Starter checklist – tools & budget for GSM repair

How to use this checklist

Think in three layers: essential (you need this to start), recommended (helps you work better) and optional (nice to have later).

Essential – must have

Tools and materials you need from day one to safely open, repair and reassemble phones: screwdrivers, opening tools, ESD basics, lighting.

Recommended – strong start

Items that make your work safer, faster or more comfortable: better lighting, magnification, more organized storage, a better heat source.

Optional – grow later

Equipment for more advanced work or higher volume: microscopes, hot air stations, better soldering equipment, ultrasonic cleaners.

Essential tools – without these, don’t start

This is the minimum gear you should have before touching client devices. You can begin with mid-range tools – they don’t have to be premium, but avoid the absolute cheapest “toy” kits.

Essential tools checklist

Precision screwdriver set for phones (Torx, Philips, Pentalobe, Tri-point).
Plastic opening tools, spudgers, guitar picks and pry tools.
At least one good pair of tweezers (ESD-safe if possible).
Plastic or metal SIM tray eject tools.
Small containers or magnetic mats for screws.
ESD mat and (ideally) an ESD wrist strap.
Good table lamp or LED light with adjustable neck.
Microfiber cloths and basic cleaning solution (e.g. isopropyl alcohol 90%+).

Print or save this list and tick each item as you acquire it. You can always upgrade individual tools later when you know what you actually use most.

Example budget – essential kit (very approximate)

Note: These are not offers or real-time prices, just rough ranges to help you plan.

Precision screwdriver set: ~ €20–€60
Opening tools / spudgers set: ~ €10–€30
Tweezers (2–3 pieces): ~ €15–€40
ESD mat + wrist strap: ~ €25–€60
Table lamp / LED panel: ~ €25–€80
Containers / organizers: ~ €10–€30
Cleaning supplies & consumables: ~ €15–€40

Total starter range (tools only): approximately €120–€300
You can go lower with second-hand or budget tools, but don’t sacrifice safety and reliability.

Workspace & safety essentials

Your workspace is more than just a table. A safe environment reduces mistakes and accidents.

Stable table or workbench with a neutral, non-reflective surface.
Comfortable chair that supports your back – you will sit a lot.
Power outlets accessible but not overloaded.
Separate box for damaged batteries and e-waste.
Basic fire safety awareness (and a small extinguisher if local rules/reality require it).

If you work from home, keep client devices and tools separated from family/personal areas as much as possible.

Document & track devices from day one

Losing track of a client’s device or mixing up screws is easier than you think. Simple habits protect you:

Use one tray/box per device, labelled with client’s name and date.
Write a short intake note: model, visible damage, passcode (if client agrees).
Take a quick photo on intake for heavily damaged devices.
Keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook with all jobs and payments.

These habits are free but extremely valuable when something goes wrong.

Recommended gear – for a more comfortable start

Once you have the basics, a few extra tools and accessories will make your work easier and more professional.

Recommended equipment checklist

Magnifying lamp or small desktop magnifier for fine details.
Better heat control: small hot plate or controlled heat gun.
Extra “bench” power supply for diagnostics (for later stages).
Label maker or printed labels for boxes and drawers.
Anti-static storage boxes for sensitive parts.
Screwdrivers with higher quality tips (for heavy daily use).
Dedicated phone stands / jigs to hold devices during work.

Example budget – recommended upgrades

Magnifying lamp: ~ €40–€120
Controlled heat source: ~ €40–€150
Higher quality screwdriver handles / bits: ~ €40–€100
Storage upgrades (boxes, labels, trays): ~ €30–€80

Typical upgrade range: ≈ €150–€400
You can add these gradually as you start earning from repairs.

Parts & initial stock strategy

You don’t have to keep hundreds of parts in stock. At the beginning you can:

Keep very small stock of common batteries and screens for popular models.
Order less common parts on demand, after confirming with the client.
Work with 1–3 trusted distributors instead of 20 random websites.

A small but well-chosen stock is better than a box of cheap, low-quality parts that create problems.

Rough idea of parts budget (example)

This is only to help you think about money, not a recommendation to buy exact quantities.

5–10 popular screens (mix of Android / iPhone): ~ €200–€600
10–20 common batteries: ~ €150–€400
Charging ports, small flex cables and gaskets: ~ €50–€150
Basic small accessories (glue, tapes, frames): ~ €40–€100

Example small stock range: roughly €400–€1,200
You can also start with almost no stock and work with faster shipping, but be transparent with clients about waiting times.

Optional / advanced equipment – for later

When you are comfortable with modular repairs and have stable income, you may want to expand into deeper diagnostics and board-level work. This requires more serious gear.

Examples of advanced equipment

Microscope (for micro-soldering and board inspection).
Hot air station and better soldering station.
Preheater or larger hot plate for boards.
Ultrasonic cleaner for boards after water damage.
Professional lab power supply with detailed readouts.
Dedicated tools for data recovery and special cases.

These are not needed for a beginner. Focus first on safe, consistent modular repairs.

Budget mindset for advanced gear

Advanced equipment is an investment, not a decoration. Ask yourself:

How often will I use this tool in the next 12 months?
Can I learn the skills required to use it correctly?
How many repairs would I need to cover its cost?

A realistic rule of thumb: only buy advanced tools when a combination of skills + demand + income justifies it.

Printable mini-checklist

You can copy this list into a document or notebook and tick items as you prepare your setup.

Tools & workspace

[ ] Precision screwdriver set
[ ] Opening tools & spudgers
[ ] Tweezers (ESD-safe)
[ ] ESD mat & (optional) wrist strap
[ ] Good table lamp / LED light
[ ] Containers / organizers for screws
[ ] Clean, stable work table
[ ] Separate box for damaged parts & batteries

Process & documents

[ ] Simple intake form (paper or digital)
[ ] Basic repair terms / warranty text
[ ] Job list / spreadsheet for tracking
[ ] Price list for common repairs
[ ] Plan for how you communicate delays or problems

Budget & parts

[ ] Clear budget for tools (minimum & maximum)
[ ] List of 1–3 preferred distributors
[ ] Decision on what parts to keep in stock
[ ] Basic e-waste and battery disposal plan

Next learning steps

Once your checklist is mostly complete, move on to learning safe repairs, pricing and avoiding common traps as a beginner.

Starter checklist – tools & budget