Stripped Screw - Unibody MBP

While using the correct screwdriver, I managed to strip the single screw on the bracket that's holding the HD down.




- Computer is out of warranty - Really don't feel like paying Apple for what seemed like such a simple job

- Tried several needle nose pliers, but I can't get a good grip on the screw, because there's a bar in my way (pictured below).


Seems like I would have to take every component out in order to remove the bar.

- Tried nail glue (did absolutely nothing, will try actual "super" glue tomorrow).

- I don't want to do any drilling / cutting of the screw.

What are my options?

 

That bar you circled won't come out, it's part of the unibody. You can try those screw extractors, not sure how well they work on small screws.

 

That's what I was afraid of .

 

Other things you could try is file a small slot in the screw for a flathead screw driver to fit in. Using a bigger screwdriver and putting some pressure on the screw might help, also tapping the screwdriver while in the screw with something might help to loosen it up.

*not my fault if you break anything*

 

I think I'm going to try the super glue trick first. Thanks for your help!

 

small drill with a tiny drill bit... its not really that bad, I've drilled several screws on many laptops, get enough out of the way the rest can be broken out.... but filing tiny parts to get a grip or rough it up helps... sadly it all depends on your exact screw and whats left there to what would be best, so its hard to come up with a good answer. Super glue works sometimes, but very often it will not.

 

I had a similar problem with my last laptop (m1330); luckily it was one of the screws outside the case holding the HD. I sealed all the openings and covered the bottom of the laptop. Using a small dremel, I created a new groove on the screw and was able to get it out. If you are going to try anything similar, I suggest that you isolate the area well using covers and tape so that you wont have any metal shavings inside the computer.

Good luck!

 

No real options here other than the mentioned methods. This is why disassemblers use quality screwdrivers that don't strip screws. Personally I'm not a big fan of Apple's use of soft aluminum screws...

Superglue method hardly ever works, they are not nearly strong enough to bond with the metal to give enough torque to remove, you could always try J.B Weld (with caution obviously).

I would personally use the dremel method and slit the screw with a new groove .

 

I appreciate everyones suggestions! I brought my computer into work (jewelery store), hopefully the watch makers and/or jewelers can figure something out for me.

Thanks again!

 

Sometimes they get stuck, when taking off the back cover of my unibody all but one screw came out fine, spent a good 20 min trying to get it out, it was a little stripped but still usable. Some of the screws are just two tight. Also as for the OP this screw seems to be a common problem.

 

Okay, I didn't even bother with the glue idea. The watchmaker at my work got it out in a matter of minutes with a drill. I can even reuse the same screw !

 

u prolly shudnt push ur luck with that same screw haha