived today (speedy!). First, thanks for sending them.
Second, here's my honest reviews:
The All-in-one PC Driver is similar to Klein's 6-in-1 tool, although with a selection aimed at computer repair. Three nut drivers (5mm, 1/4", 5/16"), a T15 Torx for "name brand" PCs, a #1 Phillips, and 1/4" flathead. The driver itself appears to be just as solidly constructed as the Klein. The bits and shaft all have ball-bearing detents, and the bits are very well formed with crisp lines. The packaging doesn't say where the bits are made, but if they're Chinese they're likely premium Chinese (edit: found it, they're made in Taiwan). The grip is shaped a bit like a Wera handle, with a rubber coating that isn't soft by any stretch, but certainly comfortable (I'd say it's a bit like Wiha's soft finish, but not as textured). I have no way of testing the bits for hardness, which is certainly the big question in terms of performance, but based on how they look and feel I'm guessing they hold up well.
The 64-bit driver kit comes in its own box with magnets in the corners to hold the lid on (and also on the bottom of the box so it can be stacked). The interior of the lid has a grid embedded in the plastic, perfect for holding screws as you remove them, which I'm sure is the intent. The handle has a rotating end cap with a magnet for holding the bits. I was surprised to find that both the handle and the end cap are metal, probably aluminum, and very nicely finished. It also comes with an additional flexible shaft which is super-bendy and has rotating sleeves at either end. The bits themselves are a different material than the all-in-one driver, more silver. They have the bit designation clearly stamped into the side, and it even includes those infernal Pentalobe bits that Apple uses. I'm not going to list all of the bits, but there's sixty four of them, including some obscure security bits. It handily includes a 1/4" to 4mm adapter to allow you to use any of the bits in a standard bit holder.
Again, I have no way of checking the hardness of the bits. They don't look as robust as in the all-in-one driver, which isn't surprising as they're are made in China. However if they are as well made as the rest of the set I imagine they will work fine--it's not like this kit is going to be used to remove rusted screws from a motorcycle chassis.
I had read excellent reviews on these kits but used to look down my nose at it because they're made in China. Now that I've gotten to play with it, it's obvious that iFixIt took the time to choose high quality suppliers for their sets. I would not hesitate at all to recommend this set to anyone who doesn't want to spend the money on a set of German tools (and for this much kit it would be a lot of money).
Thanks again to Eric at ifixit for providing the set--he didn't request a review, but he deserved one. Boy am I glad it didn't ****.
Second, here's my honest reviews:
The All-in-one PC Driver is similar to Klein's 6-in-1 tool, although with a selection aimed at computer repair. Three nut drivers (5mm, 1/4", 5/16"), a T15 Torx for "name brand" PCs, a #1 Phillips, and 1/4" flathead. The driver itself appears to be just as solidly constructed as the Klein. The bits and shaft all have ball-bearing detents, and the bits are very well formed with crisp lines. The packaging doesn't say where the bits are made, but if they're Chinese they're likely premium Chinese (edit: found it, they're made in Taiwan). The grip is shaped a bit like a Wera handle, with a rubber coating that isn't soft by any stretch, but certainly comfortable (I'd say it's a bit like Wiha's soft finish, but not as textured). I have no way of testing the bits for hardness, which is certainly the big question in terms of performance, but based on how they look and feel I'm guessing they hold up well.
The 64-bit driver kit comes in its own box with magnets in the corners to hold the lid on (and also on the bottom of the box so it can be stacked). The interior of the lid has a grid embedded in the plastic, perfect for holding screws as you remove them, which I'm sure is the intent. The handle has a rotating end cap with a magnet for holding the bits. I was surprised to find that both the handle and the end cap are metal, probably aluminum, and very nicely finished. It also comes with an additional flexible shaft which is super-bendy and has rotating sleeves at either end. The bits themselves are a different material than the all-in-one driver, more silver. They have the bit designation clearly stamped into the side, and it even includes those infernal Pentalobe bits that Apple uses. I'm not going to list all of the bits, but there's sixty four of them, including some obscure security bits. It handily includes a 1/4" to 4mm adapter to allow you to use any of the bits in a standard bit holder.
