COMPUTER HARDWARE TOOLS

Classification of Hardware Tools

Computer Hardware tools are categories into four:
1. Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools
2. Hand tools
3. Cleaning tools
4. Diagnostic tools

1. Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools – tools that prevents the sudden flow of
electricity to avoid damage to your computer
components and parts.

Anti-static strap – usually worn on your wrist to

prevent the occurrence of ESD.
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Anti-static mat – used to stand on or place hardware

on to prevent static electricity from building up.
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Anti-static spray – can be applied on floors, walls,

ceilings, tools, equipment, and workspaces to prevent
building up of ESD

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2. Hand Tools – are used in the performing task like computer assembly and computer
repair, these tools are manually operated by hand and are available individually or as
part of a computer repair toolkit. Toolkits range widely in size, quality, and price.

Flat head screwdriver is a hand tool used for

tightening and loosening slotted screws, has a
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Philips head screwdriver is a hand tool for

tightening and loosening cross head screws,
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Torx screwdriver- Used for loosening or

tightening screws with a star-like depression at
the end, a function often seen on a laptop.
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 Hex driver- Sometimes referred to as a nut
driver, it is used to tighten nuts just like a
screwdriver tightens screws

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Needle- nose plier- (Also known as long-nose

pliers) characterized by long, tapering jaws of
equal length. Used for holding small portions.
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Tweezers are tools used for picking up objects

too small to be easily handled with human
hands.
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Wire cutter is used for stripping and cutting

wires.

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Flashlight Used to light up areas that you

cannot see well.

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Part retriever is used to retrieve screws,

jumpers, fasteners, and other parts and
prevents them from getting mixed.
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3. Cleaning Tools – are essentials when maintaining and repairing computers. Using the
appropriate cleaning tools helps ensure that computer components are not damaged
during cleaning

Lint-free cloth is a special type of cleaning cloth

that wipes off dust and other types of unwanted
elements from computer parts without scratching
or leaving debris on them
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Computer Duster – softly brushes away dust

from computer parts. This is commonly used for
cleaning computer keyboard.

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 Compressed air is a product used for cleaning
or dusting electronic equipment and other
sensitive devices that cannot be cleaned using
water.
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Cable ties are used to organize all kinds of

cables, like those used with a computer, an
entertainment system, or in a network.

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Parts organizer is a type of storage box

featuring small compartments for sorting
components like screws, nails, bolts, washers
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4. Diagnostic Tools – are tools used for testing computer hardware to check for its
functionality.

Multimeter- An electronic tool used to measure

voltage, amps and resistance across circuits.
By attaching two leads to different parts of an
electrical system, learners can use multimeter
to detect voltage and resistance levels, or
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Loopback Adapter is also called a loopback

plug, used to test the basic functionality of
computer ports.

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Checking of Hand Tools

Once selected, use the tool for the purpose for which it was designed. Not all tools
come with detailed instructions, but there are those that do spell out the safety Do’s and
Don’ts for your safety. If there are set-up/use options, operator judgment must always be
based on what is the safest way to use the tool.

Identifying Unsafe or Faulty Tools

Environmental Safety and Health Program requires the following:
1. All tools be kept in good condition with regular maintenance
2. The right tool be used for the job
3. Each tool be examined before use AND damaged or defective tools NOT to be used
4. Tools be operated according to manufacturer’s instructions
5. The right protective equipment for the tool and activity be used
 PROPER USAGE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE TOOLS

Proper Use of ESD Tools

ESD tools are used to equalize the electrical charge between you and the equipment. When
reducing the potential for ESD, it reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuits or
components.

ESD tools Tips for properly use of ESD tools

 Wrap the strap around your wrist and

secure it using the snap or Velcro. The
metal on the back of the wrist strap must
remain in contact with your skin at all
times.

antistatic  Snap the connector at the end of the

wrist strap wire to the wrist strap, and connect the
other end either to the equipment or to
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same grounding point that the antistatic
mat is connected to. The metal skeleton of the case is a good place
to connect the wire. When connecting the wire to equipment that you
are working on, choose an unpainted metal surface. A painted
surface does not conduct the electricity as well as unpainted metal.

antistatic  Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case.
 Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface on which you
mat
can place parts as you remove them from the system.

