SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PARAÑAQUE CITY

TLE 7/8 COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICING

EXPLORATORY
WEEK 1
ENTRY BEHAVIOR

Brief Introduction

Nowadays, computers are everywhere. We use computers to do our projects, reports,

and other tasks. It becomes vital to our daily activities and business operations. As a result,
these devices should be properly checked-up, maintained as well as kept in great condition.
Hiring computer repair services outside the company and even at home are expensive and
takes too long to search.
As an aspiring computer technician, it is only necessary to know the proper use of tools
to prevent accidents and damage to equipment and people. Knowing the right tool for the right
job and making sure to familiarize oneself with the proper use of each tool makes the job less
difficult and ensures that tasks are performed properly and safely.
In this module, learners will be introduced to the different learning activities to be
prepared and skillful in the world of ICT - Computer System Servicing. This module will
concentrate on Lesson I: Use and Maintenance of Hand Tools (UHT).

Learning Competencies

LO 3. Use appropriate hand tools and test equipment

(TLE_IACSS9-12UHT-IIIc-19)

Objectives

A. Content Standard: The learners demonstrate an understanding of the use of

hand tools and equipment for computer systems servicing.
B. Performance Standard: The learners shall be able to use hand tools and
equipment for computer systems servicing.
C. Learning Objectives:
1. Use tools according to tasks undertaken
2. Observe all safety procedures in using tools at all times and use
appropriate PPE
3. Report malfunctions, unplanned or events to the supervisor

Let’s Recall

A. Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Fill in the blanks with the correct
answers found inside the box.

clockwise balance-out edges

antistatic wrist strap counterclockwise

1. We use anti-static wrist strap/ wristband to _______________ the electro-static

discharge in our body and the computer.

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 2. Never wear _____________________ if you are repairing a CRT monitor or a power
supply unit.
3. Always handle the system unit components by the ___________.
4-5. Turn the screwdriver _______________ to tighten the screw and
______________________ to loosen the screw.

B. Direction. Draw a smiley face if the statement is correct and a sad face
if it is wrong.

1. Make use of a proper screwdriver for a particular screw and do not use excessive force
to avoid loose-thread.
2. You can use any type of screwdrivers in tightening or loosening screws.
3. We must remember not to scratch or hit any components when using a nose-plier,
tweezers, or even parts retriever.
4. Before cleaning any device, turn it ON and plug the device from the power source.
5. Pencils should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of switches or to
pry jumpers. Pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage system unit (SU)
components.

Let’s Understand

PROPER USE OF TOOLS

Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. You are much less likely to injure yourself
or damage components when using the proper tool for the job.
Before cleaning or repairing equipment, make sure that your tools are in good condition.
Clean, repair, or replace items that are not functioning adequately.

Proper Use of ESD Tools

Anti-static Wrist strap/ Wristband
We use anti-static wrist strap/ wristband to balance out the ESD (electro-static discharge) in
our body and the computer hardware. By using this tool, any excess static charge in our body
will disappear immediately and it won’t damage the delicate component of the
computer hardware such as the newly purchased graphics card, CPU.
memory cards or even worse your motherboard.
To use the anti-static wrist strap/ wristband properly:
1. Wear the strap with the metal part touching your skin. Make sure that
the power supply is OFF. You can also wear the strap anywhere in
your body, not just in your hand.
2. Clip or snap the alligator clip on a power supply screw or on the grills
of the power supply unit (PSU) fans or onto the unpainted metal
surface of the system unit chassis.

NOTE: Although wearing a wrist strap helps prevent ESD, you can further
reduce the risks by not wearing clothing made of silk, polyester or wool. These
fabrics are more likely to generate static charge.
Technicians should roll up their sleeves, remove scarves or ties, and tuck in shirts to prevent
interference from clothing. Ensure that earrings, necklaces, and other loose jewelry are
properly secured.

It is also unnecessary to use the anti-static wrist strap/ wristband when you are to replace your
network adapters and plug and unplug the mouse / keyboard from the back of your computer.

