Screws and Laptop

So my laptop was in need of a good clean so I decided to try and open the hatch underneath to dust off the components for the first time since I bought the thing a year ago.

However, 2 of the screws (bottom right and bottom left) refused to open. Despite not having exerted much pressuree, the cross on top of the screws has become somewhat rounded on only these two and there is nothing I can do to get them out. 10 of the 12 screws came out without much trouble but as these two are both on the bottom corners, I could not even lever the hatch out slightly to do a proper clean (a cloth, cotton buds and a hair dryer with a cold air function were utilised to some minimal success). I stopped attempting to force out the screws the second I noticed that they were being worn down but both of these appear to have been substantially more malleable than the others.

As I was planning on ordering another HDD for my second bay, I am somewhat concerned that I will be unable to fit my recent purchase into my unit. As I am currently abroad in Japan for a year, there is no way either that I could return the laptop to my manufacturer either.

Anyone got any ideas as to what I could do?

 

Thanks! That was pretty much all the info I found with a quick google search - likely try the superglue trick. Hopefully they'll have some strong enough at my local supermarket (middle of countryside Japan is not a great place to be in the middle of a tech crisis!).

 

If all else fails, you might try the impact hammer method. You'll need the proper size screwdriver in relation to the screw head, and a hammer. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the recess of the screw head, and lightly tap the top of the screwdriver with the hammer while applying firm, constant downward pressure on the screw, while turning the screw counter-clockwise.

And while this may sound counter-productive, you might also want to slighty tighten the screw first, then try loosening the screw using firm, constant downward pressure of the screwdriver. The trick here is firm and constant pressure, turning slowly to break the screw's grip. Tightening and then loosening acheives this.

Either method works terrifically well, and I've used both methods to great effect. As an aside, I wouldn't put anything, such as glue, in a buggered screw head as this only prevents the screwdriver from gaining purchase in a limited area as it is.

 

I'm not sure I would be comfortable using a file to create small metal shavings/particles that could enter the laptop and possibly short-circuit it.

 

+1
that is exactly it, I'm surprised it took you that long to see it



Sometimes screws can be stubborn, I found that what worked best in my situation was to use a screw driver that fit it perfectly, then used a pair of Viper Grips (the single GREATEST tool I'll ever own) and clamp on the screw driver; then I put my weight on the screw driver and slowly turn from the end of the viper grips (imagine this, but with pliers http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TFH/Step-By-Step/FH02SEP_REMFAS_09.JPG)

Now, my method only works if you can safely put a lot of pressure on the computer without damaging anything like the screen; and assumin you have a screw driver that fits almost perfectly, and that there is at least a bit of screw head left...

there is a risk of damage with any method you try, it is just about what you feel comfortable with doing

 

Added note for the OP: Throw those screws out and put in new ones. Either order them online or walk into a local Fry's/Microcenter and buy them.

My own solution - take a rotary tool and carve a new notch along a relatively solid intact piece of the screw-head. Then grab the thickest, widest flathead you have that just barely fits and remove. If you don't have a dremel, you can pull this off using the existed slot pattern, but it takes more force. Or, if you don't particularly mind having a slight notch in the plastics (it's the underside anyway), grab an exacto knife, cut a -TINY- triangular notch on one side of the screwhead, shove in a pen/thumbtack/pin/something pointy and sharp, and use lever force as you rotate the screwhead. Once you have 0.5-1mm of clearance, grab your needlenose pliers and do the rest by hand.

 

"You" people? This isn't a clash of opinions. The OP has a right to know the risks involved in creating debris that is electrically conductive that could easily end up in the bowels of their notebook. Stop being so melodramatic.

 

The simple solution to avoiding having filing inside the notebook is to tape some newspaper around the screw, as well as OVER the screw, with a cutout so you can work around the screwhead. If you want, forget the vacuum and grab a weak fridge magnet and "wipe up" any loose bits every other second. Compared to other "mods" most of the risk can be eliminated here.

 

Tried to send privately, but PM and e-mail are off. This is necessary, IMO, but getting OT. Someone lock it.

People will stop ragging on you when you stop reading constructive discussion as personal criticism. Believe it or not, fora are meant to promote discussion, not force people to clash. If someone adds a warning to otherwise good advice or decides to put in his 2 cents, it only adds to discussion. He didn't call your idea stupid or misguided, and this is not your personal thread, forum, or internet. He just said to be cautious, and that he, personally, was uncomfortable with the idea. Your response to that is to ridicule and throw accusations? If you can't incorporate or respond to criticism or questioning, and instead start pointing at people and saying "You people", then perhaps you need to take a step back. Everything in your post prior to the "Lmfao" was sensible. Everything from "lmfao" on was pure jackassery and unnecessary to help the OP with his problem.

 

This thread is going pretty quickly off-topic. The OP can create a new thread if the answers here haven't covered it, as I'm closing it before anyone deserves an infraction.