Pc repair/tinkering repair kit!!

[The Griff]

It's my sons 21st birthday next week and his Grandad wants to get him something for about £100 that he will use but will also be able to keep for years to come.

My son loves computers and is in his last few weeks of his computer science degree. Although his degree is more writing code and software oriented, he builds his own computer and does tinker a bit with electrics.

The problem nowadays with most tools, they just aren't made how they used to be. I don't have a clue when it comes to computers, but presume a screwdriver set with various ends would come in handy for him.

I have found this kit below that looks about as well made as I can find with no plastic handles and a nice wooden presentation box. We could even get a happybirthday message burnt into the lid of the box.

Bit set iFixit EU145260 Slot, Pozidriv, Phillips from Conrad Electronic UK

Oppinions please or recommendations for something else that might be better.

[Miss Mousetrousers]

My husband shoots antique muzzle-loading rifles and often needs rather small screwdrivers or the like. A number of years ago I bought him a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers made of steel and he finds them really useful. Given that PCs and electrics often use tiny screws it may be an idea.

[The Griff]

My husband shoots antique muzzle-loading rifles and often needs rather small screwdrivers or the like. A number of years ago I bought him a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers made of steel and he finds them really useful. Given that PCs and electrics often use tiny screws it may be an idea.

Funny enough, I am a watchmaker, that's what I do for a living. From my little experience of computers I have noticed that there seems to be lots of different types of shaped screwdrivers, nuts, bolts, funny Allen keys, etc.
A watchmakers set of screwdrivers only covers standard type screw heads and although probably ok for trigger mechanisms on old rifles and shotguns which are nearly all standard slot head screws, I was thinking that a set with many different head types may be better for computers.

[Baldy]

You're probably right with respect to non-standard screws - and the set you linked to does look like a nice present.
Having said that I'd be tempted to go for one of the more industrial looking ones on that site and then spend the rest on a soldering iron / soldering station / clamp.
Perhaps not so nice as a present though...

[Potstubsdustbins]

Looks pretty good to me, the only question I would have is do they need to be insulated, I don't know just asking the question.

Another place to look for top quality is Snap-On not cheap but guarantied for life.

[JanieB]

I had to build computers as a part of my degree. I would add an anti static wrist strap, tweezers and a magnetic bowl for keeping bits and screws in. Other than that it looks pretty good.

[Bigmallly]

Nice looking pressie, do you want to save a tenner?

iFixit Universal Bit Kit 128 Bits Bit Set Security | eBay

[Potstubsdustbins]

Nice find BM direct from the manufacturer.

[Kirk]

Sorry to ask this but does he want anything to do with a computer?
It is just about the one degree where people complete it and then never want anything to do with them.
Many years ago I knew a careers officer at what was then one of the polytech's, I can always recall him saying he had a bit of a problem - every one of the people completing their computer science degree (28 I think) had all said they had no interest in working in the computer field or with them.

A friends son 3 years ago completed theirs and then said the same. They have managed to get a foot in the hospitality and hotel management area.

[The Griff]

Sorry to ask this but does he want anything to do with a computer?
It is just about the one degree where people complete it and then never want anything to do with them.
Many years ago I knew a careers officer at what was then one of the polytech's, I can always recall him saying he had a bit of a problem - every one of the people completing their computer science degree (28 I think) had all said they had no interest in working in the computer field or with them.

A friends son 3 years ago completed theirs and then said the same. They have managed to get a foot in the hospitality and hotel management area.

He is due to finish his degree end of this month and has a job lined up to start in July as a junior developer, developing/writing software/code for a company. He has been very lucky, (although he has worked hard for it) and got the job he wanted, it was his first interview ever and he was successful.

[Miss Mousetrousers]

To be successful at his first interview he must be very clever and diligent in all aspects in order to impress them that much. He deserves a good present!