Learning Module

COMPUTER Systems
SERVICING NC II
 LESSON 1

Use Hand Tools

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson, you are expected to
do the following:

LO 1. prepare hand tools;

LO 2. use appropriate hand tools and test equipment; and
LO 3. maintain hand tools.
 Definition of Terms

Bin - a container or enclosed space for storage.

Computer chassis - the enclosure that contains most of the components of a

computer.

Diagnostic tools - used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of
electricity in computer components and to test the functionality of computer
ports.

Hazards - risks; dangers.

Insulation - - - - - - a material that reduces or prevents the transmission of

heat or sound or electricity.

Nozzle - - - - - - - - -a projecting part with an opening, as at the end of a hose,

for regulating and directing a flow of fluid.

Preventive - intended or used to prevent or hinder.

Static electricity - an accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body.

Tool - - - - - - - - - a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task.

Toolkit - - - - - - - a set of tools designed to be used together or for a

particular purpose.

Acronyms

ESD - - - - - - - - - Electrostatic discharge.

USB - - - - - - - - - Universal serial bus

LCD - - - - - - - - - Liquid crystal display

LEARNING OUTCOME 1

Prepare hand tools

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. Tasks to be undertaken are properly identified.
2. Appropriate hand tools are identified and selected according to the task
requirements.
3. Appropriate hand tools checked for proper operation and safety
4. Unsafe or faulty tools are identified
5. Marked all tools for repair according to standard company procedures

Materials

1. Workshop
2. Tables and Chairs
3. Computers
4. USB Flash Drive
5. LCD
6. ESD Tools
7. Hand Tools
8. Cleaning Tools
9. Diagnostic Tools
 What Do You Need To Know?

Read Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can remember
and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 1.1

Proper tool selection

A tool is a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. Tools range from a
traditional metal cutting part of a machine to an element of a computer program that
activates and controls a particular function.

Preparing for the task to be undertaken includes proper tool selection.

1. How do you select the best tool for the job? First, know and understand in detail the
scope of work to be accomplished, second, plan for the scope taking into account the
sequence of tasks.

2. Selecting the best tool for each task requires training in the proper use of the tools,
field experience in their safe use, and following the manufacturer’s guidance and
instructions for that specific tool.

3. When obtaining the tool all the associated tooling and consumable parts, as
recommended by the manufacturer, must be included. In addition, related
consumable parts must also be selected and used according to their manufacturer’s
instructions.
Safe Use of tools

Once selected, use the tool for the purpose for which it was designed. Not all tools
come with detailed instructions, but there are those that do spell out the safety ―Do’s and
Don’ts‖ for the your safety. If there are set-up/use options, operator judgment must always
be based on what is the safest way to use the tool.

Environmental Safety and Health Program requires the following:

• All tools be kept in good condition with regular maintenance

• The right tool be used for the job
• Each tool be examined before use AND damaged or defective tools NOT to be used
• Tools be operated according to manufacturer’s instructions
• The right protective equipment for the tool and activity be used

HARDWARE TOOLS

To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a toolkit that should contain all of the
necessary tools. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available for
different types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into these four categories:

 Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools

 Hand tools
 Cleaning tools
 Diagnostic tools

Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools

Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing, hair, fabric,
and etc. The friction of moving air alone will charge suspended particles and cause the
buildup of static electrical charges on people and objects in the environment. Grounded
antistatic work mats used with antistatic wrist straps provide the most basic means for the
controlled discharge of electrostatic electricity. Examples of 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.
Hand Tools

A hand tool is a device for performing work on a material or a physical system using only
hands. The hand tools can be manually used employing force, or electrically powered, using
electrical current. Examples of Hand Tools:

Flat head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten slotted

screws.

Philips head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten cross-

head screws.

Torx screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten screws that

have a star-like depression on the top, a feature that is
mainly found on laptop.

Hex driver – sometimes called a nut driver, is used to

tighten nuts in the same way that a screwdriver tightens
screws.

Needle-nose plier – used to hold small parts.

 Wire cutter – used to strip and cut wires.

Tweezers – used to manipulate small parts.

Part retriever – used to retrieve parts from location that

are to small for your hand to fit.

Flashlight – used to light up areas that you cannot see

well.

Cleaning Tools

Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or repairing computers.
Using these tools ensures that computer components are not damaged during cleaning.
Examples:

Lint-free 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 screw, jumpers, fasteners

and other small parts and prevents
them from getting mixed together.

Diagnostic Tools

Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of hardware
and operating system update, but that doesn't mean they're problem-free. Here's the most
popular tools for diagnosing your computer problems:

Multimeter – used to test the integrity of circuits and the

quality of electricity in computer components.

