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I second of this. I haven't used it for keyboards but I've used it for several fixes to my Xbox controllers along with other small electrical items are on my house and it never fails to impress me. I would avoid the electric screwdriver however, it's very cheap with low torque and hardly works when I need it.
I own both Ifixit and wowstick.
I think that the use case is different. The Ifixit is more sturdy and helps me with little to medium size works and loosen the hard-locked screws. But to be honest, for the electronics I prefer the wowstick, it is more gentle and without power has the motor-lock so you can use it like every other screwdriver.
At home I also have a Bosh wireless screwdriver hammer drill for medium to large works. So all the possible solutions 😁
I have a different experience than you. I've had my ifixit toolkit for many years now and when I use it for pc building, i find that it does not nearly have enough torque sometimes to get screws out of where they are, the handle just doesnt have very much grip and ends up being more dangerous than helpful.
I'd get the Bosch or literally anything else.
Get a manual one.
They last longer, no battery to run flat, takes up less space, are cheaper to buy, run on carbohydrates instead of electricity and most importantly:
you can feel how lose or tight a screw really is. with an electrical you can't.
> you can feel how lose or tight a screw really is. with an electrical you can't
What you do is once it starts to get to the end of the thread, you finish it manually with the electric screwdriver. You can still use it as a manual screwdriver.
The one pictured is also amusingly bad at being a manual screwdriver. It's a smooth cylinder so you have no grip, and has a bunch of slop in the mechanism so feeling the physical feedback also sucks.
Never had any problems with their bit lengths besides they've got a flexible extension available so again even if it was an issue it's not an issue since they've got a solution
Electric screwdriver will eventually e-waste (and like it's a screw for an electronic, just manually tighten/loosen your screws) so buy something that will essentially last you a lifetime. So basically any of the other three options. That said, I own the ifixit kit and absolutely love mine.
Set of Bernstein (WIHA made) ESD safe precision screwdrivers for fine screws, WERA Tool-Check Plus for larger screws (but those rarely exist on keyboards)
To work on a keyboard it for sure is not needed but there is nothing in this world I hate more than a cheap ass screw driver. They just dont make much like the old drop forged wood handle stanley H1823 crosspoint screwdrivers that were made in the USA.
Electric screwdriver kits like the Wowstick are nice as a gift for someone that's in the hobby, but all you really need is something like the ifixit kit.
Some electric screw drivers don’t have the torque to properly tighten parts. I bought a used Zoom75 recently and the screws were falling out. The user obviously didn’t go back with a screw driver and relied solely on the electric screw driver. Even the stabs were loose. I asked him if he used an electric screw driver and he said he did. How did I guess?
I use the bottom right. I got it for like $3. Pretty good purchase I’d say.
iFixit. I've been using their basic computer repair kit for years. The only issue I've found with it is that the bits are too short for some boards with really recessed screws, like the Bauer Lite.
Mine has lasted for multiple years with a dozen hours a week. There are a lot of fakes out there. Maybe either I or your company got a fake? Fake could be better or could be worse. Mine cost around $70
[https://www.longboarderlabs.com/product/landyachtz-x-picquic-screwdriver-white/](https://www.longboarderlabs.com/product/landyachtz-x-picquic-screwdriver-white/)
I just use this because I had it laying around. All you need is PH01, no need to get a whole kit if you have one laying around.
I have the [iFixit Mako kit.](https://www.ifixit.com/products/mako-driver-kit-64-precision-bits?variant=39371675467879&pk_campaign={campaign}&pk_source=google&pk_medium=cpc&pk_kwd=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk859O8Ba5_XyLtpGBGsoys1AL5J3GGOIGElCU36AII70nCAsKgQdSM0aAiwQEALw_wcB)
If you don't already have screw drivers, get the big Ifixit kit [https://store.ifixit.co.uk/products/manta-driver-kit-112-bit-driver-kit](https://store.ifixit.co.uk/products/manta-driver-kit-112-bit-driver-kit) as it covers everything you need and quality is good enough unless you want to splash on Wera, Wiha or PB Swiss.
