Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

[BHRLC]

OK so I'm starting up in IT and copier/printer tech work, what are some
highly advisable specialty things to carry around in your toolbox and vehicle?
Basics aside, eg. screwdrivers, punchdown tool, canned air, etc.
I'm mostly servicing Kyocera products but who knows what I'm going to run into.
Probably HP/Dell mostly otherwise on the copier/printer side.
Common model replacement parts insight appreciated (rollers, quick-fix stuff to carry around, etc.)

I looked into one of these to replace canned air, btw:

https://www.canlessair.com

and the reviews aren't that great, sadly.
Reviews are good on this model but still has a few quirks:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16896367002

Also, advice on the Datavacs? They seem great.
Thanks!

[banginbishop]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

wd40 for cleaning feed rollers - not anything else! feed rollers a must - a lot of Kyocera are interchangeable (was last time I worked on them), hot rollers & webs - all other Kyocera stuff is complete unit replacement so unless you have an artic to carry around all the big pm boxes your a bit restricted.

[JustManuals]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

Get yourself a good set of spring tools, and a reverse acting tweezer.

HtH

Paul@justmanuals.com

[blackcat4866]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

You'll discover as you go. It will depend on what brands of MFP's you will be working on.

For IT work I'd recommend:
Laptop
cables
crimp tool
cable tester
toner (as in: tone tool)
punch down tool

=^..^=

[nmfaxman]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

You'll discover as you go. It will depend on what brands of MFP's you will be working on.

For IT work I'd recommend:
Laptop
cables
crimp tool
cable tester
toner (as in: tone tool)
punch down tool

=^..^=

Doesn't hurt to have a few RJ45 connectors in the parts box.

I wire all for a crossover cable to the machine.


I can test the cable from the wall with any laptop.
If I can print with their laptop to the machine, I can charge extra for network troubleshooting.

[neergish]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

Smart phone and the Copytechnet app

[Lagonda]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

A fishing magnet, a good torch and a pair of magnifying glasses.

[Shadow]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

the drive to succeed
the common sense to know when your in over your head
the ability to stand tall in adversity
the stamina to keep going no matter what you face

tools for the job are just that, but the best tool you can have is with in your self
some days will look great, others will be a big load of donkey dung
its the donkey dung days that you need to smell like a rose

[igi]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

diplomacy and patience

[Bantams]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

Apart from the usual tools I carry

A Small Hammer
A Junior Hacksaw

And a large supply of Plasters and first aid stuff for when the hammer and the saw Job goes wrong

[Akitu]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

A paper clip, a straw and a rubber band. You never know when you'll have to MacGyver your way out of a situation!

[rthonpm]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

A couple of things come to mind:

For the MFP and printers:

A good toner vacuum is always your best friend: second hand 3M vacs can be found pretty cheap online. Just make sure you're getting all the attachments included. The brush especially is good for cleaning out all of the corners and cutouts on the covers.

Alcohol makes a great glass cleaner because of its fast evaporation point and the ability to break up glue and any kind of tacky goop on the glass.

Surgical forceps are also a great thing to have for getting paper shreds out of a tight area or just trying to move wires out of your way.

For IT:

A Windows based laptop (you'll see more Windows machines than anything else, and most tech tools are written with Windows in mind)

A USB drive sled to check failing or suspect hard drives

A Linux live CD/DVD: Knoppix is a good one that gives you plenty of good tools to work with. Even just the Ultimate Boot CD can give you a good amount of diagnostic tools that are handy to keep with you.

Anti-static mat and wrist strap: the last thing you need is to be replacing a memory component and have your sweater build up some charge and zap a motherboard. I keep one with me and it was the best $3.97 I ever spent for IT supplies.

Those are just a few that come to mind, good luck and hopefully we can give you a hand along the way.

[fixthecopier]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

Scotch Brite pads for cleaning
electrical tape.
can of Tri-Flow for lube
tin of extra screws, so you don't have to crawl around on the floor.
magnetize block for screw drivers
Top quality needle nose pliers, the kind that the ends actually touch and you can grip a tiny spring.

You have to pay for the top quality tools, but it's worth it.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

The one thing nobody listed Duct Tape, There's always a roll in the ride. Also quick set epoxy, stupid glue or gel, and fine sand paper 400, 600 1200 grits. I was once known as the gluesmith. What ever it takes when your 100 miles away.......

[ZOOTECH]

Re: Must-have specialty tools and parts for a tech

The one thing nobody listed Duct Tape, There's always a roll in the ride. Also quick set epoxy, stupid glue or gel, and fine sand paper 400, 600 1200 grits. I was once known as the gluesmith. What ever it takes when your 100 miles away.......

That's the McGyver talking.