Appreciation post: A customer in Tampa taught me a trick with a paperclip

I was fixing a desktop that wouldn't boot, and the guy watched me for a minute before handing me a paperclip. He said, "My dad was a tech, he always used these to short the CMOS pins, it's easier than hunting for a jumper." I've kept one in my kit ever since. What's your go-to simple tool for a quick fix?

3 comments

3 Comments

ross.dakota3d ago

That paperclip trick is a classic. I read an old forum thread where a guy called it the "universal reset tool" for anything from game consoles to garage door openers. He said he straightens one out and keeps it taped inside his laptop case.

zaranelson3d ago

Yeah @ross.dakota, my dad always called it a "pocket mechanic.

skyler_johnson323d ago

Honestly a bent paperclip is perfect for that. Just make sure you unplug the power first.