Proper use of hand tools

Technician toolkits contains various hand tools used for troubleshooting and repairing
computers. Here are some tips to properly use the hand tools:

Hand tools Tips for properly use of hand tools

 Each screw matches with the correct screwdriver. Place the
screwdriver tip onto the screw end. Switch the clockwise
Screw screwdriver to twist the screw and push the screw in
drivers counterclockwise.
 If you over-tighten them with a screwdriver, the screws may get
stripped. A stripped pin can get trapped in the hole of the bolt, or
may
not securely secure. Discard screws off.
 If you are dealing with a slotted bolt, using a flat head screwdriver.
Flat head
Do not use a flat head screwdriver to loosen a head screw at
screwdriver
Phillips.
 Using a screwdriver never as a pry bar. If you can't uninstall an
item, test and see if a clip or lock is in position to protect the object.
  Using a screwdriver or Phillips head and crosshead screws. Should
Phillips head
not use this sort of screwdriver to have it punctured. This would hurt
screwdriver
the screwdriver's handle.
 To loosen and tighten bolts with a hexagonal (six-sided) head, use
Hex driver a hex driver. Hex bolts should not be over-tight, as the bolts'
threads can be stripped. Do not use the hex driver which is too big
for the bolt you are using.
Part
 You should use the component retriever, needle-nose pliers, and
retriever,
tweezers to position and remove pieces that could be impossible to
Needle-nose
touch with your fingertips. When using such materials, do not
pliers, or
smash or touch any parts.
tweezers

Proper use of Cleaning Materials/Tools

Keeping computers clean inside and out is a vital part of a maintenance program. Dirt can
cause problems with the physical operation of fans, buttons, and other mechanical
components. On electrical components, an excessive buildup of dust will act like an
insulator and trap the heat. This insulation will impair the ability of heat sinks and cooling
fans to keep components cool, causing chips and circuits to overheat and fail.

Components
to be Tips for proper use of cleaning materials/tools
cleaned
 Clean computer cases and monitor outdoors on a damp, lint-free
Computer cloth with a mild cleaning solution. To create the cleaning solution,
Cases and mix one drop of dishwashing liquid and four ounces of water. When
Monitors some water drips within the device, give the liquid to dry enough
time before turning on the machine.

 Do not use ammonized glass cleaners on an LCD screen or any

other solution unless the cleaner is specifically designed for that
LCD Screens purpose. Harsh chemicals damage the on-screen coating. Such
displays are not covered by glass, so be careful when washing
them, and don't click tightly on the screen.

 Clean the contacts on isopropyl alcohol components. Don't use

Component alcohol to rub. Alcohol rubbing includes impurities which may affect
contacts. Make sure the contacts receive no lint from the fabric or
Contacts
cotton swab. Blow some lint off the compressed air contacts before
reinstalling

Keyboard  Clean a desktop keyboard with compressed air or a small, hand-

held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
  Using a glass cleaner and a fluffy towel to brush the mouse outside.
Do not sprinkle glass cleaner directly on your mouse. If you clean a
Mouse ball mouse, you can remove the ball and clean it with a soft cloth
and a glass cleaner. Wipe the rollers with the same rag, wipe inside
the cursor. Do not sprinkle any liquids in the mouse.

TOOL AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

All tools and equipment must be properly maintained so that workers are not
endangered. Regulations require inspections of tools, machines and equipment before use.
Preventive maintenance is the systematic care and protection of tools, equipment
and machines in order to keep them in a safe, usable condition, limit downtime and extend
productivity. We must always be aware that maintenance tasks themselves are potentially
hazardous and can result in injury. The successful maintenance program is:
1. well organized and scheduled,
2. controls hazards,
3. defines operational procedures, and
4. trains key personnel.

The degree of detail to include regarding tools and equipment maintenance will
depend on the kinds of tools/equipment used. Some construction equipment may have very
specific inspection and maintenance requirements. Electronic equipment may have different
maintenance requirements. Hand tools may require only basic maintenance. Power tools
should be maintained in good working order. This may be limited to ensuring that blades/bits
are replaced when needed and those guards or other safety devices are operable and any
damaged electrical cords/plugs are repaired or replaced. Damaged or defective
equipment/tools should be tagged and removed from service.
Most manufacturers can provide maintenance schedules for their equipment. Large
companies typically have a comprehensive maintenance program due to the capital
investment and/or leasing agreements. Smaller companies may lease equipment and
maintenance services may be included in the leasing agreement.

General requirements for tools and equipment maintenance include:

1. Obtaining a copy of the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer
2. Ensuring that maintenance is performed as required
3. Ensuring that the person(s) performing the maintenance are competent (e.g. licensed
mechanic)
4. Retaining records of maintenance/service conducted
5. Specifying who is responsible for overseeing equipment maintenance and where the
records are kept
6. Set up a system for removal and tagging of damaged or defective tools and equipment
PROPER STORAGE OF TOOLS, PARTS, AND EQUIPMENT

To ensure that tools and equipment remain in good

condition and last for a long time, store them properly. Properly
stored tools and equipment will be easy to find when needed and
are less likely to be lost.

Good practices include:

1. Parts should be properly stored and labeled.
2. Tools should be properly placed on the board, and labeled. Consider drawing the
shapes of the tools on the board so that they always get put back in the same
position.
3. Use bins for storing small parts.
4. Consider making an individual (or individuals) responsible for the good maintenance
of tools and parts.
Benefits:
1. Tools and parts are kept in good condition and are easy to find
2. Costs are reduced.
3. Productivity is increased because time is not wasted looking for tools, parts and
equipment.
4. Workshop staff develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their work.