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CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are repairing a CRT monitor or a power
supply unit. CRT monitors run on very high voltages and their capacitors can hold voltages for
a very long time even when the monitors are unplugged.

Anti-static Mat
When it comes to anti-static mat, it also safeguards us or even a piece of
equipment of the computer from ESD (electro-static discharge) by
stepping on it or by placing it under other equipment. It also helps in
preventing explosions and fires when working with flammable material
found in certain gases and liquids.
To use the anti-static mat properly:
1. Lay the anti-static mat on the workspace or under the computer
case.
2. Clip or snap the alligator clip on the computer chassis or case to
provide a grounded surface on which you can place parts as you
remove them from the system.

NOTE: Always handle the system unit components by edges.

Proper Use of Hand Tools

Most tools used in computer assembly and PC repairs are small hand tools. They are
individually available as part of a computer repair toolkit. Toolkits are a set of tools designed
for a particular purpose. A computer technician needs to use each of the tools properly.

Screws
Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the head of
the screw. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and counterclockwise to loosen
the screw. Make use of a proper screwdriver for a particular screw and do not use excessive
force to avoid loose-thread.

Screwdrivers
Every tool serves a purpose, but most of these tool screwdrivers are the most abused and
misused tool in the workplace. For it can compromise the integrity of the tool by breaking the
handle, bending the shaft or dulling the tip, making technicians vulnerable to hand injury. To
prevent injury and keep screwdrivers in shape, we need to keep in mind the following:
1. Do not use a screwdriver as a punch, pry bar or wedge.
2. Keep the tip clean and sharp to have a solid grip on the tip of the screw.
3. Keep the handle of the screwdriver clean and intact so it will allow us to have a solid
grip.
4. Never use a screwdriver during electrical work unless it is properly insulated.

Flat-head Screwdriver
Use a flat-head screwdriver when working with a slotted screw. Do not use a flat-head
screwdriver to remove a Phillips-head screw nor make use of it as a pry bar to remove a
component. When it does, check to see if there is a clip or latch that is securing the component
in place.

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Phillips-head Screwdriver
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver when working with a cross-head screw. Do not make
use of this screwdriver to make a hole or drill anything, for this will damage the head of the
screwdriver.
Hex Driver
Sometimes called the nut driver. It is used to tighten or loosen nut bolts that have a
six-sided head (hexagonal). Hex bolts should not be over-tighten because the threads could
be stripped. Also, do not use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt.
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
when 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.
Needle-Nose Plier, Parts Retriever and Tweezers
Needle-nose pliers and tweezers can be used to manipulate and hold small parts but
it can also place and retrieve parts that may be hard to reach using our hand. Thus, there is
what we call parts retriever that is specifically designed for the said task. We must remember
not to scratch or hit any components when using these tools.
CAUTION: Pencils should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of switches
or to pry of jumpers. Pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage system unit (SU)
components.
Proper Use of Cleaning Materials
Cleaning the computer inside out is very important in maintaining the smooth operation
of your computer. Dirt can cause problems in the physical operation of fans, buttons and other
mechanical components of the computer. While an excessive build-up of dust impairs the
ability of heat sinks and cooling fans to keep components cool, causing chips and circuits to
overheat and fail, for it acts like an insulator and traps the heat.
Compressed Air
Clean dusty components with a can of compressed air. When using compressed air to
clean the inside part of the computer, the air should be blown four (4) inches from the nozzle
around the components. The power supply and the fan should be cleaned from the back of
the case. Compressed air does not cause electrostatic build-up on components. Make sure
that you are in a well-ventilated area before blowing the dust out of the computer. The best
practice is to wear a dust mask to make sure that you do not breathe in the dust particles.
Blow out the dust using short bursts from the can. Never tip the can or use the compressed
air can upside down. Do not allow the fan blades to spin from the force of the compressed air.
Hold the fan in place. Fan motors can be ruined from spinning when the motor is not turned
on.
Use compressed air to clean the heatsink together with a
brush. You can also use a handheld vacuum cleaner with
a brush attachment to remove the loose dust.
CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and
unplug the device from the power source. Never use a
standard vacuum cleaner inside a computer case. The
plastic parts of the vacuum cleaner can build up static
electricity and discharge to the components. Use only
vacuums that are approved for electronic
components.

