In reality there is no basic tool, it depends on the complexity of the repairs/projects. A number of questions must be asked before answering:

• Is this just a hobby kit without soldering tools? The first thing you'll need is your components and your hands. If you want a list of tools to make things easier, you might want to include needle-nose pliers, at least two different colors of hook-up wire, a pair of wire cutters, and a wire stripper.

• Is this a more complex kit that involves more permanent connections like a PCB? You'll need an electric soldering iron (not that big automotive gun), a soldering iron tip cleaner (brass sponges or scrubbers both work), several colors of wire (at least three), electrical solder (preferably as fine or finer than the wire gauge you're using), a desoldering method (a desoldering pump or desoldering wick are both good), probably some heat shrink tubing, and a heat source (electrical tape can be substituted for heat shrink in a pinch for short-term use).
• Is this a kit that includes a logic controller like an Arduino or similar device? You will need a recent computer with a USB port, a USB cable that is compatible with both your computer and logic controller, and usually one that has a USB power supply, or a battery, to run the project without connecting it to a computer.
• Looking to do some repairs on a consumer device? You'll need patience and a steady hand, not to mention the ability to work with surface mount devices (also known as SMDs). These things are a whole new level of complexity and they taught SMD soldering and desoldering as a whole term in my college, they can be soldered by hand but it requires a very fine tip on your iron (or a hot air soldering system) and depending on the size of the component, it may even require magnifying glasses (think of a newborn's pinky fingernail and that's about the average sized component). It's best to avoid working with SMD components by hand.

It is possible, however, to divide electronic repair tools into two categories designed to both diagnose and perform simple repairs: simple tools and more complete tools. It is likely that some of the components needed to perform a repair are not already in your toolbox, or not at all.

Since full repairs require oscilloscopes and other, sometimes impractical, devices that don't fit in a handyman's bag, we'll focus on simple electronic repairs and projects.

1- Expect to unscrew things.

Plastic and metal edge opening devices, ratchets and wrenches, mini screwdrivers, special screwdrivers, common small tools, special bits (star, torx and other security devices) - all these tools can be useful.

2- Plan to collect screws and associated fasteners

Having small containers to hold the fasteners for a project is very useful so that you never lose any. At the same time, tools such as pliers and power hands (the kind with a magnifying lens) can make your job easier.

3- Plan to work with disassembly sections.

Silicone or non-conductive pads and even newspaper, to buffer a stack of loose parts that won't crush, are very helpful. Also try using rolling drawers to place isolated circuit boards and related parts (see the next item on the list); some parts should never be stacked or receive significant mass.

4- Anticipate the removal of components and microchips.

Electronic chips, in particular, should be placed in antistatic foam so that their terminal ends do not come into contact with static electricity. Small circuit boards, RAM chips, Wi-Fi cards and the like can be stored in antistatic plastic envelopes.

Similarly, it is often best to keep your replacement part in the same condition or in its shipping container until you are ready to use it. In some cases, it will need to be prepared before use, such as if you receive a replacement CPU and need to install it into a motherboard PCB before assembling it into its chassis using thermal grease and heatsink material.

5- Prepare to read the components and desolder them.

A digital multimeter can be much more useful for many tasks than an analog meter, but no matter which one you use, you will need to get accurate measurements by connecting in series, sometimes using a desoldered terminal. In other cases, you will need to perform a resistive check of the integrity of the component by removing it entirely from the soldered board.

6- Prepare the soldering and desoldering work.

Some components can only be removed properly by desoldering - which is routine for measuring current on a desoldered terminal or resistance checks on two terminals or unsoldered terminals.

7- Your choice of paper and ink - documenting the repair.

Whether you use digital notation, paper, or an extensive photographic method to document disassembly for reassembly, you'll need the right equipment. Fortunately, PC cards can be erased and reused for digital photos and videos. Paper and a few pens and pencils can be more easily shared offline. And there's no substitute for fully charged spare batteries.

At least have a bright flashlight if you can't afford proper photography lighting. A good "close-up" camera can be very useful for getting details to write on if you have to show your work to others far away. Also consider getting a decent, fully detachable, flexible camera stand that can stand up high or low, small or large. This allows you to take notes on video and say whatever you want at the same time, which is useful.

8- Articles for projects.

A breadboard, various gauges of wire, potentiometers, battery leads, and a whole host of useful components require few tools. You'll need an electronics wire stripper, a pair of wire scissors with insulated handles (electrician's wire scissors), and a few alkaline batteries to run the projects with representative juice. An AWG wire gauge can also be useful.

Other components that may be useful: diodes and LEDs, transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, speakers, and many more.

Some useful microchips: 555 timer, operational amplifiers, voltage regulator.

Now that I've reached the point where I'm out of ideas, I'll finish this list. There will certainly be others that may prove useful, other test equipment and other components. I completely forgot to explicitly mention safety equipment, so read carefully because your life depends on it.

 

Inspired by an English forum and translated by the JM24 team

Original forum

 

Illustrative video

 

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