Frequently asked questions
The questions techs actually ask — answered straight, from field experience.
What tools do I need for my first IT job?
A precision driver kit (the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is the field standard), a multibit screwdriver, a basic cable tester, a fast USB drive loaded with Ventoy, a SATA-to-USB adapter, and a magnetic parts tray. That covers about 95% of help desk and bench work. The full list with reasoning is on the Starter Technician Kit page — expect to spend $150–250 total.
How much should I spend on a starter tech toolkit?
Around $150–250 covers everything a help desk or bench technician actually uses. Spend real money on the driver kit and the USB drives (you will use both daily) and go cheap on everything else until the job proves you need better. Do not buy a $400 cable certifier for a bench job.
What is the difference between a $30 and a $300 cable tester?
A $30 tester checks continuity and wire order — enough for making patch cables. A $100–150 wiremap tester adds length measurement, numbered remote IDs, and tone generation, which is what field techs really need. $300+ qualification testers verify a link can carry gigabit or PoE, and are only worth it if your contracts require certification reports.
What should be in a field technician’s bag?
A driver kit, cable tester with remotes, tone and probe kit, pass-through crimper with connectors, short patch cables, a USB-C Ethernet adapter, Ventoy USB drives, a GaN charger and PD power bank, a label maker, velcro ties, and a headlamp. Keep it under ten pounds — if you have not used something in ninety days, take it out.
What free software should every IT technician have?
Ventoy and Rufus for boot media, Advanced IP Scanner for network discovery, the Microsoft Sysinternals Suite for Windows troubleshooting, WizTree for disk space analysis, and Hiren’s BootCD PE for machines that will not boot. All free, all field-proven — the full list with reasons is on the Software page.
Do I need different tools as an MSP engineer vs. a regular IT tech?
Mostly you add rather than replace: a USB-C console cable for switch and firewall work, an electric precision screwdriver for rack days, HDMI dummy plugs for headless machines, and better testing gear. The bigger jump is software — RMM and deployment tooling like SuperOps or PDQ matters more than any hand tool at that level.
Are the Amazon links on this site affiliate links?
Yes. As an Amazon Associate, ProTechKit earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are based on gear actually used on real jobs, and affiliate income never decides what makes the list — much of the software recommended here is free and earns the site nothing.