Necessary Items to run an IT Business (Repair Kits, Docks, etc.)

[Mastermmm]

I am looking for ideas of what items one may need in order to fulfill a multitude of tasks (troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, scans, etc.) in regards to IT. I have made a few suggestions myself to give you an idea of what I am looking for. If anyone can advise on which specific items (e.g. Dell Docking Station), that would be much appreciated. Price is a factor but not if it greatly affects the quality of craftsmanship. This is my brief and generalized list so far:

- PC, Phone, etc. Toolkit (Something that covers a vast amount of devices, has great build quality, etc.)
- Sticky/Magnetic Repair Mat (To hold small screws and other items in place while completing a repair)
- Universal PC/Mac Docking Station (Several USB Ports, HDMI Ports, Display Port, SD Card Slot, etc.)
- Dual or Multi HDD Docking Station (Preferably for both 2.5" and 3.5" HDD's, and SSD's if offered)

Any suggestions would help!

 

[corroded]

Hirens (Mini XP) Boot USB
Gandalfs (Windows 10) Boot USB
Apple Boot USB

Icy Dock https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817198048

EaseUS ToDo Backup
EaseUS Partition Master

Free Downloads:
Ccleaner
Avast Free
ADW Cleaner

Extra 128GB USB drive

Apple Mac mini and a Windows laptop


I know I'm forgetting a bunch... that is some of what I use weekly, if not daily

 

[corroded]

OBTW, I have 2 of the smaller disk port devices that you see in the NewEgg link, one for in Office and I carry the other.
this one: http://www.icydock.com/goods_cat.php?id=106

 

[Mastermmm]

Thanks! Forgive me but what is the point of using the Bootable USB's?

 

[corroded]

to check if the system is bootable... Older for pre-UEFI and and Gandalf's for UEFI, Apple for Apple...

Use mine often, the Windows ones also have disk utilities on them to do HDD test and recovery, Apple has the Standard Apple Disk Utilities on it.

 

[Mastermmm]

to check if the system is bootable... Older for pre-UEFI and and Gandalf's for UEFI, Apple for Apple...

Use mine often, the Windows ones also have disk utilities on them to do HDD test and recovery, Apple has the Standard Apple Disk Utilities on it.

I'm still not sure I understand. Wouldn't you just use BIOS to do a safe boot, and if it doesn't work, then you take the HDD or SSD out and deal with it another way?

 

[corroded]

You can... Sometimes the system can be fixed this way and save some trouble. You look like a hero too.

I'm updating my Gandalf USB to the newer version as we type.

 

[Mastermmm]

OBTW, I have 2 of the smaller disk port devices that you see in the NewEgg link, one for in Office and I carry the other.
this one: http://www.icydock.com/goods_cat.php?id=106

That's cool. I was just looking into one dual bay HDD/SSD Docking station, but that's a smart idea.

 

[Mastermmm]

You can... Sometimes the system can be fixed this way and save some trouble. You look like a hero too.

I'm updating my Gandalf USB to the newer version as we type.

Awesome. I'm definitely going to look more into these. Haven't really experienced with them much.