*And it's not a pretty job.
(...)
The majority of machines I work on were built using off the shelf components back in the day anyway, so a standard
allotment of screwdrivers is all I need most of the time. Security Torx and hex socket screws are about as exotic as it gets in terms of tools. I also keep an IC extractor and a keycap puller on hand for dismantling socketed circuit boards and certain keyboards. And of course, a nice sturdy hammer or rubber mallet is always useful for coaxing bent metal computer cases back into shape! Hooray for percussive maintenance.
My cleaning and lubrication supplies are a bit more unique I suppose. Internally, old computers are constantly deteriorating—blown capacitors, leaky CMOS batteries, dried oils and pastes, rust on various metals. Not to mention caked-on dust and grime, spider nests, rodents using motherboards as a toilet, and who knows what else results from being stored in a dark place for decades. So I keep a steady supply of white vinegar, vinegar+distilled water mix, glass cleaner, magic erasers, cotton swabs, 2000 grit sandpaper, goo remover, and high-proof alcohol for cleaning. DeoxIT is also highly useful for addressing card edge connectors, ports, and sockets that have gotten dirty and oxidized.
White lithium grease and lubricating oil is great for restoring dry floppy disk drive rails, gears, and cranky hard drive stepper motors. I use a reverse flow vacuum to blow out piles of dust outside. Oh, and anti-static brushes and microfiber cleaning cloths, can’t have enough of those....