Again, I have no way of checking the hardness of the bits. They don't look as robust as in the all-in-one driver, which isn't surprising as they're are made in China. However if they are as well made as the rest of the set I imagine they will work fine--it's not like this kit is going to be used to remove rusted screws from a motorcycle chassis.
I had read excellent reviews on these kits but used to look down my nose at it because they're made in China. Now that I've gotten to play with it, it's obvious that iFixIt took the time to choose high quality suppliers for their sets. I would not hesitate at all to recommend this set to anyone who doesn't want to spend the money on a set of German tools (and for this much kit it would be a lot of money).
Thanks again to Eric at ifixit for providing the set--he didn't request a review, but he deserved one. Boy am I glad it didn't ****.
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rice rocket
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- Mar 24, 2011
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Speaking of tools (hardware tools)...
I bought a set of Tekton screwdrivers and cannot for the life of me get good head engagement on a lot of hard drive mounting screws. P0, P1, P2, doesn't make a difference.
Am I missing something here?
Does Supermicro use a different standard than what Tekton is building to?
I have JIS drivers in my garage, maybe I'll try them next...
I bought a set of Tekton screwdrivers and cannot for the life of me get good head engagement on a lot of hard drive mounting screws. P0, P1, P2, doesn't make a difference.
Am I missing something here?
Does Supermicro use a different standard than what Tekton is building to?
I have JIS drivers in my garage, maybe I'll try them next...
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majerus
Well-known member
Great review, couldnt have said it better myself.
OP
Weird Tolkienish Figure
Well-known member
Most exciting I can think of was trying to bring up a server in the middle of the 2012 hurricane. We also ran the bank server off a single alpha server with parts we had to overnight ship in. Fun stuff.
rlitman
Well-known member
I've seen a lot of JIS screws in this use. Cheap Chinese **** often has it.
Just a few;
Magnetic Project Mat
Classic Pro Tech Tool Roll
26 Bit Driver Kit
Macro Bit Set
a set that's more or less an older version of the 'pro tech' kit
spudgers & openers (still the best out there)
and at least one T shirt there might be more at the bottom of the pile.
Funny story. I bought a set of Neji-Saurus about a month before they showed up on the ifixit site. I like that you guys sell it with the Japanese card and not the rebranded one.
One question, those dust free gloves are they basically Tyvek? I have a pair that claim to be static free that came with an overpriced power supply some customer wanted years ago. Terrible grip but if I'm not sure I put them on anyway. How is the grip on those?
I really like the small Gerstner box but it's hard to get a sense for the size from the photos. Really need to post for us a photo of the one on your desk. Cause there has to be one of those on your desk.
chrislehr
Well-known member
Haha, I know so do I, but I see a lot of computer questions on here so I figured people might like a thread with some good tools on it for diagnosing this stuff, just like a total amateur like me might find a thread on rethreading stripped bolts informative. Sorry if it annoys anybody.
No worries, it's cool. These days my IT toolbox is this:
http://www.inspectorinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Brain-image.jpg
I haven't had a flash drive or toolbag for IT in at least 5-6 years, my work is all in the planning of how to address complex problems. I work 100% in Microsoft's communications tools (not for Microsoft though)
Eric Essen
Well-known member
The bits themselves are a different material than the all-in-one driver, more silver. They have the bit designation clearly stamped into the side, and it even includes those infernal Pentalobe bits that Apple uses. I'm not going to list all of the bits, but there's sixty four of them, including some obscure security bits. It handily includes a 1/4" to 4mm adapter to allow you to use any of the bits in a standard bit holder.
Again, I have no way of checking the hardness of the bits. They don't look as robust as in the all-in-one driver, which isn't surprising as they're are made in China. However if they are as well made as the rest of the set I imagine they will work fine--it's not like this kit is going to be used to remove rusted screws from a motorcycle chassis.
Thanks for the reviews!
