anyone else scratch the bottom when removing screws?

I slipped up a few times and caused hairline scratches on the underside plate of my 13" MBP when I installed my Momentus XT (which I am now returning and getting X25-M). My heart dropped when I heard these screeching noises, but it doesn't look too bad and hopefully eliminates the OCD I tend to have with electronics.

 

uhhh.. no.. I'm careful. Don't be in such a hurry

 

That's what it looks like, no depth or dings. When I run my finger over these areas, I feel no imperfection. I tried to take my time with it but I slipped up several times, the screws were super tight.

 

Nope, not me. I know its too late, but you need the exactly correct sized screwdrivers. Otherwise, slips can and will happen.

 

I've opened mine a few times to clean the fan and replace the drive; use a professional screwdriver fit for the screws. They can be tight, but take your time. I've slipped once or twice but luckily never left any marks; maybe because I'm a lefty!

 

dont be too hasty. i've also opened mine several times but never scratched it.

 

If I can't visually determine the driver size, I'll check the service manual. If need be, I'll "gently" try visually approximated drivers and see which one is firm before removing the screws.

Besides avoiding scratches, it also prevents partially stripping the screws as you attempt to compensate for an ill fitting driver with force.

 

Good job at stripping the screws too, maybe you should take it to a computer shop next time. You'd think after the first one you would be more careful...

 

I don't mean to insult the OP but one screw and a scratch, OK, but multiple screws and scratches? Where you intoxicated? I've taken the bottom plate off my MBA many times and never scratched it once.

 

I was not intoxicated and using the right driver (philips 00) I think the problem was I was using a thin rod handle screw driver. I had no mishaps when I used one with a big plastic handle.

The machine hinge also (prior to opening the bottom plate too) squeaks and clicks. Is this grounds enough to ask for an exchange?

 

This post made me laugh.

Don't worry OP, I scratched mine a little bit as well.

 

Nope. You caused the damage.

 

You should have taken it back BEFORE opening it if you were concerned about the hinge squeaking. Now that you've opened it, and damaged the bottom, how does Apple know that you didn't cause the squeak?

 

evnhvn:

These are only some bloody scratches, man. Do not lose focus here. Does your computer do whatever it supposed to do? That's all it matters.

 

This is where masking tape is your friend. Put a one inch square piece of tape over a screw and cut a tiny slit over the screw for screwdriver access. If you're really not precise with precision tools, you can put a second layer. I always do that when working on surfaces I don't want to mar. It doesn't take much for a slip, especially if the screw is very tight on the first removal.

 

Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing that.

 

Agreed, you learn something new everyday. Excellent advice.

 

I've fortunately not scratched a MacBook Pro that I cared about (I scratched a bit on a 3 year old MacBook Pro) while opening it up, and I've always done three things:

1) Use a large handled screwdriver for that extra torque. I have used those small jewelers' ones and I stripped two screws while working on laptops! I vowed never to repeat that again and got a brand new set, and a very good set will make your job effortless and you'll feel the grip!

2) When I worked on my unibody MacBook Pro, I placed a piece of paper on it with a hole poked right through the center just larger enough for the screw and screwdriver. That way, if I slipped I'll hopefully just scratch the paper. Same logic as the tape but less labor intensive (and less protective).

3) I use E-Z Grip friction drops from EzGrip :: screw extraction, friction drops, screw removal It's meant for "worn, damaged or corroded" (or stripped) screws and bolts, but hey, I think prevention is better than cure and I use it even on my perfect screws and screwdrivers.

I haven't slipped up yet.

 

You dont need any extra items for opening your MBP.
I have a MBP 13", which I have just opened after reading this thread. No masking tape, no extra fluids, no paper, etc.

You need a precision screwdriver. I have a precision screwdriver set, and the smallest cross-head screwdriver fits the MBP screws perfectly.

I did NOT have to apply much pressure at all, and the screws came away cleanly and easily. In fact, now that Ive re-inserted the screws etc, even the screws have no marks and look like that have never been removed in the first instance.

Get yourself a precision screwdriver set (or a laptop toolkit) and you should be fine.

 

TBH this would bother me a lot! lol
Also, them screws look like they are almost shot! Get yourself some replacement screws and a precision screwdriver set!

 

I was thinking the same. I don't wanna pile on, but you did a number on those poor screws stripping the grooves like that. One more time and you may never be able to get those screws out again, at least not without a drill

And FWIW, I upgraded my RAM and HDD (opening the bottom twice) w/o issue, but I have a nice set of Craftsmen precision screwdrivers. $30 well spent.

 

cheap tools will do this. it's not about carelessness. he skimped on his tools and paid for it.