Anyone ever attacked their mobo with a screwdriver??

[MrWhiteUK]

With the increasing trend for HSF manufactures to include little notches on their clips for the use of screwdrivers to secure the clip, how many of you have slipped and cut up your mobo.

I have slipped but narrowly missed an expensive gash many times.

I usually remove the closest stick of RAM too.

Any tips for making applying a hsf with a screwdriver a little safer??

Piece of cardboard/tape directly under the clip?

Any suggestions??

Is there anything wrong with putting tabe on the mobo?


Later.

 

[TunaBoo]

Tape on mobo COULD pull up a trace and/or cause damage. I think somewhere recomended putting a piece of tape on the end of the screwdriver.

Personally, I just say use the right tool for the job. A too small screwdriver will increase your chances to slip, a bigger screwdriver is a better idea (usually).

 

[GregMal]

My last HSF just slipped right on with a click. No hand tools
necessary. Why can't they all work like that???
Greg

 

[Deskstar]

Put hospital adhesive tape onto the end of the screwdriver; not enough to make it non-functional, but enough to act as a "cushion" in the event of a slip.

Yes, I have attacked my mobo in the past with a screwdriver...and the mobo won.

 

[drewski]

I've actually have had better luck with the smaller screwdrivers. Easier to get completely into the clip.

Also, I don't think you'll pull up the trace on the Mobo w/ electrical tape. There is a layer of something (lacquer?) over the top traces.

 

[MrWhiteUK]

Small square of cardboard under the clip?

 

[lispro]

I have also heard of using an old credit card, or cut up an old one, and use this as a "shield" in case of an unfortunate slip

 

[davidsnot]

I use a small nutdriver, put the socket on the clip.

 

[Jasonh100]

Just use a screwdriver that fits into the notch on the clip firmly and you won't have much problems. In some cases/motherboard combos, the power suply gets in the way of installing the heatsink with ease. In this case, it'd be safer for you (heart attack) and your motherboard to take the PSU out temporarily

 

[Alphacowboy]

I had to remove a stubborn CPU holder clip (the screws that hold the PII/III slot processors holder in place, the big black thingys, sorry can't think of the word right now) Anyway, in doing so, well I slipped and tore a trace route right in half.... argh. Well for $hits and giggles I took a small piece of wire, followed the trace to both solder points and soldered a bridge, and walla... it amazingly worked with no problems. So if you do accidently "hose" a M/B, don't throw it away, give those hands a "steady test" and try to repair the damage that you cause, you might surprise yourself!

 

[MrWhiteUK]

Good idea Lispro, I'll just chuck my EB points card under the clip next time I do it.

 

[venk]

If you use a screwdriver that is wider (NOT THICKER) than the clip, it is almost impossible to slip.