The bits for the 64 bit kit - All the smallest/specialty bits are made in Taiwan (pentalobes, torx, etc) as well as the handle. The "commodity" bits are made in China on the same line using the same CNC machines as Dewalt, Makita, Stanley, etc. We use 6160 tool steel for the bits. they are brighter in finish than the 6-in-1 because they are nickel plated.
We strive to find the right balance of quality and accessibility. If the bit set was $100 not $35, high school kids wouldn't buy it and start a home repair business, and my market would be limited to professional repair technicians over the age of 40. I'm one of the oldest guys in the company, and one of the few who understand that people do pay attention to country of origin, younger generations don't care.
I do have some great German made iFixit tools coming later this year (we also have an office and warehouse there). A huge number of iFixit products are also assembled/kitted in our California office, made up of parts from all around the world. Both the 64 bit kit and 6-in-1 driver were inspected and packaged here.
Eric Essen
Well-known member
If your magnetic mat ever wrinkles, let me know! I'll get you a replacement. I've got an improved laminating process now that eliminates that.
I love the screw extracting pliers, I think I'm the only grandfathered in importer of that product from before they signed an exclusive to rebrand it.
The gloves are made of "Thunderon" http://staticfaction.com/ and are fabric, not tyvek paper-like. We sell them mostly to phone repair techs, so you don't leave fingerprints inside the screen.
The Gerstner box is tiny! I think it's great for a desk situation where you want to keep a few precision tools handy, but for a workbench, it's a toy. Inside dimensions of drawers are 8.5" x 3.15" x 0.65". Like a lot of people here, I have a toolbox fetish (mostly machinist chests), but we specialize in precision tools, so I don't have the space or infrastructure to handle full sized toolboxes, so that's my compromise..
Outlander
Well-known member
I am an IT exec. All the "fun" stuff I do at home as my team doesn't let me touch anything important at the office. My badge does not open the data center door, I don't even have admin access on my laptop
That said, I do dabble by running my ATV club's website (so I use some editing tools, FTP etc), I have a Raspberry Pi (helps me understand the programming/electronics portion of the FIRST robotics experience), and I always seem to be swapping disks around so my wife will actually have a backup.
The ifixit tool kits look very nice. My tool kit for electronics/computer repair is just odds & ends. When winter hits I may have more time to fix a proper electronics workbench for my Pi.
Never worked as a sysadmin, but was involved in procurement of IBM, HP, SGI engineering workstation (*nix), SGI supercomputers, HPC clusters and now Hadoop Clusters. Plus the Dell desktops / laptops etc.
That said, I do dabble by running my ATV club's website (so I use some editing tools, FTP etc), I have a Raspberry Pi (helps me understand the programming/electronics portion of the FIRST robotics experience), and I always seem to be swapping disks around so my wife will actually have a backup.
The ifixit tool kits look very nice. My tool kit for electronics/computer repair is just odds & ends. When winter hits I may have more time to fix a proper electronics workbench for my Pi.
Never worked as a sysadmin, but was involved in procurement of IBM, HP, SGI engineering workstation (*nix), SGI supercomputers, HPC clusters and now Hadoop Clusters. Plus the Dell desktops / laptops etc.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I've not used putty since I have installed mobaxterm it offers nice functionality. Not immediately available using putty
Ya bumped an 8-year old thread just to add that comment?
No idea why it popped on in the recent posts, some computer glitch I guess. I didn't notice the date.
niget2002
Well-known member
Fellow Mac user. Everything I have to admin is Linux with the exception of one Windows box.
My daily toolkit for work:
aws cli
Vscode
terragrunt/terraform
ansible
python
groovy
nmap and lsof get used a bunch
A lot of docker these days
My daily toolkit for work:
aws cli
Vscode
terragrunt/terraform
ansible
python
groovy
nmap and lsof get used a bunch
A lot of docker these days
Wow!
8 years ago, I would consider this thread relevant.
I retired last summer, so the less contact I have with IT and IT tools, the better.
45 years of that stuff should be enough for anybody, it definitely was for me.
No, there was a post by a now banned spammer that brought the thread back up.
Since this is a technology based thread and closing in a decade old, I'm closing it. However, if someone is intrigued enough, they can start a new thread with modern technology.
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