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Electronics repair toolkits

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mike93lx

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I need a new kit for fixing small stuff around the house. Toys, conputers, changing a watch battery, etc. Precision screwdrivers, spudgers, pry bars, tweezers, picks, etc.

Either needs to come in a case, or I have to buy one. I'd like a kit, but if someone has a great list of suggestions, I'm game

I've had my eye on this for a while. Way more small bits than I really need, but it hits all the points.

Pro Tech Toolkit: Precision Tools for Phone, Computer Repair

With our Pro Tech Toolkit, you're ready for any electronic or hardware repair that comes your way! You'll have a hard time finding a phone, laptop, or game console you can't open with our best-selling kit. Part #: IF145-307-4
www.ifixit.com www.ifixit.com

Any recommendations?
 
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Ole Slewfoot

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My brother has pretty much that without the bot sockets, and it all seems decent. Also ifixit is a corporate voice on our side in right to repair issues. Newegg sometimes has a good great deal on similar.
 
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mike93lx

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Ole Slewfoot said:
My brother has pretty much that without the bot sockets, and it all seems decent. Also ifixit is a corporate voice on our side in right to repair issues. Newegg sometimes has a good great deal on similar.
Click to expand...
That kit has a lot of stuff that I'll likely never use. But all of it is stuff that if I need it, I'd sure be happy to have it there.

Harbor freight has a kit that looks like a copy for half the price. Wonder if there is a quality difference https://www.harborfreight.com/elect...XKZJGixSNqbE4U8eDFW79JyjRsLn0pIEaAtFaEALw_wcB

Ifixit does offer some fantastic resources.
 
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rayik

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Mainly for electronics repair work, I have this iFixit toolkit and really like it. Works good:

Pro Tech Toolkit: Precision Tools for Phone, Computer Repair

With our Pro Tech Toolkit, you're ready for any electronic or hardware repair that comes your way! You'll have a hard time finding a phone, laptop, or game console you can't open with our best-selling kit. Part #: IF145-307-4
www.ifixit.com www.ifixit.com

iFixit has a bunch of tool kits:

Toolkits | iFixit

Repair hobbyists and professionals find iFixit toolkits and bit driver kits easy to use and functional. Use iFixit's everyday [precision tool kit](/Store/Tools/Pro-Tech-Toolkit/IF145-307), essential [electronics tool kit](/products/essential-electronics-toolkit), or [professional cell phone...
www.ifixit.com www.ifixit.com
 
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pizza

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no one can tell you what you need. depends on what you're fixing... :)

you could do worse than that kit. however, one obvious potential problem is you can't hit deeply recessed fasteners with a bit driver like that. even the slimline bits aren't always enough.

my vote is get the precision drivers you need as you need them from wiha or pbswiss. or a good "gj style" answer is to get a wiha master set of drivers. this would be a great start:

Wiha Precision Screwdriver Master Set: Thoughts & Organization

wiha offers 50-piece 'master sets' of their precision screwdrivers in various flavors: Master Technicians Bench Top 50 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set (92190) Master Technicians Bench Top 50 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set With Pentalobe (92189) ESD Safe Master Technicians 50 Piece Set (92092)...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com

and then add more as you need
 
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mike93lx

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pizza said:
no one can tell you what you need. depends on what you're fixing... :)

you could do worse than that kit. however, one obvious potential problem is you can't hit deeply recessed fasteners with a bit driver like that. even the slimline bits aren't always enough.

my vote is get the precision drivers you need as you need them from wiha or pbswiss. or a good "gj style" answer is to get a wiha master set of drivers. this would be a great start:

Wiha Precision Screwdriver Master Set: Thoughts & Organization

wiha offers 50-piece 'master sets' of their precision screwdrivers in various flavors: Master Technicians Bench Top 50 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set (92190) Master Technicians Bench Top 50 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set With Pentalobe (92189) ESD Safe Master Technicians 50 Piece Set (92092)...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com

and then add more as you need
Click to expand...
Good point, I should have mentioned my use case...if only I had thought of that.

That aside, I do have some longer precision screwdrivers already and find I rarely need to break them out.

I have a current precision ratcheting driver and bit set, but the driver is about done with this world. I want to at least replace that and add the other tools I mentioned. Not super excited about piecing together something.
 
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pizza

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well, if you really want an all in one kit, the ifixit is probably the best one. i don't think you will find a better answer. just depends if it has what you need or not.
 
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Grokew

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I have the iFixit pro tech toolkit. It has been good so far. The included prying tools, spudgers, and tweezers are useful, and the aluminum handle feels great on the hand. The bits do have relatively long shafts (when compared to other 4mm bits), but will never have the reach of dedicated precision screwdrivers.

Don't forget to add some long nose/needle nose pliers with side cutters, and a tiny flashlight.

Edit:
It looks like Harbor freight are improving the quality of their tools. That set looks almost like the Pro tech toolkit, but with an older revision of the handle.
 
