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Ask Slashdot: Server Room Toolbox?
jandersen writes "I am the system manager in charge of a smallish server room (~50 servers, most in racks), and I am going to buy a set of tools; but first I want to hear what other people think would be a good idea. Certainly a range of good quality screwdrivers — slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx. But what else? Tape measure? Spirit level (for aligning the racks)? Any meters or cable testers? A wood lathe? I can probably get away with a budget of a few hundred GBP, but there ought to be some mileage in that."
Certain embedded NICs on laptops and notebooks have a cable diagnostic mode built into them, now... which with the addition of the fact that they are a full system, can perform more than hardware level diagnostics for networks.
USB drives, blank cd/dvds, serial to USB dongle, velco strips, label machine .
You feel much better after you used them.
Bolt cutter(thank God, we have one and don`t even ask about how we used it.), cordless drill, mile of duct tape.
Cable tester like this(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899261015), multimeter tester.
And Laser line level is much better.
All your good tools will be stolen, just buy the cheap stuff so noone wants to takem. Its better to have cheap tools then none at all. (Or you could nuy nice ones and lock them up and then pray you NEVER leave the tools box unlocked)
Don't forget a good hammer for when all else fails.
Toolbox? Yes.
You lose a man point for even asking that.
In fact, you should have it on you at all times when you're working, or at least within easy reach (because they're kinda heavy).
the game
I have one of those screwdriver type handle that accept all sorts of hex bits, like Phillips bits. For less than $20, you can get a ratcheting handle and all sorts of bits for it. The second tool that might come in handy is a big hammer for those stubborn problems. Smashing something with a hammer may not fix it, but it is very satisfying at times.
You listed a lathe on a budget of a few hundred GBP?
Your screwdrivers, tape measure, level, and cable testers will eat up most of your budget just there.
I'm hoping you missed a zero or 2 in there ...
While not only for server rooms, the miniratchet is so small it can allow you to actually skip a few steps when taking something apart and putting it back together. The best tool ever, and I but them for everyone that works for me.
http://www.amazon.com/Wadsworth-Ratchet-Super-Deluxe-Tools/dp/B0000WTWZ2
The dust thrown out by the wood lathe is a good idea for ensuring a constant turnover of hardware in your server room, but I find that dust that is conductive works even better, so I'd recommend an angle grinder over a wood lathe.
Mechanical tools: screwdrivers, wrench kit, pliers, cutters (plier style), cutters (x-acto), hammer, metal file (to round an odd sharp corner), tape measure, heavy-duty duct tape, lots of plastic cable ties. I also needed a drill to install an odd rack shelf, so throw one with some drilling bits if your budget allows. I don't know what cables you use, but tools to fix cabling may come in handy (multimeter, soldering iron and solder, shrinkable tubes, special tool to terminate cables, etc.). If you have fiber optics, get a good push-action connector cleaner.
17779 eligible voters in a district, 17779 'vote' as one. This is Russia.
always prove useful. And some ammo.
A dildo, fleshlight, and a midget. With these, anything is possible.
Actually, with the right flat-head screwdriver, you can still use it on a phillips screw.
In broadcasting engineering, that screwdriver is the Xcelite "Greenie".
Or as we call it, a "beer storage array".
Help stamp out iliturcy.
A boot-able USB floppy drive (to do firmware upgrades). USB boot-able DVD drive just in case. Kill-a-watt or something alike. IR thermometer. LED flashlight.
Don't forget:
- a rubber hammer (for failing hard drives without visible traces)
- a cattle prod (for failing "visitors" without visible traces)
- a sledgehammer (for failing anything if you don't mind visible traces)
- thermite (to get rid of visible traces)
I gave up sigs almost a year ago.
Utility knife for opening boxes and stuff.
A cheapo multimeter. You're working with electronics, having one of these is a requirement even though many people in IT try to get by without them.
Perhaps a soldering iron and solder sucker. Hopefully you'll never need them but weird shit happens.
A set of precision screwdrivers is sometimes needed for taking stuff apart, and can be pushed into extra duty as pin extractors or whatever else.
A dedicated Ethernet tester can be pretty handy too. And get a crimper for these if you don't have one already.
Cause in a real emergency they ALWAYS work. And are fast.
Three Squirrels
A toner that works on live network cables
a cable qualifier
a fluke nettool or equivalent
A set of loopbacks
a set of console cables
a buttset
A cage nut tool
2 sets of screwdrivers, including torx, hex, etc.
telescoping magnet (part retriever)
Box cutter
work gloves
flashlights
ear plugs
a jacket
scissors
pliers
crimpers
a jackrapid if your patch panels are modular
a crashcart
power screwdriver
a cordless drill
a rack lift
velcro spools
a stockpile of cage nuts and (matching) bolts
The first few on that list will break the bank.
Most of the time, all I really need is a screwdriver with bitset, a leatherman wave with bitset, a cagenut tool, a flashlight, and a console cable.
Because sometimes you want to test the wires that are not connected to a server/workstation.
Get a good hand-held time domain reflectometer. I prefer Fluke but I'm sure that others are just as good.
This will not only tell you that the wires are correct, but if they are broken it will tell you how far away they are broken. VERY handy for hunting down problems.
A Hammer, for use as a last resource when a server misbehaves.
And Duct tape.
A few LED torches
A tool for checking power outlets to see if there is any power
Maybe a breakout box
How about a hand held vacuum cleaner?
http://michaelsmith.id.au
They cost a little (if you look around you can find a decent one under $75), but I'd highly recommend a Greenlee like this kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-701K-G-Professional-Probe-Tracing/dp/B0042VII7A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354174642&sr=8-4&keywords=tone+generator
The first time you find yourself needing one it will pay for itself in the labor saved. No matter how anal someone might be with labeling cables, you will always find a need for something like this.
Can't stand crap all over the floor. A bin for all the old cable packaging, blank inserts and general detritus goes a long way to making your server room safer and tidier.
It all depends on how big your server room is, how actively it changes equipment, and a number of other things.
For a few hundred (anything), you're not really looking at much of a tool set. There are some 'bare minimums', and 200-300 will be eaten up in very short order. Here's a list of what I consider to be bare essentials:
* A multi-set of philips, flathead, etc. screwdriver bits. Make that two sets, they're cheap. Pick up an extra multipack of #2 and #3 Philips driver bits for another couple bucks. Forget independent screwdrivers, that's just wasteful, and you'll never find the one you want because it's awkward to keep them all together and sort through them. In all likelihood, you'll need #3 and #2 philips only, as more and more systems come toolless; this would be for rack equipment.
* A manual torque driver is a must (batteries can fail) - don't be that guy who over-tightens everything and it's impossible to get crap out of a rack without shearing screw heads and stripping bits. You can pick up some pretty decent ones for $10-15. I like the ones with the recessed rear caps which have a cylinder full of different bits.
* A good multitool. MUST MUST MUST. SOG are awesome, I love my PowerAssist. I have done emergency recabling jobs with nothing more than a Spartan Swiss Army Knife. Currently, I'm liking my Gerber Balance (and I keep extra bits in my pocket, just in case). This is your tool; it goes in your pocket, and it's your last line of defense against not being able to fix something because someone ran off with the tool you need.
* A good flashlight. I'm not talking about a $120 surefire, a cheap $10 Trustfire from DX or the like will do just fine. It just can't be crap. (Personally, this is something I always keep on my person anyway.)
* cable tie offs, velcro, cat6 jack heads, spare power and ethernet cables,, etc. - you'll want a supply, because you will probably need them.
* RJ punch down tool (to crimp onto your cat6) - the alternative is to buy all pre-cut lengths, and this makes a mess in short order while wasting a fair amount of money.
* A network continuity testing tool, preferably one that'll allow you to test things thoroughly and not just give you a 'good' light.
* A hardware ethernet tap. You can get a good one for $15 or so.
* compact cordless Makita torque/impact driver, preverably the one with the pivoting head. I have spent a lot of time rebuilding etc. racks, and you never know when you'll need
A very nice to have: compact cordless Makita torque/impact driver, preverably the one with the pivoting head. I have spent a lot of time rebuilding etc. racks, and you never know when you'll need it. IMO a 'must have' but only because I've redone entirely too many racks manually.
This list can balloon quickly, depending on how reliant you are on vendors, and how
~/ssh slashdot.org ssh: connect to host slashdot.org port 22: too many beers
Ethernet cable tester
Needle-nose pliers
tweezers
Electric black tape
Duct tape (seriously)
A small rubber mallet (not a hammer as others have suggested, but a mallet is useful)
And most important, a Telescopic Magnetic Pick Up Tool, VERY, VERY useful, at least for me since I keep dropping screws in hard to reach places.
Definitely get a sonic screwdriver. Most shops don't carry them, and the ones that do are always out of stock whenever I ask for one, but I've seen them used before and they can do anything.
Cordless drill before cordless screwdriver. A 14.4v is good compromise in battery life and power and weight, but if you can get a higher voltage Li-ion one, then go for that. You should be able to have enough control with the drill and figure out the clutch to tighten screws enough.
