'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
This $10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time
Whenever I'm asked about my all-time favorite or most frequently used repair tool, people often anticipate some top-secret, ultra-expensive gadget straight from Area 51.
Also: This $17 headlamp is as close to perfection as lights get
However, their faces fall when I reveal my trusty, unassuming weapon of choice: a slim, metal pry tool, affectionately known as a spudger.
But this isn't just any spudger, it's the iconic DotterPod iSesamo spudger, the unsung hero of the repair world.
View at WalmartFirst and foremost, it's important that you always use the right tool for any repairs. if you're using screwdrivers or knives to pry open devices, just stop!
This approach is likely to damage the device, injure yourself, or both. I've witnessed the aftermath of such reckless prying -- it's a mess that takes considerable time, effort, and Band-Aids to fix.
Just stop!
Use this instead.
Enter the iSesamo spudger, a superior tool that outperforms its many imitators. The genuine, Italian-made iSesamo is unrivaled in quality. I used the same spudger for over a decade before needing a replacement. It has effortlessly opened hundreds of smartphones, tablets, power banks, and more -- even when the gaps were incredibly small.
Also: These gifts are perfect for DIYers who make and fix things
The best part is, the spudger is made with ultra-thin steel that allows it to be both durable and lightweight. There's also a fantastic no-slip grip handle that keeps it from falling out of your hands during operation.
It's also great for cutting labels and seals
The tip has been specially designed to slip into the thinnest of hairline gaps, popping open clips and cutting through any adhesives that might be holding devices shut. Here's an example with a remote controller!
The only complaint I've heard about the iSesamo spudger is that some people find the handle to be a bit uncomfortable. The enhanced grip texture is to blame for that. So, if you want a spudger with a more comfortable grip, I suggest the iFixit Jimmy.
Also: Want to fix your iPhone? This is the gadget repair kit to get
However, from my experience with the iSesamo, they've stood the test of time well, and the soft, ergonomic handle enables extended work periods without discomfort. But, remember that greater pressure isn't always the best approach. Slow, deliberate movements and smart pressure levels yield better results than brute force.
iFixit Jimmy (top) vs iSesamo spudger
A couple of words of caution when using metal spudgers -- be careful. While you can wield one with the precision and care of a surgeon, it's also very easy to go overboard and tear ribbon cables and puncture batteries.
You especially don't want to damage rechargeable batteries and, if in any doubt, opt to use plastic, non-conductive pry tools. These aren't as effective, but they are significantly safer. For general spudging, then the iSesamo spudger is the way to go -- I can't recommend anything better.