8 Helpful PC Building Tools

A Phillips-Head screwdriver is the only tool that you absolutely need to build a PC, but if you’re constantly building or upgrading rigs, or simply want to take your builds to the next level, here are eight tools that are really helpful.

Since you’re going to need a Phillips-Head screwdriver, you might as well make it a good one. We recommend a long magnetic solution. A 12-inch magnetic screwdriver will not only help you access tough-to-reach spots, but its magnetic tip will allow you to pick up any loose screws you may have accidentally dropped inside your case (it happens to the best of us).

While magnets can be harmful to computer components, the ones that you typically find in screwdrivers are too weak to do any harm to your PC.

Static electricity can be damaging to computer hardware. One shock can cause components to short. While we always recommend that you touch metal to ground yourself before installing components, using an anti-static mat provides an added layer of safety for your rig.

We recommending something like the ModRight Xtreme Super Large Anti-Static Mod-Mat. Not only is it large enough to fit the biggest of builds and prevents sliding with its non-scratch surface, but it includes a grounding wrist strap, which will prevent you from accidentally shocking your components.

When you’re building a PC, you’re going to be dealing with a lot of screws. Screws tend to have a nasty habit of falling off tables never to be seen again. That’s where something like a magnetic screw tray comes in handy. Even if you find yourself accidentally knocking the tray over, the magnetic tray will likely hold your screws in place.

If you don’t want to spend money on a magnetic tray, you can also use an empty egg carton. The different compartments can come in handy when you’re trying to separate screws of varying sizes.

If you ever find yourself changing out your CPU cooler, you’re going to want to remove the old thermal paste off your processor. ArctiClean makes a good cleaning kit as it includes a bottle of a thermal material remover solution and a second thermal surface purifier. You can dab a bit of this liquid to a paper towel to clean off heat sinks. The stuff also smells like fresh oranges, which is an added bonus.

Alternatively, you can also use isopropyl alcohol. Most drug stores sell 91 percent pure isopropyl alcohol that’s relatively cheap and can get the job done.

If your CPU cooler doesn't come with pre-applied thermal paste or if you wanted to re-attach your old CPU cooler after you’ve swapped out the processor, you'll need to add new thermal paste to your build. While it’s hard to go wrong with thermal paste, one relatively high-performing solution that we like is Arctic Silver 5.

Good cable management is arguably what separates the PC building noob from the pro. One tool, or shall we say tools, that helps with cable management are zip ties and/or velcro straps. You can use them to tie down your loose PC cables to the inside of your case. This will make your builds look much cleaner.

If you’re going to use zip ties to hold down your cables, you’re going to want to make sure you cut excess ends of them off with a pair of shears or wire cutters. Most cheap scissors simply won’t cut it, unfortunately. Otherwise, the loose plastic can obstruct a fan or make it difficult for you to close your case’s side panels.

Yes, we realize this isn’t an article about spelunking, but a headlamp can come in handy when you’re trying to access dim parts of your build (front panel connectors, we’re looking at you). It’s certainly not a necessity, but it’s nice to have light shine wherever you need it while both of your hands are free.