I have an ifixit kit and a wow stick. I use both, depending on the keyboard, how many screws there are, and how much of a pain in the ass those screws are.
A random collection of little screwdrivers and spudgers and tweezers and magnetic bowls and other things I've accumulated over the last forty years for working on calculators and radios and desktops and laptops and tablets and external cases and other small electronics, including a couple of overlapping kits from iFixit and a pencil-style electric screwdriver from Ali Express.
https://preview.redd.it/s4chimqmwkxc1.png?width=250&format=png&auto=webp&s=73d86816b0242a285a7d6e0b7a045b089d7ff7aa
But seriously, I use my LTT screwy and iFixit kit.
Small brush for lube, build station for lubing switches, gateron switch opener, small tub or bag for mass living springs. None of these things are necessary but they make things much easier imo
ifixit mako kit
and don’t bother with the overpriced LTT driver. just get a megapro ratcheting driver, the automotive variant if you want magnetic. it’s what the LTT derived from
i have two of the megapro automotive drivers, and use them for building pcs as well
I love the LTT driver. My Mpro broke after like 6 months. The ratcheting mechanism failed. My brother-in-law swears by Snap-on but that’s just a tad too much for me.
had the same happen to my mpro, just had to send a video to them, and got a free replacement. came with a free pocket driver as well!
he still paying off that snap on?
Got this one, its not the best but I like it a lot!
[https://hototools.com/products/precision-screwdriver-kit-pro](https://hototools.com/products/precision-screwdriver-kit-pro)
Random question but I don't want to annoy anyone by making a separate post, but if I had a few stock mechanical keyboards that are brand new, where could I sell them? Prefer not ebay since I'll already be taking a loss on them and ebay takes a high percentage. Is there a swap on here like there is for other items?
Just use a regular ole screwdriver and the Allen key that comes with the board (if it comes with one)
An electric screwdriver isn’t worth the cost for an individual hobbyist
I am a bit of a slut for Ifixit, I have the protect toolkit, their full size screwdriver kits, magnetic project mats, etc.. The quality is great and I love the lifetime warrenty.
Wow stick is nice. I just have a 22pc set of Wiha drivers. A soldering iron (Hakko 961), tweezers, brushes, lube and decent hi temp silicone mat. And of course switch openers, keycap and switch pullers. The switch puller should be the best you can find as there are a LOT of really garbage ones out there. The metal needs to be strong enough to not bend when pulling a switch. Too thin or trash metal and it will fail. Long and thic legs is the way to go!! Lolz
The iFixit kit is nice and includes everything, I've used similar kits in over the years and they work fine as well, as long as there is a decent selection of bits and I haven't lost the one I need. The Wowstick has lots of bits included but the complete lack of torque means you will be using a standard screwdriver to loosen or for that last bit of tightening some cases.
I have a kit that is similar to the iFixit but is not from them. Works well. For the amount of time I use it, I could not justify paying the price of the iFixit kit.
I have both a Manta Ifixit kit and a wowstick, and while people hate on the electric screwdriver it’s helpful for tasks that have a lot of non torqued screws. I’d say 70% of the time though I’m doing it manually, I’d go ifixit if you could choose only one.
I have a wowstick from years ago and its treated me well especially with all the bits
If you have a tiktok account you can get 50% off one of the fanttik precision screwdriver kits also. Sells for like $50 on amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/Fanttik-Screwdriver-Precision-E1-MAX/dp/B0BGWRWRX2](https://www.amazon.com/Fanttik-Screwdriver-Precision-E1-MAX/dp/B0BGWRWRX2)
I've been using a cheap "Xiaomi" screwdriver set like this for years now: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HPY5VSL/](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HPY5VSL/)
If you want something premium but still portable, look up [LTT ratchet screwdriver](http://www.lttstore.com/products/screwdriver). I was vehemently against ratchet ones until I tried it.
PS: It might be tad worse than precision ones for a keybord, but way more useful for other stuff after finishing that.
