Normally, before you start disassembling and modifying your computer tower, you should do some practice. This means that the ideal is to have one or several old computer towers that are no longer useful. If you don’t have one, you can go to a computer store and ask them if they have old computer towers that you no longer want and can give you or sell you at a good price. They probably have some in the warehouse or on a shelf collecting dust and they will give it to you.
Let’s say that now we have our “test subject” to start practicing. Now, we have to think about what we want to do to our computer and extrapolate it to this old tower. If something goes wrong, we will be ruining an old computer tower that no longer had a use, not our new tower that cost us money.
You are probably wondering what tools you will need to get started in this practice. Well, we are going to tell you this below.
Tips before starting modding
We are going to give you some tips that you should take into account before starting to modify your computer. These are:
- Before you begin, remove all components from the tower, including the power supply.
- Work in open areas, avoid doing work at home for safety and health.
- Use protective equipment such as glasses or gloves to avoid damage.
- When tools are not in use, store them properly or disconnect them from the power supply to avoid accidental damage.
- Plan correctly what you want to do, taking measurements and making sketches.
- Use quality materials to obtain the best possible result.
- Do not use power tools or sprays without the presence of an adult (if you are a minor).
- Start with relatively simple things, such as sanding and painting.
As you can see, these are quite simple tips, but ones that many can ignore. And above all, remember this maxim: measure twice and cut once.
Tools necessary to start modding
For this practice you do not need especially expensive or atypical tools. It is quite likely that you have some of these tools or elements at home. If you don’t have them, we will leave you purchase options so you can purchase them.
Screwdrivers
This is basic for any DIY enthusiast, so you will surely have some screwdrivers at home. Beyond the typical flat and Philips (or star) bits, you may need some Torx or even other types of bits. Additionally, you may need a precision one for some parts.
If you don’t have one, we are going to leave you a couple of interesting and quite complete options:
- STANLEY STHT0-62143 (28 euros): This is a set of 57 screwdrivers that includes a set of sockets. We have screwdrivers with the different common tips and different sizes, including precision. We recommend this kit because it is from the STANLEY brand, one of the best in terms of tools.
- iFixit Manta Precision Bit Set (70 euros): Another option is this truly complete 112-bit bit kit from iFixit, a highly prized brand for assembly, maintenance and repairs. We have all types of tips, from the most common to the rarest and most specific. It really is a very good quality set that will last a lifetime.
Court
We will also need different manual cutting tools to cut small elements or modifications at certain points. Also, they will be necessary to cut the tape that we can use to tape the chassis and avoid painting or damaging parts that we do not want to modify. We are going to need a cutter, some scissors and some pliers, and these are the proposals that we leave you:
- WORKPRO Cutter (12 euros): Good quality model with precision blades. It is changed in a simple way and has a simple retractable function, to avoid damaging ourselves when we do not use it. Includes several spare parts.
- STANLEY FATMAX FMHT73756-0 (27 euros): This tool is not essential, but it can be useful for making cuts in aluminum sheet. It may be that some area is not perfect or requires some touch-up that we can do with this tool.
- Bosch Pliers Set (38 euros): Tools that we will need, especially if we want to make wiring modifications. They will be used to cut and strip cables, as well as for other tasks such as bending aluminum elements if necessary.
sander
You probably want to paint the chassis to give it a more personalized touch. You should know that, to obtain an excellent result, it is necessary to sand so that the paint adheres better. Here you have two types of sanders, belt sanders and orbital sanders. Actually, both do the same thing, but for modding the orbital is usually recommended because it is more compact, precise, easy to handle and economical.
We have opted for this BLACK+DECKER BEW230BCA because it is a well-known and very reliable brand. It arrives with a large set of sandpaper and we can find spare parts in a fairly simple way.
Multitool
This is an essential tool if you are going to carry out cutting tasks on aluminum or plastic. They are small hand tools for making precision cuts and also small holes. It also allows sanding and polishing the cut areas with great precision.
We especially liked this fairly complete kit from Dremel that includes a carrying case. It doesn’t include many discs and drill bits, but come on, finding spare parts is extremely easy. Additionally, it is the brand by which people normally refer to this type of power tool.
Spray paint
There is still some controversy here, since professionals usually recommend painting with a spray gun, but of course, it is very expensive. Air paint guns are usually expensive and are not for all users; they require some practice and knowledge. Without a doubt, the simplest and most practical way to get started are the typical spray paint cans that you find anywhere.
We recommend taking bottles of acceptable quality, although any spray from the bazaar will do to get started. What is recommended for this type of case is, once painted and dried, to apply a protective layer that provides shine and luminosity. It looks more beautiful and striking if we apply this additional layer.
Protective elements
Always, when we carry out tasks with power tools or aerosol products, we must follow certain protective measures. Power tools can cause cuts or the projection of foreign objects. If we use the Dremel to cut, a splinter of aluminum could fly into our face and if it falls into our eye, it can cause us a lot of damage. Just like aerosols, which are usually toxic.
For this reason, we are going to leave you a list of fundamental protection elements to operate safely. Now, it is up to you to risk your health and physical integrity.
Gloves
We are going to work with power tools and aluminum, which can cause cuts. It is important to work safely and one of the best brands on the market in protective gloves is Uvex. They are not exactly cheap and they are not indestructible, but they are of enormous quality. These safety gloves are cut resistant and offer very good grip, as well as being very flexible and comfortable.
Safety glasses
Cutting aluminum generates splinters that can jump into our eyes; the disc can even break and jump into our faces. Whenever we are going to use metal cutting tools, we must be well protected. There are many options, but we recommend these sealed 3M safety glasses. The open ones protect very well, but of course, they leave room for a shearing to accidentally jump in our face. It is always recommended that they be closed.
FFP2 mask
Old acquaintances from the COVID-19 pandemic that we are going to need. Above all, we will need them when we use spray paint, even if we are outdoors. It is also advisable to use it during cutting processes, to avoid swallowing and inhaling fumes that can be toxic.
