1.

Computer Maintenance Tool Kit and Function 2

2. What is Computer Maintenance Tool Kit? 2

3. Types of Computer Maintenance Tool Kit 2

3.1. Hardware Tools 2

3.1.1. ESD Tools 2

3.1.2. Hand Tools 2

3.1.3. Cleaning Tools 3

3.1.4. Diagnostic Tools 3

3.1.5. Hardware Computer Maintenance Tool Kit and function 4

3.2. Software Tools 11

3.2.1. Disk Management Tools 11

3.2.2. Protection Software Tools

11

3.2.3. Organizational Tools 12

3.2.3.1. Reference Tools 12

4. CAUTION 13

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5. Conclusion 13

What is Computer Maintenance Tool Kit ?

 Tool kits come in different sizes, prices, and quality, and it is important
to get the one that suits your operations. A toolkit that is well-equipped
ensures that you’ll do perfect repairs without compromising your
computer or causing damage to your hands.

Types of Computer Maintenance Tool Kit

 There are two types of Computer Maintenance Tool Kit. Those are :
1) Hardware Tools
2) software Tools
1. Hardware Tools
 For every job there is the right tool. Make sure that you are familiar
with the correct use of each tool and that the correct tool is used for the
current task. Skilled use of tools and software makes the job less
difficult and ensures that tasks are performed properly and safely.
 A toolkit should contain all the tools necessary to complete hardware
repairs. As you gain experience, you learn which tools to have available
for different types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into four
categories:-
— ESD Tools
— Hand Tools
— Cleaning Tools
— Diagnostic Tools
1.1. ESD Tools
 There are two ESD tools: the antistatic wrist strap and the antistatic

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 mat. The antistatic wrist strap protects computer equipment when
grounded to a computer chassis. The antistatic mat protects computer
equipment by preventing static electricity from accumulating on the
hardware or on the technician.
1.2. Hand Tools
 Most tools used in the computer assembly process are small hand tools.
They are available individually or as part of a computer repair toolkit.
Toolkits range widely in size, quality, and price.

 Some common hand tools and their uses are:

 Flat-head screwdriver
 Phillips-head screwdriver
 Torx screwdriver
 Hex driver
 Needle-nose pliers
 Wire cutters
 Tweezers
 Part retriever
 Flashlight
 Wire stripper
 Crimper
 Punch-down tool
1.3. Cleaning Tools
 Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential
when maintaining and repairing computers. Using
the appropriate cleaning tools helps ensure that
computer components are not damaged during
cleaning. Cleaning tools include the following:
Soft cloth: Used to clean different computer
components without scratching or leaving
debris
Compressed air: Used to blow away dust
and debris from different computer parts
without touching the components
Cable ties: Used to bundle cables neatly

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 inside and outside of a computer
Parts organizer: Used to hold screws,
jumpers, fasteners, and other small parts
and prevents them from getting mixed
together
1.4. Diagnostic Tools
 Diagnostic tools are used to test and diagnose
equipment. Diagnostic tools include the following:
Multimeter: It tests the integrity of circuits
and the quality of electricity in computer
components. A digital Multi meter displays
the information on an LCD or LED.
Toner Probe: The toner part is connected to
a cable at one end using specific adapters,
such as an RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips.

Some of Hardware Computer

Maintenance Tool Kit and
function are listed the following
1. Nut Driver 1/4
 Function: It allows one to use a
single handle with a number of
sizes instead of having a
separate nut driver for each
size.
2. Torx Screwdriver or Bits
 Function: These are the star-
shaped screwdriver heads that
are used to make equipment
tamper-proof.
3. Long Nose Piler
 Function: It also can help to
cut wires and they can get in
and out of tight spots, unlike
regular pliers.
4. Needle Nose Tweezer

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  Function: These are useful for
grasping small items and for
removing and replacing
jumpers on circuit boards.
5. Spare Part Tube
 Function: These handy parts
tubes is use to hold extra
computer screws, nuts and
washers.
6. Soldering Iron
 Function: It is essential for
repairing circuit boards but
seldom being used and it is
quite dangerous for improper
use.
7. 8 Wire Cutter/Stripper
 Function: It is for wire cutting
and stripping insulation on
single, multiple and fine
stranded wire cables with
plastic or rubber insulation.
8. 6 Adjustable Wrench
 Function: It is a spanner with a
jaw of adjustable width which
allows it to be used with
different sizes of fastener head
(nut, bolt etc.) rather than just
one fastener, as with a
conventional fixed spanner.

