10+ tools you should have in your support tech repair kit

Some techs seem to get by with just a multitool and a smile, but the rest of us need something more substantial. Here are 10 essential items to carry with you whenever you make a desktop call.

When a trip to an end user's machine is necessary, there's no time for fumbling for the right tool. But many times, you arrive at the user's desk and find yourself unprepared to fix the problem.

In an ideal world, you'd have everything needed at your fingertips--a sort of ultimate toolkit. In the real world, you can still arrive prepared if you stock your toolkit with a few essential hardware items. Some of these tools may require some creative shopping, but you can find most of them in your local hardware store. Here are just a few of the items on the list:

• Needlenose pliers/cutters (straight and curved)
• Hemostats
• Small mirror on telescoping handle
• Phone and AC line testers
• Paper clip (of course)

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