Headphone Pin Stuck in T61 Headphone Jack

I have a problem, I've gotten my headphone pin stuck inside the headphone jack and now I can't get it out.

I've noticed that just below the headphone & microphone jack, there's a screw, will this allow me to open up and get the stuck broken pin out?

 

Not likely, those jacks are usually totally enclosed and opening the laptop will be of little help to you.

I did some quick research and found this:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=28040&messageID=317162

Hope it helps you some.

 

Nobody had this problem on the T61 before?

 

So the connector broke and now there is a piece of the connector stuck in the audio port? Is it stuck below the flush surface, aka you cannot use pliers to pull it out?

If it is stuck inside the hole and not sticking out past the edge of the laptop, it may be a tricky fix. Until you specify though I am not sure what advice to give.

 

its stuck inside the hole, past the edge of the laptop.

the only good news is that music is able to play through the speakers (system doesn't detect as a headphone jack is plugged in).

Alternatively, is there any device like usb devices or something like that, that I could use to output audio from?

 

You could get an external sound card, like the Creative Soundblaster External http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102174,
an expresscard soundcard to go into your expresscard slot (assuming you have one with your laptop), or an advanced minidock which has audio out on it.

But I would look into fixing this problem first before finding a work-around. You may be able to use some super glue on the end of a strong steel cable or something of the sort and yank it out. The glue would have to be applied very carefully so it does not stick to the sides of the slot, and only onto the connector. You would also have to wait a long time for it to dry properly, etc. That's just one idea for a solution.

 

I've tried to take it out with superglue, but It just couldn't stick well enough

 

hmm

This would be so much easier if I had it right in front of me, heh. I'll try and think about it as I go through the work-day and see if I can come up with anything.

I doubt solder would hold strong enough on that small of a surface area, let alone the fact that it would be very risky to stick solder in a place like that.

 

Do you have a warranty so you could send it in to get repaired? Can you take a picture of it?
Tim

 

That would help a lot I second the movement.

 

Warranty wouldn't cover this and sending it in for repair would likely be costly. If you don't have any luck getting it out yourself it'd probably be best to take it to a local computer repair shop.

Soldering something might work, but seems unlikely. It usually takes quite a bit of force (considering the size) to plug in/remove headphones from the jack.

 

Just a guess here, but this probably doesn't happen a lot. Super glue was my first thought too. As noted a picture would help.

 

super glued, but failed to extract it out.

my laptop is under warranty and like elfroggo, it could be costly.

 

this is getting into the realm of engine repair fix but if you're desperate...

If the material is soft enough you could try drilling a hole down the center of the jack and find a suitable size screw to thread into the hole. The threads of the screw hold onto the jack tight enough that you can then pull the jack out.

Again, just a possible suggestion. Don't hold me responsible for damages

 

I think at this case ,I might be better off getting an external soundcard.

I've seen those USB->audio adapter, are they a scam?

 

Did you try a strong magnet, or . . . wait never-mind, forget I even said that word "magnet"

 

you'd be surprised at what warranty would cover

its all in how you paint the picture

give 'em a call and dont say that something broke inside the jack, but instead the thinkpad jack was way to "tight" and you were "told by support" that it would eventually break in and loosen up. then this happened.

ask for a local repair shop and get it done their, no need to spend any cash.

i once gave my thinkpad the "drop" test they showed off in one of the promotion videos, only on a hardwood flood, system survived but the left hinge broke. spun the story right and they fixed it no charge. (told em the hinge was "stuck" and I applied force and it broke during an attempt to open it)

yeah i know its wrong but its best to take advantage of your one year warranty while you can

 

Now that is just plain lying.