NewerTech Media Coverage

When it comes to working on my computers or devices, I rely mainly on a good ratcheting screwdriver with a wide selection of bits. I also have a multibit precision screwdriver that I purchased –– mainly for the torx bits –– way back when I wanted to replace the front cover of a Nokia 6185 cell phone. The NewerTech 11-piece portable toolkit includes a good selection of precision screwdrivers to work mainly on smaller devices. It came in real handy recently on a Toshiba ultrabook I was working on.

PROS

• Good selection of screwdrivers
• Includes two spudgers
• Reasonably priced
• Case keeps tools safe and organized

CONS

• Foam inserts could use improvement

The NewerTech toolkit comes in a nylon case with the following 11 pieces:

• Slotted 1.8mm
• Slotted 3.0mm
• Phillips #00
• Phillips #2
• Torx T6
• Torx T8
• Torx T10
• Scissor Clamp
• Tweezers
• Two nylon Spudgers

The slotted, philips and torx screwdrivers should help you gain access to many devices. I’ve personally never needed a scissor clamp or tweezers, but they might come in handy when working with tiny ribbon cables. The spudgers are useful for opening iPods and other devices you don’t want to bend or scratch when prying them open. The nylon case is nice and durable on the outside and the zipper works smoothly, but I would’ve preferred tabs to secure the tools or even molded plastic. It was somewhat difficult to put the tools back into the molded foam because the foam was a bit too soft.

I recently used the toolkit to open up a Toshiba U925t Windows 8 ultrabook laptop, so I could upgrade the memory. The screws for the back cover were a pain to access, but opening them with the philips screwdriver from the NewerTech toolkit was relatively easy. Throwing me for a loop, however, Toshiba decided to use a torx screw in one area. Lucky for me, the T6 torx screwdriver from the toolkit did the job. Also, though the tips of the screwdrivers are magnetized, it’s not a strong magnetization.

CONCLUSION The NewerTech 11-piece toolkit is a pretty nice toolkit for those that like to tinker with small electronics. The case could use a slight modification to improve ease of use, but overall, it’s a good toolkit at a fair price.

Available from Amazon.com.

* Review sample provided by NewerTech