A Leatherman (or Gerber...) is OK, but a well-equiped, decently sized bike tool might actually be better, have more useful tools (even if you never use the chain breaker on it in your sever room), and be more usable. If you go with the bike tool, then carry a separate knife of your choice whether it be a box knife or something else, and if you're going to be cutting cables, then some cable cutters, dikes (diagonal cutters) or a pair of linesman's pliers.
For the curious fasteners, I'd scrounge around for both a "normal" well-equipped hex-bit set, with the screwdriver-based handle to go with it, as well as the "security" set (I got mine at an Ace Hardware store...).
If you're going to be working around live electrical connections, then get a standard and phillips head electrician's screwdrivers.
Now, the next thing to decide is Klein and other good name-brand tools (or even RIGID or Kobalt/Craftsman) vs cheapo or "contractor-grade" tools. If you can really be sure your tools won't be frequently borrowed* from you, then splurge and buy long-lasting tools where it makes sense (standard screwdrivers). If not, you'll figure out what lasts long enough in use vs how long it lasts in your toolbox at work before it's opportunistically "borrowed", or even honestly lost by you.
*borrowed = casually stolen
For light, get a decent LED headlamp (e.g., Petzl).
And, probably a mechanic's claw, too.
That's what I'd get for the non-electronic set of things.
Seriously. Hang a thermometer a foot or two (okay, 30 or 60 centimeters) from the center of the ceiling. Keep an eye on the little guy. Compare it to the thermostat's reading. The "real air" temperature in the room can often be much different than the temperature on the where the thermostat is attached, _especially_ if it's an exterior wall that's being pummeled by sunshine or winds.
I've seen places where the temperature fluctuated so wildly as day and night cycled that it screwed with the equipment, Every time you have a failure document what kind, the thermostat temp and the thermometer temp. If you spot a pattern you might consider calling in the HVAC guys for a recommendation.
Trying not to duplicate stuff above..
- A cordless drill kept charged in the server room can definitely speed up SHTF moments. Keep a good set of miscellaneous screwdriver bits and drill bits with it.
- Vice grips. It never fails that you find a screw, bolt or nut that are too stripped. Get a regular pair and a needle-nose pair. I even have a miniature one that is great for tight spaces.
- For when the above fail, an E-Z-Out bit set or reverse drill set for when you finish breaking the head off the screw/bolt.
- If you deal with serial at all (yes, it still exists in many modern datacenters), you may want to get a BlackBox sniffer setup, a good BOB (break out box), etc.
- You want at minimum a basic RJ-45 UTP tester, preferably a large multi-type cable tester. A big expensive unit like a Fluke Netmeter may be great to have, but it will take a long time to pay off when there are other ways to troubleshoot issues like that.
- If you ever work with 66 or 110 blocks with any regularity, get yourself a good spring-loaded punch, usually a Paladin. If you don't get one with a pick, get a basic set of picks as well to keep with it.
- Small prybars. The first time you go to change batteries in a UPS and find out the old ones have swollen badly you'll be glad you had them. A pair of very large flat head screwdrivers can substitute, but be prepared to break them.
Not counting ridiculously expensive stuff like Fluke Netmeters, Sunset xDSL kit, and other specialized gear, my basic sysadmin-oriented toolbag is probably around $1500 USD. Unfortunately in my current environment we have no tools around so I have to bring in all my personal gear for it. Very annoying.
Sounds like you have no cue
I am unsure why you would recommend a cue as being a good tool for someone to possess when running a server room. Is it for asking users "have you ever been poked?" and then giving them a good jab? Or perhaps for turning on the lights or kettle when you cannot be bothered to get up from your desk?
label everything
Karma: It's not just a good idea. It's the law.
Aside from a punchdown tool for terminating cables to racks, I think you would do well with electricians tools. Good scissors, wire strippers, electrical tape, a small and large pair of dykes, cable toner and possibly electrical toner (handy even if you don't think you'll be doing electrical work yourself because sometimes you may need to track down what breaker an outlet is on because it's either improperly labelled, or unlabelled). A non-contact thermometer might be good too for measuring exhaust temperatures of servers.
Some of these tools are obviously handy if you'll be doing any low voltage DC stuff, but most of them are multi-purpose and you may find yourself using one because it's handy even if it's not quite the right tool. Even if none of this stuff seems like things you'll want or need, your objective should be to find things you'll use all the time for the main tools, and things that have multiple uses so you keep getting value for them.
You don't need to buy a set of tools, there are plenty sitting on the top floor, occuping the individual offices with carpets. The last place you want to put them is in the server room. Leave them up there, keep smiling at them, and keep feeding them tea and biscuits, and all will be well.
Buy the tools you need when you need them and upgrade once you find what works for you.
but a rechargeable screwdriver is indispensable ,for me at least.
Your always taking covers off something, manual gets old fast. You have
the option of setting the torque on an autoscrewdriver, so you can be consistent as well.
With a Visa gift card inside, that way when something comes up, you can take yourself down to the local hardware store and purchase what you need as you need it.
And one of those backwards clocks. Oh, and a screwdriver.
Something to use as a serial terminal is still useful at times. I use a real one, an odd IBM thing where the screen and electronics is a frail and fragile thing that flexes alarmingly when you plug in a cable but the keyboard is an early model M than could be almost be used to bang in nails (seems more solid that the PS/2 versions).
Old laptops with a real serial port also work very well, netbooks with USB to serial are a less reliable second but more portable. A serial to TCP/IP converter moves things into a state where just about any networked PC, tablet or phone can be your serial terminal.
You definitely need a chainsaw.
echo mailto: !#^."<*>"|tr "<*> mailto:" net@madduck
GROUNDING STRAP
Yes, a grounding strap. Also, you can get a small mat for setting cards on without worrying about damaging pins or creating shorts. (Even if you never use them, at least you have them in case someone tries to claim you voided a warranty by not using one.)
A voltmeter is also highly useful, nothing ruins your day like shitty power.
Get a laptop with some type of 3G/4G data card in case shit hits the fan and you can't just jack into one of your local ports.
If you're going to be running any type of fiber jumpers, you'll want some test meters to check light and the gear to clean and replace ends or build patch cables.
If you're dealing with a lot of long or hard-to-reach copper spans, then you should get a testing meter and the tools to build your own. If all your copper-based spans are pretty short, then you can probably skip that and if you need to test you can just swap out with a known good patch cable.
Tags/labels for the cabling. Nothing sucks more than having to try and figure out where a cable was that got knocked loose on accident.
A decent high-resolution digital camera can prove highly valuable for documentation purposes. You can pick up a 10 megapixel one for under $100 new or even cheaper in most places. Each time you work on a rack you can take a shot of it when you're done, so if someone else comes in and fucks something up they'll have a hard time blaming you.
In addition to what you've mentioned, some type of small fan. It really, really sucks when you lose cooling on a critical piece of equipment, and a $5 standard floor fan can be a lifesaver if you don't have replacement equipment on hand.
A small flashlight, I like to use the LED ones which you can strap to your forehead as they're cheap and very handy.
Some people have mentioned powered screwdrivers, but be careful with those. It's really easy to strip or over-torque a screw so if you use one make sure it has a torque setting and you have it set properly. I personally just use a ratcheting screwdriver set, you don't have to mess around with charging or batteries, etc. and I don't find the powered ones any more useful in terms of saving time or effort. If you're going to be building a lot of racks then I can see a powered one coming in handy, but just for routine maintenance and working on the blades I'd go manual to be safe.
Needle nose pliers. Very handy to have in a variety of situations.
If it's a set for you personally, the Jensen technicians's kit is a good start. I have one of their larger kits, and have used it regularly for years. If it's for a room, get a standard wheeled toolchest.
Those are just basic mechanical tools. Test equipment has been covered by others. A few specialized items you might want:
definatley a tone generator test kit, its the worst when an unlabeled misplaced wire escapes you
Document everything in your personal wiki. I prefer JSPWiki because of all the plugins and the markup, but that needs Tomcat and may not be the choice of most people. The best alternative is Dokuwiki, which needs no database and has user handling, so standard login features, compared to Mediawiki. Make pictures, make notes, put it in your wiki, and keep it for later use. You don't necessarily need to share it with other people. I keep a personal one for everything I want to remember that is not relevant for my employer.
Magnetic and non-magnetic nut drivers. (keep the magnetic stuff away from everything else) All those stupid hex/phillips head screws used in computers are standard everywhere usually. Unless you start getting into branded machines which use their own goofy version with no hex on them.
Being able to put that screw in when you can barely even see it or reach your hand in there is nice.
Zipties. They come in handy so often as well.
Rolls of velcro. Cut to fit whatever you want it for. Does many things and isnt quite so annoying to undo like a ziptie.
Heatgun, heat shrink tubing and or tape.
COOL melt gluegun. Easy to undo. No risk of damage to most things. Stick anything anywhere. And it's non conductive and an ok insulator.
Lenghts of pvc tubing that will fit the head of any screw you are working with. Easy way to start a screw in hard to reach spot
Simple power indicator. did the light light up? you're good. or it's live. test first before you do anything else.
Multimeter geared to the voltages you'll be using. Low/high. Ac/dc. Bonus if its cable clamp type when it comes to ac.
Fine tip probes for above if needed.
a GOOD quality cable stripper. this is very hard to find. ideally the kind that can be used automatic one handed.
the usual assortment of cable crimpers and spare ends for whatever you are working with.