Lint-free Cloth with Cleaning Solution

Clean computer cases and the outside of monitors with a mild cleaning solution on a
damp, lint-free cloth. Mix one drop of dishwashing liquid with 4oz. (118 ml) of water to create
the cleaning solution. If water drips inside the case, allow enough time for the liquid to dry
before powering on the computer.

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In cleaning LCD screens, do not use ammoniated glass cleaners or any other solution, unless
the cleaner is specifically designed for the purpose. Harsh chemicals
damage the coating on the screen. There is no glass protecting
these screens, so be gentle when cleaning them and do not press
firmly on the screen. You can use distilled water and a lint-free cloth
to clean the LCD screen.
Clean the contacts on components with
isopropyl alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol
for it contains impurities that can damage
contacts.
In cleaning the mouse, use a mild cleaning solution or a glass cleaner
and a lint-free cloth. Do not spray any liquids inside the mouse.

Let’s Apply

A. Direction. Identify the appropriate tool to use for each of

the following:
1. Tighten / loosen slotted screw
2. Balance out the electrical charge between you and the equipment.
3. Tighten / loosen bolt with a hexagonal head
4. Retrieve parts that may be hard to reach by your fingers.
5. Clean dusty components with this tool.

B. Direction: Match the components to clean from Column A with its proper cleaning
materials in Column B.
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE
Column A Column B
1. Mouse A. Compressed air
2. Heatsink B. Distilled water and lint-free
3. Keyboard cloth
4. LCD Screen C. Isopropyl alcohol and lint-
5. Random Access Memory (RAM) free swab
6. Computer cases and outside D. Mild cleaning solution and
monitor lint-free cloth
E. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth.
F. Handheld vacuum cleaner
with a brush attachment
Let’s Analyze

Direction: Think of the appropriate tool to use in each of the following tasks
given. Write your answer by completing each puzzle box.

1. Tighten/ Loosen nuts

2. Blow away dust from keyboard

3. Tighten / loosen screws of a laptop

4. Use to manipulate small parts

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 5. Use to cut and strip wires

6. Loosen computer casing screws

7. Bundle cables inside the computer

8. Test functionality of the printer port

9. Prevent from ESD effects by stepping

on it or by placing it under other
equipment.
10. Test the integrity of circuits and the
quality of electricity in computer
components.

Let’s Try

A. Direction. Read each statement carefully. Write the letter of your best answer on the space
provided
1. In cleaning LCD screens, do not use __________________ or any other
solution, unless the cleaner is specifically designed for the purpose.
A. Isopropyl alcohol C. Distilled water
B. Ammoniated glass cleaners D. Rubbing alcohol
2. What will happen if we use excessive force on screws?
A. It may cause the screws to tighten or loosen.
B. It may cause the screws to loose-thread.
C. It may cause the screw to be magnetized.
D. It may cause the screw’s thread to be stripped.
3. When using compressed air to clean the inside part of the computer, how
many inches should be the distance from the nozzle around the components?
A. 2 inches C. 4 inches
B. 3 inches D. 5 inches
4. Before cleaning any device, the following statements are correct except?
A. Turn off and unplug the device from the power source
B. Use a standard vacuum cleaner inside a computer case.
C. The plastic parts of the vacuum cleaner can build up static electricity and discharge
to the components.
D. Use only vacuums that are approved for electronic components.

5. In cleaning the mouse, the following statements are correct except?

A. Use mild cleaning solution C. Use glass cleaner
B. Wipe with lint-free cloth D. Spray liquids inside the
mouse

Let’s Create

Direction: Create a poster showing the proper use of tools in PC hardware. Don’t
forget to insert a drawing or picture of you as the main character.