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How to remove memory slot latch?

iW00t

iW00t

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Nov 7, 2006
3,286
0
Defenders of Apple Guild
Okay, I got my rams!

Trouble is my entire set of very fancy "jeweler's screwdrivers" doesn't seem to be able to get enough torque to remove the screws on the latch. I didn't try THAT hard because I don't want to risk shearing the tops of the screws off.

Any other better and safer ways to unscrew the cover?

Like if some expert can tell me the exact screwdriver I can buy for the job it would be excellent!
 
I had trouble on one of my screws. I tried several of the "correct" sized screwdrivers. I ended up needing to grab the shaft of the screwdriver with some visegrips to get enough torque to finally break the thread loc good on the screw. I did finally get the screw out, but the phillips head was pretty chewed up. I used my dremmel tool to cut a slot in the screw so I could be sure to be able to get it in then back out if I needed to do so.

Good luck.

If you are in the US, either Sears or Radio Shack would be a source for a 00 phillips.
 
Sbrocket said:
http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Screw-Set/IF185-027
Gotta buy them all in one set, apparently. That sucks, $50. Ouch.

Just curious, what exactly did you do? I opened my memory slot cover just for curiosity's sake the other day and didn't have any trouble...
Click to expand...

I have not done anything yet. But I am rather paranoid about this particular machine. The last one I had does open easily, but this one.... I have already worn out one screw *a bit*

I will not do anything until I get the exact right screwdriver and the torque clamps etc to do the job.
 
Had one screw that was particularly tight on my SR 15" MBP. Almost seemed like Apple had used a very small pneumatic gun to tighten it. Sort of had to apply more than usual amount of downward pressure on the screwdriver before turning.
 
iW00t said:
Okay, I got my rams!

Trouble is my entire set of very fancy "jeweler's screwdrivers" doesn't seem to be able to get enough torque to remove the screws on the latch. I didn't try THAT hard because I don't want to risk shearing the tops of the screws off.

Any other better and safer ways to unscrew the cover?

Like if some expert can tell me the exact screwdriver I can buy for the job it would be excellent!
Click to expand...

Once you have the correct size of screwdriver (Philips 00) try the following procedure:

1) Turn the screw in a clockwise direction very slightly. You can apply more torque to the screw when tightening it without worrying about the head stripping. The reason for doing this is it may help break the threadlock.
2) Unscrew as normal

I've used this process to open some rack mounted equipment, a lot of manufacturers seem to use a varnish type threadlock to seal the screws and a slight clockwise turn helps break the seal.

Good Luck

Sopranino
 
Sopranino said:
1) Turn the screw in a clockwise direction very slightly. You can apply more torque to the screw when tightening it without worrying about the head stripping. The reason for doing this is it may help break the threadlock.
2) Unscrew as normal

I've used this process to open some rack mounted equipment, a lot of manufacturers seem to use a varnish type threadlock to seal the screws and a slight clockwise turn helps break the seal.

Good Luck

Sopranino
Click to expand...

Hmmm... I am a bit confused. Aren't we supposed to turn counter clockwise to unscrew?

*I may have been unscrewing in the wrong direction!!*
 
iW00t said:
Hmmm... I am a bit confused. Aren't we supposed to turn counter clockwise to unscrew?

*I may have been unscrewing in the wrong direction!!*
Click to expand...

Sorry, I may not have been clear enough. Yes you do turn counter clockwise to unscrew, BUT, I am suggesting that you apply a tiny little bit of a clockwise turn to the screw, before unscrewing, to help break the seal.

Sopranino
 
Sopranino said:
Sorry, I may not have been clear enough. Yes you do turn counter clockwise to unscrew, BUT, I am suggesting that you apply a tiny little bit of a clockwise turn to the screw, before unscrewing, to help break the seal.

Sopranino
Click to expand...

I will pop by to the local "Dick Smith" shop to get the 00 screwdriver and give it a go tomorrow... :eek:
 
I've taken apart my Powerbook G4 15' a few times for hard drive swaps and a top case replacement, as well as my new MacBook Pro 2.4 15' for the RAM. I must say those tiny Phillips screws are infuriating. I'm glad to know what size they are now, perhaps I'll go pick up a real screwdriver for them.

I always just resorted to a micro sized flat head screwdriver set of mine. It was wide enough to sit across the screw head and I was able to get enough torque to undo them. Only problem is that it was easy to slip... poor poor powerbook. Cosmetic damage only sure, but it hurts twice as bad when you know you did it yourself :eek:

Phillips 00... gotta write that down :cool:
 
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