Point and shoot laser temp reader. A bit more expensive but well worth having. And when you want one. Nothing else will do the job as good.
Led Headlamp. Look into what the hunters use. Yes you look stupid. But being able to have light hands free where you want it is a must too often.
Airflow meter.
This is the dumbest question posted here (in a long time).
You may well be right. However, the stupidest question is always the one that isn't asked.
Because right now you sound like a complete ignorant who don't even know what a server is.
And you sound like somebody who feels the urge to put somebody down because it makes you feel a bit less bad about yourself. Alas, it didn't work - I don't really give a toss about what you say; if you believed in yourself, then you wouldn't be afraid of asking, even if it makes you look less than divine.
And if you look around at the answers I've got, you will see that a number of people have given some very good advice. Some of it I already know, but there are some good, new ideas that I hadn't thought of.
Buy a strong toolbox and a good padlock and only give the key to people you trust. If you don't do this all of your tools will go walkies.
1) Quality number 1, 2 and 3 Philips screwdrivers. QUALITY ones. Not cheap junk. Magnetic tipped.
2) Multi Tool. I like the Gerber Suspension. Cheap ($30 USD) and effective
3) Screwdriver kit with every known bit. DO NOT USE as your every day. See #1
4) Spend $30 on an LED flashlight
5) Air! You need air. $100 cheapo compressor with a 2 gallon tank is enough, but get 5 gallons if you can.
6) Zip Ties, ROLLS of velcro, electrical tape.
7) Soldering kit. A cheap Weller stick will do. You'll need it at times. Not very many.
Thats all I could think of for now.
Nobodies Prefect
Tidbits for Techs Technology Blog
I'll just go with what's in my Stanley blue steel cantilever toolbox (the plastic ones are absolute shite and don't like being stood on):
Stanley 99E retractable boxcutter w/5 spare blades
1 snipe nose plier/multitool
1 8" adjustable wrench
2 6" mole grips
2 sets Worx drill/driver bits (comes in a little box. 10 different HSS drill heads, 20 driver heads including Torx, Pozi, Philips, slotted and square and 1 1/4" socket adapter, and 1 extender)
1 set (usually comes in 20's) 1/4" Whitworth bi-Hex sockets in metric and imperial and 2 Neiko 1/4" ratcheting arms: one 6" and 1 10".
2 1/4" Gator Grips: 1 1" and 1 1/2" for those stripped heads
1 14oz claw hammer
1 Bondhus combination balldriver L-wrench set
1 bag case thumbscrews
1 bag chassis screws
1 set (32 pc) precision screwdrivers (better if you can get hold of the case hardened ones, they don't chew up if you hit a particularly hard screw)
1 Challenge 18V cordless drill/driver w/spare battery
1 butane blowtorch
1 can lithium grease
1 Cree LED anglepoise (yeah the arm is custom)
1 13-amp plug with earth pin connected to a wrist strap and two alligator clips
1 QTech PCI diagnostic card - and that just blew the budget on its own
1 QTech diagnostic CD/DVD/FD set
1 copy Knoppix LiveCD
1 CF-IDE module with Knoppix installed on a 16GB card, and several spare cards for recovery
1 bus powered USB DVD burner
1 80GB USB hard drive (custom cased low-drain job... Hitachi if I remember right)
Operation Guillotine is in effect.
If you don't have a good sysadmin who can tell you what tools THEY need to do THEIR job, you yourself are apparently incompetent as a manger, because you've not hired anyone who actually knows wtf they are doing, and would not know what kind of tools they need to do the job.
Hire someone with some damn experience already.
Get a BucketBoss GateMouth Jr. or maybe a Hopalong Gatemouth tool bag, a DEWALT DW920K screwdriver kit, a DEWALT DC500 or DC515K vacuum, an IDEAL Data T -Cutter, a pair of telecom shears, your standard assortment of screwdrivers, hex, and torx bits, a paintbrush for removing dust, a roll of blue 3M tape, a 6" hex bit extension rod, a toner box and wand, an IR temp meter, a magnetic pickup tool/wand, a razor knife, and then go from there.
People always strip the hell out of them by using the wrong one and you end up with a box of five really marginal screwdrivers that are only good for damaging screw heads.
Instead, buy a couple of magnetic handles with interchangeable bits, and then a big box of #2 bits: http://amzn.com/B0000DD6LW . Keep some #1s around for working on laptops and some #3s if you have big rack screws, but in a server room most things are #2.
THEN THROW THEM AWAY when you round them off. They're cheap and you have a whole box.
Tools (like socks in washing basket) disappear - indeed they may be in a locked cupboard, that only you have the key for, but they will still disappear.
The chances of the tools disappearing are directly proportional to the usage that you urgently need at that particular moment.
Also, don't use electric screwdrivers to do up any screws on servers or computers - and especially don't use them on "thumb" screws.
try to make ends meet, you're a slave to money, then you die
A side arm. Highly visible. Make it obvious that you don't want to be messed with.
I'm definitely on the anti-gun side of the fence in that debate, but I do think some people do need to carry weapons and a sysadmin is one of those.
You'd be surprised what tools people will give you if you ask nicely, while at the same time having your hand hovering over your gun. Sort of like the hitchhikers towel theory but using intimidation rather than sympathy.
Firstly 300 is absolutely nothing in terms of budget. Put at least a zero on that if you aren't someone stumbling round a bedroom. I used to do this for a living for many years and a single cable and connector order could eat that without blinking for some of the more estoric stuff.
My list quality screwdrivers, a craft (stanley) knife for unboxing, retracting tape measure, rj45 crimps with replaceable dies (do not skimp here, the quality comes with price, expect it to eat at least 80-100 pounds of your budget), a cyclops style cat5 desheathing tool (dont let people use the knife if you dont want ongoing maintenance issues due to intermittent breaks in wires), huge bag of unshielded and shielded cat5 shells, a cheap multimeter, some sort of cable tester with adaptors to use it as a tracer too (you can't afford a real tdm on those numbers), a cable labeler (dont try to use a normal dymo etc the glue softens and they spring off over time, get a id-pro or the like) because heatshrink is a time sink, reels of cat5 on drums of different colors, a tea trolley + serial cable capable setup so you can park the monitor at the back of the racks on it and do some in situ work if the terminal server etc dies, a zip tie gun that you can back the tension off on so it doesnt crush your fragile cabling and more zip ties than you can imagine, some velcro ties for optical cable restraint, bags of cage nuts + screws to fit your racks and stay with one format, ie metrics, some rack trays for emergency "this kit just turned up and needs to be live now and its got the wrong rail system for our racks" moments, A soldering iron and some db9 shells etc.
Oh and you need someone capable of using the above. And as part of that he should be capable of coming up with his own list. And you should trust his judgement when he says he needs something.
Put it between the two routers[*] which are having a problem and actually see what the packets are.
(Of course you still need the skills to read the packets, but that is not a hardware issue :-)
bash$
how about a magnifying glass to read those insanely small print serial/model number labels some vendors like to use?
My two most important tools are a label writer and a knife. The latter to open boxes, tape and cable holders with. The former should be fairly obvious. I use these more than screwdrivers,
Sorry for not answering to everybody individually, but there has already been loads of good ideas. Some of them I already have or thought of, but there are many that I hadn't thought of.
And I note that my budget of a few hundred GBP seems too low - I should have guessed, since /. is predominantly American. I work for an American company here in UK, and while we try to get by on a meagre budget, our colleagues in the States aren't as shy about the zeroes at the end of the numbers. Maybe we just need to upgrade our case hose :-)
(if you replace parts)
The etherkiller. It will fix all your troubles. Forever.
- Flashlight
- Screwdrivers (all sorts of, like you already said)
- Small netbook with a decent network card, and external cd/dvd reader (sometimes you will want to get software from CDs, I know, shit is old)
- Multimeter
- Hammer (things bend)
- Electrical tape
- Pliers (all sorts of, especially for wires)
- And a Towel, because it's the most useful thing it is possible to have handy in a crisis.
You need plenty of gaffer/duct tape and WD40.
Remember "If it moves and it shouldn't, use gaffer tape; if it doesn't move and it should, use WD40."
That depends on the level of work you will need to do. A set of finer screwdrivers comes in handy even a spring hook and a magnet comes in useful too
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
A good server admin has his datacenter running so smoothly that he hardly ever needs to do any work during his shift. And he needs to pass all that time somehow
Cannot recommend this highly enough. Label both ends of every cable and the back of every power plug -- then you'll know what to expect when you pull it out.
Second only to this - two ring bound folders and a hole punch. Seriously.
Then you document cable layouts, server details (serial numbers, IP/MAC addresses, configuration details, software licences....) in your favourite tool and take a print out. File the printouts - one in the server room and one elsewhere. It may seem old tech but it will save your skin when you lose connectivity/database/application... -- by all means keep a copy on your own PC/Tablet and or a DVD backup but do keep paper copies -- spoken from experience
Of course this requires discipline to track changes and keep the records up to date but it will save you much more time in the long run than the occasional trip to the shops to buy a specific screwdriver bit.
Finally, I agree with a lockable cabinet -- tools can evaporate faster than a puddle on a hot summers day ;-)
I believe it's called a Hammer outside the engineering community.
