It's fun to build a PC. This is Tom's Hardware, after all. While the AI boom has forced prices to go up and up, there's still a lot of fun to be had putting a build together. Researching your parts, weighing up the pros and cons, then putting it all together. Seeing your brand new PC pass its first boot test, waiting to see if it'll actually load and not just beep and stay blank, is always a thrill.
To get to that point, though, you're going to need some kit. You'll need tools to build, but also to maintain, clean, and repair: your PC is going to need it all at some stage. I've built my own toolkit over the years. My go-to right now is a Hoto screwdriver, but I've got electric dusters, flashlights, screw kits, the lot, all ready for a project or two. My toolkit is versatile enough that it's helped me just as much while I renovate my home as it has in putting together my last build.
My toolkit is pretty expansive these days, but if you or a loved one is just starting out, you'll probably be wondering what to buy. I've put together a mix of the must-buys and nice-to-haves below for any PC builder, maker, and hobbyist's toolkit to help you decide.
If you're not a hobbyist yourself, these tools would make great gifts to share over the holiday season, too!
Screwdrivers and Hand Tools
Everyone needs a decent screwdriver. I've been daily-driving my Hoto electric screwdriver all year, and several of my Tom's Hardware colleagues swear by them. I've got a whole set of manual and precision screwdrivers for general DIY, with my Hoto for keeping my PC in good working order.
Here's some of the kit that we'd recommend you buy to get started.
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Screw Kits
A good driver needs a good set of screws. I can't tell you how many screws I've lost at the worst times when I'm putting a PC together or making a repair. With one of these kits, you won't have to worry. You'll have hundreds of screws, all in different sizes, that you can pull out when you need to.
Soldering Irons and Maker Tools
Makers need the right tools to bring together their projects. A good-quality portable soldering iron is essential, especially if you're fixing any electronics. There's also rotary tools and impact power drills for the more intensive jobs in your to-do list.
Flashlights
You won't worry about having a flashlight until you need it. Looking deep inside a PC case, trying to repair under a cabinet, lost power during a power cut, or stuck outside in the dark: you'll want a light source you can rely on that isn't going to be a drain on your phone's battery.
This is where one of these portable flashlights come in. They're all rechargable, bright and with long battery lives to get you through a project or a crisis.
Air Dusters and Cleaning Tools
Cleaning is one of those PC maintenance tasks that we've all probably left until our PC cases are fill with dust and grime, not to mention our keyboards and mice. A good set of cleaning tools, especially an air duster, can make all the difference. Blast it all out, and give it a nice clean brush down, and you'll help to keep your machine running in top working order.
These tools are versatile, so you can use them whenever you need to defeat some dust and grime, whether it's your car dashboard or your project room.
This isn't an exhaustive list, but a good selection of the tools and accessories that I reckon every PC builder, maker, and hobbyist needs at their disposal.
You won't always need them. Some of them aren't glamorous or exciting, but they'll all indispensable parts of your toolkit that, once you've got them close to hand, you'll come to rely on them.
Ben Stockton is a deals writer at Tom’s Hardware. He's been writing about technology since 2018, with bylines at PCGamesN, How-To Geek, and Tom’s Guide, among others. When he’s not hunting down the best bargains, he’s busy tinkering with his homelab or watching old Star Trek episodes.
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