The new iPhone 14 is the most repairable smartphone since the iPhone 7 according to iFixit. No wonder since Apple is trying to make home repairs easier.
There are two things you need to be able to perform successful repairs: know-how and the right tools.
And iFixit provides both.
The resources needed
For the know-how, you can consult the detailed repair guides on the site. It is simply the best source of information available on the subject. And it’s free.
But what about the tools?
Let’s take a look at some of the tools I use. They’re not all iPhone specific, but they’re the ones I use the most when diagnosing or repairing faulty gadgets.
My go-to toolkit for several years has been iFixit’s Pro Tech Toolkit. It contains just about everything I need, all neatly stored in a handy case. I’ve used this kit for many years, and even though some of the parts seem a bit worn, it’s still so useful.
iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit – Best Prices:
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Cdiscount Marketplace109.80
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If I had to describe the new iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit in one word, it would be: “perfect”.
What’s in the iFixit Kit?
Here is what the kit contains:
- 64 screwdriver bits;
- an antistatic bracelet;
- a small suction cup;
- 3 plastic opening tools;
- 6 iFixit picks;
- inverted nylon-tipped tweezers;
- an angled ESD clamp;
- a flat ESD pliers;
- 2 plastic spatulas;
- a metal spatula;
- a Jimmy tool;
- a magnetic mat.
Here is a detailed list of all bits included in the driver’s kit:
- crosshead (Philips): 000, 00, 0, 1, 2;
- head: flat 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4 mm;
- torx: T2, T3, T4, T5;
- security torx: TR6, TR7, TR8, TR9, TR10, TR15, TR20, TR25;
- pentalobe: P2, P5, P6;
- JIS: J000, J00, J0, J1;
- hexagonal: 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5mm;
- tripoint: Y000, Y00, Y0, Y1;
- nut driver: 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5mm;
- square: 0, 1, 2;
- gamebit: 3.8, 4.5mm;
- spanner: 4, 6, 8;
- triangular: 2.3mm;
- SIM card ejector tip;
- screwdriver adapter: 1/4 inch to 4 mm.
The screwdriver and bits are all of excellent quality, and the foam cut into the tray keeps them perfectly in place. Each tip has its location, and each location is labeled. After years of use, all my screwdriver bits are in the right place!
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
How to use the iFixit kit?
The screwdriver handle is magnetized to hold the bit in place, but not to the point of being bothersome (screwdrivers with overly strong magnets can be bothersome in my experience).
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
The kit includes a selection of tools for prying. There is a metal spatula (mine has seen better days, but still works).
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
Plastic spatulas are designed for when you can go for it. They’re great for removing screens (oh, and pro tip: never use a screwdriver or even the metal spudger to remove the screen).
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
The suction cup is designed to stick on a phone screen for easy removal.
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
Think you don’t need pliers? Think again ! These pliers are useful not only for grabbing small connectors, but also for retrieving screws and other small, hard-to-retrieve components.
The kit includes three different pliers to cover all eventualities.
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
There is also an antistatic wrist strap. The idea is to put the bracelet around your wrist and attach the alligator clip to something grounded (like a metal pipe). This reduces the risk of static electricity damaging components. Although it is a great idea, I must admit that I never wear it.
Image: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes.
If you are serious about fixing your gadgets, this is a great kit. You may need to buy other tools to complete it, but it’s a great starter kit that can last you for many years.
At 70 euros, it’s a smart buy.
Source: ZDNet.com