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03 - E-Tech Proper Use of Tools

The document provides guidance on properly using electrostatic discharge (ESD) tools like antistatic wrist straps and mats to prevent static electricity from damaging electronic components. It also outlines how to correctly use various hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and compressed air when repairing computers. Finally, it offers tips for cleaning computer cases, monitors, keyboards, mice and other components to remove dust and keep electronics running smoothly.

Uploaded by

Jerwin Xypielle Velasquez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
42 views18 pages

03 - E-Tech Proper Use of Tools

The document provides guidance on properly using electrostatic discharge (ESD) tools like antistatic wrist straps and mats to prevent static electricity from damaging electronic components. It also outlines how to correctly use various hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and compressed air when repairing computers. Finally, it offers tips for cleaning computer cases, monitors, keyboards, mice and other components to remove dust and keep electronics running smoothly.

Uploaded by

Jerwin Xypielle Velasquez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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.
The wrist strap has two parts
and is easy to wear:
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.
Proper Use of ESD Tools
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.
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.

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