Common Tools and

Equipment for
Computer System Servicing
When it comes to computer system servicing, there are several common tools and
equipment that are essential for technicians to have. These tools help in diagnosing and
repairing computer hardware and software issues. Here are some of the most common
tools and equipment used in computer system servicing:

1. Screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers with

different sizes and types of heads is necessary for
opening and closing computer cases and
removing or installing components. For example,
a Phillips head screwdriver is commonly used for
removing screws from computer cases, while a
Torx screwdriver may be needed for certain
components like hard drives.

2. Pliers: Pliers are useful for gripping and

manipulating small components, such as cables
and connectors. They can be used to remove
stubborn connectors or to hold small parts in
place while working on them.

3. Wire cutters/strippers: These tools are used for

cutting and stripping wires when repairing or
replacing cables. They ensure clean cuts and help
in removing insulation from wires without damaging
the conductive material.
 4. Multimeter: A multimeter is used to measure
voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits.
It helps in troubleshooting and diagnosing hardware
issues. Technicians can use a multimeter to check if a
power supply is providing the correct voltage or to test
the continuity of a circuit.

5. Cable tester: A cable tester is used to check the

continuity and integrity of network cables, such as
Ethernet cables. It can detect issues like broken wires
or incorrect wiring configurations, ensuring that the
network cables are functioning properly.

6. Anti-static wrist strap: An anti-static wrist strap is

worn by technicians to prevent static electricity from
damaging sensitive computer components. It helps in
grounding the technician and preventing static
discharge that could harm electronic components.

7. Cleaning tools: Cleaning tools like compressed air

cans, lint-free cloths, and cleaning solutions are used
to remove dust and dirt from computer components.
Compressed air cans are used to blow away dust from
hard-to-reach areas, while lint-free cloths and cleaning
solutions are used to wipe down surfaces and remove
smudges.
 8. Diagnostic software: Diagnostic software tools
help in identifying and troubleshooting software-
related issues in computer systems. These tools
can scan for malware, check for driver updates, and
perform system diagnostics to pinpoint software
problems.

9. USB drive: A USB drive is used for transferring

files, updating firmware, and booting into operating
system installation media. Technicians can use a
USB drive to transfer diagnostic tools or firmware
updates to a computer, or to boot into a recovery
environment for troubleshooting purposes.

10. External hard drive: An external hard drive is

used for backing up and storing data during system
servicing. Technicians can use an external hard
drive to create backups of important files before
performing any repairs or software installations.

11. Network cable crimping tool: This tool is used

to attach connectors to the ends of network cables,
allowing technicians to create custom-length
cables. It is commonly used in networking
installations or when repairing damaged network
cables.
 12. Power supply tester: A power supply tester is
used to check the functionality of a computer's
power supply unit. It can help in determining if a
power supply is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Test yourself:

1. Which tool is necessary for opening and closing computer cases and removing or
installing components?

a) Pliers
b) Wire cutters/strippers
c) Multimeter
d) Screwdrivers

2. What is the purpose of using pliers in computer system servicing?

a) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits

b) To check the continuity and integrity of network cables
c) To grip and manipulate small components, such as cables and connectors
d) To attach connectors to the ends of network cables

3. What is the function of wire cutters/strippers in computer system servicing?

a) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits

b) To check the continuity and integrity of network cables
c) To grip and manipulate small components, such as cables and connectors
d) To cut and strip wires when repairing or replacing cables

4. Which tool is used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits?

a) Pliers
b) Wire cutters/strippers
c) Multimeter
d) Screwdrivers

5. What is the purpose of a cable tester in computer system servicing?

a) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits
b) To check the continuity and integrity of network cables
c) To grip and manipulate small components, such as cables and connectors
d) To attach connectors to the ends of network cables

6. Why is an anti-static wrist strap worn by technicians during computer system servicing?

a) To prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive computer components

b) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits
c) To check the continuity and integrity of network cables
d) To grip and manipulate small components, such as cables and connectors

7. Which tool is used to remove dust and dirt from computer components?

a) Pliers
b) Wire cutters/strippers
c) Multimeter
d) Cleaning tools

8. What is the function of diagnostic software in computer system servicing?

a) To prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive computer components

b) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits
c) To identify and troubleshoot software-related issues in computer systems
d) To check the continuity and integrity of network cables

9. What is the purpose of a USB drive in computer system servicing?

a) To prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive computer components

b) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits
c) To identify and troubleshoot software-related issues in computer systems
d) To transfer files, update firmware, and boot into operating system installation media

10. Why is an external hard drive used in computer system servicing?

a) To prevent static electricity from damaging sensitive computer components

b) To measure voltage, current, and resistance in electronic circuits
c) To identify and troubleshoot software-related issues in computer systems
d) To back up and store data during system servicing