Link to screwdrivers for removing MacBook Airs buttom plate?

[Mac32]

Hi,

Does anyone know of a link to a webstore that sells screwdrivers (Torx?) that can be used to open up the buttom of the new MBAs (11.6'). I know Apple uses a special type of 5-point screws, that aren't available in most stores. I would appreciate it if someone have actually found screwdrivers (and tested them) that work for opening up the latests MacBook Air models, could please share the webstore/link here. (The store must ship internationally, I live in Norway..)
My MacBook Air wobbles very slightly, and hopefully unscrewing and screwing on the buttom plate again could help...(?) (fingers crossed)..

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

You could just take it to an Apple reseller, they should be able to fix it, for free.

 

[stridemat]

I picked up a variety of torx screwdrivers from my local hardware store.

 

[Darth.Titan]

I picked up a variety of torx screwdrivers from my local hardware store.

I doubt very seriously your hardware store carries 5-point security Torx screwdrivers.

OP, 9to5 Mac noted that they filed down a couple of ordinary flathead screwdrivers to remove the 5-point Torx screws.

 

[Mac32]

I know I could take it down to the an Apple store, but it would be more practical to be able to do it myself. If anyone has a link (with a tried and tested screwdriver set), it would be much appreciated.

 

[HLdan]

This should take care of you well. iFixit is the place to go. Check out the link. It shows a full tear down of the Macbook Air 11" complete with closeups of the bottom screws and which Torx driver to use.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-Model-A1370-Teardown/3745/1

 

[Mac32]

Thanks, but I've already seen that link. The torx screwdrivers they refer to are only used for screws used on the inside of the MBA (RAM, fan etc..), not for opening up the buttom lid...

 

[HLdan]

Oh yes, sorry about that. I didn't realize this. They have a note on their site saying Apple doesn't want people getting inside the machine which is why those screws are different. iFixit had to file down their own drivers to fit those screws. I don't think you're going to be very successful with this one. Good luck man.

 

[gwsat]

This should take care of you well. iFixit is the place to go. Check out the link. It shows a full tear down of the Macbook Air 11" complete with closeups of the bottom screws and which Torx driver to use.

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Air-11-Inch-Model-A1370-Teardown/3745/1

Great link! Thanks. I knew that a 5 point Torx security bit is needed to remove the external screws from the MBA but until I saw your link, I didn't know that the iFixit tutorial was up. As usual with iFixit, it is good stuff.

PS: In a thread somewhere here Scottsdale, I think, posted a link to site that sells 5 point security bits. It was my understanding that those bits would fit the MBA's external screws without being modified. Is this not so?

 

[HLdan]

Great link! Thanks. I knew that a 5 point Torx security bit is needed to remove the external screws from the MBA but until I saw your link, I didn't know that the iFixit tutorial was up. As usual with iFixit, it is good stuff.

PS: In a thread somewhere here Scottsdale, I think, posted a link to site that sells 5 point security bits. It was my understanding that those bits would fit the MBA's external screws without being modified. Is this not so?

Found this website that sells the 5 point torx security bit. Pretty low price.

http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/716_IPR_serie.htm

 

[techound1]

Found this website that sells the 5 point torx security bit. Pretty low price.

http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/716_IPR_serie.htm

Wiha makes some very fine tools and it's well worth the investment in them.

 

[bcaslis]

The problem with all these is that you need a T-5 size. Every link I've seen anyone post in this and other thread begin at T-8. None of these will work on the MBA.

 

[stridemat]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_3 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7E18 Safari/528.16)

I picked up a variety of torx screwdrivers from my local hardware store.

I doubt very seriously your hardware store carries 5-point security Torx screwdrivers.

OP, 9to5 Mac noted that they filed down a couple of ordinary flathead screwdrivers to remove the 5-point Torx screws.

Let me just say they did. I have them infront of me now.

 

[ssault]

On sale

Now on ifixit.

http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/MacBook-Air-5-Point-Screwdriver/IF145-090

 

[teski]

Now on ifixit.

http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/MacBook-Air-5-Point-Screwdriver/IF145-090

Cool! Thanks for posting.

 

[cobaltrich27]

Thanks!!!

Now on ifixit.

http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/MacBook-Air-5-Point-Screwdriver/IF145-090

Just placed my order

FYI I used coupon code "11221fixit" and got $5 off the screwdriver price.

Total came out to $10.78 includes the $2.78 shipping HEHE.

Now just need larger capacity SSD drive. Anyone got a link where to buy them maybe a OEM vendor thats selling those Toshiba Blades

Thanks.

 

[cobaltrich27]

Shipped!!!

Mine shipped should get it any day.

Anyone know a place to buy exact replacement screws maybe phillips etc???

A link where I can just add to cart would be nice.

I will be looking in the meantime.

Thanks.

 

[cobaltrich27]

Followup!!!

Just a followup I received the screw driver and as described in another thread mine was also slightly small. Mine stripped after 1st screw loosened.

I was able to get it working by grinding the tip with a dremel but be careful the metal is very soft and will grind away very easily.

iFixit sent a feedback and I explained my situation they quickly responded to my issue and sent me a replacement free of charge.

I test the replacement and it works like a champ. I have read they are having some trouble because of copyright issues making the screw driver.

But they are doing best they can to get us something working and will help if you have any problems. Thanks iFixit