When I'm taking hardware apart or (hopefully) putting it back together, I usually end up relying on my Leatherman Wave. Sometimes, though, that's clearly not the right tool for the job, or not the best choice. I'm thinking about putting together a more comprehensive toolkit, but I'm having trouble deciding what to put in it. Screwdrivers? Hex wrenches? Crimpers and punchdown tools? What sort of tools do you guys think are the bare essentials?
SnapOverflow
In my toolkit currently is:
My most used tool is a single long philips screwdriver. I find that I use that 90% of the time when I require a screwdriver. It is very pointy, and can fit in small and large screws alike.
I also bought some very small screwdrivers as invariably when my main screwdriver doesn't fit it is because the screws are too small and I hate the standard jewellers screwdrivers. Magnetic grabber for getting things out of small places, long nosed pliers, cable ties.
It does all depend though on what you are doing. If you are doing a lot of cabling then the right cutters and crimpers will save you much time. Do you often come up against hex bolts? If not then you don't really need to add them. Start off with what you need most and then add the bits as you need it. Most people do not buy their toolkit all at once, but build it up over time.
And with most tools you get what you pay for.
Here's what in my toolkit:
I also have a set of precision screwdrivers, but they don't fit in my bag. Socket sets are sometimes handy. Network cable tester would be handy, as well as tone and probe, but I never got around to buying anything.
When I worked as a mobile computer guy, we carried much more spare cables in the car, as well as spare routers and switches. I personally carried a GPS unit because I suck at finding my way around. We also were required to carry a plastic card when doing contract work for IBM; I hung mine from my belt on a retractable badge holder.
Small needle-nosed pliers
A cordless power screwdriver really makes a difference when you have a lot of screws to turn.
Occasionally, I find a set of Torx bits handy. Also, once in a while a set of security bits comes to the rescue.