Buliding PCs hasn’t really changed all that much save for the fact the parts are different compared to years past. However standard cases are still ATX/Micro-ATX, nobody has yet to perfect the screw-less case (although many have tried), quarters are still cramped when you work on the inside of a computer box and the tools you work with can either make working on PCs easy or a nightmare.

Murphy’s Law always applies when building PCs, such as:

• Yes, you will drop a screw, it will go under the motherboard and no, you will not be able to shake it out without physically having to remove the motherboard, only to discover you can’t find the screw – and you don’t have any spares.
• The one fan you never thought would break will.
• One cable will always be blocking the another cable in such a way where both cannot be connected to their respective ports without “stretching around” each other, only to find neither is long enough.
• When you seat one card, another wants to pop out. And when you press both down you hear a “crrkkkk” noise from the motherboard.
• At least one of your cards that is designed for the port it goes into won’t fit.
• You will mismatch wiring the reset button and the power button because the text on the wires is so unbelievably small you can’t see where they’re supposed to go when connected to the board. And yes you will have to open up the case (again) to fix it. Possibly several times.

You get the idea.

People use standard tools in their computer tool kits, such as a set of screwdrivers (which may include Philips/crosshead, slotted, Allen and Torx) and tweezers, but there are other items you may want to have at the ready, such as:

Guitar polish cloth

Colored yellow, small and anti-static. You don’t want it to clean things (although you could) but rather to grip with and/or have a makeshift “mat” to put screws down on. If they’re on the cloth they can’t roll away on you (not easily, anyway). The bright yellow color makes screws easy to place and organize before screwing them in where they belong.

LED Magnetized telescopic stick

Sticks of this type are useful when you drop screws (and you will). The magnetism is low enough to where it will not damage anything on the computer, HOWEVER, no direct contact with any part of the computer should be made with it.

This also makes for a handy light when you need it.

Dual-Magnifier Lighted Magnifying Glass

Normally used by people who do crossword puzzles, this little guy is a lifesaver when it comes to reading tiny print on a motherboard. There’s the standard magnification and a small circle near the bottom with more if you need it. The light comes on with the press of a button. This has best use when connecting those tiny cables to get your front and rear (or otherwise) USB ports working.

When shopping for one of these, try to buy one on the small side so you can work inside your computer case more easily.

Zip-Ties

You can make all the preparations and take all the precautions in the world, but there will be times you need these both in and out of the computer case.

Scissors

You’ll need this to cut the extra length off the Zip-Ties. Go with the smaller 12.5cm kind as that’s all you’ll need.

Rubber bands

Sometimes zip-ties won’t work as they may be too bulky. The solution? Use rubber bands instead.

Small roll of blank labels

The more PCs you build, the more you will have a need to label stuff. For example, if a motherboard is connected together a very specific way where there’s absolutely no chance you’ll remember it later, write it on a label and stick it to the inside of the computer case. The next time you open the case you’ll have the info you need at the ready.

Why labels and not a label maker? Because label makers are a bit on the large side. A small label roll and a pen or Sharpie marker is easier to throw in a tool bag.

Additional use: If you run servers in your home, labeling the system specs on the outside helps you keep track of stuff (especially if you have more than 3 boxes running). An example label could be “Win2000 Serv, 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD, [NAME OF SHARE/SERVER]“.

Double-sided tape

Chances are you’ll have a wire or two inside the case that can’t be zip-tie’d or rubber band’ed to anything else. And you obviously don’t want it just dangling where it can get hit by a fan. The solution? Double-sided tape.

To note: Use of this tape should only be a “last resort” option. It’s better off if you zip or rubber band it. But if you can’t do (and only can’t do) either, double-side tape it.

Additional note: This stuff also comes in small squares instead of rolls. You might find those easier to work with inside a computer case.

Always remember:

You want your computer tool kit to make things as EASY as possible for you to get stuff done. Screwdrivers and tweezers are not enough. Outfit your kit with some (if not all) of the items above and it will make building and working on PCs a whole lot easier.

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