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Stubborn RAM Cover Screw

L

lil.Monster

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 7, 2011
16
0
Australia
HELP ME!! I just got new RAM today from Crucial (2x4gb) to put in my new iMac so I can give it 12gb. So I flip my mac over and start taking out the screws, the first two require some effort but come out after a minute , however the one on the left (when its flipped over) seems to be completely stuck! I have tried putting a huge amount of force against it whilst turning (I thought the screwdriver would go through the computer) and it hasn't budged 0.0001 mm!! I am turning counter clockwise (like all the other ones) and using the same screwdriver, I have tried about 5 other screw drivers (phillips heads). It is just not moving! I think it either has to be glued in or it welded because my hands are virtually swollen from the effort. Also I am starting to strip the top of it so I need something that will work. Also I will not drill into my commuter to get it out.
PLEASE HELP!! :D :D :D I just want more RAM... :( :confused:
 
Obviously, you know it's essential to have the correct size of Phillips screwdriver. If you don't, there is considerable risk of damaging the screw head.

The screws should unscrew fairly easily. In your case, it looks like a visit to your local Apple store or your local Authorised Service Provider is called for.
 
Yes, I think I'll have to do that unfortunately... It's a lot of effort, its really heavy and also I have to walk 1 km because parking is really far away from the store!! Ahh!! I hate screws!! I have one more thing to try tho, I dont think it will work tho. :( ps its just using different utensils.
 
Just a thought! Have a look on the Apple website to locate the address of your local Approved Service Provider. They are usually located away from City Centers and have their own car parks. What's more, I've always found them more helpful than the Apple Stores because, providing they're not too busy, will sort you out on the spot.
 
Well... I got a tad angry and ended up twisting the cover around 180º. lol BUT I got the RAM in. At a cost... There are massive gashes out of the bottom plate now. :( But you can't see unless you look underneath so I think its ok. :/
 
ah, I see the whole story now. Don't take a screwdriver to something blindly. If you managed to strip a screw (which it sounds like did happen) you have nobody to blame but yourself. The iMac screws that hold the RAM door are deceptive and require a larger Philips driver than it seems. accept the mistake as a learning experience and move on.

have fun with the iMac
 
discounteggroll said:
ah, I see the whole story now. Don't take a screwdriver to something blindly. If you managed to strip a screw (which it sounds like did happen) you have nobody to blame but yourself. The iMac screws that hold the RAM door are deceptive and require a larger Philips driver than it seems. accept the mistake as a learning experience and move on.

have fun with the iMac
Click to expand...

Trust me, this screw is really stuck. I had my whole body weight (like 60kg) on it whilst turning it... Nothing will ever get it out. Oh well, I have my RAM in so I don't care. I can't even see the scratches out of it :p
 
FYI, t6 (yes, torx 6) works great for getting out those RAM door screws on iMacs. Try it and you'll see.
 
bizzle said:
FYI, t6 (yes, torx 6) works great for getting out those RAM door screws on iMacs. Try it and you'll see.
Click to expand...

You don't use a Phillips to take out a torx screw, that is what 'Star' or Torx drivers are for.

On the 2011 Mac Book Pro you need a #0 Phillips and seven of the screws are almost watchmaker tiny. The other three are much longer but still #0
That will get you to the ram. If you drop one of these seven you may never find it again, they are that tiny!

The HD has four #6 torx screws on the old HD you must move to the new HD. It is also recommended that you unplug the battery cable from the main board, it lifts straight up from a fair sized socket. You need a plastic pry tool or long finger nails. Video on OCW DYI.

The minute you pull the plug you loose RTC data. Fix it ASAP after booting.
 
Good reading, kind of like reading Battle of the Idiots. Guy doesn't have the sense to take his machine into an AASP or Apple Store to remove a stuck screw and instead scratches the heck out of it. That damage is a GIANT clue to Apple to invalidate the warranty...nice job!
 
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