TLE 8

Self-Learning Module
Preliminaries
Module # 4: Maintaining Hand Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia

Module Overview
This module will help you comprehend how Maintaining Hand Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia is
used in expanding your skills of this things. You will learn different strategies in perform safety procedures in using
hand tools and equipment.
You will be able to learn while having fun in this module. You will enhance your logical thinking and
improve your reading comprehension. Be sure to read and answer all the activities to do well in this subject.

Learning Competencies
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
a. Identify common computer hardware malfunctions;
b. Follow the proper procedures in cleaning, tightening, and simple repairing of hand tools, equipment, and paraphernalia

Instructional Materials
TLE 8 TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION; ALBERTO D. VILLAMOR, AUTHOR

Pre-Assessment
Modified True or False
Instruction: Analyze each statement. If it is correct, write True on the line. If wrong, write False. Underline the word
or phrase that made it incorrect, then change it to make the statement true.
1. When doing hardware repair, inappropriate use of defective hand tool can damage the device or
the human body.

2. An anti-electrostatic discharge mat should be worn to equalize the electrical charge between you
and the device.

3. Always wear an anti-static wrist strap if you are repairing a monitor.

4. Keyboard should be plugged first before cleaning it using a handheld vacuum cleaner with brush
attachment.

5. The contacts on the components may be cleaned using ethyl alcohol.

6. To reduce overheating, fans may be installed in the CPU.

7. Connecting numerous software and other peripheral devices to a computer increases power
requirements.

8. An error with no accompanying clicking or scraping noise from the hard disk can be resolved
using a hardware application.

9. Never use magnetized tools when working on electronic devices.

10. Do not overtighten screws because the screws may become stripped.

INTRODUCTION
Maintaining Hand Tools, Equipment, and Paraphernalia
INTERACTION
Learning Activities
1. Reading materials/Concept Notes
PROPER AND SAFE USE OF HAND TOOLS
Technicians and students that do computer hardware servicing should wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD)
wrist strap to equalize the electrical charge between him/her and the device. He/she should also work only on
electronic assemblies that are properly set up with an ESD wrist strap and protective mat tied to the ground to create a
basic anti-ESD work area.
Avoid wearing an anti-static wrist strap when repairing a monitor
CAUTION

Screwdrivers should not be used as a chisel, puncher, stirrer, or scraper. Never use screwdrivers with broken handles.
Moreover, use the magnetic type to help fasten in tight areas and with a tip that fits the slotted head of the screw.
Threads may become stripped when the screws are overtightened.
Do not overtighten screws because it may strip the threads.
CAUTION

The process of installing and crimping RJ45 is easier when there are few exposed cables to work with. Once the outer
cover has been removed, some pairs of twisted wires are exposed. Untwist these wires but be very careful not to cut
them. A parts retriever, needle-nose pliers, or tweezers can be used to retrieve screws, jammed bits in the
motherboard, and other small parts of a computer. They can also be used for grabbing, maneuvering, and cleaning
small parts.
CLEANING COMPUTERS AND ACCESSORIES
In cleaning computers and accessories, such as computer cases, monitor exterior, LCD screen, CRT screen, and
mouse, use mild cleaning solution and lint-free cloth. Compressed air can only be sprayed for cleaning heat sinks.
Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug from the
CAUTION power source.

In cleaning the keyboard, unplug it first before cleaning it using a handheld vacuum cleaner with brush attachment.
Moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and clean the top, bottom, and in between keys but without applying too
much force to avoid damage.
Never use magnetized tools when working on electronic
CAUTION devices.

When cleaning the contacts on computer components, use isopropyl alcohol. Never use ethyl alcohol because it
contains impurities that can damage computer contacts. Make sure that the contacts do not collect lint from the cloth
or cotton swab. To avoid malfunction, regularly clean and maintain computers and accessories to increase their work
efficiency.
COMMON COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONS
1. Overheating- this happens when computer hardware operates for longer periods, drawing more power from
the power supply and generating heat.
2. Falling power supply- connecting numerous hard drives and other peripheral devices to a computer increases
power requirements.
3. Improper installation of device driver- in order for the computer or device to work well, the right software
drivers must be installed properly.
4. Unusual mechanical noise- whirling fans, clicks, or flutters that signal mechanical failure or loose parts can
be repaired by shifting a wire’s path or by tightening screws.
5. Bad sector on hard disk- sectors that are stored on data can be obsolete, invalid, or corrupted, which can
damage the computer or device physically.
6. Monitor malfunctions- computer monitor problems require a step-by-step procedure to troubleshoot.
a. No display- if the computer monitor does not display anything, check if the power is turned on and the cables
are properly connected. If the monitor has power and signal but has another type of problem, inform the
teacher or technician to help solve the problem.
b. Bizarre patterns or lines- if these lines appear on your monitor, try jiggling or shaking the cords, if this does
not work check the menu options or replace the cable.
c. Blurred and dimmed images- these problems have many potential causes; either the menu settings need to
be adjusted or the monitor is about to give out. If adjusting the menu settings does not work, inform the
teacher or technician.

2. Exercises and Drills (FA)

Activity 1:
 Instruction: Complete the table by providing the description and possible solution for each kind of computer
malfunction.

Computer Malfunction Description Possible Solution

1. Overheating

2. Insufficient power supply

3. Unusual mechanical noise

4. Improper installation of
CD drivers

5. Monitor malfunction
(glaring lines display and
blank monitor)

Processing Questions:
1. How do you find the activities? Do you find it challenging? Why?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________
2. How are you going to apply what you have learned in real-life situation?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Integration
Closure/Synthesis
To check your learning from the activities you’ve done from exercises and drills, you have to complete the sentences
below. Write your answer on the line.
After doing the activities:
1. I noticed _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
 2. One question I have is
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
_________
3. I’m not sure __________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4. I realized ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Reflective Question:
What are the two or three most useful, meaningful, or surprising things you have learned in this activity?

Intervention
Assignment
 Tell what the lesson or activity is about.

Post Assessment
Modified True or False
Instruction: Analyze each statement. If it is correct, write True on the line. If wrong, write False. Underline the word
or phrase that made it incorrect, then change it to make the statement true.
1. When doing hardware repair, inappropriate use of defective hand tool can damage the device or
the human body.

2. An anti-electrostatic discharge mat should be worn to equalize the electrical charge between you
and the device.

3. Always wear an anti-static wrist strap if you are repairing a monitor.

4. Keyboard should be plugged first before cleaning it using a handheld vacuum cleaner with brush
attachment.

5. The contacts on the components may be cleaned using ethyl alcohol.

6. To reduce overheating, fans may be installed in the CPU.

7. Connecting numerous software and other peripheral devices to a computer increases power
requirements.

8. An error with no accompanying clicking or scraping noise from the hard disk can be resolved
using a hardware application.

9. Never use magnetized tools when working on electronic devices.

10. Do not overtighten screws because the screws may become stripped.