Adhesive to secure iMac screen?

[steelcurtain85]

I am about to start a master's program in a few weeks and have made the decision to swap out my existing HD with an SSD. I am using the OWC adhesive to secure the screen, but I have seen more than a few instances of this adhesive failing, therefore resulting in a costly repair. My computer is housed in the basement and I care nothing about the aesthetics of my setup for now. While this may be overly cautious, I am considering using clear packing tape or black gorilla tape to go around the perimeter of the iMac, ensuring that I don't have an accident that takes my computer out of commission for a period of time.

Aside from this being a silly idea, does anyone see any issues with this method for the next two years. When it comes time to remove the tape, what would be the best way to safely get rid of residual residue?

 

[Juicy Box]

does anyone see any issues with this method for the next two years.

Don't cover the vents!

best way to safely get rid of residual residue

Rubbing alcohol.

 

[fhopper]

I had a bad situation. I installed an SSD and was very careful with cleaning the surface from old tape (preparation is always everything) and failed to notice that my vents at the bottom needed cleaning. The thermal sensor that OWC ships did not stick to the new SSD so the fans came on full speed and blew the screen off. No damage of any kind because in my paranoia I had decided to leave a cushion in front of the computer so the cables did not get hurt nor the screen. I ordered new tape (X2) and reinstalled the screen. No issues since. Don't F up your case with external tape, you really do not need to. BTW I ended up taking the SSD back out so I have re-attached my screen yet again... no big deal. Now my SSD is in a 3.1 gen 2 case and is with my new machine.

 

[mmomega]

I'll jsut start with saying that I have never used the OWC kit in particular, I normally get my iMac sticky strips from iFixit.

And I can attest that I have personally done 5 27" iMacs that I still own and are in use today that I used the iFixit kit with.
a 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019.

Gorilla Tape isn't "all that" most tapes that are legitimately 3M or Scotch, for me, have worked much better.
I have used standard black electrical tape around the perimeter of one iMac because I didn't have the 're-seal kit' on hand and forgot to order the kit, that machine stayed with electrical tape for 2 years before I finally put the actual seal tape in it.
Just clean the glass and aluminum very well with alcohol before putting on the tape to make sure any dust and oils are removed and the tape with hold much, much better if you choose to do this for the time being.

Check Amazon too, 3M sales lots of like "emblem" double sided tape that is very small, straight up emblem tape may be just slightly to thick to get a perfectly sealed look, but going through their products may show you an almost paper thin 3M double sided tape, and just cut to size with a small box cutter razer knife.

 

[Cookie18]

I’ve opened up my iMac twice and another one as well. Each one has had no issues with the adhesive. So long as you properly clean the case and screen with rubbing alcohol and install it again properly you shouldn’t have any issues.

 

[steelcurtain85]

Great replies thus far! I plan to properly remove the old adhesive and prep the area prior to installing the new adhesive kit. I am all but sure that I don't need the extra precaution of tape around the perimeter, but I can't really think of any downsides to this method other than the general aesthetic concerns (as long as the vents aren't covered and I ensure than the tape doesn't extend beyond the bezels).

 

[Juicy Box]

I normally get my iMac sticky strips from iFixit.

I also recommend the iFixit strips over the OWC.

 

[fhopper]

I also recommend the iFixit strips over the OWC.

My first several sets came from OWC my last set was generic on Amazon. I find it unfathomable that there is more than one source for the manufacture of these strips... small market.

 

[Juicy Box]

My first several sets came from OWC my last set was generic on Amazon. I find it unfathomable that there is more than one source for the manufacture of these strips... small market.

Things could have changed since I last research adhesive strips for my Late 2012 iMac, but before OWC was using thin adhesive strips that was more like glue strips. iFixit version was just like the foam ones that Apple uses.

The foam ones are designed to be cut using the "pizza cutter" tool, but the glue ones are much harder to cut. This wouldn't be a big deal if one was going to open their iMac up once and never again, but if the iMac may ever have to be opened again, the foam ones are much easier to deal with.

 

[Juicy Box]

Another thing about both OWC and iFixit strips, I would recommend buying from the OWC or iFixit website and not places like Amazon.

Amazon has a counterfeit issue and I personally would be worried about getting a knockoff version of the adhesive strips, maybe causing the screen to fall off.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Great replies thus far! I plan to properly remove the old adhesive and prep the area prior to installing the new adhesive kit. I am all but sure that I don't need the extra precaution of tape around the perimeter, but I can't really think of any downsides to this method other than the general aesthetic concerns (as long as the vents aren't covered and I ensure than the tape doesn't extend beyond the bezels).

OK, I have to be agressive on this:

Can't you afford to pay $20?

Kuzy Cover for iMac 27 inch Dust Cover Release 2020 2019 2017 Models A2115 A1862 A1419 A1312 Retina 5K 4K Computer Monitor Dust Covers Screen Protector, Black

Kuzy Cover for iMac 27 inch Dust Cover Release 2020 2019 2017 Models A2115 A1862 A1419 A1312 Retina 5K 4K Computer Monitor Dust Covers Screen Protector, Black

www.amazon.com

 

[Pora78]

Guys, I know this is an old post. However let mw give it a try.
I am changing ssd on my imac 27 late 2013. Bought kit pizza cutter and strip. I am about to reinstall screen however i saw the screen had like a really thin film attached i removed that and cleaned.. now I am thinking if that thin film is part of screen.. did i just screwed up ?. Picture shows thin film still on screen.. is it ok to remove that or is it just old sticky film previously used .. is used imac and ssd inside was already replaced..