Skip to main content

Everything you need to repair your iPhone yourself! From the newest iPhone 15 lineup, all the way back to the original iPhone 2G released in 2007, iFixit has free repair guides and disassembly information for every single iPhone, as well as the best replacement parts, tools, and tips in the galaxy.

36467 Questions View all

Best tools and equipment for repairs?

Hello, I've recently started to repair phones as a hobby and was wondering what everyone recommends for tools and equipment? I know the basic stuff, and have the ProTech Kit but I see people using Programmers to transfer True Tune functionality over and AMP meters to help troubleshoot charging issues. Even Laser Machines that remove the rear glass from iPhones. My question is more directed towards that kind of stuff. I understand that the laser machines costs around $2000, Is there a cheaper one? Is iCopy the best programmer, and should i go with a specifc AMP Reader? What else should i get? I want to start buying and fixing/flipping smartphones.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 0
Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

hand tools - screwdrivers (pentalobe, trilobe, 0000 philips at a minimum) a pro tool kit with multiple drivers is good, picks and spudgers and suctions cups as a bare minumum. dental tools - picks, scrapers, spatulas, etc are really great but not required. also highly recommended is a USB volt/amp meter.


organizing stuff - i use 1.5oz stainless steel sauce cups to drop parts and their corresponding screws in while i'm working on a phone. if it need to store pieces or put some work aside, i transfer them to 2"x2" zip top baggies. and 4"x6" pink, anti-static zip top baggies for housing and screens (the smaller baggies fit right inside). magnetic work mats are fine, but all it takes is one sweep of the hand or a something and all that organization is for naught.

i have a push-top dispenser (like you'd find in a doctor's office or nail salon) filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and a supply of lint free wipes (the kind that manicure salons use is great and readily available on amazon). i also have a supply of 1ml to 3ml syringes with needles (available at any pharmacy or amazon) to precisely apply the IPA where needed.

something to heat up the phone as required. hair dryer, a heat gun (i bought a paint stripping heat gun 30 years ago for shrinkwrapping), a heating table or a microwavable heating pad. all depends on how much you need to use it and how much you want to spend. more cost means more features and more heat precision.

also depends on what level of repairs you want to do. i just stick with parts swapping. if you want to do glass work, there are very specialized tools (glass presses, glass removers, laser tables, etc.). the good news is that glass replacement is a high demand and very profitable service. the bad news is the initial cost of equipment is high and the skill level required is mid-range.

if you want to get into component repair, then you're looking at hot air stations, microsoldering equipment and magnification scopes. for the equipment cost and skill level is very high. unless you're looking to open a shop and do this full time, this may not be worth the investment - equipment or training.

figure out what kind of repairs you want to do and what your volume is. based your tools on needs and budget.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1
Add a comment
Most Helpful Answer

easy answer is don't start with top end equipment, everyone will say start high end and you won't have to change. if you can use cheap equipment to do repairs high end stuff will make it easier. don't go buying a laser or jbc iron etc. figure out what actual repairs you are able to offer first

Was this answer helpful?

Score 2
Add a comment

Add your answer

Travis Cunningham will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 3

All Time: 46