Does a sprint iphone need any special tools for activation?

[2.7t]

i have a sprint iphone that is been canceled on its contract. I am having some problems with the touch screen it so i am thinking of restoring it. If i do, does it require a tool to activate it? Like the att requires a sim but, sprint doesnt use one. basically do i need service to activate it? I may also swap one out from apple since warranty is still intact.