Desktop Tools

Basic Desktop Tools

If you are planning to do repairs on a wide range of Apple desktop systems, the following tool list will give you a good start. The following tools are available from a number of hardware stores and tool manufacturers.

Phillips Screwdrivers

• Phillips #0 screwdriver (3to 4-inch shaft)

• Phillips #1 screwdriver (10-inch shaft)

• Phillips #2 screwdriver (10-inch shaft)

Make sure that the shafts of the Phillips #1 and Phillips #2 screwdrivers are at least 10 inches long. This will enable you to easily work on the heatsink of most Power Mac G5 systems.

TORX Drivers

TORX drivers have six-pointed cross sections and provide a very precise fit to the matching screw. For this reason, you should never try to use the wrong size TORX driver.

• T6 driver

• T8 driver

• T10 driver

• T15 driver

• T25 driver

Nut Drivers

Use nut drivers to work on six-sided nuts or standoffs in some systems.

• 3 mm nut driver

• 4 mm nut driver

• 5 mm nut driver

Hex Drivers (Allen Wrenches)

• 2.5 mm hex driver (10-inch shaft)

• Set of metric hex keys including 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 2.5 mm

Flathead Screwdriver

• Jeweler's flathead screwdriver

ESD-Related Tools

The following tools are needed to create an electrostatic discharge (ESD)–compliant work area:

• ESD wrist strap with clip/plug

• Grounded ESD mat

• Wire lead with alligator clips

• Ground/polarity tester

The details of how to use these components correctly are described in Lesson 4, “Safe Working Procedures and General Maintenance.”

Miscellaneous Tools

The following tools round out the necessary tools for repairing Apple products:

• Magnetizer/demagnetizier

• Precision needlenose pliers (small tips)

• X-Acto knife or razor blade

• ESD-safe plastic probe

• Plastic tweezers

• Paper clip

• Coin

• Multimeter

• 12-partition (or more) ESD-safe screw tray (paper cups also work)

• Hex key set (metric)

• Glue gun/glue sticks

• White cotton gloves

• Cup ring

Recommended Hand Tools

While not absolutely necessary, the following tools will make your work go more efficiently:

• Short Phillips #2 screwdriver

• Phillips #00 screwdriver

• Dental pick

• Flashlight

• Metal tweezers

• 1600-watt hair dryer

Apple Desktop Hand Tools

The following special tools are required to repair certain Apple desktop systems. Only Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) may order these tools directly from Apple.

• iMac (Flat Panel) Service Stand (076-0898)

  

• iMac (Flat Panel) Thermal Paste (922-4757)

  

• iMac (Flat Panel) Diagnostic Cables (076-0897)

  

• Torque Driver (076-0899) for iMac (Flat Panel)

  

• 1.5 mm tool (922-5823) for 15-inch Flat Panel Display

  

• CRT iMac Display Adjustment Jumper (922-4165)

  

• CRT Discharge Tool (076-0381)

  

• Nylon Probe Tool (922-5065)

  

• Alignment Tool, Display Service (922-3504)

  

• Processor Alignment Tool for Xserve (922-5856)

  

• Thermal Pads (076-0925, 076-0950)

  

• Putty Knife (922-6761)