Kay here! Sorry it took me a bit to make another post.
I was getting resources to start refurbishing, it took a little bit heh.
That however, means I have a good amount to show you, which I'm pretty excited about!
Ok! So to begin, I think it would make the most sense to show you my tools!
Now, they aren't super fancy or high end name brands for the most part, but they get the job done and I didn't break the bank.
Tool #1: AXTH Precision Screwdriver Set
I definitely recommend investing in a little screwdriver, especially if you're going to be working with handhelds like the Nintendo DS's.
Tool #2: FJSENR Precision Exacto Knife Set
So this is a cute little knife set I found with a lot of different blade shapes and even a couple handle options. I specifically got these because I want to customize my White Nintendo "New" 3DS XL one day with buttons that are actually made for the Nintendo Switch. If you don't know, the buttons in each system have little notches specific to fit in the system at certain angles...(I think). So the Switch and the "New" 3DS XL aren't technically compatible. They have very similar sizes though so I'm going to kind of bootleg my way to cutting my own notches fit to the 3DS!
Tool #3: EWerk Needle File Set
This tiny set of files were picked up for the exact same reason as the exacto knives above! I needed a tiny needle shaped file in order to smooth out the edges of the buttons, though typically with refurbishing consoles like I'm trying to do, a little file set is a good idea for shell swaps and making them fit properly. Mainly just to make it look a lot smoother and nicer in the end.
Tool #4: iFixit Precision Tweezers Set
Someone had recommended getting these needle nosed tweezers, saying they'd become my best friend during repairs and they were absolutely correct. The DS's I'm working on have incredibly small pieces like screws, buttons, ribbon cables, etc. These tweezers make it so I don't have to sit there and struggle with using my fingers for some things that involve being a bit more precise.
Tool #4: iFixit Prying and Opening Tool Assortment
As I'm sure you're well aware of, handhelds all have shells hah. The outer casing, specifically. I'm not sure about other console types but I know the Nintendo DS line specifically have tight shells with little pins inside, making so you often times have to push something flat in between to kick it open... gently. These prying tools and edges are meant just for that occasion! I think these are a staple to have in any handheld repairer's arsenal!
Tool #5: Mcduyant Nylon Cleaning Brushes
These are just some cheaper, soft bristled cleaning brushes I got so I could properly scrub the shells and motherboard during the soaking session of the shells. If you buy used, broken, defective or just generally old consoles, it's very likely they'll be dirty in one way or another. It's ideal to have something like this or a soft tooth brush, paired with a gentle soap, to help get the grime off without scratching or damaging anything.
Tool #6: AstroAI Multimeter
Now this tricky little device has a bit of a learning curve but is very worth getting to know! It's meant to help diagnose and detect electrical related issues, like verifying if something inside is properly connected or getting the right amount of power. They have many uses but you'll probably only need to really know 1-2 of the options to be honest. At least if you're doing what I'm doing hah.
Tool #7: Phomemo Label Maker
Now last but not least, a tiny portable label maker. I specifically chose this one because it's inkless, affordable and the labels are actually really good quality. It also helps that they're easily removable as well! If I understand properly, it uses heat to print the labels on the stickers, meaning the only thing you have to worry about refilling is the roll of labels itself. Super easy and efficient to use, also pretty fun. I got purple holographic label tape, I just thought it was cute. I use this to keep organized and mark my systems and parts so they don't get mixed up.
Well, that about wraps up the core tools I'll be using during this restoration journey!
If you're interested in snagging any of them yourself, I legit just got them all off Amazon, for decent prices. I wanted to get things cheaper to start out with since I'm in the process of learning but fully intend to upgrade to the more professional supplies once I become more adept!
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my little yapping session, I hope you may have found it interesting or even helpful/informational if you're also learning refurbishment!
In the upcoming posts, I'll likely be showing you the systems themselves! So keep an eye out if you want to see what they look like now as opposed to when they're (hopefully) all cleaned up and operational! 👀
