Ballhead Hex for A1117

[ifrit05]

Anyone have a tool they use to get the heatsink off the CPU on an A1117? Seems like Apple made the shafts smaller in the heatsinks between the 970fx machines and the 970mp machines (my iFixit extender is too thick).

The service manual calls for a Long-handled 4 mm ballhead hex screwdriver.

 

[eyoungren]

It's not Torx then?

 

[ifrit05]

It's not Torx then?

Was wondering if anyone has a link for like Amazon or something. Or if I can just use a standard Hex.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

If memory serves me correctly, I used a long torx to remove the heat sinks but it has been years since I was that far in my PMG5s. I want to say I used this set from harbor freight. I know you spoke to a ball end, but IIRC I was successful with a torx as well.

IIRC it was not a perfect length (tiny bit short) but I was able to get the heatsinks off for general maintenance on my a1117 and a1047. So I guess what Im saying is that this $10.00 multi set while great for 98% of my computer repair needs, it was not the perfect tool for heatsink removal. Another issue I recall running into was that occasionally the bit would get stuck in the screw and come loose from the driver, being stuck down in a very skinny hole lol.

So dont be like me and use the wrong tool to get the job done. Make your life easy and go buy a set of the correct length ball end drivers lol.

 

[Needleroozer]

View attachment 2122904

Was wondering if anyone has a link for like Amazon or something. Or if I can just use a standard Hex.

While I haven’t done this specific operation before, the reason for a ball-end hex driver is so that you can turn the bolt from a bit of an angle rather than straight-on. If you have a straight shot to the bolts, then a normal 4mm hex key will work just fine, provided that it is long enough.

Alternatively, if you have a long enough Torx T20 driver, you should be able to use it since its six points are bounded by a 3.97mm hexagon.