for Hardware 2.0
| November 26, 2019 — 23:00 GMT (23:00 GMT)
| Topic: Hardware
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This is, without a doubt, one of the best toolkits I’ve come across. It contains many of the tools that you need to tackle PC and smartphone repairs.
I’ve had one of these kits for quite some time now, and after a lot of heavy use, it all looks and works like new.
A great kit offered at a fantastic price.
DeoxIT Survival Kit
DeoxIT Survival Kit for $33
See it now: Amazon
Everything you need to clean oxidation and corrosion from electrical contacts. This has saved my bacon many times.
Wiha 92190 Master Technicians Bench Screwdriver Set
Wiha 92190 Master Technicians Bench Screwdriver Set for $195
See it now: Amazon
A 50-piece precision screwdriver set covering everything from big, chunky screws to tiny ones that are easily lost or damaged.
Screw Extracting Pliers
Screw Extracting Pliers for $20
See it now: iFixit
These are pliers that get you out of a jam — they feature specially designed jaws to firmly grip screw heads, bolts, or nuts, allowing you to twist out even damaged fasteners.
Uni-T UT210E Current Clamp Meter
Uni-T UT210E Current Clamp Meter for $50
See it now: Amazon
A great little multimeter with a built-in current clamp that’s perfect for all sorts of electrical diagnosis and troubleshooting work. Small enough to throw into a pocket or small toolbox to take with you on jobs.
iSesamo and iFlex opening tools
iSesamo ($10) and iFlex ($11) opening tools
See it now: Amazon and Amazon
This is the best pry tools you can buy. eBay is littered with clones, but they don’t last. Don’t cheap out. Get the genuine ones!
When I first came across these a few years ago, I bought a few of them, thinking that they wouldn’t last long — I was wrong! My original ones are still like new, despite a lot of prying.
FLIR C3
FLIR C3 for $450
See it now: Amazon
Pocket portable thermal camera with built-in 3-inch color display and MSX enhanced thermal images providing stunning detail to help you identify problem areas easier. Capable of capturing thermal measurements from 14 F/-10 C to 302 F/150 C.
PlierTek Corner and Sidewall Repair Pliers
PlierTek Corner and Sidewall Repair Pliers for $120
See it now: iFixit
A handy tool that has one job, but it does that job well. It’s designed to reshape the deformed corners of iPhones and iPads that have been damaged by dropping. It can also be used on many MacBooks and MacBook Pro devices.
Magnetic parts tray
Magnetic parts tray for $16
See it now: Amazon
Perfect for keeping small parts from rolling away or being blown by a breeze. I always like to have a few at hand when I’m dismantling and repairing gadgets.
Nitecore TIP2
Nitecore TIP2 for $45
See it now: Amazon
A tiny flashlight that’s smaller than a car key and lighter than 1.5 oz, yet capable of a light output up to 720 lumens (with a moonlight mode of 1 lumen when you want discreet lighting). Good for up to 55 hours on a single charge, easily recharged from USB, and features a magnetic mount on the endcap, the TIP2 is a brilliant every day carry light.
USB testers
USB testers for $25+
See it now: Amazon and Amazon
Super handy USB testers that allow you to not only test if a port or device is working, but also find out how much power it is consuming. Also handy for testing power bank capacities and loads.
Leatherman Free P4
Leatherman Free P4 for $140
See it now: Amazon
Leatherman has redesigned its multitool like, dramatically improving the pliers, refining the opening mechanism so the tools are available using a single hand (and without smashing your nails!), and it added a magnetic locking mechanism. This is the larger model featuring 21 tools.
Engineer PH-55 scissors
Engineer PH-55 scissors for $20
See it now: Amazon
Avoid using delicate kitchen scissors for hardcore jobs such as cutting wire, and get yourself a pair that’s designed for hard use, and capable of cutting cable, rope, and even 0.5mm aluminum.
Sugru
Sugru for $16
See it now: Amazon
Moldable silicone glue that’s non-toxic and perfect for handicrafts, fixing broken things, mounting, reinforcing, sealing, DIY and much more. Limited only by your imagination!
Holiday Gift Guides
Best tech gadgets of 2019
Best gifts: Practically indestructible gadgets
Best gifts: Top iPhone 11 accessories from $5 to $60
Best gifts: IT pro toolbox
Best gifts: Tech gadgets for non-techies
Best gifts: Gadgets to get you fit and healthy
The best tablets for 2019: Our top picks
Best cheap laptops for $350 or less in 2019
Affordable gifts: Top tech, gadgets for under $100
10 great gifts for the hacker in your life
7 great Linux gifts for the holiday season
The very best smart speakers for 2019
Incredibly useful gadgets you didn’t know you needed
Best rugged phones of 2019: Waterproof, shockproof smartphones
Tech travel checklist: Don’t leave home without these essential accessories
Related Topics:
Amazon
PCs
Servers
Storage
Networking
Data Centers
for Hardware 2.0
| November 26, 2019 — 23:00 GMT (23:00 GMT)
| Topic: Hardware