It depends on the type of device you would like to teardown. My first rule is to make a video of my teardown so that I can take a look at it, if I try to put i

It depends on the type of device you would like to teardown. My first rule is to make a video of my teardown so that I can take a look at it, if I try to put it together. You SHOULD also invest in good equipment, depending on your device (screwdrivers, spudgers, iSesamo, heatplate, etc.) and the amount of "repairs" / teardowns you would like to do. BEFORE: Looking for another person who did a teardown of this or a similar device (even in BAD quality) it is better than nothing. Schematics or board layouts are also helpful. If your device has a battery (e.g. lithium), have a metal bucket with sand and a cover around, best case with a window or fume extractor. Batteries are dangerous! DURING: Looking for screws is the first step. If there aren't any, I try to think of how the device could be held together. Probably glued, next step is to heat up the device to 80-120 degrees (Celsius), and try to sneak in via iSesamo or suction cup... probably you need a razor for the edges. Heating up can be done with a hair dryer or better heat plate. If there is an lcd, try to heat up the edges, not the lcd itself.. Just some of Ideas :-)