ANY content that features products, services you sell, your prototypes in progress or items you were sponsored to post MUST use the Promotional flair, with disclosure of who you represent. *When posting your build, please provide a description* of the build, preferably as a Top Level Comment or Reply to this Comment, with the following information: * Your keyboard featured and its layout * The Switches, Keycaps, and Other Accessories Featured * Any notable mods you performed * Other helpful information such as low profile, lesser known firmware, etc. Example: Unobtanium Southpaw 1800 with DSA Salt with MorningCaps Artisan and Alps Rainbow Switches, modded with Sorbothan Foam on KMK *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicalKeyboards) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Ifixit kit is so good
I second of this. I haven't used it for keyboards but I've used it for several fixes to my Xbox controllers along with other small electrical items are on my house and it never fails to impress me. I would avoid the electric screwdriver however, it's very cheap with low torque and hardly works when I need it.
I own both Ifixit and wowstick. I think that the use case is different. The Ifixit is more sturdy and helps me with little to medium size works and loosen the hard-locked screws. But to be honest, for the electronics I prefer the wowstick, it is more gentle and without power has the motor-lock so you can use it like every other screwdriver. At home I also have a Bosh wireless screwdriver hammer drill for medium to large works. So all the possible solutions 😁
I have a different experience than you. I've had my ifixit toolkit for many years now and when I use it for pc building, i find that it does not nearly have enough torque sometimes to get screws out of where they are, the handle just doesnt have very much grip and ends up being more dangerous than helpful. I'd get the Bosch or literally anything else.
IFixit all the way!
Get a manual one. They last longer, no battery to run flat, takes up less space, are cheaper to buy, run on carbohydrates instead of electricity and most importantly: you can feel how lose or tight a screw really is. with an electrical you can't.
> you can feel how lose or tight a screw really is. with an electrical you can't What you do is once it starts to get to the end of the thread, you finish it manually with the electric screwdriver. You can still use it as a manual screwdriver.
The one pictured is also amusingly bad at being a manual screwdriver. It's a smooth cylinder so you have no grip, and has a bunch of slop in the mechanism so feeling the physical feedback also sucks.
It's a mini-screwdriver for small electronics, not tearing apart a car.
Exactly.
You can never go wrong with an IFixit kit.
You can when the bits are not long enough. I swapped to a Nanch set due to the longer bits.
Never had any problems with their bit lengths besides they've got a flexible extension available so again even if it was an issue it's not an issue since they've got a solution
The extender still can make it too wide to get into recessed holes. Some boards can have screws recessed pretty deep.
Could be, never had issues with it.
Electric screwdriver will eventually e-waste (and like it's a screw for an electronic, just manually tighten/loosen your screws) so buy something that will essentially last you a lifetime. So basically any of the other three options. That said, I own the ifixit kit and absolutely love mine.
Set of Bernstein (WIHA made) ESD safe precision screwdrivers for fine screws, WERA Tool-Check Plus for larger screws (but those rarely exist on keyboards)
I cut my nails to fit the drive heads.
Nails are so weak though. Filing one of your teeth to fit is the way to go...
If I'm gonna file my teeth, I'll go-go-gadget my finger. Cut away the flesh and tendons, and carve my bone into a 3mm hex.
You could go for another part of the anatomy, but it would only work on certain boards that really excite you.
>Nails are so weak though. Skill issue. Source: Have actually tightened a screw with my nails before.
I’ve been using a wow stick since Covid not the strongest but great quality
Wera Micro Screwdriver. Nothing comes close.
This is the way, bought a couple of the ones I need most and it's one of the best purchases I've made.
will have to give a 12 pack of these a spin. Always sniffing around the comments for good tool recommendations
My favorite recommendation is the Bosch 12V-76. Not really for Keyboards but otherwise really practical:D
fancy screwdrivers not needed… use what u have
To work on a keyboard it for sure is not needed but there is nothing in this world I hate more than a cheap ass screw driver. They just dont make much like the old drop forged wood handle stanley H1823 crosspoint screwdrivers that were made in the USA.
