the_anna•28d agoProlific Poster

Warning: I keep seeing folks strip the heads on those tiny M3 screws in laptops

I fixed three different MacBook Air models last month and every single one had at least one screw with a chewed-up head from the wrong driver. It matters because you can't get the board out if you can't turn the screw. I learned to use a proper JIS #00 driver, not just any small Phillips, and it makes all the difference. Has anyone found a good trick for getting a stripped one out without a special kit?

3 comments

3 Comments

betty_scott1828d ago

Oh man, "chewed-up head" is my middle name! I've definitely been that person with the wrong driver before. I ended up using a tiny flathead and a lot of prayer.

lisa8394d ago

Saw a tip once about using valve grinding compound on the driver tip for extra grip. That stuff is basically gritty paste.

fiona50227d ago

Actually, a tiny flathead can sometimes make the stripping worse because it doesn't grip the sides fully. If the head is already chewed, I've had better luck putting a thick rubber band over the screw head and pushing the driver down hard through it. The rubber fills the gaps and gives the bit something to grab onto. It's saved me a few times when I didn't have the right extractor tool handy.