Tools and Safety

Common Hazards

*Working with technology can be hazardous, both to technicians and to equipment. Using the right tools and practices enhances safety for both. You're more likely to cause electrical harm to sensitive electronic devices than electricity is likely to cause harm to you.

One of the big risks to computer components is electrostatic discharge (ESD), which is essentially an electrical charge passing from one point to another.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a minor annoyance to you, but to sensitive electronic devices, it can be devastating. While more prevalent in cool, dry environments, ESD can happen in many temperature and humidity ranges and can easily destroy the sensitive circuits of many components.

Antistatic tools provide a safe path for the discharge of static electricity, so it doesn't end up damaging the computers you're trying to fix. To avoid the differing states of potential that cause ESD, use an antistatic wrist strap, or ESD strap, whenever you’re working inside a computer or with exposed components. ESD mats are another common tool to avoid static charges, as are the antistatic bags that you should always use to store components. If these tools aren’t available when working inside a computer, self-grounding by touching the power supply or exposed metal case will help, although not as effectively as proper ESD tools.

Two other issues that technicians should be aware of are electromagnetic interference and radio-frequency interference (RFI). Magnets can corrupt or erase magnetically stored data, such as traditional hard drives, which is known as electromagnetic interference. RFI can cause seemingly inexplicable glitches unless you know what to look for.

Common Tech Tools

Besides antistatic tools, you're also going to want to be familiar with conventional tools, such as various screwdrivers, wrenches, nut drivers, tweezers, and perhaps a hemostat (that is, a surgical clamp). Don't forget that your cell phone is probably also a flashlight, a camera, a notepad, and a portal to the collected knowledge of all humankind (that is, the internet).

*The fundamental tech toolkit doesn’t have to be very large—a Phillips-head screwdriver is by far the most important tool to have.

The following tools may not be necessary for day-to-day activities, but can be useful:

  • Star-headed Torx wrench

  • Nut driver

  • Plastic tweezers

  • Parts retriever tool (also called a grabber)

  • Hemostat

  • Flat-head screwdriver

Although not necessary for actual work, the camera on your smartphone can be extremely helpful for recording prior conditions and connections for reconstructing later. Other tools that may be useful in specific contexts include flashlights, magnifying glasses, spudgers (prying tools), and extension magnets.

Other Safe Practices

*Technicians must practice personal safety habits to avoid injuries or equipment damage in the workplace. Keep cables tied up and arranged neatly to avoid tripping hazards. Use proper lifting techniques (use your legs, not your back, and use a hand truck or dolly whenever available) if you have to pick something up. Watch for hot components, and check for heat before grabbing anything. Disconnect power before working on equipment. In areas with fire risk, have properly rated fire safety equipment nearby. To avoid snags, remove any jewelry and tie back anything that might hang down, such as loose clothing or long hair, before working on a computer.