Loopback Adapter – used to test the functionality of

computer ports.
LEARNING OUTCOME 2

Use appropriate hand tools and test equipment

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

1. Tools are used according to tasks undertaken.

2. All safety procedures in using tools are observed at all times.
3. Malfunctions, unplanned or unusual events are reported to the
supervisor.

Materials

1. Workshop
2. Tables and Chairs
3. Computers
4. USB Flash Drive
5. LCD
6. ESD Tools
7. Hand Tools
8. Cleaning Tools
9. Diagnostic Tools
hexagonal (six-sided)
 What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 3.1 very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 3.1

PROPER USE OF TOOLS

Proper Use of ESD Tools

The purpose of an antistatic wrist strap is to equalize

the electrical charge between you and the equipment.
The antistatic wrist strap is a conductor that connects
your body to the equipment that you are working on.
When static electricity builds up in your body, the
connection made by the wrist strap to the equipment, or
ground, channels the electricity through the wire that
connects the strap.

The wrist strap has two parts and is easy to wear:

1. Wrap the strap around your wrist and secure it
using the snap or Velcro. The metal on the back
of the wrist strap must remain in contact with your skin at all times.
2. Snap the connector at the end of the wire to the wrist strap, and connect the other
end either to the equipment or to the same grounding point that the antistatic mat is
connected to. The metal skeleton of the case is a good place to connect the wire.
When connecting the wire to equipment that you are working on, choose an
unpainted metal surface. A painted surface does not conduct the electricity as well as
unpainted metal.

An antistatic mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static electricity away from a
component and transferring it safely from equipment to a grounding point:
1. Lay the mat on the workspace next to or under the computer case.
2. Clip the mat to the case to provide a grounded surface on which you can place parts
as you remove them from the system.

Reducing the potential for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuits or
components.

Proper Use of Hand Tools

A technician needs to be able to properly use each tool in the toolkit. This topic covers many
of the various hand tools used when repairing computers.
Screws
Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place the tip of the screwdriver on the head
of the screw. Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and counterclockwise to
loosen the screw.

Screws can become stripped if you over-tighten them with a screwdriver. A stripped screw,
may get stuck in the screw hole, or it may not tighten firmly. Discard stripped screws.

Flat head screwdriver

Use a flat head screwdriver when you are working with a slotted screw. Do not use a flat
head screwdriver to remove a Phillips head screw. Never use a screwdriver as a pry bar. If
you cannot remove a component, check to see if there is a clip or latch that is securing the
component in place.

CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to remove or add a component, something is

probably wrong. Take a second look to make sure that you have not missed a screw or a
locking clip that is holding the component in place. Refer to the device manual or diagram for
additional information.

Phillips head screwdriver

Use a Phillips head screwdriver with crosshead screws. Do not use this type of screwdriver
to puncture anything. This will damage the head of the screwdriver.

Hex driver
Use a hex driver to loosen and tighten bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. Hex
bolts should not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts can be stripped. Do not
use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt that you are using.

CAUTION: Some tools are magnetized. When working around electronic devices, be sure
that the tools you are using have not been magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful to
data stored on magnetic media. Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If the screw
is attracted to the tool, do not use the tool.

Part retriever, Needle-nose pliers, or tweezers

The part retriever, needle-nose pliers, and tweezers can be used to place and retrieve parts
that may be hard to reach with your fingers. Do not scratch or hit any components when
using these tools.

CAUTION: Pencils should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of switches
or to pry off jumpers. The pencil lead can act as a conductor and may damage the computer
components.

Proper Use of Cleaning Materials

Keeping computers clean inside and out is a vital part of a maintenance program. Dirt can
cause problems with the physical operation of fans, buttons, and other mechanical
components. On electrical components, an excessive buildup of dust will act like an insulator
and trap the heat. This insulation will impair the ability of heat sinks and cooling fans to keep
components cool, causing chips and circuits to overheat and fail.

CAUTION: When compressed air is used to clean inside the computer, the air should be
blown around the components with a minimum distance of four inches from the nozzle. The
power supply and the fan should be cleaned from the back of the case.
CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the device from the power
source.

Computer Cases and Monitors

Clean computer cases and the outside of monitors with a mild cleaning solution on a damp,
lint-free cloth. Mix one drop of dishwashing liquid with four ounces of water to create the
cleaning solution. If any water drips inside the case, allow enough time for the liquid to dry
before powering on the computer.

LCD Screens
Do not use ammoniated glass cleaners or any other solution on an LCD screen, unless the
cleaner is specifically designed for the purpose. Harsh chemicals will damage the coating on
the screen. There is no glass protecting these screens, so be gentle when cleaning them
and do not press firmly on the screen.

CRT Screens
To clean the screens of CRT monitors, dampen a soft,
clean, lint-free cloth with distilled water and wipe the
screen from top to bottom. Then use a soft, dry cloth to
wipe the screen and remove any streaking after you have
cleaned the monitor.

