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stripped MBA screw :(

ViviTheMage

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Soo I replaced the SSD in my new MBA.

I was putting on the last screw, and stripped it...bad, it's rounded inside. I had to get a special pentalobe MBA screw driver, as there is nothing common about what they used.

My issue is getting it out, I have tried rubber band, slightly larger screw drivers (I have a pretty insane set of tiny screw drivers), but I couldn't get it.

I have not tried those extractor sets, do they work..example :

link

I brought it to the local Apple place (not apple store), and they tried a bit, said I was screwed.

I was thinking of trying locktite, or drilling it out...I assume Apple store will be of no help, since taking it apart voids warranty, or could I take it to them?
 
Don't make joke about being screwed, don't make joke about being screwed, don't make joke about being screwed.

Never tried an extractor, i suppose one thing you could do is a spot of jb weld on the end of the screwdriver and let it set? I really can't say.

Not sure if just removing the bottom will void the warranty, but the minute you take a drill to it...
 
Take it to an Apple Store. Be honest and see what they can do. Worst they'll tell you is your screwed, which you already assume you are. Best hope is they can fix it! Worth trying before you ruin it.
 
I would tape off the laptop then go the JB Weld route. I would stay away from the extractor method due to that you may shred the top of the screw and then you would be screwed!
 
alfa147x said:
I would tape off the laptop then go the JB Weld route. I would stay away from the extractor method due to that you may shred the top of the screw and then you would be screwed!
Click to expand...

What is JB Weld? Just an epoxy/glue?

If so, could I just use locktite blue, or is that too weak? Let it sit for 24~ hours and then try?

I COULD try the apple store, maybe i'll do it tonight.
 
ViviTheMage said:
What is JB Weld?
Click to expand...

A 2 part epoxy that if applied correctly, after setting is stronger than the equivalent steel weld.

Edit: if you use real JB weld let it set for 24 hours. Also know that you are likely -never- going to reuse that bit. I have seen people use JBWeld to mount engines on go carts and have last for years....
 
Last edited:
Home Depot should have JB Weld, or a local plumbing store. Handy stuff for certain situations. Do as the others have said, JB Weld together a small bit and the head of the stripped screw. Try to keep it as even as possible to make it easier to turn. To prevent the JB weld from sticking to where it shouldn't, make liberal use of masking tape on the area surrounding the stripped screw. You don't need multiple tape layers, just make sure the area around the screw has as close to zero exposed surface (aside from the screw) as possible. I'd probably tape just over the screw head to make sure no part of the laptop body gets exposed to the epoxy weld.
 
imagoon said:
A 2 part epoxy that if applied correctly, after setting is stronger than the equivalent steel weld.

Edit: if you use real JB weld let it set for 24 hours. Also know that you are likely -never- going to reuse that bit. I have seen people use JBWeld to mount engines on go carts and have last for years....
Click to expand...

I think I have some, 2 part poxy.

It's such a TINY surface though, I don't want to hit any part of the chassis...
 
sweeet, so Apple took the screw out and replaced it! They even said they'd replace the entire bottom because they slightly scratched it, haha.

It is not breaking warranty if you open it.
 
Good deal! Glad to hear it all worked out. While you were in there did you just hand them the SSD to replace it?

Also, which SSD did you get? The OWC one or a larger capacity system pull off ebay?
 
TheStu said:
Good deal! Glad to hear it all worked out. While you were in there did you just hand them the SSD to replace it?

Also, which SSD did you get? The OWC one or a larger capacity system pull off ebay?
Click to expand...


Ummmm, I had TWO MBA's, and one had the Samsung SSD, the other had a Samsung LCD, combined them, returned the other with toshiba + toshiba.

😳
 
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