- Jan 26, 2010
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Maybe a moderator can put this somewhere more appropriate but just to get it started...
I've not seen one on here so apologies if one already exists.
Welcome to the Modders Tool list/checklist/guide of sorts
Please feel free to add anything you feel is important enough to mention and help fellow choppers out
A few people I've seen on here quote lack of tools or knowledge as a dissuading factor in their modding desires so I thought I'd make a basic list of what tools (Imo) you should have as a basic set up. these things should be widely available to most if not everyone, if you dont have something, I'll bet your Neighbour/Dad/Mate has.
Space.
If your going to do something, make sure you have room to move about, put things aside etc, and try to keep it clean...
Time.
I've screwed up so many things over rushing, if you want it to look good and avoid accidents or problems, take your time, better to walk away for a half hour and come back to a job fresh, than rush and risk damaging an expensive item.
now I know technically those two are not tools as such, but imo they are both vital requirements to doing a job well so I mention them as essential before you start.
Plan it,
so you'll need either pen and paper, or a drawing program to sketch out your idea, tweak it to your liking and how it will fit in your case.
Prepare,
read up on whatever it is you're doing, for example heatsink mods, learn about thermal paste, cleaning it off, applying new paste, get an idea of what it is youll be actually doing to your pc soon.
get your space cleared, have time to do the job your planning to do and double check everything you've planned so far.
Check you have everything you need before you start as well,
its no good cleaning old thermal paste off your cpu only to remember you never actually bought the new heatsink.
Actual tools then, like I say everyone should have access to these, or know someone who does
Measuring tape.
Outside the case I use a steel tape, inside it I use my Gf's dressmaking tape, its foldy, non-conductive and isnt going to smash into a chip or capacitor unexpectedly.
Pliers.
If you only have one set, make them needle nose pliers imo.
Drill and bits.
If you have a proper work bench and drill thats groovy, but some folks have to make do with Dremel type tools, thats fine too, just make sure you take your time and the results wil be the same, sometimes better, if you have both your onto a win.
Hacksaw or Jigsaw.
need a big casefan hole in your sidepanel? you can 'perforate' the lines using your drill and use the saw to cut them out hole to hole.
File.
couple of various sizes imo, smoothing cuts off, tidying holes etc.
HolePunch.
usually I use one as a marker for pilot holes etc.
Insulation tape.
sometimes just to hold wires out of the way while I work, can be used to shroud cables or hold them in place for cable management.
Ziplock/Cable ties.
again for C.M. purposes mainly.
Knife,
preferably a good sharp one,
I have a Leatherman which fills a few of the other requirements here, but its a proper one, its a good solid tool don't skimp on your tools or you are cheating yourself in the end, and your finished jobs.
Masking tape
great for marking holes/lines to cut, protecting surfaces and generally handy stuff, I use painters tape, low adhesive so it doesn't mark the work
So, theres a basic list of bits, I fully expect people to chip in with their suggestions of essential items by the way
Hope this helps in some small way, and grows as it should.
Happy chopping guys n gals,
Moto
I've not seen one on here so apologies if one already exists.
Welcome to the Modders Tool list/checklist/guide of sorts
Please feel free to add anything you feel is important enough to mention and help fellow choppers out
A few people I've seen on here quote lack of tools or knowledge as a dissuading factor in their modding desires so I thought I'd make a basic list of what tools (Imo) you should have as a basic set up. these things should be widely available to most if not everyone, if you dont have something, I'll bet your Neighbour/Dad/Mate has.
Space.
If your going to do something, make sure you have room to move about, put things aside etc, and try to keep it clean...
Time.
I've screwed up so many things over rushing, if you want it to look good and avoid accidents or problems, take your time, better to walk away for a half hour and come back to a job fresh, than rush and risk damaging an expensive item.
now I know technically those two are not tools as such, but imo they are both vital requirements to doing a job well so I mention them as essential before you start.
Plan it,
so you'll need either pen and paper, or a drawing program to sketch out your idea, tweak it to your liking and how it will fit in your case.
Prepare,
read up on whatever it is you're doing, for example heatsink mods, learn about thermal paste, cleaning it off, applying new paste, get an idea of what it is youll be actually doing to your pc soon.
get your space cleared, have time to do the job your planning to do and double check everything you've planned so far.
Check you have everything you need before you start as well,
its no good cleaning old thermal paste off your cpu only to remember you never actually bought the new heatsink.
Actual tools then, like I say everyone should have access to these, or know someone who does
Measuring tape.
Outside the case I use a steel tape, inside it I use my Gf's dressmaking tape, its foldy, non-conductive and isnt going to smash into a chip or capacitor unexpectedly.
Pliers.
If you only have one set, make them needle nose pliers imo.
Drill and bits.
If you have a proper work bench and drill thats groovy, but some folks have to make do with Dremel type tools, thats fine too, just make sure you take your time and the results wil be the same, sometimes better, if you have both your onto a win.
Hacksaw or Jigsaw.
need a big casefan hole in your sidepanel? you can 'perforate' the lines using your drill and use the saw to cut them out hole to hole.
File.
couple of various sizes imo, smoothing cuts off, tidying holes etc.
HolePunch.
usually I use one as a marker for pilot holes etc.
Insulation tape.
sometimes just to hold wires out of the way while I work, can be used to shroud cables or hold them in place for cable management.
Ziplock/Cable ties.
again for C.M. purposes mainly.
Knife,
preferably a good sharp one,
I have a Leatherman which fills a few of the other requirements here, but its a proper one, its a good solid tool don't skimp on your tools or you are cheating yourself in the end, and your finished jobs.
Masking tape
great for marking holes/lines to cut, protecting surfaces and generally handy stuff, I use painters tape, low adhesive so it doesn't mark the work
So, theres a basic list of bits, I fully expect people to chip in with their suggestions of essential items by the way
Hope this helps in some small way, and grows as it should.
Happy chopping guys n gals,
Moto
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