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Computer Screws For Laptops
I'm replacing the RAM in a 2011 MacBook Pro, something I've done before on other machines. I got all the screws from the back case off apart from one that sits in the corner on the end by the screen hinge.
After trying with a variety of screwdrivers I cannot get the screw undone, and have now stripped the head of the screw. Any ideas how I can get this screw out?
M K2 Answers
Whichever method you follow, be very, very careful. The worst case scenario may require drilling the screw out.
Try placing a wide rubber band on the screw and use a slightly bigger screwdriver. Instead of a rubber band, you could also try with a piece of cloth (anything that can provide more grip and change its shape a bit).
For other methods, see The 12 Best Ways to Remove Stripped Screws.
You could also try iFixit's Precision Screw Extractor Set.
M KM KThis is what i ended up doing, after taking it to the apple store and them battling with it for an hour to no avail - i tried this approach listed on IFIXIT - which didnt work out entirely to plan, but still achieved a similar result.
I bought off amazon this Dremel but the cutting disks where to large for the screw, after searching for fine metal cutting disks i decided that id just use the stock one that came with the Dremel, which i believe is for wood, but anyway.
My approach was to grind away the head of the screw which worked pretty well, what you've got be careful with is the heat this will make and also the vibration so do it in tiny 1 second bursts and let it cool each time, after about 10 or 20 little bursts i grinded away the screw head and most of the surrounding laptop case (i purchased a replacement online prior to doing this as i thought i might break it seeing that the screw was countersunk).
Either way i did this and got the case off, replaced the RAM, screwed down the new bottom cover and booted up the machine.
The only downside in the long run is that there is now 1 screw which cant be removed, as it dosnt have a screw head, but its only 1 of 10 so i dont think its that a big deal.
Be warned though this is a last resort, and not to be taken lightly, i really wouldn't recommend it to any one as the likeliness of breaking your machine is very high, i think i just got lucky.
Heres a pic of the screw after being ground away, as you can see the head of the screw is no longer there and you can just lift off the case.
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While Macintosh owners have well-designed computers that are visually appealing and functionally efficient, they also are hard to crack open. As with any computer, Mac owners desire to service their systems and install simple upgrades and replacement parts (RAM, hard drives, and so on) without relying on service departments. Over the years, Apple has built simplicity into its pro desktop models and into some aspects of the iMacs, with removable trays and doors that allow for easy access to the interior; however, with laptops this has always been a difficult thing to do.
Laptops are assembled with small, delicate screws and even in newer designs with access ports, it can take the removal of at least a few screws to access 'user-serviceable' parts such as the hard drive and RAM. Many people who are trying to upgrade components in their laptops are, at times, finding it very difficult to remove some of these screws, which results in the heads being stripped.
gummibear--
'I tried to upgrade my [Macbook's] disk drive but the screw securing the hard drive stripped completely.'
Other people have reported stripping screws on the RAM housing and other components. There are several reasons why this can happen, including using the wrong tool, accidental slippage, or even simple mistakes such as twisting the screw the wrong direction. Since the screws are so small and delicate, often once the screw head has been even partially stripped it will not provide enough surface area to grip with a screwdriver.
Despite the delicateness of the screws, in most cases you can remove them without damage by following a couple of simple precautions.
1. Use proper tools.
Itool For Mac
Our first and foremost suggestion is to use a proper set of well-made tools. The key to proper screw removal is to have a screwdriver that fully fits the whole surface area of the screw slot. This means you need to research the exact size of tool to use. Often, people try servicing computers with poorly made 'Swiss army knife' tools that don't have hard edges, use worn out tools that are blunted and chewed, or even purposefully use the wrong tool such as removing Philips and Torx screws with a flathead screwdriver. These practices will only increase the probability of stripping and damaging the screw head. Additionally, using tools that are too large or small to fully seat the head in the slot will reduce the efficiency of the tool. We cannot stress the use of proper tools enough.
For simple repairs, Apple requires fairly standard tools such as Philips and Torx screwdrivers, but for some more advanced servicing , there specialized screwdriver requirements (such as tri-lobe drivers for removing the battery in the 17-inch Unibody MacBook Pro). Therefore, researching the specific screw types is important; however, these special tools are not needed for most cases especially those for upgrades to the hard drive and RAM which use industry-standard screws. The tools to have for those routine upgrades are a size #00 Philips screwdriver and a Torx T6 screwdriver that can be purchased individually or in kits such as the following: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/TOOLKIT11/
2. Use proper procedures.
Many times, especially with case fastenings, the screws are very tight and even with a proper set of tools a slip can happen. To avoid this, we recommended you start very slowly and be sure to press with ample force on the screw to ensure the screwdriver is firmly seated in the slot at all times. It will not hurt the computer to press hard.
We also recommend watching several video tutorials on the specific procedure before starting the repair, even if you've performed similar repairs before. With new computer models, Apple changes small details (varying screw lengths, differing threads for seemingly similar screws, and placing unexpected delicate components around the screws) that can lead to harm if reassembled improperly. There are many tutorials available on the Web, but here are a few examples:
http://www.ifixit.com - A great resource for do-it-yourself hardware repairs and replacements.
http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/installation.cfm - Many videos organized by upgradable part or computer model.
What to do if screws are stripped?
If the worst has happened, you've made a silly blunder and the screw ends up looking like a pitted mangled mess, our recommendation is to take it in to an Apple store--even if the computer is not under warranty. The technicians at Apple should have all the necessary tools for removing damaged screws, and if nothing else in the computer is damaged, the repairs should be done for free. Many people have reported success in getting damaged screws removed and replaced by Apple for free. However, while other Apple authorized repair centers will also be able to remove stripped screws, they will likely charge a small fee for the services.
Other Precautions and tips:
1. Back up!
Before performing any repairs on a computer, or sending it in for repair, backup your data. Get an external FireWire or USB hard disk and use Time Machine or a third-party cloning utility (Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper) to ensure your data is duplicated and in a safe location. Simple mistakes can lead to data loss, and many times people have handed their computers over to technicians only to receive them back with formatted hard drives, so back up your data!
2. Ground yourself.
Static charge buildup is something that many people overlook, and while some repairs (battery replacements) do not need extra precautions against static electricity, anytime the logic board or other circuit boards are exposed, the computer is vulnerable to static discharge. We recommend you always perform repairs and upgrades in static-free conditions (smooth, clean, hard surfaces such as a wood table and a hard floor -- no carpeting or tablecloths), and always ground yourself to the computer and ground the computer while performing repairs.
The best way to ground everything is to first keep the computer plugged in and then just touch a metal part of the case for a few seconds. This will discharge static charge the differences between the computer and yourself. You can then unplug the computer and begin the repairs. From this point on, the key is to prevent additional static electricity differences between yourself and the computer from building up, so we recommend using an antistatic wristband, or if one is not available, you can frequently touch the computer case before handling logic board components to accomplish the same thing.
Additional information on this issue can be found here:
NOTE: If you have not performed any repairs before and are at all uncertain about your ability to perform a repair or upgrade, we recommend you take your computer in to an Apple store for servicing. Apple employees should provide simple upgrade services at no charge. It should also be noted that opening the case and attempting to repair an Apple computer yourself may void the warranty on the device. Be sure to take advantage of any service contract that covers your machine before proceeding with the repair yourself.
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