Whats in a IT comp Tech's bag?

[china38]

Can somebody give me a list of tools that you would find in a bag / box from a computer techy? My son is doing his training and i wish to get him a kit for xmas time, and i know i will have to start to build this now.

SO far all i have is compressed air and screwdrivers.

[BillySugger]

Good list here http://www.hardwareinreview.com/guides/nine_to ols_every_technician_should_have.html

[vehelpfulguy]

Maplins do a nice small toolkit that would make a good Xmas present.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?menuno=839 97

There are Maplins everywhere, there may be one in your High St.

Use the "Store Locator" option on their web page (top right)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/

[LeMarchand]

In addition to the above list (Part 1):

A small electric screwdriver and a good selection of heads including a set of "security" heads including some of the smaller "torx" sizes - a lot of laptops use size 8.

Voltmeter - this can also be used for checking fuses and batteries, though there are seperate devices available for those functions.

Large capacity USB flash drive - 8GB+.

Large capacity external USB drive, one of the "rugged" ones if you can afford it. There's a choice between 3.5" and 2.5" to be made: the larger drives tend to be higher capacity and cheaper, whilst the smaller ones are more portable.

[LeMarchand]

(Part 2)

Empty IDE/SAT capable drive caddy (useful for testing drives on another computer, but a bit bulky) and/or an external connector similar to http://www.amazon.co.uk/TeckNet-2-5-Inch-3-5-I nch-5-25-Inch-Adapter/dp/B000Q5YW76 (less bulky and takes less time to use, but - in my experience - not as reliable as a proper caddy).

A powered USB hub (for when - especially laptops - have under-powered sockets).

A bunch of assorted cable ties (mainly the smaller ones).

An USB floppy disk drive (useful for boot discs).

A network cable tester could come in useful in some environments, and a terminal crimper and a set of terminals may be of use for replacing duff network cable terminals - though some places may just replace the cable.

Depending on his planned working environment, a set of assorted A/V leads may also come in useful (I could expand if necessary).

I'd also recommend that he build up a good collection of "portable" freeware to go on the USB Flash drive as well as other freeware that may come in useful (some software may only be free in a non-corporate environment), and look into other boot/"live" CDs as well as the "Knoppix" one mentioned in the article.

Although outside the scope of your question (and a major expense!), a decent laptop would also be useful!

Finally, he'll need "the bag" to tote his stuff around in. The Kensington "Saddlebag" Pro laptop case will hold a laptop and a fair few tools, but - while fairly uncool - a trolley case is a lot easier on the arms.

[ACtheTROLL]

mine sounds so frugal next to this lot - but I've used it for 20 years .... it's grown over the years ... but not much

it depends what he's going to be doing - day to day at the moment I use two screwdrivers a combination plier set (leatherman style) which cost �4.99 from a BP garage
and a good pair of needle nosed pliers.
the rest is bodging stuff. tape, glue, ties etc
probably about �40s worth if that

I also carry one of these for rescuing HDDs
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4 8965&doy=27m9&C=SO&U=strat15

one of these for testing power units
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4 8647

I still have a multimeter - but many don't

but also a range of long 'uns short 'uns phillips, torx, in every size - collected over years
cable ties, tape, araldite and super glue neoprine tape double sided tape - never throw a screw away

and a utility disc I've compiled over time - which never leaves my side (actually it's a lot of CDs - every diver I've used over the years .... every operating system from dos 3.2)
much of it you can't buy over the counter.

I'd say ... don't go overboard - I carry a bag not much bigger than a pencil case ... the rest is available .... but rarely used .... most faults are software ... the hardware stuff rarely needs more than a single screwdriver

much more fun to pick up what you need as you go (B&Q, maplins ... motorway services, petrol stations ....
builders need far more stuff than techies

[ChuckFickens]

Most the time I carry a leatherman knife/pliers thing and a screwdriver handle with the full set of interchangeable bits I have a 2.5 inch HDD also in my lappy case and that is about my main hardware.

I do have a large toolbox in my boot with a better selection of tools but rarely use any of them on actual computers.

That said I have used all sorts of strange things to repair computers up to and including a lathe and a milling machine!

[ChuckFickens]

* 2.5inch HDD USB caddy

Just carrying a 2.5inch hdd would be a little pointless :)

[BillySugger]

A paper clip for opening CD drives

[ChuckFickens]

oh yes the emergency cd rescue tool

Good call :)

[ACtheTROLL]

forgot the paper clip !!!!!

it's billy's day to day ... two inspired answers.

[china38]

Thanks so far for all the info here, i am writing all this down.

He is going to be a hardware tech (he goes out to houses, and solves problems) - not sure what the name for that is, but he has said that he opens up the computers, works inside, changes parts, and does things with software and such.

As for money for all this, we have been saving up since the start of the year for this, as we want to give it to him for his xmas pressie as we know that it will cost him a little penny to get it all up and running.

Is there any particular box bag we should get too? He was looking around google last week at a box thing, it was silver and it had a tray or something in it, and loads of room? no idea what it was called though, i just glanced at it.

[terambulan]

He's a 'computer doctor' if he fixes the hardware

[LeMarchand]

Forgot the insulating tape!

As mentioned, a Leatherman/Gerber type multitool (one with pliers and a screwdriver/bit set) is handy just to carry around for "emergency" repairs - though I'm waiting to be stopped for carrying an offensive weapon!. They can be quite dear: you could get lucky and find a cheapo one of decent build quality; though unlike AC I've never managed to do so, but I did get one from True Utility for �20 (the maxi tool - I see they now do one with a torch) that (apart from the poorly-designed case) I'm very happy with. They normally sell in "outdoor" shops and angling supply stores. I carry mine in a "multipocket" from Niteize (same sort of places and online http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?categ ory_id=28&product_id=63 ) that also holds my mini Maglite, though I have to bend the bit holder to fit.

Is your son going to be waged or self-employed, by the way? If the former, I would have thought that his employer should provide at least some tools/a basic kit - though it's often less hassle to buy your own (always comes in handy for "private" work). I've seen techies from a major UK chain with a special USB diagnostic key (that seems to be mainly freeware when I sneaked a look!).

Another idea, that is now fairly affordable and very useful (he may already have one/be due for an upgrade) is a phone with an internet connection - I'm sure all the other respondents here have come across problems that they have had to resort to Google to find a solution to! I got my HTC Touch as a free upgrade from T Mobile - there must be better deals out there by now.

[ACtheTROLL]

torch .... forgot the torch
LeMarchand does include a maglite - I got a led adapter for mine ... but tesco do some good ones

I also carry a headlight (a youngster might resist on fasion grounds ... but I use mine quite a bit ... with failing eyesight and a lack of style ... it's only embarrasing when you get half way round wh smiths before you realise it's still on and flashing.