In this chapter, I am going to discuss the tools that are needed for a laptop technician. Here I will list the common names of the tools then, I will give a brief description of that tool’s usage relating to Laptop repair.
1. Screwdrivers for Laptop
This is not the average-sized screwdriver, as that would be too large for the tiny screws used on laptops today. This is the micro-sized screwdriver, which can be bought at your local Home Improvement store. I myself use an all-in-one screwdriver that houses the extra tips inside the screwdriver itself.
Then, I also use the screwdriver set from an Eyeglass Repair Kit. You can purchase one from your local Auto Parts Store (ask the clerk for assistance in locating one) and you will definitely need the multiple tip pack to allow different sizes for different laptop models.
2. Mini Pliers
I suggest that you buy mini needle-nosed pliers because they are easier to use on the micro-sized components that make up the laptop. The pliers I use are 3 inches long, I find that the normal-sized pliers are way too big and do not reach into certain areas that the mini can.
3. Scissors
Yeah, scissors, we need scissors. The smaller the better when obtaining your scissors. I use haircutting scissors because they are small and the cutting tips are thin and narrow.
4. Electrical Tape
This is used to wrap cables and wires and used to secure or flatten wire or cable tracks on or in the laptop. I try not to use this on wire or cable wrapping if possible because I have found that over time the tape will slowly unravel and can become ― sticky on the outer side.
5. Shrink Wrap Tubing
These can usually be found in a variety of packs, the larger of the sizes will be the one you use most commonly in laptop repair. These are placed over the repair area on the wire or cable, they are basically, rubber tubes that you cut to your specifically needed length, then heat the tube to shrink it to the size of the wire or cable being repaired.
6. Copper Foil Tape
A less common item-used tool, though you will eventually need this if you are repairing laptops on a regular basis. This will be used for motherboard PCB repair and more commonly used for DC Jack C-ring replacement/repair.
7. Adjustable Pliers
This is a less commonly used tool, though it will be needed at times. This is used to hold objects in place by seamless clamping. These pliers can hold anything from nuts to bolts to heavy-duty equipment.
8. Liquid Flux
I will rarely use this on a DC Jack repair to gently wiggle the jack loose from the desoldered contact pads. You will find other uses for this tool so it is a good tool to add to your collection.
For this tool, I recommend that you get both a paste form and the liquid PEN form. Both are readily available in local stores for a small price, yet are hard to find locally at a store, you can try shopping at Radio Shack for Flux Paste, but doubtful they have the flux pens.
9. Plastic Prying Tools
These will be needed for almost every laptop repair procedure. When able, you will ALWAYS use plastic over metal to disassemble or work on the laptop or any electronic component. There are various kinds that are used and needed. A guitar pick is the most used tool, not a flimsy pick but rather a slightly thicker guitar pick that can withhold bending back and forth numerous times.
10. 2 Part Plastic/Metal Epoxy Glue
You will find many varieties of this product and will have to choose the best one for yourself, I typically use the Black/Clear mix…
As it has a longer drying time, it will allow more strength over time and hold up to heat exposure. This will be used in many areas of the laptop and is that a laptop motherboard is SelfGrounded… it can be used directly on the PCB to cover components or traces.
A common use for this Epoxy is for DC Jack Repair, as it will be used in the last step and applied to the jack's rear end and sides to help secure it to the motherboard. Also, this will be used to brace the Jack when the laptop lower cases DC Jack holding cage breaks (a common issue for Toshiba – newer model laptops).
11. Thermal Paste
You will only be using Silver thermal paste in a Laptop, Never Ceramic Paste. Laptops will use 2 cooling sources…. Either Silver paste or a thermal pad. Pads will be hard to repurchase, and silver thermal paste will be readily available for sale everywhere. If a part or component originally used a thermal pad, it is highly recommended that you keep using a pad and not switching it out to using paste… These pads also are used to cover a gap that is left for that specific part for thermal expansion and contraction.
12. 30 to 50 Watt Soldering Iron
You can use any brand of these and they are typically disposable. I recommend that you do dispose of the cheaper soldering irons after 10 or so uses or get yourself some Tinner to refresh the tip. I do recommend a 50-watt iron for laptop component repair as it will allow for better ―the flow of the solder due to the higher temperature output.
13. Solder
The average Rosin Core Solder will do, get yourself 1.0 mm solder, any thicker and it will apply too heavily.
14. Toothbrush
This, believe it or not, is the second most used tool in Laptop Repair.
Yes. A toothbrush… You will use this on each and every laptop you repair. Why you ask? The toothbrush is used to clean any and all parts and components in and on the laptop. Cleaning the laptop parts as your repair them is detrimental to the longevity of the laptop's life. It is used to clean the keyboard, the motherboard, and any case part. More detailed usages will follow throughout this book and should be applied as instructed.
15. Toothpicks
These have many uses and are handy tools to have nearby. Used to apply fluxes, used to apply epoxies, and also can be used to help plug or unplug certain ribbon cables or thin wire(s).
16. Circuit Board Cleaning Solution/WD40
This solvent is used to clean the motherboard, and I will clarify its uses throughout this book. WD40 is more readily available to purchase and can suffice. Again, I will also explain how to properly use WD40 to clean components/remove flux, and so forth.
17. Thin-Tipped Black Permanent Marker
This is used often to mark screw holes or to mark the areas of damage on the parts of the laptop.
18. Multi-meter
This also known as a volt/ohm meter or VOM, is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. A typical multimeter may include features such as the ability to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
19. Heat Gun
This can be bought at your local Home Improvement store, and you will find a wide variety of quality choices. For a beginner, it is ok to purchase the cheapest Multi-meter to learn its uses and familiarize yourself with it.
The better the quality the better the final results of your repairs will be. On average, you want to use at least a heat gun with switchable settings… One that will produce a temperature of 700 to 800 degrees. I use an RYOBI heat gun, 120v, 11a, Temp: 200-1100 degrees Fahrenheit.
20. Heat Gun Add-On Tips