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dscheidt

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ZRX61 said:
The Ifixit & Horrible Fright kits look like they came down the same production line...
Click to expand...
They do, and they might well be the same, but there a bunch of plastic tools used for opening electronics where the specific matters; Things like spudgers, wedges, and pry bars. Two tools can look identical, feel identical in the hand, but not be when actually used. the plastic is a little harder or softer, or a little springier. this is a thing that copy cat factories have a problem with. It's easy enough to copy the dimensions of part, but understanding why it's made that way is harder.

I'd wait for someone else to test them out before I'd buy the HF kit.
 
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mike93lx

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dscheidt said:
They do, and they might well be the same, but there a bunch of plastic tools used for opening electronics where the specific matters; Things like spudgers, wedges, and pry bars. Two tools can look identical, feel identical in the hand, but not be when actually used. the plastic is a little harder or softer, or a little springier. this is a thing that copy cat factories have a problem with. It's easy enough to copy the dimensions of part, but understanding why it's made that way is harder.

I'd wait for someone else to test them out before I'd buy the HF kit.
Click to expand...
The reviews are good, but I don't want something that is "good for the price". I want something that is good, independent of price. Would be nice to handle the tools a bit, but I don't think that's happening at HF unless I want to buy and return it
 
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mike93lx

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whitesco

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When I saw the post title I was immediately going to recommend one of the iFixIt kits, but that seems to be what you're looking at and a few others have also recommended it. I didn't get the big kit, but a smaller one several years ago to replace the battery and hard drive on one of those older iPod Classics. The tool kit was very good - years later and I use it for all sorts of little repairs like that. No rust or corrosion on any of it. I've been happy with the quality.
 
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mike93lx

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The Tekton set arrived today. The bit assortment seems nice and I like the case. First feeling is that the screwdriver is too short for my big hands and the spinner cap is too small. It's a little disappointing, as the case would hold something larger, but at least I'll be able to swap it when I find a better replacement. The little suction cup tool is probably going to get tossed.
 
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Houdini5150

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We use the ifixit kit in IT here. As long as you get the kit with the metal screw driver as I have seen the ones with the plastic
 
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mike93lx

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Houdini5150 said:
We use the ifixit kit in IT here. As long as you get the kit with the metal screw driver as I have seen the ones with the plastic
Click to expand...
I'm thinking about getting their metal driver to swap into the Tekton kit that just arrived. But I may just grab an ifixit kit and keep the Tekton as a backup/travel set. A little time of using the Tekton kit will tell me.
 
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mike93lx

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four.cycle said:
you might want to also check these two. their prices are at the high end:

Jensen Tools & Supply, Inc., 100 Ames Pond Drive, Suite 202, Tewksbury, MA 01876 http://www.jensentools.com/

Techni-Tool / Techni-Tool Inc., 1547 No. Trooper Rd., PO Box 1117, Worcester, PA 19490
Click to expand...
Thanks for the solid garage journal-level recommendation! Just ordered two of these to make sure I have a backup and at a 5% discount for ordering two, how could I not?

:)

 
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four.cycle

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^ hey, I told you they're high! that's not a tool genre I'm real familiar with... I just wanted to let you know there were other options.

I had all this typed out but then removed it - so here it is again:

If you go to ebay and run multiple searches for a given item, then go back and look at the "suggested items" that pop up at the bottom of the screen, you will be amazed at what turns up.
I use that method for unearthing brand names of tools I've never heard of before to build the list.
 
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william_parker

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You could check out the ezarc screwdriver kit. It's a good choice for fixing small items and electronics and comes with a case. Compare options and read reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
 
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Tallpilot

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pizza said:
ime, tekton bits aren't that great (both standard and slim bits)
Click to expand...
I have their old everybit kit and would agree. They are just a little soft. I replaced the Phillips bits with Snap-on back when they had free shipping.

I just ordered their new kit with the longer bits. I'll post a review after I get a chance to use it. I have always liked their trilobulor handles.

www.tekton.com

37-Piece 1/4 Inch High-Torque Driver and Bit Set with Case) | TEKTON

An essential on-the-go screwdriver set with a magnetic driver and 36 bits in phillips, slotted, star and square tip bits.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com
 
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bonneyman

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Horologist's tools are the ultimate in small, precision implements. If it's good enough for Rolex watches, it ought to be good for what normal folks do. Not cheap, though.

Watchmaker Tools | Watch Tool Kits | Watch Repair Tools

Browse our large selection of watch repair tools to find the exact watchmaker tool needed for your specific watchmaking needs. Tool offerings include watch case openers, watch link removal tools, watch wrench, watch press, watchmakers screwdrivers, and more!
www.esslinger.com www.esslinger.com

For more affordable items, Micro Mark has a nice selection of tiny tools. I have a set of their micro screw starters - they are nice!

Micro-Mark - Precision Tools and More for Makers

www.micromark.com www.micromark.com
 

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Blind1

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mike93lx

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Well, it's been a couple months since buying the Tekton kit, and I have good news to report. None of the bits have broken or are even showing any wear.

Because I haven't used it, at all. :)

I did add an extension and a #2 Philips from my kobalt kit, so I do have that going for me
 
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