Two other tools you should have.
1. Infra red thermometer, you point it a rack and see how hot it is, and where roughly the hot spots are.
2. A clamp meter to measure the current draw on specific cables. In particular those on the server side of the fuse box, if you are near your max current draw you want to know before you plug something else in.
Some of the most important "tools" are single use items that need to be restocked regularly, so be prepared to re-order some of these things in the future.
1. Peg board with bins. Toolboxes are great for your "every bit under the sun" kit, but hang the everyday tools on a peg board and keep little things (screws, rack nuts, jumpers) organized in bins. Tools are useless when you can't find them.
2. Zip ties or velcro, and lots of it. Be careful about where you use zip ties because you will probably need to cut them someday.
3. Snips, especially if you use zip ties. As silly as this sounds to actually have to say, make sure the snips are never used to cut power cables, live network cables, or fiber. The snips are still better in a lot of situations than trying to use a knife, however.
4. Cordless drill/driver. Get your screws stuck and remove them all with one device! You need to have manual drivers, too, but they can be painfully slow.
5. Various colors of electrical tape. You'll need electrical tape anyway, but getting a bunch of colors gives you an easy way to color code things (like differentiating power cables from two different power sources).
6. Label maker and labels for labeling both devices and cables. Handheld ones are great for labeling temporary cables so they don't accidentally become permanent, but they can be a hefty investment (IDXPERT labelers are really great, though).
7. A good supply of proc juice (better known as thermal grease). It's always kept with the tools, but never replenished like normal inventoried items, so it has a tendency to not be there when you need it badly.
8. Chem pads! Alternately, alcohol and paper towels will do. These are for cleaning proc juice off CPUs, among other things.
9. Cable tester or two, along with a good crimper/stripper and plugs for making and fixing cables.
10. A set of precision screwdrivers with plastic grips. Not just tiny bits. You'll be glad you have these when you actually need to remove tiny screws (like the ones that keep a battery attached to a RAID controller card). Spend $25 or so on a quality set.
11. Flashlight and/or headlamp. Your server room may be well lit, but you shouldn't have to tilt your servers around to see inside properly.
12. A KVM. What kind of KVM you buy depends on your needs, but you will probably need one someday. With 50 servers, you probably don't need an 8-port KVM.
I think that covers most of the stuff that I used on a daily basis, though I worked in very large data centers. I guess I've seen server closets with a single monitor/keyboard with no real labeling scheme before, but I imagine labels and KVMs become fairly necessary once you reach 50 servers.
Something I have not seen mentioned is a telescopic inspection mirror for viewing in tight spaces. Can come in very useful for seeing obstructed things. Helps if you can read text backwards.
I have found a tone probe (you attached a box to the line which sends a 'tone' down the cable. then use a wand to trace the cable by induction). They are great for tracing cables run without having to resort to the old 'tug-and-trace' method, and usually include a Cat5 cable tester. Fluke make one for about £100.
-Get a labeling machine and a load of 9mm black on white tape and label the machines, their disks, and the cables.
-Get a cable tester but nothing too fancy, the cheap ones work fine. A crimping tool and a reel of CAT6 is needed if you make your own cables.
-Get torx and normal screwdrivers.
-A small light is useful for getting light into dark corners, a big one is useful if you have to shove cabling under a raised floor or though a false ceiling.
-Spare disks of the correct type are always useful as are spare backup tapes if you use such things.
The most important point is to hide all tools. If just one other person even knows they exist they will 'borrow' them and you will lose them forever. Also make sure there is a decent lock on the door, that the bare minimum number of people can physically get into the room, and that all access is logged electronically. That way you can find out who knocked some random cable out of position causing an outage and you can cancel their access and/or shout at them.
You gotta have some SEMTEX anti vibration putty, and if something overheats......you'll know in no time, no matter where you are!
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Buy cheap stuff and replace it when it gets lost.
The primary reason for buying new tools is not that the old ones brake down, it's that you can no longer find them.
If the server room you are speaking of is properly secured and you don't loose your keys to much etc. you can consider getting some more expensive items that last longer.
6" medical forceps. Both straight and curved. Good for picking small screws etc outta servers and handy clamps sometimes.
- rabbit's foot
- magic wand
- crystal ball
- hammer
- hand grenade
(from here)
A good shop vacuum. One thing that might come in handy with this is a exhaust port that you can hook a hose that is the same size as the suction hose. That way you can run this exhaust hose out of the room, because even the best bags and filters do not get everything.
Passionately Indifferent
- hip flask
- handgun
You are welcome on my lawn.
10 years ago, they weren't very common. Nowadays, probably readily available. A wireless phone connected to a wired basestation is very useful when you're crawling around behind the machines talking to your networking person or tech support. Check the rechargeable batteries in the phone regularly. Mine die after 18 months or so.
Some comments based on experience (electrical engineer in communications and networking for 30 yrs):
- Xcelite #25 handle with RB-1 and RB-2 Flat/Philips reversible blades
- Second the multi-tool recommendation - (almost) everything you need, on your hip
- DON'T buy a cheap multimeter, buy a decent Fluke
- RJ45 crimper and
- cable continuity checker (like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896775013)
- Toner probe (for tracing cables)
- Punch down tool with 66/110 blades
- LED flashlight (I like the cheap Chinese ones that run on CR123 cells,,,shelf life is longer than AAs)
- Head-mounted magnifier and 10x loupes
- decent hand tools, like diagonal cutters, cable cutter, etc. I love Klein tools, Cooper/Xcelite are 2d choice, avoid cheap stuff
- multi-bit screwdrivers, if you must, but get the kind that take the 1/4" hex bits, so you can replace them (they vanish quicker than you'd think)
Allen and Torx "jacknife-style" sets. You can't lose the size you need, unlike the single sets
"You may well be right. However, the stupidest question is always the one that isn't asked."
Obviously, you have never worked on a help desk.
Don't forget some gloves - server rooms and the machines in them have a lot of metal, and if your skin bruises/cuts easily, you'll want some Craftsman or Mechanix mechanics gloves to wear when you're racking, unracking, and fixing servers. The mechanics gloves offer protection, but you can also grip stuff while wearing them.
Today in my datacenter, I keep the following - in one clear plastic container
Screwdrivers
2 Hammers
Putty Knives
Drill (plus a myrid of bits)
Needle node pliers
Adjustable wrench
Clamps
Car jack
Mini MagLight flashlight
Snakelight
Silicon Gel
Sticky Tak (sp?)
Swiiffer dust wipes
Yes, some of those aren't tools. But shockingly they get used the most
We've got a toolbox worth a good bit more than $1000 sitting in our east coast data center (800 miles away) because if and when there's a problem and someone has to show up on site, it's always at an inconvenient hour like 3AM when no stores are open.
Local maps with the locations of Graybar, ADI, etc., marked (dates the toolbox to "before smartphones" eh)
A mini notebook
Sharpie fine points in several colors
Screwdrivers, nutdrivers - actual tools not bits, useful in many cases
Mini MagLite and headlamp holder
Utility knife (do not use for box cutting!)
Xacto (do not use for box cutting!)
6" Bit extension
8" flexible bit extension
Screwdriver bits of all sorts
Pin extractors for connectors that can't be easily extracted without
Scissors
Metal nibbler tool
Surgeon's Clamp
Neon voltage tester
Wire strippers
Terminal crimping tool
EZRJ45 Crimping tool
Set of 3 pliers (multi sizes)
Lock-jaw pliers
9" #2 Phillips bits- Made by Senco for a rapid drywall screw installer, these combine with a power screwdriver as THE single most used tool we have.
22" #2 Phillips bit - unobtanium but very useful for screwing stuff into rack rails you can barely get to
Large needle nose pliers
Curved long nose pliers
Other similar "larger" pliers
4" and 6" adjustable wrench
Milwaukee Power Screwdriver #6546-1 and spare battery - completely mandatory tool to prevent wrist fatigue, can tighten screws with the greatest of finesse due to the variable clutch
Victorinox Swiss Cybertool
Dental tools (picks, scrapers, mirror)
AC outlet wiring tester
Telephone line tester
Tone generator and probe
PDI CT340 Computer Cable Tester
Wire wrap tool and wire
Pencils and a cheap sharpener
Anti-static wrist strap
OK Logic Probe #PRB-50
Tool magnetizer - because the tips of all your screwdrivers should be very lightly magnetized, just enough to be able to touch a screw and lift it out of that awful corner
Digital multimeter
Soldering iron & solder
Electrical tape
Heat shrink tubing in multiple sizes
66/110 Punch Tool
US/Metric Hex Key Sets
1/4" socket drive set and hex bit adaptor for them
Tap and drill sets for common rack, computer sizes (6/32, 10/32, 10/24, etc)
20' Tape measure
Small Hammer
Rubber mallet ("compliance tool")
BIG flat, Phillips screwdrivers ("small pry bars")
Box cutter - utility knife with large handle
Torpedo level
Small drill
First aid kit
Dual D-cell Maglite
Test leads (alligator and hooks)
A decent clamp-on ammeter
A good labelmaker (harder to find than you might think)
Cans of air, WD40, adhesive remover, alcohol wipes, contact cleaner
2" Velcro One-Wrap in the cut-it-yerself roll. There are other options specifically made for tight wiring environments but this stuff is just overall a super-handy consumable.
