Information Sheet 1

Basic Hardware Tools

In computer application, the usage of proper hand tools and equipment is very essential.
A good troubleshooter must be knowledgeable of the tools and equipment.

Hardware tools are grouped into these four categories:

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools

Hand tools
Cleaning tools
Diagnostic tools

1. ELECTRO-STATIC DISCHARGE (ESD TOOLS)

Anti-static wrist strap – Used to prevent ESD damage to computer

equipment.

Anti-static mat – Used to stand on or place hardware on to prevent static

electricity from building up.

2. HAND TOOLS
The following are some of the basic tools used in computer hardware servicing.

Side Cutter Pliers – a tool used for cutting or trimming of

connecting wires or terminal leads in the circuit board.

Long nose Pliers – Used for holding, bending and stretching

the lead of electronics component or connecting wire.

Crimping Tool- a tool made of metal with plastic-rubber

handle, to press into small folds, to frill, to corrugate.

Tweezers- a tool use to hold small sensitive parts of a

computer.
 Cutter- a tool used in cutting wires.

Flat Screw Driver – a tool used to drive or fasten negative

slotted screws

Phillips Screw Driver- a tool used to drive or fasten positive

slotted screws

Flashlight- a small electric light, a flash of electric light used to

give light in dark conditions.

Magnifying glass- a device made of glass with handle, to

exaggerate or to increase the apparent size of an object.

Soldering Pencil – a tool used to join two or more metal

conductors with the support of soldering lead melted around it.

Desoldering Tool – a tool used to unsolder unwanted parts or

a component in the circuit with the support of soldering pencil.

3. CLEANING TOOLS
Tools Description

Lint-free Cloth – Used to clean different computer components

without scratching or leaving debris.

Tools Description

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 screw, jumpers, fasteners and other

small parts and prevents them from getting
mixed together.

Paint Brush- a device made of bristles set in handle, used

for cleaning sensitive parts of a computer.

4. DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
Tools Description

Multimeter – Used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality

of electricity in computer components.
Volt-Ohms-Millimeter (VOM) - A measuring instrument
used by technician for measuring: current, voltage,
resistance.

LAN Tester- a device used to test network connection.

 ACTIVITY SHEET 1
Tool Identification

You will be given ten (15) hand tools. Prepare them for use by identifying and giving the function
of each. Student must get 100% accuracy. Students with the score of 14 and below are required
to repeat the activity. Complete the table below on a separate sheet of paper.

Tools to be used Function of the tools Remarks

Students will be rated based to the following criteria.

SCORING
ACCURACY (100%)
CRITERIA
Identified and gave the function of 15 hand tools 15
Identified and gave the function of 13-14 hand tools 13
Identified and gave the function of 11-12hand tools 11
Identified and gave the function of 10 hand tools 10
Identified and gave the function of 8-9 hand tools 9
Identified and gave the function of 6-7 hand tools 7
Identified and gave the function of 4-5 hand tools 5
Identified and gave the function of 2-3 hand tools 3
Identified and gave the function of 0-1 hand tools 1