Tool Use

Objectives
▪ Implement proper tool use
Tools for the Job
Skilled use of tools and software makes
the job less difficult and ensures that
tasks are performed properly and safely.

1. Hardware Tool
2. Software Tool
3. Organizational Tool
 Hardware Tools
Hardware tools are grouped into:
▪ ESD Tools
• Antistatic wrist strap and antistatic mat

▪ Hand Tools
• Include screwdrivers, flashlights and pliers.

▪ Cable Tools
Include wire cutters and strippers, crimpers and punch
down tool.

▪ Cleaning Tools
• Include special cloths, chemicals and cable ties.

▪ Diagnostic Tools
• Include digital multimeters, loopback adapters, WiFi
analyzer, external HDD enclosure
Hand Tools
▪ Flat-head screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen slotted screws
▪ Phillips-head screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen cross-headed
screws
▪ Torx screwdriver: Used to tighten or loosen screws that have a
star-like depression on the top
▪ Hex driver: Used to tighten or loosen nuts in the same way that a
screwdriver tightens or loosens screws (sometimes called a nut
driver)
▪ Needle-nose pliers: Used to hold small parts
▪ Wire cutters: Used to strip and cut wires
▪ Tweezers: Used to manipulate small parts
▪ Part retriever: Used to retrieve parts from locations that are too
small for your hand to fit
▪ Flashlight: Used to light up areas that you cannot see well
Cleaning Tools

▪ Soft cloth: Used to clean different computer

components without scratching or leaving debris
▪ Compressed air: Used to blow away dust and debris
from different computer parts without touching the
components
▪ Cable ties: Used to bundle cables neatly inside and
outside of a computer
▪ Parts organizer: Used to hold screws, jumpers,
fasteners, and other small parts and prevent them from
getting mixed together
Diagnostic Tools

▪ Digital multimeter: Used to test the integrity of circuits

and the quality of electricity in computer components
▪ Loopback adapter: Used to test the basic functionality
of computer ports
 Software Tools
▪ Like hardware tools, software tools are task-
specific.
▪ Used to diagnose problems, maintain
hardware, and protect the data stored on a
computer.
▪ Disk Management Tools
• Used for disk management, formatting, error
checking, drive optimization, disk cleanup and more.

▪ Protection Software Tools

• Malicious software can damage or compromise
operating systems, applications, and data.
• Software protection tools include antivirus,
antispyware, firewalls and update manager software.
 Software Tools
Disk Management Tools - help detect and correct disk errors,
prepare a disk for data storage, and remove unwanted files.

▪ FDISK
▪ Format
▪ Scandisk or CHKDSK
▪ Defrag
▪ Disk Cleanup
▪ Disk Management
▪ System File Checker (SFC)
 Software Tools
▪ Fdisk - used to create and delete partitions on a hard drive
▪ Format - used to prepare a hard drive to store information
▪ Scandisk or Chkdsk - used to check the integrity of files and
folders on a hard drive by scanning the disk surface for physical
errors
▪ Defrag - To optimize space on a hard drive to allow faster access
to programs and data
▪ Disk Cleanup – To clear space on a hard drive by searching for
files that can be safely deleted
▪ Disk Management - a system utility used to manage hard drives
and partitions, such as initializing disks, creating partitions, and
formatting partitions.
▪ File Checker (SFC) – a command-line utility that scans the
operating system critical files and replaces any files that are
corrupted.
Protection Software Tools
• Windows Security Center - Checks the status of
essential security settings. The Security Center
continuously checks to make sure that the software
firewall and antivirus programs are running. It also
ensures that automatic updates are set to download
and install automatically.
• Antivirus program - Protects against virus attacks.
• Antispyware program - Protects against software that
sends information about web surfing habits to an
attacker.
• Window Firewall program - Runs continuously to
protect against unauthorized communications to and
from your computer.
Organizational Tools
▪ Personal reference tools
Notes, journal, history of repairs

▪ Internet reference tools

Search engines, news groups,
manufacturer FAQs, online
computer manuals, online forums
and chats, technical websites

▪ Miscellaneous tools
Spare parts, a working laptop
Proper Tool Use
▪ Safety in the workplace is everyone's responsibility.
▪ Before cleaning or repairing equipment, check to
make sure that tools are in good condition.
• Proper use of an antistatic wrist strap can prevent ESD
damage to computer components.
CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic wrist strap if you are
repairing a monitor or CRT.
• Proper use of an antistatic mat transfers static electricity
away from equipment to a grounding point.
• Proper use of hand tools.
• Proper Use of Cleaning Materials.
CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and
unplug the device from the power source.
Proper Use of Antistatic Wrist Strap
Can prevent ESD damage to computer components.
▪ Connect the cable to the metal chassis of the computer
▪ Wrap the strap around your wrist
▪ The connection will keep your body at the same voltage
(potential) as the computer
▪ Attach the wire on the same side
of the equipment as the arm
wearing the antistatic wrist strap
to keep the wire out of the way
while you are working.
CAUTION: Never wear an antistatic
wrist strap if you are repairing a
monitor or CRT.
Proper Use of Antistatic Mat
▪ Lay the computer on the mat.
▪ Connect the computer to the mat with the cable.
▪ Connect the mat to a reliable electrical ground with its
cable.
▪ Now, you and the computer are at ground potential.
Proper Use of Hand Tools
▪ Use the proper type and size of screwdriver by
matching it to the screw.
Phillips, Flat Head and Hex are the most common types.
▪ Do not over tighten screws because the threads
may become stripped.
▪ Caution: If excessive force is needed to remove
or add a component, something is likely to be
wrong.
▪ Caution: Magnetized tools should not be used
around electronic devices.
▪ Caution: Pencils should not be used inside the
computer because the pencil lead can act as a
conductor and may damage the computer
components.
Proper Use of Cleaning Materials
To clean computers and accessories:
▪ Use mild cleaning solution and lint-free cloth to clean
computer cases, outside of monitor, LCD screen, CRT
screen, and mouse.
▪ Use compressed air to clean heat sinks.
▪ Use Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swabs to clean
RAM.
▪ Use hand-held vacuum cleaner
with a brush attachment to clean
a keyboard.
▪ CAUTION: Before cleaning any
device, turn it off and unplug the
device from the power source.