External DVD-RW drive and a pack of blanks
External floppy disk drive and some disks (yes really, never know what stupid stuff a BIOS update for an odd system requires)
USB thumb drives
Some way to talk to the outside world... Most server rooms have zero mobile phone coverage, so figuring out how to talk to remote Tech Support through all the noise is worth doing before you really need to - ideally using a noise cancelling mike and robust closed-back / IEM earpieces so that you have your hands free to type.
Get someone to help you put up a cabinet from scratch, including mounting a server or three on rails, adding a KVM shelf, whatever. Run cabling overhead and under the floor (power to whips, fiber/copper to switches). Take notes about what's hard for you to get done due to a lack of the proper tool. Go buy those tools. Consider how you would troubleshoot and repair bad cables or other equipment. Go get those tools.
Since you're a manager and you're asking this question, I'm going to assume you've never done any of this before. Make sure your helper has, and ask for additional ideas.
Democrats under GWB: "We care about the 4th amendment! We don't like unnecessary wars! Dissent is the highest form of patriotism!"
Democrats under Obama: "Just kidding!"
I can't believe no one has mentioned this yet. Get an infrared thermometer ( they usually shine a laser spot on whatever it is that you are trying to measure).
Very good for finding hot spots in racks, also tells thou how hot your coffee is with out having to sip it and burn your mouth.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
See subject.
We keep a few large garbage bags in our colo rack toolbox. If we ever need to haul gear out for RMA or something, I don't want to have to worry about rain on my way to the parking lot.
in addition to the basics described above:
flush cut pliers (sometimes called nippers) for the dangly bits of wire on Cat6 jacks
ground lug crimper (American Centric, but Thomas & Betts makes a good compression crimper for ground lugs handling 10AWG up to 1/0)
RJ 45 plug remover - invaluable for removing one patch cable from a high density switch running critical services - needle nose will do if needed
magnetic extension rod, with light for picking up dropped cage nuts and other bits falling into the cabinets
vinyl label maker and lots of label tape in multiple colors- can't go wrong labelling your wiring and high visibility for when seconds count
I haven't seen one of the most important "tools"; a SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB Adapter Converter. It will save your life.
A label maker designed to make cable labels. That means it's designed to use wide tape and print on it sideways, and it will take flexible vinyl tape. The best ones print on "self-laminating" labels that are opaque where the label is printed, but clear at the end, so the overlap protects the printing.
At least one, and preferably two, USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA converters. There are plenty of ways in which you can find yourself with a bare drive you need data from, and no good way to plug it in. Also, in a pinch, a bare CD-ROM can become an external drive for a server with no drive. These things are cheap, and when you need one, you REALLY need one right now.
Add to the list a very low to the ground or adjustable stool/chair to sit on when you are tired of squatting. A sturdy step stool and a good sturdy ladder. Be sure to check them out for balance, reach, and dimensions before buying them.
No good deed goes unpunished.
http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-screwdrivers--screwguns-screwdrivers-dcf610s2.aspx
That is the single most useful tool I had when I was setting up a new datacenter (four rows of racks, a ton of Cisco gear) and seven networking closets. I don't know how many hours it saved me vs. using a standard or ratcheting screwdriver. It even has enough power to do basic drilling if you need.
I don't see how this is garbage.
JS
Finland
This has been posted for 6 hours and nobody has mentioned a static strap yet? WTF. In the telco space, it's SOP for operators to need to put on a static strap prior to extracting or servicing blades or shelves. Shelves and servers even have built-in ESD grounding points so that you don't need to hunt around for a piece of bare grounded metal to clip to. Even if it's only ever used once a year when the CIO is taking the CEO and other executives on a tour through the server room and you want to look super professional while replacing some RAM in a server, they have their purpose.
"All of life’s problems can be solved with two things—duct tape and WD40. If it moves and it shouldn’t, you need duct tape. And if it doesn’t move and it should, you need WD40."
After the obvious, also get:
A good label maker. One that can swap out a variety of types and do cable labeling, front-of-rack, and you name it. :) Oh yeah, and then go to town with your label maker.
A couple of big containers of velcro strips for wire management
A multi-compartment organizer for extra screws, etc. When you drop a mounting screw through air vents on the raised floor and can't find it, extras around are handy. Not that I speak from experience or anything.
If you deal with POTS lines, both an analog handset and also one of the tracing tools. Cheap yet saves so much time when you need to deal with them.
LITTLE GIRL: But which cookie will you eat FIRST? C. MONSTER: Me think you have misconception of cookie-eating process.
Great Big Puppy?
use the end of it to open a DVD drive, or push on the Reset button of a device
to all the screwdriver lists, add a decent digital camera. you never know when you wished you could remember where those two cables used to connect.
screwdrivers etc you covered.
head mounted flashlight
and static bands. lots of them.
then you shouldn't be the one running the server room.
Pentalobular is not found in most run-of-the-mill tool sets. It is a path breaking new innovation among screw drivers. This is Apple's answer to people ridiculing it for patenting rounded rectangles. This innovative work shows they are familiar with more complicated shapes too. You need to buy a special iScrew set to get it. Of course you can get cheap imitation ones. But a true fan buys only the best. And you get a slimmer, shinier handle, stand-out-from-the-crowd white color, brushed aluminum shank and pride of knowing that you own the best and you deserve the best. It is not easy to be the best, you need to upgrade it to dodecodolobular screw driver in the next release. That sesquicentolobular thing from Samsung just would not cut it.
sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
Work requiring additional tools necessitates calling tech support for replacement:-)
09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B - D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0 45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
bolt cutter
spare 12V inverter ~600 watts
deep cycle battery/float charger
duct tape
box of plastic sheeting
many compact/LED flashlights
batteries/rechargable batteries/charger
labeler
velcro tape
optional:
blow torch
sledge hammer
shotgun
fireman's axe
Forget the tools! I've never seen a server room without anime character figurines on top the topmost servers. Definitely hit ebay for them.
... dont buy ready made tools from the store. These shrink wrapped tools are virus prone security risks. They use the mini numerical milling machine and write csh scripts to drive it to mill/cut/machine custom fitting tools from solid blocks of iron-carbide steel as and when they need them.
sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
as long as it has a network port and a good usb to serial adapter
A good flash light as well.
crimping tool
Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting. this is a great addition to help find warm spots.
Here is what I have needed in the past
Wet/Dry vac
100 ft of Garden Hose and a sump pump. ( We have a raised floor)
50 PC Socket set. Lots of vendors crate ship and you need a wrench or socket to unbox.
Flashlights. They tend to walk away so we get a lot of them. The headlamp type are great by the way
Wire cutters.
Air Duster
AC/DC Voltage meter
Work Gloves
Misc Screwdrivers.
Old laptop with a serial port
Serial cables
USB Cables, USB Ext Cables
Box of Blank CD's, DVD,s and a few floppy disk
External drives for each.
Label makers ( I pick them up free or cheap on rebates when I see them)
Velcro
Wire Ties
Misc sizes of batteries.
That's the only tool you need. Ok, Tricorder and some duct tape.
No, seriously, buy a Leatherman. :)
(bonus points to those who remember the origin of that quote
* Buy yourself a good solid toolbox and cover it with linux stickers. Stenciling your last name on it for good measure it fun as well.
* Socket screwdriver kit with lots of different bits. I recently added a 30 piece tamper proof bit kit. NOTHING is more annoying than dealing with tamper proof screws and not having the right bits. My co-worker just bought a 99 piece tamper kit that has <i>every</i> tamper bit you could imagine.
* Small socket kit with Imperial and Metric.
* A semi-random collection of wire cutters, strippers and pliers. I've also got a good box cutter and a pair of telecom scissors.
* I good bright headlamp. Nothing is more annoying than trying to hold a flashlight and do something like install a disk controller. You'll invariably never have enough hands.
* Label maker. Nobody likes a server room where nothing is labeled.
* Testing equipment: Ethernet tester, Volt Meter
* Large assortment of different size and color zip ties, velcro tape and electrical tape.
Yes Francis, the world has gone crazy.
This is the only screwdriver you need. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018IYTYQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=boxe0b-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0018IYTYQ&adid=1T1WKNDKHXCX88Z1YN4B&
Like this one:
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/tek4/tek4_drills_drivers/HP53LK
I got one a couple years ago as a Christmas present and it's probably the single most-used tool I have.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
try picking up some adapters
WTF - why was phillips not good enough for you?
- A good pocket knife. Yes, I know some people get all worked up over them "You have a KNIFE?!?!" Yes. I do. "WHY?!?!" Um........to cut things. A good pocket knife is the greatest tool ever invented by man. Without it you're just a naked primate wandering around in the world looking for a rock. With it, you are a tool-using, civilized, intelligent human being. I use mine all day every day. Separating labels, stripping sheathing off small gauge wire, cleaning hard to reach contacts, cleaning my fingernails, cutting string.... :-)
- A Black & Decker rechargeable power screwdriver. Preferably the one that looks a bit like a gun. Normal screwdrivers are a horrible idea for server racks. You'll be screwing in bolts for servers and shelves until your arm falls off, then it will cross-thread, then the next hole won't be tapped properly, then....yeah.