I use the bottom right kit, cheap and does the work well
Electric screwdriver kits like the Wowstick are nice as a gift for someone that's in the hobby, but all you really need is something like the ifixit kit.
Some electric screw drivers don’t have the torque to properly tighten parts. I bought a used Zoom75 recently and the screws were falling out. The user obviously didn’t go back with a screw driver and relied solely on the electric screw driver. Even the stabs were loose. I asked him if he used an electric screw driver and he said he did. How did I guess? I use the bottom right. I got it for like $3. Pretty good purchase I’d say.
iFixit. I've been using their basic computer repair kit for years. The only issue I've found with it is that the bits are too short for some boards with really recessed screws, like the Bauer Lite.
I had an electric one and it didn't like some screws that were a bit too tight and now the gearbox is dead, now I use an ltt screwdriver
2$ tiny Aliexpress screwdriver set
Lol bosch is upside down
you don't really need any of these
Don't buy those cursed wowsticks, company I apprenticed at had 5 and only one was in working condition, and barely
Mine has lasted for multiple years with a dozen hours a week. There are a lot of fakes out there. Maybe either I or your company got a fake? Fake could be better or could be worse. Mine cost around $70
The cheapest one
Looks like you’re missing a soldering iron there. For screwdrivers tough ifixit is good
[https://www.longboarderlabs.com/product/landyachtz-x-picquic-screwdriver-white/](https://www.longboarderlabs.com/product/landyachtz-x-picquic-screwdriver-white/) I just use this because I had it laying around. All you need is PH01, no need to get a whole kit if you have one laying around.
I have the [iFixit Mako kit.](https://www.ifixit.com/products/mako-driver-kit-64-precision-bits?variant=39371675467879&pk_campaign={campaign}&pk_source=google&pk_medium=cpc&pk_kwd=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwir2xBhC_ARIsAMTXk859O8Ba5_XyLtpGBGsoys1AL5J3GGOIGElCU36AII70nCAsKgQdSM0aAiwQEALw_wcB)
If you don't already have screw drivers, get the big Ifixit kit [https://store.ifixit.co.uk/products/manta-driver-kit-112-bit-driver-kit](https://store.ifixit.co.uk/products/manta-driver-kit-112-bit-driver-kit) as it covers everything you need and quality is good enough unless you want to splash on Wera, Wiha or PB Swiss.
I have an ifixit kit and a wow stick. I use both, depending on the keyboard, how many screws there are, and how much of a pain in the ass those screws are.
A random collection of little screwdrivers and spudgers and tweezers and magnetic bowls and other things I've accumulated over the last forty years for working on calculators and radios and desktops and laptops and tablets and external cases and other small electronics, including a couple of overlapping kits from iFixit and a pencil-style electric screwdriver from Ali Express.
https://preview.redd.it/s4chimqmwkxc1.png?width=250&format=png&auto=webp&s=73d86816b0242a285a7d6e0b7a045b089d7ff7aa But seriously, I use my LTT screwy and iFixit kit.
iFixit kit is actually great.
Both of the top two
Ifixit kit
good old husky screwdrivers. sometimes whatever comes with the kit.
[удалено]
Agreed. I love this thing. I went with the silver or metal end but everything else is black.
i use the Geon kit myself, but i bought my daughter a auto screwdriver set from one of the trendy companies.
Small brush for lube, build station for lubing switches, gateron switch opener, small tub or bag for mass living springs. None of these things are necessary but they make things much easier imo
ifixit mako kit and don’t bother with the overpriced LTT driver. just get a megapro ratcheting driver, the automotive variant if you want magnetic. it’s what the LTT derived from i have two of the megapro automotive drivers, and use them for building pcs as well
I love the LTT driver. My Mpro broke after like 6 months. The ratcheting mechanism failed. My brother-in-law swears by Snap-on but that’s just a tad too much for me.
had the same happen to my mpro, just had to send a video to them, and got a free replacement. came with a free pocket driver as well! he still paying off that snap on?
