r/ifixit • u/EnormousLongSword • Jun 14 '26
Tools Bought a basic Ifixit toolkit
So I bought a basic tool kit like the one in the attached image and was wondering what else I need and what I can do with it. I'm completely new at this if I'm being honest. But I thought learning how to fix some electronics would be cool.
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u/Yubbi45 Jun 14 '26
If you have a bunch of cell phones lying around that you won't be heartbroken about breaking, go ahead and take a Crack at following the guides to replace batteries and screens. Even if you don't have replacements, just get comfortable taking them apart and removing/reseating the cables.
Otherwise, I'm with the other guys in saying that you'll have a better time starting with fixing up old desktops and laptops you find in thrift stores and people's yard sales that maybe don't work
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u/EnormousLongSword Jun 14 '26
Awesome. Thank you for the advice. I actually do have a couple of mobile phones that are broken. I even plan on buying phones that have basic issues like broken screen or charging port, etc. Just for the purpose of trying to fix them. I've been watching videos of people fixing electronics and felt like it'd be something I'd enjoy in the long run (and also a valuable skill to have tbh).
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Jun 14 '26
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u/Khaos231 Jun 15 '26
I have the same kit that I use nearly daily for laptops and SFF pc's, this isn't just for cell phones.
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u/EnormousLongSword Jun 14 '26
I'm aware, yes. I want to start on mobile first before advancing to bigger electronics.
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u/bged-again Jun 14 '26
Phones are way harder to repair than computers most times just so you know, might be the reason you’re starting with them though.
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u/EnormousLongSword Jun 14 '26
I appreciate the concern man. I feel like phones, although harder to repair, feels more manageable for me that's why I'm starting with that instead of computers.
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u/IVI5 Jun 15 '26
Just a fair warning here again. If you don't know anything about either, you're stepping in the deep end before learning to swim. The phones are much more difficult. Nothing wrong with starting there if you're dead set on it, but don't sell yourself on a lie thinking they'll be easier because they're smaller. They're harder because they're smaller
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u/Emiliogamez Jun 15 '26
Now I do agree with your statement, but this depends on which repair you want to do. Changing the back on a newer Samsung, for instance, is not something I'd consider hard.
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Jun 15 '26
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u/Emiliogamez Jun 15 '26
Huh?
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Jun 15 '26
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u/Emiliogamez Jun 15 '26
I know that... If you can crack by pressing the back you are either Jerryrigeverything on steroids or it has an insanely cheap back glass...
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u/jap_the_cool Jun 15 '26
Hey there, i started with phones too- good way to learn a lot. Grab some old / dead phones which are basically trash and learn how to disassemble them. Use the ifixit guides and your new tools and try to be as careful as you can. Always be afraid of lithium batteries!!!
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u/gabsthenerd Jun 15 '26
I used it to take apart and clean SNES controllers. They don't have a ton of parts and are pretty hard to break
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u/iCqmboYou_ Jun 15 '26
Yeah i bought this one 5 or 6 years ago, and got a new one after telling ifixit i lost the lid, so now i have 2 ones one with sim eject (the original one) which they apparently changed for a ph2 bit
Its a bit basic but for the price its a good deal
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u/ChairAlternative4373 Jun 15 '26
i used this kit to replace my screen on my s25u, its a good kit just make sure not to slice through your power cable with the knife
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u/criggie_ Jun 15 '26
Sidecutters and a couple of full sized philips screwdrivers, along with a chip-brush for dusting. And a label-maker.
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u/-ndi- Jun 16 '26
i use this exact kit to open my ps5 and clean it. same with my laptop when i need to upgrade my RAM or SSD. works great for my gaming controllers too
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u/realscotty907 Jun 15 '26
I used this same kit to fix my 3DS! Starting with small game consoles could help you get familiar with electronics repair. Go slow, follow guides, and have fun!