Loose DC jack

Hi
I discoverd my dc jack was loose today. I am trying to be ultra careful with it. It wiggles down and a little tiny bit up but not left to right. Should I be worried? (I know it can be replaced but I don't have much money)

 

Yes! And unfortunately, it's one of those inevitable weak links that sooner or later will let you down. The best thing you can do is "baby jack" for as long as possible, and hope the notebook goes out of style before the jack goes completely. If that's not possible, get it replace asap! And before it shorts out your machine.

 

Thanks for the reply. Its gotta last me about 6-8 months. Do you think thats possible. I figure i could get it replaced for a 100-120 bucks but right now i dont have the money

 

How pressing is this matter? Like I said it isn't terribly loose and if its like most other types of electronics it won't break right away

 

What laptop do you have?

 

If you're comfortable with electronics, it's not terribly difficult to open up the laptop and either 1) resolder the jack back on or 2) replace the power board

 

I've got a dell: an inspiron 1526.

PS I am pretty comfortable with electronics so I may re solder it back on

 

The hardest part is finding the jack, Dell and HP not so much.

I would pay the $2 license fee for apple mag-safe jacks in a heartbeat. I've lost 2 jacks in the last 6 years for a total cost of $20 to do it myself.

 

Alright so for mine it wouldnt be too bad?

 

Nope. Just check ebay for a new jack, or if the jack isn't broken, and just loose, just solder the connection back onto the board...Definitely not worth the $100 repair shops ask for to replace the mobo.

 

ok I just figured out my jack may not be loose. (i know wiggling it isn't even a good idea if it isnt loose but i needed to test something) my usb slots right next to it also move when the jack moves.