- Security bit set. You'll use it once or twice.....at 0300....on a weekend.
- Cable tester
- Volt meter
- Crimpers that handle RJ11 and RJ45.
- Small pry-bar.
- A magnetic pick-up tool. Cuz, you WILL drop that itty bitty screw into that little crevice behind that 300 pound UPS.
- Multi-tool. I use a Gerber.
- Second multi-tool. I keep a Leatherman Micra attached to a Nano Light Streamlight in my left pocket. The scissors come in useful all the time and the other tools can do in a pinch. The Nano Light is the most awesome little flashlight I've ever owned. It's good for blinding PFY's.
- FlashlightS (yes, plural). A big one for big things. A small one for small things. A clip on one for clipping on things. Also extra batteries cuz clipping on a big one is hard.
- LAN tracer. I know, all your cables are properly labelled and they are all perfectly neat and you'd NEVER get them confused...
- A small first-aid kit. You *will* bleed.
- Zip ties *and* velcro cable ties. You'll need both despite what the purists say about how evil zip ties are.
- A good pair of wire cutters. Cushioned grips and spring loaded opening are best.
- P-Touch labeler. Label the front and back of every server, every switch, every router. Label every cable. Label every drive. Label every label.
- Extra PDU's. There are never enough PDU's. Ever.
- Fittin' hammer. Also known as a mallet. When all else fails... And no, I am not kidding.
USB to serial adapter
console cable for each switch vendor you have
cable crimper
punchdown tool
Screwdriver sets: machinist, standard, phillips, torx, (dont get the one that just accepts multiple bits, they tend to fall under floor tiles and are never seen again)
socket set
pliers set
wire strippers
cheap netbook if you don't keep a laptop in the office (you'd be surprised what you forget when you're woken up at 2am and are still zombified when you hit the road)
Tile puller (if you have floor tiles)
spool of ethernet cable and/or several extremely long patch cables marked 'for emergency use only' (unless you're not worried a rat deciding you don't need those 200ft runs to your web cluster anymore)
cheap cable tester (keep the good Fluke tester locked up in your desk or something)
To prevent theft, paint it all with some fruity color or glitter paint or something and etch the company/department name with a boxcutter or exacto knife into everything you can. You can pick up some decent Craftsman hand tools at K-mart for decent prices. Crap tools only make the job harder and can potentially make the situation worse. It's bad enough you're already going to be in ohshit panic mode when something blows up in the middle of the night. If a tool you have to have breaks at midnight, you're just plain SOL until you can get a new one at 10am (or whenever the hardware stores open in your area)
No one here mentioned a special Torx: ones with a security divot in the middle. Normal Torx will not work with these.
See Variants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx
The security torx bits can be hard to find reliably, but many parts from large manufacturers require these simply to remove rails from a dead HDD.
---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
Not going to read every reply, but, power drill with an extender, to use to tighten cabinet screws, as well as one of the bits used to drill out stripped screws, because invariably, you will get ones that will not want to come out, and get stripped, and cause all sorts of hell.
But, the datacenters I've worked in always had
3x long flat head
3x short/regular length flat heads
3x long phillips heads
3x short/regular length phillips heads
Socket wrench set
Allen wrench set
2x 18v cordless drills w/ the extender bit holder (with at least 1 spare battery each)
2x 18v flashlights (same battery pack as drill)
Cable tester (we had a cheap one, and a Fluke, which was kept in a separate location from the provisioning room)
Fiber tester (kept in same secure location as the Fluke CAT# / Coax tester)
Digital Multimeter
Spare cabinet nuts (M2) and screws
Spare drive screws, since you will drop and lose them as you add/remove/swap drives.
Tweezers/Forceps
Spare thermal paste of choice
Rubbing alcohol or acetate to remove old thermal paste
Various length premade/known good CAT5E cables. Generally, for neatness, you should make your own, at a proper length to pull out a server on it's rails, open it, etc, without having to unplug everything, without having 10 extra feet of it coiled up blocking airflow.
Yes, some of these items will be pricey. But, in the long run, buying 10 cheap items that keep breaking will cost more than 1 good item that wont break.
OMG... I have a sig?
1. Hammer
2. Drill
3. ???
4. Profit!
I am going to buy a set of tools; but first I want to hear what other people think would be a good idea.
Buy a hefty hammer. In a former job we had large, sturdy mailing tubes we used to smack the monitors when they acted flaky. (Don't laugh, it worked!) The boss man saw us do that one day and said don't do that. From then on we "didn't whack the hardware," we just made "minor positional adjustments!"
Circle the wagons and fire inward. Entropy increases without bounds.
For all your screwdriver needs, buy a couple, store one on your crash cart and one in your desk drawer. The bits are a longer shank than most other multi-tools and thus work very well in a power drill when needed.
http://www.picquic.com/
DEWALT DW920K-2 1/4-Inch 7.2-Volt Cordless Two-Position Screwdriver Kit . Fine torque setting , get yourself good phillips bits for it #1,#2,#3 and a torx security bit set also . . Klein set of tools , good toolbag and put a good padded laptop strap on it. std and metric wrenches (thin to get into the tight places) , level your cabinets, vice grip clamps (a few) to get pesky cabinets to meet / match to bolt them together . . over the years my Datacenter tool bag would fill a cabinet, cat6 , fiber, telephone testers, meters, IR thermal probe, quick temp humidity pocket tester, oh , and buy your velcro in bulk rolls for strapping down cables . . after 35+ years in the business you learn alot to replace the tool set I have , $9k to $11k $600 will get you started with the basics
a plasma torch is nice to have when the rails are just a little too long
I recommend the following:
1.) Stop by any hardware store and pick up a small toolkit that Black & Decker makes, they sell for ~$8 USD and have multiple bits for phillips head, flat head, hex, and so on. It comes in a sturdy orange plastic case that holds up extremely well. Every time I start a new contract this is the first toolkit I buy to keep at work. In addition, pick up: one heavy duty phillips head screwdriver and one heavy duty flathead screwdriver.
2.) Label printer. Preferably a hand-held one that uses regular AA or AAA batteries. Keep a spare set of batteries on hand as well as a spare tape cartridge. Label EVERYTHING at BOTH ENDS. It helps to also label each server with the network ID, model and serial number for those quarterly/bi/annual inventory audits when you're asked to verify what's actually in the server room.
3.) Small shears (heavy steel scissors) for cutting zipties off large cable bundles and opening god-damned plastic packaging.
4.) Pliers & needle-nose pliers, quite often things get bent that need un-bending.
5.) Cable tester. You'll want a reliable one that uses separate sender and receiver modules so you can leave the cable in place for testing.
6.) Smartphone. Install the best flashlight app available and keep the flashlight, camera and notepad apps on the 1st app screen.
7.) A server jack/lift if you can get the company to pay for it. Some servers can be a ***** to lift into place and sometimes it's hard to find someone to help you get something racked.
8.) Plastic bins that are stackable and have openings on the front that are easy to reach into. You'll want to keep a good supply of different length cables on hand and these will make it easier to keep them organized. Might also want to consider a large tackle box for fibre optics components and rack mount screws/retainers. If you get a large enough one, you can store all of the tools in it as well.
9.) A large flat crowbar (pry bar), you'll rarely use it, but damned if it doesn't come in handy when you need it. Might want to pair this with a large rubber mallet or sledge hammer
10.) Crimper, really not that important these days as most places use pre-made cables. In the last 7 years i've only needed to crimp 1 cable. Your situation may be different.
11.) Cordless screwdriver with a spare battery fully charged at all times. Last place I was at we kept 2 spare batteries fully charged and often went through them. These come in really handy when you need to swap out a dozen or more servers and have to undo a lot of screws or assemble/disassemble the racks themselves.
12.) Ear protection, either the big over the ear kind or just a box of disposable ear plugs.
-==- Buy a Mac and leave me alone!
Thousands of zip ties. And lots of clippers for trimming / removing them.
Mission: To provide products that consume time and energy as entertainingly as permitted by the laws of thermodynamics.
Rednecks toolbox...Duct tape.
Re: your sig: we had dozens of districts in Philadelphia vote 100% for Obama in the last election. Dozens. You'd think at least one would accidentally vote for Romney. This happened in 2008 as well, in slightly fewer districts. It's over in the USA.
Gamingmuseum.com: Give your 3D accelerator a rest.
Sure, you have a first-aid box, but that's tucked away somewhere. The toolbox is right there.
Tools/equipment I use regularly: Phillips head screwdriver Flathead screwdriver Ratcheting screwdriver with multiple bits Small socket set (1/4") Flashlight Antistatic mat and wrist strap Server lift (especially for getting servers racked in tight spaces or up high) Appropriate cables for console connections Ethernet tester Fibre tester Label maker
For what it is worth I am glad you asked the obvious. There have been many non-obvious answers here that made my day. I just asked some locksmiths (I have been doing it on the side for 15 years) what I should get a newbie for Christmas. Some scoffed like the AC above, other gave me some amazing advice and I bought a couple previously unknown tools for myself along the way.
There's always a few little sad bitches who think they're so much smarter than the rest of us. Refer(r)ing to the grandparent. Just ignore them.
