Essential Tools and Expert Tips for Mobile Phone Repair

If your phone breaks, you may consider fixing it yourself. But do you know the required tools? Here are the must-haves and a few tips to repair your devices.

Should I Repair a Broken Phone Myself?

It varies. If you possess the necessary expertise or are willing to meticulously follow repair guides, self-service repairs can save you money and even be enjoyable. In numerous regions, individuals are advocating for legislation to safeguard the "right-to-repair," underscoring its advantages.

Nonetheless, there are also risks involved. On occasion, attempting to avoid repair shop expenses may result in additional issues requiring fixing. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to determine whether to repair your phone independently or hire someone for the job.

Tools You Will Need

To begin, it is crucial to take into account the necessary tools. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to fix a phone on your own without them. Fortunately, these tools are readily available at hardware stores and even online marketplaces.

A Good Screwdriver Kit

Marcus Mears III

All electronics are equipped with small screws that secure various components. As a result, it is essential to have a reliable set of screwdrivers on your workbench. It is important to note that different devices require specific screwdrivers, such as the uncommon "Pentalobe" screws used by Apple.

Luckily, repair kits typically include several screwdrivers. To determine the ones necessary for your repair, consult reliable sources like iFixit. Ensure that you purchase a kit that contains the required screwdrivers. Using an incorrect screwdriver runs the risk of damaging the screws, resulting in stripped heads that cannot be easily unscrewed.

Heating Bag or Hair Dryer

Glue is just as prevalent within phones as screws, serving the purpose of securing screens, batteries, and even the rear panels of numerous devices. The application of a heating tool is frequently necessary to soften the adhesive, ensuring the prevention of any potential glass breakage during the process.

Repair shops frequently possess heat guns equipped with precise temperature control. However, for occasional repairs at home, a hair dryer suffices. Alternatively, a microwaveable heat bag can also be utilized. It is crucial to note that under no circumstances should one place their phone in the microwave.

Prying and Opening Tools

Hannah Stryker

After removing the screws and softening the glue, you still need to pry the phone open. There are tools for that as well.

If your phone needs to be opened by lifting up the display, a pair of suction cup pliers can come in handy. You can opt for manual ones, usually included in repair kits, but they may require more physical strength.

Guitar picks are also useful additions. In fact, there are spudgers available in repair kits that resemble guitar picks. When replacing the battery or screen, you often need to keep a larger portion of the phone separated, which can also be achieved using old credit cards or playing cards.

Precision Tools or Tweezers

Marcus Mears III

To enhance your essential toolkit, tweezers come in handy for handling delicate components. Mobile phones contain minuscule connectors for various parts such as cameras, screens, and batteries. The attached flat cables are extremely fragile and can easily break if not handled with the appropriate tools.

Moreover, tweezers can assist in maneuvering objects. Whether it's a tiny screw, a vibration motor, or a speaker, you wouldn't want to jeopardize losing a component just because it slipped out of your grasp. They prove particularly useful for picking up camera modules while avoiding any smudges on the lenses.

Tools That Will Make Life Easier

To ensure a hassle-free self-service repair, it is essential to have the tools mentioned above. Nevertheless, there are additional tools that can greatly simplify the process of fixing your phone at home. While these tools are not mandatory, they can help you avoid some unnecessary difficulties.

Anti-Static Wrist Strap

Static is a significant threat to electronics, making it crucial to take preventive measures. Before commencing any repairs, it is essential to discharge the static by tapping a metal object that is grounded. This should be repeated periodically throughout the repair process. For frequent repair tasks at home, using an anti-static wrist strap is a more convenient option. Making this choice demonstrates your commitment to ensuring the safety of your electronics in the long term.

Desk Lamp or Headlight

To carry out any repair effectively, it is essential to have a well-lit environment. If you require concentrated illumination, it would be wise to invest in either a desk lamp or a headlight. Both options provide improved flexibility in terms of focus and positioning, without the inconvenience of having to hold a regular flashlight. While desk lamps and headlights are particularly helpful for handling larger devices such as tablets or laptops, they also prove beneficial for phone repairs.

Magnifying Glass

For a comprehensive analysis, it is beneficial to have a magnifying glass when dealing with smartphones due to the numerous intricate components. Although not obligatory, incorporating a magnifying glass can prove to be advantageous. Several options are available, including desk-mounted models equipped with built-in lights as well as wearable glasses with varying levels of magnification.

Tips for Fixing Mobile Phones at Home

When it comes to larger screws, such as those commonly found in furniture, there are homemade solutions available to remove them if they become stripped. However, the same cannot be said for smartphone screws. These screws are incredibly small, making it impossible to employ such homemade methods if they become stripped. In such cases, the only option left is to carefully drill through the stripped screw. Nonetheless, this approach comes with its own risks. If the drill goes too deep or loses stability, it may inflict damage upon other components. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that you possess the appropriate screwdriver and refrain from exerting excessive force.

Josh Hendrickson / Review Geek

Caution is also necessary when it comes to heating. While professional heat guns are carefully calibrated for temperature, using hair dryers without discretion can pose a danger. This is particularly true for devices containing batteries, as they are often equipped with highly flammable chemicals that can be compromised by excessive heat. Additionally, the heat generated may cause damage to other components. For example, controller chips are connected to the motherboard through metal pins that can be weakened and malfunction due to heat.

The use of pull-tapes is common in batteries and now also seen in screen applications. It is important to remove the pull tape before attempting to detach these panels to avoid damaging the display.

To prevent the loss of small parts and screws, it is advisable to avoid placing them on a flat surface. Due to their size, it can be difficult to locate them if they accidentally fall on the floor. A helpful suggestion is to utilize an empty ice tray as a means to keep small parts and various screws organized.

Always prioritize finding replacement parts that are of good quality. It is not necessary for volume buttons or back panels to be from certified vendors. However, if you are replacing your phone's screen, cheaper displays may affect the picture quality, but the decision is ultimately up to you.

In contrast, it is crucial to avoid batteries and chargers of questionable quality as they pose a significant risk. These products may potentially catch fire or explode, and even if they don't, they will likely have a negative impact on your phone's battery life.

Where to Buy (Reliable) Phone Replacement Parts?

Firstly, always check if your device's manufacturer has a self-service repair program. If it does, it's undoubtedly the recommended way to get replacement parts.

iFixit is widely recognized as the leading and reputable seller of third-party parts. With a 20-year track record, they specialize in selling tool kits and producing repair manuals, including their popular flagship phone disassembly videos.

Another valuable source of information is the subreddit r/MobileRepair on Reddit. This community comprises both enthusiasts and professionals who have amassed a wealth of knowledge over the years. Impressively, they now maintain a dedicated vendor list that features comprehensive reviews and ratings.

Should I Repair My Water Damaged Phone at Home?

Justin Duino

Water damage, or any form of moisture damage, should be treated with utmost seriousness and should only be addressed by certified professionals. Utilizing home remedies such as submerging the phone in rice is largely ineffective as the moisture tends to penetrate deeply into the phone's intricate circuitry, necessitating the use of specialized products for effective cleaning.

Some manufacturers, like Samsung and Apple, have implemented visual indicators to help determine if your phone has been affected by liquid. These indicators include stickers placed in the card tray, which undergo a color change when exposed to moisture.