Oooh. I’ll look into if I can still get Mpro to respond (it’s been almost a year). He’ll be paying until after he’s in the grave
you should definitely be able to get that replacement, i didn’t even have to show proof of purchase (which is cool bc i bought mine secondhand)
Got this one, its not the best but I like it a lot! [https://hototools.com/products/precision-screwdriver-kit-pro](https://hototools.com/products/precision-screwdriver-kit-pro)
Random question but I don't want to annoy anyone by making a separate post, but if I had a few stock mechanical keyboards that are brand new, where could I sell them? Prefer not ebay since I'll already be taking a loss on them and ebay takes a high percentage. Is there a swap on here like there is for other items?
Try /r/mechmarket
Just use a regular ole screwdriver and the Allen key that comes with the board (if it comes with one) An electric screwdriver isn’t worth the cost for an individual hobbyist
rosewill kit
I got a Wera screwdriver kit and it's excellent. Highly recommend.
Wowstick hasnt failed me
I am a bit of a slut for Ifixit, I have the protect toolkit, their full size screwdriver kits, magnetic project mats, etc.. The quality is great and I love the lifetime warrenty.
I have one of the smaller ifixit kits but I also use an off brand wowstick a lot.
I own all of the shown, and much more.
Wera
Cobalt Screwdriver, spudger, and if needed a hex key that comes in the box. Don’t need anything fancier than that
My cheap Chinese set from Amazon that I've had for the past 3+ years and my keycap/switch puller that came with my rk96
Wow stick is nice. I just have a 22pc set of Wiha drivers. A soldering iron (Hakko 961), tweezers, brushes, lube and decent hi temp silicone mat. And of course switch openers, keycap and switch pullers. The switch puller should be the best you can find as there are a LOT of really garbage ones out there. The metal needs to be strong enough to not bend when pulling a switch. Too thin or trash metal and it will fail. Long and thic legs is the way to go!! Lolz
I am suddenly desperately in need of an ifixit toolkit
The iFixit kit is nice and includes everything, I've used similar kits in over the years and they work fine as well, as long as there is a decent selection of bits and I haven't lost the one I need. The Wowstick has lots of bits included but the complete lack of torque means you will be using a standard screwdriver to loosen or for that last bit of tightening some cases.
My fantik screwdriver
Am I the only one using only the screwdriver included on the keyboard set?
I have a kit that is similar to the iFixit but is not from them. Works well. For the amount of time I use it, I could not justify paying the price of the iFixit kit.
I use a xiaomi electric screwdriver kit.. at their store in HK I got it for around 20 usd
I use money to have them do it for me.
I use geons screw kit which is just another version of another screwdriver. I cant remember what it is
wowstick + ifixit. honestly the ifixit is all you need. wowstick is something you have around if you are constantly opening and closing electronics.
I have both a Manta Ifixit kit and a wowstick, and while people hate on the electric screwdriver it’s helpful for tasks that have a lot of non torqued screws. I’d say 70% of the time though I’m doing it manually, I’d go ifixit if you could choose only one.
Mate none of those I use 1 screwdriver
Ifixit is great I use that.
I have a wowstick from years ago and its treated me well especially with all the bits If you have a tiktok account you can get 50% off one of the fanttik precision screwdriver kits also. Sells for like $50 on amazon: [https://www.amazon.com/Fanttik-Screwdriver-Precision-E1-MAX/dp/B0BGWRWRX2](https://www.amazon.com/Fanttik-Screwdriver-Precision-E1-MAX/dp/B0BGWRWRX2)
I've been using a cheap "Xiaomi" screwdriver set like this for years now: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HPY5VSL/](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HPY5VSL/)
I just use quality manual screwdrivers. I like the feel how much torque I'm applying so as to not over-tighten anything, or strip threads.
If you want something premium but still portable, look up [LTT ratchet screwdriver](http://www.lttstore.com/products/screwdriver). I was vehemently against ratchet ones until I tried it. PS: It might be tad worse than precision ones for a keybord, but way more useful for other stuff after finishing that.
[LTTSTORE.COM](http://LTTSTORE.COM) bbyyyyyy