9. Multi meter
 Function: A digital Multi meter
is a device that can take many
types of measurements. It tests
the integrity of circuits and the
quality of electricity in
computer components. A
digital Multi meter displays the
information on an LCD or LED.
10. Chip Inserter with pin straightener
 Function: This tool is designed
to insert a DIP chip into a

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 circuit board.

11. Chip Extractor

 Function: This tool is used to
remove chips from regular
(non-ZIF) sockets, but modern
PCs do not generally use these
sockets any more. It is useful
for upgrading much older
systems in some cases.
12. Toner Probe
 Function: The toner part is
connected to a cable at one end
using specific adapters, such as an
RJ-45, coaxial, or metal clips. The
toner generates a tone that travels
the length of the cable. The probe
part traces the cable. When the
probe is in near proximity to the
cable to which the toner is
attached, the tone can be heard
through a speaker in the probe.
13. Three Prong Parts Retriever
 Function: This tool is mainly
used to retrieve screws,
although is also helpful in
retrieving jammed bits in the
motherboard.
14. Assembly Tweezers
 Function: It is a tools used for
picking up and manipulating
objects too small to be easily
handled with human hand.
15. Slotted Screwdriver 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, #1,#2
& #0
 Function: It is a good
screwdriver with magnetic,
interchangeable bits and a
comfortable handle. The
magnetic tip will prevent
screws falling into the PC, and
will let you get access to drives
mounted deep in your system
case.

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16. Nut Driver 3/16
 Function: It is the really
important one because this is
the size of nut most commonly
used on PCs. These hexagonal
nuts are used as mounting
hardware for motherboards
and serial and parallel ports.
17. Screwdriver Set
 Function: Most of the screws
you will encounter with PCs are
either 4-40 or 6-32 Phillips
head screws, although
occasionally you may need a
Slotted screwdriver. I actually
prefer to use a cordless
screwdriver with a magnetized
tip.
18. Jewelers Screwdriver Set (for Laptops)
 Function: Most jewelers’
screwdriver sets come in a
plastic case with about 6 or 7
Phillips and Slotted
screwdrivers. But occasionally,
I come across a laptop that uses
torx head screws. Most
jewelers’ screwdrivers also
come with a swivel top for
three finger use.
19. Cordless Screwdriver (optional)
 Function: This palm-sized
cordless screwdriver comes with
a several different screwdriver
tips and a charger, and can hold a
charge for up to 18 months. I have
2 of these that I bought at Home
Depot over 4 years ago.
20. Can of Compressed Air
 Function: Many brands to
choose from and available from
most big box stores for about
$6 – $8 per can, although you
can get a 3-pack at Sam’s Club
for $10 You can also get it very

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 inexpensively online.
 CAUTION: Use in a well
ventilated area, do not breathe
the vapors, and consider using
safety glasses to protect your
eyes from airborne dust and
flying debris. Also, keep it away
from heat as the contents are
under pressure.
 Also, secure fan blades when
blowing into fans to prevent
them from over-spinning which
could damage the fan. When
using, avoid pointing the nozzle
straight down when blowing or
you may cause moisture to
develop which can drip onto
the electronics
21. DataVac Electric Duster (optional)
 Function: High-Powered
Blower specifically designed to
clean dust and dirt from
computers and other misc
electronic equipment. It blows
about as hard as one of those
high-powered hand dryers in
public restrooms.
 Blows Clean, Dry, Filtered Air
That Is Safe For All Equipment.
 CAUTION: Consider wearing
safety glasses to protect your
eyes from airborne dust and
flying debris. Also, secure fan
blades when blowing into fans
to prevent them from over-
spinning which could damage
the fan.
22. Cotton Swabs
 Function: Cotton swabs
moistened with rubbing
alcohol or water are excellent
tools for wiping hard to reach
areas in your keyboard, mouse,
and other tight locations. I do

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 not recommend using cotton
balls as a substitute.
23. Water or Rubbing Alcohol
 Function: When moistening
cloth or cotton swabs for
cleaning, it is best to use water
or rubbing alcohol. Other
solvents may be bad for the
plastics used with your
computer. Most rubbing alcohol
products you will find in
supermarkets or pharmacies are
only a 70% solution which is
fine for cleaning metal and
plastics, but if you are cleaning
circuit boards, I recommend
you use at least at least 99%.
24. Safety Glasses (optional)
 Function: Use safety glasses to
protect your eyes from
airborne dust and flying debris
when blowing out dust from
your computer. There seems to
be no end to the number of
styles when it comes to safety
glasses.
25. Soft Cloth
 Function: Use a soft cloth
moistened with spray
detergent when cleaning the
outer surfaces of the computer
case. You should not use a cloth
to clean any circuitry such as
the RAM or motherboard since
they can generate ESD that can
damage electronics.

