what tool does everyone use to push the dam retention clip down?

[acidvoodoo]

i dunno what to use, i'm scared that what i use will slip and i'll hit the motherboard :S

 

[Bartman39]

I have and use several types and sizes of screwdrivers (that fit accordingly) also have a couple of pairs of small needle nose pliers from (Snap-on) that are very well made and have grips on the end...

Take the time be careful and use the correct type & size tool...

Just remember (poo-poo happens... even to the best of us...) :Q

 

[Actaeon]

I've hit the motherboard a few times, but never broke anything, thankfully.

I always used a flathead screwdriver.

 

[John]

I have been using the same trusty Snap-On small flat head screwdriver for a few years now.

 

[Dufrane]

I use a flat head screw driver that fits into the retention clip

 

[kyu614]

i used a socket wrench, it wont slip since part of the clip will fit inside the socket and you can also use it to pull outwards.

 

[teqwiz]

I use a wide blade flat head screw driver and a pair of long needle nose pliers. Push down with the driver while holding the tab with the pliers so you can control and line up the tab. works beautifully. I have tried the two screw driver technique but the tab one always slips off.

Maybe a few less screwdrivers before I use my screw drivers?

 

[Neurofreeze]

Motherboards have a protective layer over the traces which make it much more resistant to slight nicking and shorting, usually hitting it with the screwdriver while installing the heatsink isn't too much of a problem (unless you REALLY smack that sucker), so don't pee your pants over it. But damn, I really want to smack the guy who thought of that dumb clip retention system up. The P4 retention system is so much better. Faster, safer, and it just looks cool.

I use plain old screwdrivers, I tend to use the thinnest ones (not necessarily small, just a thin tip). If you can get one that fits just perfectly, slapping those heatsinks on becomes much easier. Note that if you use thinner ones, that means the screwdriver has a sharper tip, meaning the chances of messing up your motherboard are greater, so you have to balance between too thin and too thick (you don't want one so small it goes right through the little nubbie thingie anyway).

 

[JC]

I have a screwdriver with a slightly bent tip. Gives me a good angle for prying the clip outward.

JC

 

[rogue1979]

Try putting a thin clear plastic or very thin rubber mat down, so if the screwdriver does slip it will hit the protective barrier. I find a flathead screwdriver that fits the retention clip the best and then use a long second one to pull the tab out and over the plastic lug. If you are unsure it helps alot to have a second person hold the heatsink firmly with their palm.

 

[nergee]

I made my own tool. It essentially is a slotted screwdriver but the end is
machined perfectly to fit in the clip and it is also offset from center so there
is room to pull the clip down and outward over the clip retainer. I think I saw
a picture of this tool in the AMD installation notes for a CPU and copied one.