Tested

INSIDE WILL'S FIX-IT (AND TAKE-IT-APART) TOOLKIT

Over the years, I've built a toolkit that lets me get into and fix many different types of problems. These are the tools that supplement my Philips screwdriver.

Will Smith


IFIXIT 54-BIT DRIVER KIT - $25

This screwdriver kit includes a variety of bits, including standard Phillips, Torx, and hex bits. It also includes a variety of security bits, although it's missing the newer pentalobe bits used by Apple and the Torx security bits used in newer Xboxes. It also includes a bendy extender, which helps when you're trying to access a tight spot.

32-PIECE SECURITY BIT SET - $6

When I need a bit that isn't in the iFixit kit, I turn to this security bit set that I picked up from Amazon. It even has the weird tri-blade bits Nintendo used on old handhelds, and the two holes bit that I've only seen used on light switches in airport bathrooms. These are larger bits, so I keep an additional driver in the kit to use them.

16-BIT SCREWDRIVER SET - $14

For portability, it's tough to beat this jewelers screwdriver. It holds eight double-sided bits in its handle, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

METAL SPUDGERS - $8

Metal spudgers are a high-risk, high-reward tool. Their thin blades can squeeze into areas that plastic opening tools and nylon spudgers simply won't fit. But, because they're made of metal, it's easy to gouge up softer materials--like glass or plastic--with them, if you're not careful.

NYLON SPUDGERS - $3-5 EACH

A safer alternative to the metal spudger, nylon spudgers come in two types, heavy-duty and normal weight. The material they're made of softer than glass, metals, and plastics used in electronics, so you won't mar your device with these. They have a pointy end and a flat end--the pointy end is great for opening tricky internal cable connectors, while the flat end is good for keeping partially opened electronics opened.

PLASTIC OPENING TOOLS - $3

When your nylon spudger is too meaty an instrument, these plastic opening tools are perfect. These fine-edged spreaders were originally designed to separate the metal back from the plastic front of classic iPods. Today, they're great for disassembling a variety of devices without marring the plastic.

GUITAR PICKS - $5

I hadn't included guitar picks in my toolkit until I used them during the new iPad take-apart, but I'll always keep a handful with me now. They're great for keeping partially opened devices separated, and made it easy to release the glue holding the new iPad's screen to the aluminum body. You can find them at most music shops and even Best Buy.

PENTALOBE SCREWDRIVER FOR IPHONE 4/4S - $13

Midway through the life of the iPhone 4, Apple swapped the standard Phillips screws on the bottom of the phone for a new, proprietary rounded 5-point bit. Pentalobe screws have popped up in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the last year as well.

CRESCENT WIRE SNIPS AND NEEDLENOSE PLIERS - $7

I can't actually find these Crescent pliers online anywhere, but the Xcelites look like the exact same pliers. A good set of wire snips is always handy, and the serrated needlenose pliers are handy for working on small details.

JEWELER'S TWEEZERS - $5

Unfortunately, I left my tweezers in the Makerbot toolbox, which is in storage until we secure offices. A good set of jewelers tweezers is incredibly useful when reconnecting delicate ribbon cables or fishing dropped screws out of a device.