I find this one of the more interesting questions around here. People can share actual useful practical information. Stuff you think obvious, right after hearing it and never before. Shit that will save your bacon or just make the job a blast instead of grind.
But whining is so much easier than contributing something actually useful. If you (GP) want to complain, there are always the shills for large corporations and the lacking editor attention to begin with.
Enough maybe to get a netbook or a laptop that you keep as completely virgin as you can to jack into your switches or patch panel (or crossover to the server or other machines)? And before the haters hate, yes I have indeed confirmed problems by having an otherwise isolated control for testing. (In fact, used it when the video output of the server blew but I could still remote into it and get stuff done right next to it.)
Other thing: Will they let you retain some of the cash as cash to use as immediate petty cash to go buy anything that you suddenly need? (Hey, I need a left handed lockwire pliers [AC tester, logic probe, can of air, whatever] and it's not in my kit - but I'll take the 30 pounds and go buy one!)
Final other other thing: Buy extra cables if you don't have them and/or an extra-length cable. You'll be so grateful to yourself for buying it when you must have it and you do have it on hand, and will kick yourself when it's 2AM and you must have the extra foot and don't have it. And/or go whole hog and buy connectors/tool/bare cable.
Don't forget to print out a bunch of signs to tape to every door, wall, cart, rack in the area alerting people not to take the power outlet covers!
All of the usual tech tools plus:
Hang up placards (the size of a sheet of paper) at the end of each column and row of tiles along two adjacent walls so you have the grids labeled. In your CMDB you should have the server location (Grid H15C would mean the front side of rack H15, third up from the bottom.) I mentioned a CMDB. You do have an ITIL-compliant (or at least ITIL-resembling) CMDB, don't you?
One thing that I use all the time is a P-Touch labeler I mark all of my network cables with it on both ends and also all of my servers by names and also any special configured ports on the switches/routers. Makes for an easier time to troubleshoot issues when there is a a problem down the road.
Bandaids. For that inevitable minor laceration as you pull a drive out of a badly designed case. Also, document every 'minor' injury to HR - chances are you'll find 90% of them are coming from one type/brand of gear, and you can use the documentation trail to justify switching to something better rather than just putting up with a string of painful minor cuts for years.
+1 for the second battery, and a third if you can afford it.
A Jensen Lan Manager tool kit in the locking case, and a Fluke Networks MicroScanner2 ought to keep you in business...
http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/ is a one stop shop for all of the above.. and their prices aren't too bad.
If you need more than that you probably need to bring in a tech that has them...
A BIG, HEAVY, LOCKING tool cabinet wouldn't be a bad idea after you've put a couple of grand in easily portable tools and test equipment..
Get an Isostick, that changed my life. I have all my diagnostic cd's, some bootable OS', and my installation discs on it. Makes deployment a breeze.
Get one of those tools that's like a telescoping radio antenna with a small magnet on the end. Eventually you are going to drop a screw into an awkward place where you can't just leave it because it could short something out.
No, I'm rather serious!
When you have a board that is flaky, that works "most of the time" and fails intermittently, 10 seconds in a microwave is a wonderful way to make sure that the part fails as expected without causing any of the visible damage that might get your RMA rejected.
Few things suck worse than sending in an RMA and getting the same item back. (I've verified that this was happening by putting a few very discreet marks on the edges of the card with a permanent marker)
No, it doesn't have nearly the satisfaction of a hammer, but you can still cackle inwardly while you count to 10...
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
And a hammer.
---- Booth was a patriot ----
Of note for the screwdriver:
Having a "ratcheting" variety is quiet helpful for when you need to get into tight spaces and for saving wrist-strain in some cases.
Extra-long bits are also quite nice to have
I'd also keep around a few extra pieces of rackmount stuff. It seems you can never find proper rackmount screws when you need them.
Oh, and try to keep all your bits the same. It's usually not quite so much an issue in a DC, but if nothing's more of a PITA than a piece of equipment where you have 4 different types of bolt/screw bits and keep having to cycle through screwdrivers.
Just looking for his next fix.
While you are buying tools pick up a first aid kit. Those new guys in the computer room that don't know how to use tools properly will thank you, as will anybody else that has to work in the computer room for an extended period of time. Cuts are just part of working with metal.
http://sogknives.com/store/S66.html
I've spent many years walking the rows of data centres and I personally think that the one tool you can't do without is a clue-by-four. Most problems disappear when you produce the clue-by-four and give them a few good whacks. It is especially good for dealing with those pesky vendors.
Wire Lube
Do not directly ground yourself! Anti-static straps have a built-in resistor small enough to discharge static but large enough to prevent fatal electrical shock.
At some point you or management will want to know what kind of amperage or wattage the system use so a clamp on amp meter and short extension cord with the bundle insulation removed will give you access to the each insulated wire to check power usage.with your new clamp on amp meter
A good flash light as well.
And one of those headlight flashlights, for when you're working in a dark cabinet or up in the ceiling.
crimping tool
Don't go cheap. We have a ratcheting crimping tool that is awesome.
No need for anything else. It'll even fix software problems.
Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
1 Cordless drill, ( Ryobi makes a nice Lightweight corrdless 12v that while cheap holds up pretty well
1 bit set with extra Philips #2 and #3 bits
1 magnetizer to magnetize bits and screwdrivers( dropped screws are a pain).
1 WIHA precision adjustable screwdriver set P00 - P1, T6-t15, and slotted
1 security bit screwdriver kit
1 LanScaper Pro network tester with loopback
1 crossover adapter
1 ethernet loopback
1 t1 loopback
1 Mallet
1 FUBar demolition tool
1 large prybar
1 small prybar
1 screw extractor kit
1 rj45/rj11 crimper plus extra ends
1 led flashlight (9-16 led)
1 ide/sata - usb adapter
1 sata - esata adapter
1 16gb bootable thumbdrive with various software tools
1 magnetic screw mat
1 illuminated magnifier
1 smartphone with camera, barcode app)
1 noise reducing bluetooth headset (jawbone recommended highly)
1 swiss army cybertool or leatherman
1 electricians shears (clauss 18087 good mechanical advantage and big padded finger holes)
1 punchdown tool
1 roll double sided velcro tape
various zip ties
1 good organized toolbox
1 bullet level (preferably magnetized)
It is interesting to read people's responses. A lot of people don't seem to get that we don't all do their job. I would never buy a soldering iron. I suck at soldering and, at my hourly rate, it would be criminal to bill a client for having me try to fix something.
A few things that I have found.
A headlamp is generally better than a flashlight. You can take a headlamp off and use it as a flashlight, but it is a lot harder to mount a flashlight on your head. I have a great big thing that is designed for construction workers. I look like a fool when I wear it, but it works great.
The "network testers" that are really continuity testers annoy me. They cost a lot for not much information. I use a Byte Brothers Real World Certifier. http://www.bytebros.com/bb_pdf/RWC1000K_Real_World_Certifier_RS.pdf It gives you a lot of information for not a lot of money. Their LowVoltage Pro looks even better, but I haven't ever used one. I don't know what they mean by "pass/fail" on the cable test.
ifixit's 54-bit driver kit is nice to have around. http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/54-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-022 It doesn't replace real screwdrivers, but it is always there when I need it. I'm embarrassed by the number of times I have used the #2 Phillips out of their kit because I can't find a real screwdriver.
I believe in PC attached label makers. I am much more likely to label things when I don't have to find the labelmaker and type on a chiclet keyboard. I still have a Brother 1500pc, but there are current models. Get one that does 1" labels. You don't use them often, but when you do you are happy to have them.
But it all depends on what you do. For me, a USB to PATA/SATA adapter and an external power supply that will spin a HD is invaluable. Maybe not so much for you.
This was so useful we now have 2, Especially with CDP turned on there no guess work on what switch/port/vlan the outlet goes to and whether POE is running. (Make sure to get the Li-Ion recharge pack for it because even rechargeable AAs run out quick.)
CIQ-GSV - CableIQ Gigabit Service Kit comes with both of these:
http://www.flukenetworks.com/enterprise-network/network-testing/CableIQ-Qualification-Tester
http://www.flukenetworks.com/enterprise-network/network-testing/LinkRunner-Pro-Duo-Network-Multimeter
As far as screwdrivers Most square-holed rack installs for servers are tool-less now but most switch gear is not, I just use regular old Craftsmen #2 #3 manual screwdrivers because most of the time the modular handles don't fit but make sure you get a #0 and #1 that are long (at least 4") I just installed several cable-retention brackets on some PDUs with short small screws in tight dark spaces where the handle is too fat and wish i had longer ones.
Also include a 'full' automotive style socket set with as many various length/size bits/wrenches you can get. (not size as in the bolt diameter size but the overall size of the tool and bit) I can't count how many sizes are need in just one server cabinet and have many times had to use different size ratchets/wrenches to adjust the same 14mm size bolts with a ratchet that fits in the tight space for the top set but not the bottom set. (i even have to switch the tool based on whether I'm loosening/tightening.)
Everything else is expendable and anything will do.
In my work, I primarily use
A sturdy cart with an LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
A label maker
An electric rechargeable screwdriver and assortment of bits
A rechargeable flashlight
A magnetic pickup tool and/or a claw tool for dropped kit.
A well-made phillips #2 and #3 manual screwdriver, for loosening screws that are too tight for the electric screwdriver.
