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Screwdriver size recommendation please

mikeymikec

mikeymikec

Lifer
Sometimes I have a bit of trouble with the screws typically used in laptops, especially if some <insert personal derogatory term of choice here> has used an electric screwdriver to jam them in as much as possible. The two screwdrivers I have that are nearest to the necessary size are a) way too large and b) a tiny bit too small.

The next challenge will be to find a screwdriver of a size that someone recommends for this job with a rotatable ball on the end to make the act of screwdriving a lot easier 🙂
 
I actually use a 2mm flat tipped screw driver on laptop phillips screws.
anything that it can't take out due to being stripped, I use a grabit screw remover.
 
I find it helps to have a range of screwdrivers/bits. Depending on the laptop you'll want a #00, a #0, and a #1. The easiest way to go is to just get a screwdriver that takes bits and get one of the larger bit kits.
 
Yes ..The sizes mentioned above, plus I added a few small Torx ( T5, T6, T7) drivers .. a Sears with a good Craftsman section often has the smaller for sale in individual sizes to add to the tool bag .
 
I ended up getting a "1pt" crosshead from the local hardware shop, which seemed like a pretty good fit for the screw.

I have the sunnier (yellow handles) big brother set of that screwdriver set, with the same shortest crosshead on the left. I call him Mr Stumpy, he's a good size for desktop PC screws.
 
It's usually best to start big and work your way down. Most Phillips screws get stripped by either using too small a size or not lining the screwdriver up straight. A #1 size Phillips will often work great in screws that, at first glance, seem way to small for it.
 
There can be large variabilities in tip quality between even two of the same model of cheap tools. Whenever possible inspect micro tools in-store before purchase.

On some, if you have good micro files (instead of junky ones, lol) you can touch up the tip, but frankly I feel it is worth the investment to buy at least one medium to higher quality miniature phillips screwdriver.

Here are some suggestions,
http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26194-Scr.../dp/B000NZ5QGK
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform.../dp/B007NLPGBM
http://www.amazon.com/E-flite-E-Flit.../dp/B000BRLHWM
http://www.amazon.com/E-Flite-EFLA25.../dp/B000BRH4Y2
http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-Phillips-...ps+screwdriver

IMO, on anything above size 0 the lower end tools work a lot better than they do on 0 and 00.

Often laptop screws are a special case because they have threadlock on them from the factory. It can help to break them free on the first try rather than mangling the head or the driver tip to use one hand to keep the screwdriver perfectly perpendicular and applying downward pressure while the other hand turns the handle with pliers for the first half a turn.
 
I have a set of screw drivers from a good brand and it does the job perfectly... I guess you'll not go wrong with the top brands. 🙂
 
I've found that a standard PH1 screwdriver may not work with small laptop screws where a PH1 precision screwdriver will. I think the shaft thickness is important -too thick and the PH1 head won't fit precisely.
 
You can pick up a set of these at Walmart or a hardware store for just a few dollars. I use the largest Phillips screwdriver for most things. When I run into a stubborn screw I just grab a small #1 Phillips screwdriver from my toolbox. I'll also use the larger driver if I need to tighten a screw a little tighter than is possible with these.

STZ_680-66-039.jpg
 
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