26. Microfiber Lint Free Cloth

 Function: Microfiber Cloth is
the best type of cloth you can
use for cleaning LCD displays,
such as with desktop monitors,
laptop displays, tablets, smart
phones, etc.

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  Microfiber cloth can be used
without cleaning sprays and
can be machine washed for
reuse. They are safe for all
surfaces, and leave zero
scratches, streaks or marks.
Each microfiber cloth is packed
in it’s own plastic bag for long
term safekeeping.
27. USB Keyboard Vacuum Cleaner
 Function: Sucking the dust,
dirt, hair, cigarette particles,
and other particles out of a
computer can be one of the
best methods of cleaning a
computer. Over time, these
items can restrict the airflow in
a computer and cause circuitry
to corrode.
 Do not use a standard vacuum
as it can generate a lot of static
electricity that can damage
your computer. A USB
Keyboard Vacuum Cleaner can
be powered from one of your
computer’s USB ports, which
makes it very handy.
28. Portable Vacuum Cleaner
 Function: High-powered and
specially designed to clean
computers, printers and all
sensitive-to-dust electronic
equipment used in the modern
office
29. Sash Brush
 Function: Great for loosening
dust when used in conjunction
with a blower or compressed
air can, or a vacuum cleaner.
Technically, when cleaning
circuit boards, you should use a
low-static brush.
30. Flashlight
 Function: Whenever you have

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 your PC case open, use a
flashlight to perform a visual
inspection. Early detection of
problems can save your PC
from a catastrophic failure.
Look for burned, loose,
discolored, bulged, and broken
items. Also check fans for
proper rotation.
31. Magnifying Glass
 Function: A magnifying glass is
another helpful item for visual
inspections. You can also use
them to read the small print on
Product Key, Model and Serial
Number labels.
32. Portable Hard Drive
 Function: Portable Hard Drives
are used for backing-up your
personal files and disk images.
While I recommend using Flash
Drives to keep your everyday
on-the-go data handy, I don’t
recommend them for your full-
long-term backups. Flash
Drives are helpful for backing
up some of your data, but
typically aren’t large enough to
store large amounts of media
such as high resolution
pictures, music, and videos. So
it is a good idea to invest in a
Portable Hard Drive.
33. Flash Drive
 Function: Use a Flash Drive for
your everyday, on-the-go data
backups. I recommend you buy
one that has a switch to write-
protect the drive to prevent
auto-run viruses from infecting
your drive when inserting it
into an infected computer.
34. Surge Protector
 Function: A surge protector (or

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 surge suppressor) is an
appliance designed to protect
electrical devices from voltage
spikes. A surge protector
attempts to limit the voltage
supplied to an electric device
by either blocking or by
shorting to ground any
unwanted voltages above a safe
threshold.
35. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
 Function: An uninterruptible
power supply or UPS is an
electrical apparatus that
provides emergency power to a
load when the input power
source, typically mains power,
fails.
 A UPS differs from an auxiliary
or emergency power system or
standby generator in that it will
provide near-instantaneous
protection from input power
interruptions, by supplying
energy stored in batteries or a
flywheel.

