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The report highlights that i didn’t like doing it. I’ve built a PC with just a single Craftsman screwdriver.
In a fresh development, the right kit reduces the need to retrace your steps, puzzle over what you’re looking at, and even replace damaged parts. If I could go back in time to that first build, I’d invest $30 to $50 in useful tools.
According to the latest update, (Especially if you’re already spending way more on your PC parts.) Below is a list of my absolute top five recommendations, in descending order of importance. But each one is very affordable, so you may as well get all of them. Learn from my mistakes and don’t shortchange yourself on your toolset.
According to the latest update, having one completely changes the system update—I never get delayed by screws that have fallen into the crevices of a PC. I no longer worry about shorting something while poking around, either. I won’t build or service a PC without a magnetic screwdriver.
According to the latest update, the options I’ve seen all have the necessary bits for a standard PC build, and often torx and other more specialized screw heads for laptops. You can get a workable set for pretty cheap, usually $15 or less.
As part of the ongoing story, (Or boredom, if you think screwing and unscrewing is tedious.). If you have hand injuries or tendonitis, you can upgrade to a ratcheting magnetic screwdriver, which should help fatigue.
Industry observers note that if that’s you, invest in a $10 headlamp, either rechargeable or AAA. Overhead room lighting usually creates shadows while working in a case, especially a black chassis. Natural light is best while building, but not everyone can tend to a PC during the daytime.
According to the latest update, sometimes you’ll need both hands to get things done. No reason to make life harder for yourself if you’re already deep into troubleshooting or building. A flashlight can do the trick, but strapping a light to your forehead is better.
As part of the ongoing story, eventually you resign yourself to how silly you look. If you’re building alone, no one will see anyway.). (Yeah, I resisted for the longest time.
In a fresh development, at minimum, you won’t lose any. If you also cluster them into small groupings, you can track what went where. I always advise putting screws into a container as you work, especially if you’re fixing or upgrading the PC.
Industry observers note that (I’ve knocked containers around by accident—and sometimes my jerk cat even whacked them off the table.) Pick the tray for better protection against bumps and jostling. Pick the mat for better organization. I most prefer doing this using a $9 magnetic tray or magnetic mat, as extra insurance.
According to the latest update, but you’ll always risk damaged cables whenever you snip them open to swap parts or adjust your cable routing. (Go in at the wrong angle or depth and…oops.). Zip ties are cheaper, yes.
The report highlights that technically, these are “reusable zip ties” or “hook and loop ties,” but you can buy the Velcro name-brand ones if you really want. A 60-pack is just $3, and you can even go for a multi-color set if you want to use them outside your PC, too. (Like for tackling the mess of wires behind your desk.). Velcro ties only cost a little more and are both safer and reusable.
In a fresh development, straight-nosed hemostats have saved me headache and time on more than one build. I haven’t yet seen this surgical tool mentioned in other PC tool round-ups, but I consider them vital.
In a fresh development, or gently grip a cable header to connect it to a tight spot on the motherboard—no need to clear more room by pulling parts from the case. For example: Clamp the hemostat onto a loose motherboard standoff, and you can remove the attached screw.
As part of the ongoing story, (I’m considering getting a 10-inch one as well, for even longer reach.) You can buy these individually for about $8 each, or a $12 set that also includes a couple of smaller sizes. I have multiple, with the 6.25-inch and 8-inch sizes most often used.
Industry observers note that a spare rubber band or folding a bit of paper towel works fine. Tip: The jaws of this locking tool have ridges, so I put a protective layer between those teeth and the component they’re gripping to avoid scuffs.
In a fresh development, these 5 tools are what I consider must-haves, but you can add a few extra for a more well-rounded kit—a small adjustable wrench, a long flathead screwdriver, a pack of rubber bands, and a smaller vice grip.
As part of the ongoing story, but they’ve been worth the extra $30~ overall to add to my toolkit—I’ve saved myself a headache more than once with them on hand. These tend to be more “in case of emergency” type tools, and aren’t as commonly needed.
According to the latest update, since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. A 15-year veteran of technology and video platform releases journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld.