I just started a new job doing on site PC repairs. Fixing printers, hardware upgrades, messing around with networks - things of that nature. Right now I carry a Victorinox Farmer with me for the screwdrivers, but I want something more specialized towards the job (The farmer was purchased for woodcraft style work). I was wondering what's the best multi-tool for someone employed in this field? I was considering one of the Cybertools from Victorinox. I'm also going to go take a look at some Leatherman's sometime this afternoon and see if any models catch my eye.
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Best Multi For PC Tech
- Thread starter Vivi
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- Aug 9, 2004
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- 698
i use a Swisschamp or Charge Ti a lot at work, but i also keep a ratcheting screwdriver in my bag
i do mostly configuration stuff, so i don't need a real screwdriver most of the time. if i was cracking cases more, i'd grab the dedicated screwdriver more often
the Vic can opener works pretty well for most Phillips screws in computer cases in a pinch, i've been using a Vic Climber a lot at home lately
i do mostly configuration stuff, so i don't need a real screwdriver most of the time. if i was cracking cases more, i'd grab the dedicated screwdriver more often
the Vic can opener works pretty well for most Phillips screws in computer cases in a pinch, i've been using a Vic Climber a lot at home lately
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
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- 797
The Leatherman Squirt P4 is handy and slips easily into a pocket, it comes with 3 srewdrivers. Might be just the tool your looking for.
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- Dec 6, 2005
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In addition to a multitool, consider a pocket screwdriver, especially if you have to install and remove 9-pin serial and parallel printer port cables from the back of older PCs. The shorter screwdrivers found in most multitools will be difficult to use on the screws holding these connectors due to clearance problems.
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- Sep 30, 2001
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- 932
How about a Victorinox Cybertool. It was specifically designed for computers.
http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=160&category_id=541a03b2b0e1b6dbd972e9f5af5ca992&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=1 if you like this one, Tim is great to deal with and has good prices too.
http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=160&category_id=541a03b2b0e1b6dbd972e9f5af5ca992&option=com_phpshop&Itemid=1 if you like this one, Tim is great to deal with and has good prices too.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 10
I'd go for either the Cybertool 41 or a Vic Spirit+ and a set of hex and torx bits.
Keep the farmer, and add a good, dedicated screwdriver to your EDC. Trust me on this, I've taken too many computers apart with my LM Supertool and various Vics. The off axis driver is a big pain in the butt for prolonged periods
When I'm not at my desk I have a Versadriver (countycomm.com), along with a second holder of extra bits (some of our gear has security screws in it) and a 2" 1/4" square socket extension rather than the wiggly little drill adapter/extension it comes with. All that, plus a couple of alcohol prep pads, a tiny tube that once held automatic pencil erasers with some screws and jumpers, and a long straight pin with the tip cut off and filed round for reset buttons all fit into the little pouch the Versadriver comes in.
http://countycomm.com/versadriver.htm and the other bits from the hardware store.
When I'm not at my desk I have a Versadriver (countycomm.com), along with a second holder of extra bits (some of our gear has security screws in it) and a 2" 1/4" square socket extension rather than the wiggly little drill adapter/extension it comes with. All that, plus a couple of alcohol prep pads, a tiny tube that once held automatic pencil erasers with some screws and jumpers, and a long straight pin with the tip cut off and filed round for reset buttons all fit into the little pouch the Versadriver comes in.
http://countycomm.com/versadriver.htm and the other bits from the hardware store.
I agree. Get a real screwdriver if you'll be using it a lot. Use the SAK as emergency backup for if you don't have your screwdriver for whatever reason.
Agreed with most of the above. I also did a fair amount of maintenance in our test lab (used to be QA test analyst - had over 100 PC's in our test center) - nothing beats a dedicated tool. I usually carried around a Wave II and it got me by in a pinch, but when I had to help upgrade our machines I used the regular and small Pic Qics along with other tools.
- gord
- gord
What about a Swisschamp XLT? you could practically build a computer from scratch with it lol. I just bought a Swisschamp and I love it! I never thought I'd use a knife so much for different things. I'll be picking up the XLT really soon because it has that bit driver.
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2006
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- 95
+1 for the dedicated screwdriver, but get a ratcheting one.
Another great tool to have for PC work is a phillips screw starter. It makes motherboard and drive installation much easier and works better for starting screws than a magnetic screwdriver from my experience.
Also get diagonal cutters for cutting cable ties, and you may need an offset screwdriver as well.
If you are looking for something you can always carry that will get the job done if necessary a Cybertool, as others have said, would be a good choice.
Another great tool to have for PC work is a phillips screw starter. It makes motherboard and drive installation much easier and works better for starting screws than a magnetic screwdriver from my experience.
Also get diagonal cutters for cutting cable ties, and you may need an offset screwdriver as well.
If you are looking for something you can always carry that will get the job done if necessary a Cybertool, as others have said, would be a good choice.
Cybertool get's my vote, had all 3 models, forget the version with the torch, the torch is pants. The bit drivers are strong and take a lot of abuse, you can use the driver without a bit to tighten serial and VGA nuts ;-
I have fixed/built over 200 pc's with my cybertool and it's still going strong.
I have fixed/built over 200 pc's with my cybertool and it's still going strong.
- Joined
- May 7, 2007
- Messages
- 13
Speaking of having a screwdriver... These can be found in the dollar bin at the hardware store too. I have an Enderes brand model that I've probably used more than any tool I own. It would be nice to have a good quality ratcheting one, but these 4in1 models feel stronger. They also double as a 1/4" nut driver.
The Cybertool's a nice one, as is the Swiss Champ. The newer larger Champ is, in my opinion, too bulky to really be useful, but the standard Swiss Champ is a perfect size. A Leatherman New Wave with the bit set is a nice choice, too. But for computer work, personally, I'd suggest you get a tool kit made specifically for computer work. They're demagnetized and usually have everything you'll need, depending on which kit you get. They're pretty affordable, too. But for me, I go for the Leatherman New Wave when I'm in a pinch. The hard leather case even can hold one of the two bit carriers. (Maybe both, haven't tried it.)
EDIT: If you get a cheap screwdriver, be mindful that many still have magnetic charges. Harbor Freight, and other tool stores, have little devices that can magnetize or demagnetize tools. They work pretty great.
EDIT: If you get a cheap screwdriver, be mindful that many still have magnetic charges. Harbor Freight, and other tool stores, have little devices that can magnetize or demagnetize tools. They work pretty great.
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- Dec 30, 2000
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- 3,805
Man, a computer hardware nerd needs to have the biggest, baddest SAK available or else the other computer hardware nerds aren't going to let him sit at the relatively k00l kIDz table!
This, dear colleagues and fellow enthusiasts, is my nominee:
Behold, the Victorinox WorkChamp XL!
This, dear colleagues and fellow enthusiasts, is my nominee:
Behold, the Victorinox WorkChamp XL!
I have a couple of Vic cybertools, the 41 and 29. The 41 is huge and really needs a sheath, but the 29 is more compact and easier to carry in the pocket. I usually carry a small Leatherman Squirt E4, the wire stripper version. I like the plier nose shape and the phillips size works well for laptop screws in a pinch. I also carry one of those Enderes screwdrivers in my shirt pocket and it gets used quite a bit. Thanks to ironraven's link, I'm going to try out the tech pocket screwdriver, that looks like a good solution to the pocket screwdriver.