Tools for Computer and GSM Repair – JSS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

Computer and GSM repair tools are the instruments a technician uses to open, handle, clean, test, join and protect phones and computers.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the four groups of tools used for computer and GSM repair.
2. Name at least two tools in each group.
3. State the main job of each tool.
4. Choose the correct tool for a given repair task.
5. Describe the safety rules for using a soldering iron and an anti-static wrist strap.

What are the groups of computer and GSM repair tools?

There are four groups of repair tools: opening and disassembling, handling and cleaning, diagnostic and soldering, and safety and auxiliary tools.

• GSM: short for Global System for Mobile Communications, the system used by most mobile phones.
• Precision tools: very small tools made for the tiny screws and parts inside gadgets.
• Disassembling: taking a device apart so that you can reach the parts inside.
• Circuit board (PCB): the board that holds and connects the electronic parts of a device.

What are opening and disassembling tools?

Opening and disassembling tools are precision tools used to get inside a phone or computer without damaging it.

• Screwdriver set: tiny screwdrivers, not the big household type, in different head shapes.
• Philips (+): has a cross-shaped tip.
• Flat-head (-): has a single straight blade.
• Torx (star-shaped): has a star-shaped tip, used on some mobile phones.
• Pry tools (spudgers): flat plastic or metal tools that gently pop open the casing of a phone or laptop without scratching it.
• Suction cup: grips and lifts the glass screen of a smartphone safely, so you can reach the battery or motherboard.

What are handling and cleaning tools?

Handling and cleaning tools help you pick up tiny parts, keep the device free of dust and see small faults.

• Tweezers: pick up tiny screws, small wires and small components, and place them exactly where they belong.
• Anti-static brush: brushes dust off the circuit board without creating static sparks that could damage the parts.
• Magnifying glass: makes tiny parts look bigger, so the technician can see broken tracks or burnt components.

• Why dust matters: dust blocks air flow, holds heat and can harm electronic parts.

What are diagnostic and soldering tools?

Diagnostic tools find out what is wrong with a device, and soldering tools join broken parts back together.

• Digital multimeter: measures electricity, so you can check a battery, a charger or a wire for faults.
• Soldering iron: a very hot tool that melts solder to join electronic parts to the circuit board.
• Solder: a soft metal that melts easily and sets to hold parts in place.
• Hot air rework station (blower): blows very hot air to remove or fix small surface parts on a phone’s motherboard.

What can a digital multimeter check?

• Battery: shows whether it still holds charge or is dead.
• Charger: shows whether it gives out electricity.
• Wire: shows whether it is broken inside.

What are safety and auxiliary tools?

Safety and auxiliary tools protect the technician and the device, and give extra support during repair.

• Anti-static wrist strap: worn on the wrist and clipped to a metal part of the table or an earthing point.
• Purpose of the strap: it stops static electricity in your body from shocking and damaging the device.
• PCB holder (stand): acts like a “third hand” and holds the circuit board firmly while you solder or repair.
• SIM ejector tool: a tiny metal pin that pushes out the SIM card tray of a modern smartphone.

What is the technician’s toolkit?

The technician’s toolkit groups tools by the job they do.

Which tool is used for which job?

Each repair task has one best tool, as shown below.

What safety rules apply when using repair tools?

Safe use of repair tools protects you and the device.

1. Wear the anti-static wrist strap before touching the circuit board.
2. Use plastic pry tools where possible, to avoid scratches.
3. Never touch the tip of a soldering iron. It stays hot for some time after it is switched off.
4. Put the soldering iron back on its stand after use.
5. Keep tiny screws in a tray so that they do not get lost.
6. Switch off and remove the battery before you open a device, where this is possible.

Class practical activity

1. Identify three tools from the school’s repair kit.
2. If a phone screen is cracked and you need to lift it, which tool would you use?
3. Warning: Never touch the tip of a soldering iron when it is plugged in or still hot. It can cause a very painful burn.

Evaluation

1. Name the four groups of computer and GSM repair tools.
2. State the job of a digital multimeter.
3. Why does a technician wear an anti-static wrist strap?
4. Which tool holds a circuit board still while you solder?
5. List three types of screwdriver head used in phone repair.

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns: tool, group and main job. List any six tools from this lesson in it.