Clean dusty components with a can of compressed air.

Compressed air does not cause electrostatic buildup on
components. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated
area before blowing the dust out of the computer. A best
practice is to wear a dust mask to make sure that you do
not breathe in the dust particles.

Blow out the dust using short bursts from the can. Never tip the can or use the compressed
air can upside down. Do not allow the fan blades to spin from the force of the compressed
air. Hold the fan in place. Fan motors can be ruined from spinning when the motor is not
turned on.

Component Contacts
Clean the contacts on components with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol contains impurities that can damage contacts. Make sure that the contacts
do not collect any lint from the cloth or cotton swab. Blow any lint off the contacts with
compressed air before reinstallation.

Keyboard
Clean a desktop keyboard with compressed air or a small, hand-held vacuum cleaner with a
brush attachment.

CAUTION: Never use a standard vacuum cleaner inside a computer case. The plastic parts
of the vacuum cleaner can build up static electricity and discharge to the components. Use
only a vacuum approved for electronic components.

Mouse
Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the outside of the mouse. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mouse. If cleaning a ball mouse, you can remove the ball and clean it
with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Wipe the rollers clean inside the mouse with the same
cloth. Do not spray any liquids inside the mouse.
LEARNING OUTCOME 3

Maintain hand tools

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

1. Tools used are according to tasks undertaken.

2. Routine maintenance of tools is undertaken according to standard
operational procedures, principles and techniques.
3. Tools are stored safely in appropriate locations in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications or standard operating procedures.

Materials

1. Workshop
2. Tables and Chairs
3. Computers
4. USB Flash Drive
5. LCD
6. ESD Tools
7. Hand Tools
8. Cleaning Tools
9. Diagnostic Tools
 What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 1.1

TOOL AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

All tools and equipment must be properly maintained so that workers are not endangered.
Regulations require inspections of tools, machines and equipment before use.

Preventive maintenance is the systematic care and protection of tools, equipment and
machines in order to keep them in a safe, usable condition, limit downtime and extend
productivity. We must always be aware that maintenance tasks themselves are potentially
hazardous and can result in injury. The successful maintenance program is:
 well organized and scheduled,
 controls hazards,
 defines operational procedures, and
 trains key personnel.

The degree of detail to include regarding tools and

equipment maintenance will depend on the kinds of
tools/equipment used. Some construction equipment
may have very specific inspection and maintenance
requirements. Electronic equipment may have
different maintenance requirements. Hand tools may
require only basic maintenance. Power tools should
be maintained in good working order. This may be
limited to ensuring that blades/bits are replaced
when needed and those guards or other safety
devices are operable and any damaged electrical
cords/plugs are repaired or replaced. Damaged or
defective equipment/tools should be tagged and
removed from service.

Most manufacturers can provide maintenance schedules for their equipment. Large
companies typically have a comprehensive maintenance program due to the capital
investment and/or leasing agreements. Smaller companies may lease equipment and
maintenance services may be included in the leasing agreement.

General requirements for tools and equipment maintenance include:

 Obtaining a copy of the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer
 Ensuring that maintenance is performed as required
 Ensuring that the person(s) performing the maintenance are competent (e.g. licensed
mechanic)
 Retaining records of maintenance/service conducted
  Specifying who is responsible for overseeing equipment maintenance and where the
records are kept
 Set up a system for removal and tagging of damaged or defective tools and
equipment

PROPER STORAGE OF TOOLS, PARTS, AND EQUIPMENT

To ensure that tools and equipment remain in good condition and last for a long time, store
them properly. Properly stored tools and equipment will be easy to find when needed and
are less likely to be lost.

Good practices include:

 Parts should be properly stored and labeled (Figure 1).

 Tools should be properly placed on the board, and labeled (Figure 2). Consider
drawing the shapes of the tools on the board so that they always get put back in the
same position.
 Use bins for storing small parts (Figure 3).
 Consider making an individual (or individuals) responsible for the good maintenance
of tools and parts.

Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.

Benefits:

 Tools and parts are kept in good condition and are easy to find
 Costs are reduced.
 Productivity is increased because time is not wasted looking for tools, parts and
equipment.
 Workshop staff develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their work.
 REFFERENCES

 http://www.bechtel.com/assets/files/Environmental/ToolboxSafetyTopics/20
10/ProperToolSelection.pdf
 http://www.iml.uts.edu.au/assessment-futures/designing/assembling.html

 Ron Gilster, PC Repair Bench Book., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475

Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
 Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible, Desktop
Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256

 Ron Gilster, PC Repair Bench Book., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475

Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
 Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible, Desktop
Edition., Wiley Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis,
IN 46256

 http://www.google.com
 Barry Press, Marcia Press, PC Upgrade and Repair Bible, Desktop Edition., Wiley
Publishing Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256