A large pair of channel lock pliers for loosening screws that have been rounded out.
Needle nose pliers for removing stubborn cage nuts.
A box cutter for opening boxes.
Hearing protection.
Wire cutters
A 6 foot ladder.
An inexpensive hand-cart for moving boxes.
My preferences for manufacturers are Klein screwdrivers, Channel-Lock pliers and wire cutters, and Dymo labelers. I don't use the specialty made-for-cables labelers, as I can't justify the extra cost. For the crash cart, I like the composite plastic one made by rubbermaid.
The Crash Cart:
Get a power strip with a long power cord and mounting holes.
Permanently mount the power strip to the cart.
Secure the LCD Monitor stand to the cart to prevent tipping.
Get long MtF extension cables for the LCD, Keyboard and mouse. Bundle them together in an umbilical and secure one end to the cart. Remove the screws from the server end of the umbilical. You want this cable to fall off if someone knocks the cart away from the servers.
I used a stack of 4 Plastic Drawer Bins screwed to the cart bottom shelf to hold tools, USB sticks, labeler cartridges, spare cage nuts, a small stock of patch cables, and a CD case that held _copies_ of commonly used install medias.
If you manage a number of servers without CD/DVD drives, permanently mount a USB DVD drive to the cart.
Permanently mount the screwdriver and flashlight chargers to the cart.
Find a comfortable stool or rolling chair at an appropriate height for the crash cart.
Other notes:
I occasionally use a tone and probe to trace wires. I would not buy one if I didn't already have it.
I used a multimeter to check the wiring when we moved in and when we upgraded UPS. Haven't needed it since.
An Ammeter (the clip on kind) will help you if you don't want to track your power budget properly^W in a spreadsheet.
I used wrenches and a socket set to assemble our racks. Haven't needed them since.
I used an impact drill to drill holes for concrete anchors to bolt down the 2 post racks. Haven't needed it since. The concrete floor was not level, and I used washers to shim the racks level.
For full racks, level them with the adjustable feet before tightening everything up.
If your racks lock, put a spare key outside the DC. You will forget/lose the primary key at an inopportune time.
I painted the plywood where the other telecom kit mounts. It looks neater.
You may be tempted to make your own Ethernet cables. Don't. The TCO is significantly higher vs. maintaining a stock of patch cables.
Don't use zip-ties for cable management. Get a big roll of the velcro wire ties instead.
Put a trash can, broom, and dustpan in the DC.
Put a "no food or drink" sign in the DC.
Put a rat poison bait station in the DC.
Drywall dust is very very bad for servers and UPS. Don't remodel without protecting your boxes.
If you don't have any monitoring infrastructure, setup a PC to monitor and record temperatures. Have it monitor a mains powered device so you'll get a page if the power goes out.
A phone in the DC is nice _if_ you can be heard over the fans and HVAC.
Tape off a parking place for the crash cart near an outlet so you don't forget to plug it in/charge the light and driver.
If you have a raised floor, get a tile lifter. If you don't have budget, get a suction-cup-dent-puller from an auto parts store. Also, please don't leave the floor open and unattended.
A quality cable tester exceeds your budget severalfold. If you suspect a bad cable, test by substitution. If the cable is confirmed bad, cut the ends off before you throw it away. Otherwise, someone (probably you) will grab it and use it again.
If you've got 50 servers you've got at least 100 cables to deal with. Get a bag of zip ties to keep it orderly and prevent yourself from unplugging a power cable on accident.
I don't know how many times I have given myself a good slice one way or another while working in the server room...
The Cybertool series from Victorinox has been a great addition to my kit for years. Sometimes it does better than dedicated tools. Model 29 is small an light enough to have in your pocket for daily use. Much lighter than the Leatherman, it is more tuned for tech use than outdoors.
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Cybertool-Pocket-Knife/dp/B00005ML8H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354234788&sr=8-1&keywords=cybertool+29
"Listen, if you are not an engineer, you are less harmful without tools."
My experience is just the opposite. It was the guys with the engineering degrees who, while they had designed the equipment (and did a damned fine job of THAT), they could not use tools to save their lives. Using pliers to remove flat-head screws, using pliers to remove a spring by just yanking on it and bending it all to hell in the process (instead of just using a spring-hook to unhook the ends of the spring). Yeah, those two engineers were very fond of pliers.
1. Fallopian tubing
2. Bit Buckets
3. Electron Hole Generator
4. Portable Ground
5. Electron Gun (for protection)
good man(1), strong grep(1), sharp vi's
10 mil polythene sheeting for when the plumbing in the overhead fails Several rolls of duct tape First aid kit
There is nothing wrong with yr Internet. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling the transmission - NSA
You better get yourself a set of Channellock tongue and groove pliers buddy. The come in real handy for bent screws and rackmount kits.
My set has screw drivers, small pliers, a pair of dikes, crimper for putting on connectors, xacto knife, small hammer and mallet, chip lifter, soldering iron, RS232 to USB adapter (beware. Not all are equal, many don't allow you to issue a termination signal, vital for doing some stuff on Cisco units), PoE tester and a Ethernet port tester. My systems at work will have ports die every now and again, so that's where the testers come in. The hammer and mallet are for dent removal or straighten tabs (equipment sometimes comes in a bit tweaked in shipping or mishandled by warehouse folk). Chip lifter is an awesome little mini prybar for getting things open. I have only popped open a handful of ICs with mine, but cracked open countless other things. Using this stuff, i have cobbled many working systems out of total trash.
stuff I like to have around: basic screwdriver set, at least one long skinny flatblade and a few tiny precision ones for taking apart hardware (if you ever need to!) small right angle ratcheting screwdriver for tight spots telescoping mirror (handy to see around corners of places you can't go) cable snips, wire strippers, dikes, needlenose pliers, crescent wrench, hammer punchdown tool with 66/110 blades, cut and noncut (if you also do phone wiring) crimper with rj11/rj45 ability impact drill flashlight volt/ohm meter (with current, resistance, etc), with alligator clip leads cable continuity tester tone and probe tiewraps/velcro a magnifying glass/lamp combo comes in useful at times if needed: butt set fiber termination tool fiber tester cable analyzer soldering station
I you are looking tools simply for a server room and not desktop/laptop repair then you need very little.
A good high quality electrician grate magnetic philips screw driver.
A 14 to 18 volt drill/driver for racking equipment tight
A really good labeler. Label servers, cables at both ends everything in sight.
A tape mesure to figure out cable run lengths.
A good LED flashlight because its just dark in some corners.
Racked equipment is industrial equipment you should never need specialized screw drivers, hex keys or star points. All that crap is from the desktop/laptop support world. In a server room our equipment conforms to standards and is easy to open for popping parts in and out.
If you do not have 2 or 3 strong people on staff to come in and rack the occasional machine, than even if its a small server room you need a rack lift for racking equipment that goes over osha allowed weight for people to handle.
Here's what I've got in my tool set. This is a personal set of tools that has been accumulated over many years. I wouldn't expect a company to buy all of this at once, but this will take care of most any tool needs in your server room:
A GOOD label maker and appropriate qty of labels
Bulk rolls of velcro
Zip ties of various sizes (both the normal type as well as the type with a screw hole that can be screwed to a wall/telecom backboard)
A good LED flashlight as well as a good LED headlamp with extra batteries for both
RJ45 crimper, bag of 100 RJ45 connectors, cat5 stripper and a quality pair of telecom scissors
Punch down impact tool with 66 and 110 blades
Tone generator and cable tracer
Cat5 tester (minimum a cheapo $30-40 unit or more expensive if budget permits)
Butt set, banjo (google banjo telecom), and a bag of 100 RJ11 connectors and a few RJ11 modular jacks if you support any type of analog telephony
If you support any type of CaTV you'll also want an RG6/RG58 stripper, crimper and a bag of coax connectors
Hammer, screwdrivers (slotted, phillips, torx, safety torx and star drive in appropriate sizes), tape measure, electrical tape, double sided tape, crescent wrench, a small socket set with both standard and metric sockets, pliers (needle nose, and standard), wire cutters / lineman pliers, wire stripper, cable fish tape, cable fish sticks, duct tape, loopback plug, ethernet crossover adapter.
Cordless drill (nice to have on occassion)
Box of Cat5e jacks
Spool of telecom cross connect wire
There are a lot of truly good lists in this thread. To keep my posting brief, I Iimited my response to ten items I use but did not see on the other postings.
1. A cabinet with a combination lock big enough to hold your tool box so your tools are actually there when you need them.
2. Duct tape and electrical tape. - Seriously. In multiple colors.
3. Cable ties and scissors to cut old ones. (No, not a razor knife. You also need one of those.)
4. A label-making machine (like the Brother P-touch to label every device and cable)
5. Gauze, medical tape, and band-aids. Small wounds should not slow down large repairs.
6. A telescoping magnet. Screws will fall!
7. Extra multi-outlet strips and extension cords to hold you over until the electrician shows up a week from now.
8. Fine point sharpies in multiple colors.
9. Wrist-wrapped grounding wires
10. A magnifying glass to read service tags mounted far away with tiny serial numbers. (Although there are now phone apps that sort of work ok.)
Live Long and Prosper - Thanks Leonard. You are missed.