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  Figure 1 Hardware Computer Maintenance
Tool Kit

2. Software Tools
 Like hardware tools, there are a variety of
software tools that can be used to help technicians
pinpoint and troubleshoot problems. Many of
these tools are free and several come with the
Windows operating system.
2.1. Disk Management Tools
 Software tools help diagnose computer and
network problems and determine which
computer device is not functioning correctly. A
technician must be able to use a range of software
tools to diagnose problems, maintain hardware,

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 and protect the data stored on a computer.
 You must be able to identify which software to use
in different situations. Disk management
tools help detect and correct disk errors, prepare
a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted
files.
 The following are some disk management tools:
FDISK: A command-line tool that creates and
deletes partitions on a hard drive. The FDISK
tool is not available in Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It
has been replaced with the Disk Management
tool.
Disk Management Tool: Initializes disks,
creates partitions, and formats partitions.
Format: Prepares a hard drive to store
information.
Scandisk or CHKDSK: Checks the integrity of
files and folders on a hard drive by scanning the
file system. These tools might also check the
disk surface for physical errors.
Defrag: Optimizes space on a hard drive to
allow faster access to programs and data.
Disk Cleanup: Clears space on a hard drive by
searching for files that can be safely deleted.
System File Checker (SFC): A command-line
tool that scans the operating system critical files
and replaces files that are corrupted.
2.2. Protection Software Tools
 Each year, viruses, spyware, and other types of
malicious attacks infect millions of computers.
These attacks can damage operating systems,
applications, and data. Computers that have been
infected may even have problems with hardware
performance or component failure.
 To protect data and the integrity of the operating
system and hardware, use software designed to
guard against attacks and to remove malicious
programs.

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 Various types of software protect hardware and
data:
Windows 7 Action Center: Checks the status
of essential security settings. The Action
Center continuously checks to make sure
that the software firewall and antivirus
programs are running. It also ensures that
automatic updates download and install
automatically.
Antivirus program: Protects against virus
attacks.
Antispyware program: Protects against
software that sends information about web
surfing habits to an attacker. Spyware can be
installed without the knowledge or consent
of the user.
Window 7 Firewall: Runs continuously to
protect against unauthorized
communications to and from your computer.
2.3. Organizational Tools
 Keeping accurate records and journals during a
busy workday can be challenging. Many
organizational tools, such as work-order systems,
can help the technician document their work.
2.3.1.Reference Tools
 A technician must document all repairs and
computer problems. The documentation can then
be used as a reference for future problems or for
other technicians who may not have encountered
the problem before. The documents can be paper
based, but electronic forms are preferred because
they can be easily searched for specific problems.
 It is important that a technician document all
services and repairs. These documents need to be
stored centrally and made available to all other

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 technicians. The documentation can then be used
as reference material for similar problems that are
encountered in the future. Good customer service
includes providing the customer with a detailed
description of the problem and the solution.
Personal Reference Tools
 Personal reference tools include troubleshooting
guides, manufacturer manuals, quick reference
guides, and repair journals. In addition to an
invoice, a technician keeps a journal of upgrades
and repairs. The documentation in the journal
includes descriptions of the problem, possible
solutions that have been attempted, and the steps
taken to repair the problem. Note any
configuration changes made to the equipment and
any replacement parts used in the repair.

 This documentation is valuable when you

encounter similar situations in the future.
Notes: Make notes as you go through the
troubleshooting and repair process. Refer to
these notes to avoid repeating previous
steps and to determine what steps to take
next.
Journal: Document the upgrades and
repairs that you perform. Include
descriptions of the problem, possible
solutions that have been tried to correct the
problem, and the steps taken to repair the
problem. Note any configuration changes
made to the equipment and any replacement
parts used in the repair. Your journal, along
with your notes, can be valuable when you
encounter similar situations in the future.
History of repairs: Make a detailed list of
problems and repairs, including the date,
replacement parts, and customer
information. The history allows a technician
to determine what work has been

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 performed on a specific computer in the
past.
Internet Reference Tools
 The Internet is an excellent source of information
about specific hardware problems and possible
solutions:
Internet search computer
engines manuals
News groups Online forums
Manufacturer and chat
FAQs Technical
Online websites

CAUTION
 Some tools are magnetized. When working around
electronic devices, be sure that the tools you are
using have not been magnetized. Magnetic fields
can be harmful to data stored on magnetic media.
Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If
the screw is attracted to the tool, do not use the
tool.
Conclusion
 Most computer maintenance doesn’t require any
special tools and materials to maintain computers.
In fact, many households already have most of the
tools and materials needed to perform all the
preventive maintenance in this program, or at
least some suitable substitutes.
 Before you decide to work on your computer and
related devices, you need to ensure that you have
the right set of tools with you. It would be
disappointing to have to keep looking for one or
more items in different places to fix a minor
problem. However, if you have the right tool kit
with you, you can begin your repair in an instant.