PC Building Tools

[helpiveimploded]

Hey guys,

Quick question. I'll be ordering the parts for my new PC in the next couple of days and I'd obviously like to build it as quickly as possible, so I want to get started as soon as I get the parts. Accordingly, I want to be ready with any tools/accessories I might need. So my question is the following:

Is there any advantage to buying a PC tool kit, or is it one of those things that is totally unnecessary? For example, could I do it all with a phillips head screwdriver and an anti-static wristband? Do I need several sizes of screwdriver? Do I need an anti-static mat, bearing in mind I don't really have a really large workspace for assembling the PC?

Thanks a lot for your forthcoming advice which, er, I hope will be forthcoming.

[shaithis]

The case should come with all screws (and plenty of spares!).

All you need is a philips screwdriver. The anti-static strap is a little OTT these days but I guess it's another level of safety. I just touch a radiator with one hand and the pc case with the other for a few seconds before touching anything.

[helpiveimploded]

Thanks for the quick reply Shaithis. I won't bother buying any of the attendant rubbish then. I'm buying from Scan, and I've included Scansure since it's my first build, so it won't be a disaster if anything breaks anyway, but I'd rather it go smoothly (obviously). Also, there's nothing like a boatload of tools beside you to inspire confidence; I expect I'll feel rather like MacGuyver with only a screwdriver.

[Bagnaj97]

Just a phillips screwdriver will be fine - but one with a magnetic head is a massive help.

As for static protection a strap should be unnecessary, just touch a bare pipe or tap to earth yourself before starting and don't wear a fluffy polyester jumper, shuffle around on a nylon carpet and rub balloons on your hair beforehand. If you're a mad scientist then van de graff generators and tesla coils are to be kept well away - all common sense really.

[Phage]

van de graff generators and tesla coils are to be kept well away

Damn - I spent a fortune on that interior designer.

[rob_in_notts]

I'll second the magnetic screwdriver it a life saver when building a PC and makes life a lot easier and quicker

[Skulltrail]

Another +1 to the magnetic screwdriver

[helpiveimploded]

Actually, the screwdriver I've got is magnetic, so I'm sorted then. I'm always sad to have to turn off my tesla coil though. Thanks for the advice guys.

[dfour]

Another +1 for a magnetic screwdriver. Saves fingers diving for screws that have gone awol inyour case etc.

[ed^chigliak]

Car key and cutlery. Non-magnetic. Pliers for the really cheap cases.

[bigizzman]

ESD precautions are always a good idea, it can't hurt to add a bit more peace of mind to your build.

You need to have fitted your power supply first.

If you connect your mains lead to your chassis (power supply in) making sure your mains socket is *****SWITCHED OFF****
This earths/grounds the chassiss, you can either connect your ESD strap or touch a bare metal part of the chassis therefore grounding out any static developed.

It isn't as daft as it sounds providing you have an RCD fitted.

If this doesn't make sense to you OR you are not sure of any part of the process
****DO NOT DO IT****
As for tools "you can never have enough tools" (confirmed tool-a-holic)

Hope this helps