How do i remove stripped screw heads?

[JPL951]

I took my macbook in for repairs, to an authorized place... it came back repaired, however the idiot stripped all 10 of the screw heads on the bottom of the laptop, not only that but he refuses to take responsibility.

I have my own new set of screws, and a 1.2mm pentalobe driver... however it does not work for 8 of the 10 screws. I have tried every non invasive how to in the book. Superglue does not work, rubber band does not work, flat head bit does not work, I do not have a dremel and do not want to damage the bottom of the case, I also do not have a soldering iron.

Is there ANY possible way to get these stupid screws out?

A side note, i get the laptop back and on top of the messed up screws, the display is not perfectly aligned, you can feel a lip on all 4 sides... that is one of the reasons i wish to get into the bottom, so i can adjust that my self!

 

[campyguy]

The one tool you didn't mention is screw extractors, they work great when you have the correct one. I've been using them for 35+ years for all kinds of applications. DON'T cheap out - buy from a better-established brand like Bosch or Wiha, and you won't have any problems...

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Remove+a+Stripped+Screw/13213 is not the best way to do this...

 

[JPL951]

where exactly can i find something that will fit a screw as small as the ones on the bottoms of MBP's? i looked at Ifixit's set but those look like crap, and over priced as well. If the screws weren't so recessed into the bottom of the case, this thread would not be required, id go pick up a dremel for 30 bucks and be done with it...

 

[campyguy]

Start with a reseller like Fastenal or your local jeweler. Jewelers work on watches, and Fastenal works with machine shops - I've used fasteners much smaller than those found on the bottom of a laptop, and there's always an extractor to match those sizes. Heck, a jeweler might even do it for you at a very reasonable cost...

 

[jbachandouris]

I took my macbook in for repairs, to an authorized place... it came back repaired, however the idiot stripped all 10 of the screw heads on the bottom of the laptop, not only that but he refuses to take responsibility.

I have my own new set of screws, and a 1.2mm pentalobe driver... however it does not work for 8 of the 10 screws. I have tried every non invasive how to in the book. Superglue does not work, rubber band does not work, flat head bit does not work, I do not have a dremel and do not want to damage the bottom of the case, I also do not have a soldering iron.

Is there ANY possible way to get these stupid screws out?

A side note, i get the laptop back and on top of the messed up screws, the display is not perfectly aligned, you can feel a lip on all 4 sides... that is one of the reasons i wish to get into the bottom, so i can adjust that my self!

Since they claim to be 'authorized,' I would also contact Apple to report them so they can lose their right to butcher anyone else's Mac's.

 

[JPL951]

Start with a reseller like Fastenal or your local jeweler. Jewelers work on watches, and Fastenal works with machine shops - I've used fasteners much smaller than those found on the bottom of a laptop, and there's always an extractor to match those sizes. Heck, a jeweler might even do it for you at a very reasonable cost...

Smart idea, ill take it to a local jeweler, and see what they can do. thanks!

 

[Brian Y]

If a screw extractor doesn't work, as a last resort you can always (VERY carefully) drill the screw head.

Had to drill quite a few in my time - worst was a logic board screw on an original MacBook Air that someone had butchered, that was scary!

 

[Mcmeowmers]

If a screw extractor doesn't work, as a last resort you can always (VERY carefully) drill the screw head.

Had to drill quite a few in my time - worst was a logic board screw on an original MacBook Air that someone had butchered, that was scary!

Just to add to your post
Make sure to use a smaller bit than the screw! This might be very difficult, though. Check out a dremel for more attachment options

 

[duervo]

I had to use a Dremel with a really tiny drill bit to get a stripped screw out of a top case once. It is a little tense, but doable.

If I had thought about it at the time, I would have taken it to a jeweller and asked if they could get it out. That's a great idea ... Gonna put that one in my pocket.

 

[jlc1978]

Before you do anything contact Apple. If you try to fix it before you contact Apple about what the authorized repair shop did you will lose any shot at getting Apple to deal with the problem.