I don’t want to start a business as such yet, just as a hobby for now. This kind of thing really interests me
Not a tech, just a hobbyist.
I got this set:
It is the GOAT. But I advise to invest into a better set. iFixit tools are really good and not super duper expensive.
Get a silicone pad for working area. These are fucking great! The bigger, the better.
If soldering is involved, I suggest to start with some sort of a small pen-sized soldering iron. Something like this:
It is this much more comfortable than a big ass tool when working with tiny smd components. There is also a tweezers version.
If it is too expensive, get FNIRSI. It uses basic JBC tips and is 100W USB-C PD but is bigger and less comfortable. Invest in something like JBC or Weller later when you can.
Bonus: get a good deck lamp like this. Pretty much any heat gun is fine. Maybe get a hot plate. And, of course, all the liquids - isopropranolol alcohol, gasket sealant for phones, break cleaner maybe, etc.
Aside from the suggested iFixit screwdriver kits and magnifying glasses, I would suggest a microfibre cloth or wiping down the device and isopropyl alcohol to clean adhesive for the battery in many phones.
I’ve fixed a bunch of them, as well as tablets, and I really like the toolkit from iFixit. It’s great as a beginners set.
EDIT, now that I have a bit more time to elaborate:
It contains most of the bits you’ll ever need, including the weird ones. The only thing I use in addition to that kit is a good heat gun, citric based cleaning agent, and some of those glue-gasket-things.Second the iFixit kit.
Another consideration is some tool to heat up the display or back. iFixit has the iOpener, a silicone “pillow” you heat up in the microwave, which works okay, but you might prefer a heat gun, or a plate (3D printer’s heated bed works too).
And good lighting of course.
Some other useful stuff: isopropyl alcohol & an old tooth brush for cleaning corrosion, a magnet bowl for holding parts.
And some lint free pads for the alcohol. I buy mine dirt cheap at the pharmacy, as they’re technically bandages.
Take care of your eyes. That’s fine work and being able to see well will make everything easier. I’m not familiar with the gear specific to the task, but I notice Louis Rosman using jeweler’s lenses and different magnifying glasses.
Also wear eye protection when working with screens.
And steel toe boots. Some of the phones are heavy as fuck. OP didn’t specify, so we have to assume he will also be working on Vodaphone VM1:
Screwdriver
But what kind, because many do not use star or flats
The ifixit kit really is the best bang for your buck. unless you are working on a lot of the same devices and want to invest in high quality tools for those specific bits.
Also, hammer.
