Can't Get Bottom Screws Out of MBP for RAM Upgrade

[SDColorado]

If you have a picture for proof I would be interested in seeing it.

-P

Does the photo I posted above not show up for anyone but me? Honestly, I am asking this as I am fairly new to the forum, but I posted a rather large photo above (post #17) that clearly shows loctite on the screw. I can post it by another means if it doesn't show for anyone else.

 

[rheb1026]

I can see the picture just fine, and my early 2011 MBP had blue loctite on the screws when I replaced my RAM and HDD. I just needed to find a slightly longer screwdriver to give that extra torque needed. I was very surprised to see it myself

 

[SDColorado]

I can see the picture just fine, and my early 2011 MBP had blue loctite on the screws when I replaced my RAM and HDD. I just needed to find a slightly longer screwdriver to give that extra torque needed. I was very surprised to see it myself

Cool. Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure if I was only seeing a version on my machine, since I obviously have permission to the galleries. So, I was wondering if I needed to make a chance to the galleries. But I guess not

Yeah. It is present on both a 2011 and a mid-2009 model here at our house. Both are 17" models though. So I can say, at least in some cases, Apple definitely uses it on the 17" MBP. I won't say they use it on all of them, because I don't know for a fact, but they definitely use it on at least 2 of them

 

[hfg]

I just did a memory and SSD upgrade on a brand new 2011 Macbook Pro and the bottom screws had blue Loctite on the screws, just like the previous picture. The screws released easily when using a high quality precision screwdriver with care to seat the screwdriver fully and apply generous downward pressure.

Once I am sure everything is working OK, I plan to redo the blue Loctite to be sure of not losing any of the tiny and hard to find screws. Some of the responders may be thinking of red Loctite, which you would not want to use if you ever want to remove the screws again!

 

[jlc1978]

Once I am sure everything is working OK, I plan to redo the blue Loctite to be sure of not losing any of the tiny and hard to find screws. Some of the responders may be thinking of red Loctite, which you would not want to use if you ever want to remove the screws again!

True, From Loctite's site:

Loctite® Threadlocker Red 271™ is designed for the permanent locking and sealing of threaded fasteners. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. It is only removable once cured by heating up parts to 500°F (260°C).

Nor do you want Green:

Loctite® Threadlocker Green 290™ is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners. Due to it's low viscosity and capillary action, the product wicks between engaged threads and eliminates the need to disassemble prior to application. Loctite® Threadlocker Green 290™ cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It prevents loosening from shock and vibration and leakage from shock and vibration and protects threads from rust and corrosion. The product can also be used to fill porosity in welds, casting and powder metal parts. Localized heating and hand tools are needed for disassembly.

Blue is clearly the proper one:

Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242® is designed for the locking and sealing of threaded fasteners which require normal disassembly with standard hand tools. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242® is particularly suited for applications on less active substrates such as stainless steel and plated surfaces, where disassembly is required for servicing.

Any decent electronics store that sells parts should carry blue.

 

[SDColorado]

Any decent electronics store that sells parts should carry blue.

I mentioned in another post, and I have seen it posted elsewhere that Military, NASA, Apple, GM, Ruger, SIG, and many others, actually use a product called Vibra-Tite, rather than Loctite. Though often people (myself included) refer to all these kinds of products as "loctite."

It is actually a little bit of a different product, and a different process. Unlike loctite, the vibra-tite will not cure without air. The product is applied to the threads of the screws, and once it is cured it forms into a plastic like substance that stays on and allows you to remove and reinstall the hardware many times without re-application. That makes it ideal for things like these bottom cases that have to be removed and replaced.

There are places that sell Apple replacement screws, with the product already applied if you loose one.

 

[Chocolatemilty]

Oh wow, I've been away from the forums for a couple of days and this discussion expanded rapidly! So, it looks like I just need to get a hardened steel -tipped #00 Philips screwdriver and that should do the trick?

I'll do it soon. I definitely want this 8GB in my machine, as I'm seeing some memory hangs a lot more than I want on a brand-new machine (although the new Safari update helped a bit).

Thanks for all of your replies, they definitely helped!

 

[fritzov]

Bumping and borrowing this thread.

I just did a memory upgrade but now i can get 3 out of the 4 tiny screws to attach. Will a genius help me with this u think?

 

[hfg]

Bumping and borrowing this thread.

I just did a memory upgrade but now i can get 3 out of the 4 tiny screws to attach. Will a genius help me with this u think?

Are you sure you are putting them back into the same locations they were removed from? Some of the screws are different lengths, so they have to go in to the locations expected. Also, the front and side screws insert at an angle, so don't force them and strip or jam them trying to start them straight down.

Also make sure the cover is firmly seated in place, mine sort of "snapped" into place.

Good luck,


-howard

 

[fritzov]

Are you sure you are putting them back into the same locations they were removed from? Some of the screws are different lengths, so they have to go in to the locations expected. Also, the front and side screws insert at an angle, so don't force them and strip or jam them trying to start them straight down.

Also make sure the cover is firmly seated in place, mine sort of "snapped" into place.

Good luck,


-howard

Thank you for your advice.

The screws i am having problem with is the very small one that is closes to the battery so to speak.

I managed to get 1 screw in there before i gave up. Could anything be damaged running with just 1 screw if i dont move the computer around.

 

[hfg]

Thank you for your advice.

The screws i am having problem with is the very small one that is closes to the battery so to speak.

I managed to get 1 screw in there before i gave up. Could anything be damaged running with just 1 screw if i dont move the computer around.

Those are the screws which are at about a 15 degree angle from vertical (angled out). Check that the cover is fully along the front edge.

It won't damage anything running with one screw, but you do risk having it fall out if not seated and you carry it around.


good luck...

-howard

 

[fritzov]

Those are the screws which are at about a 15 degree angle from vertical (angled out). Check that the cover is fully along the front edge.

It won't damage anything running with one screw, but you do risk having it fall out if not seated and you carry it around.


good luck...

-howard

you been very helpful my friend.

I will try this in the morning and see how it goes. I had no idea it was a angle on them

 

[peixesloucos]

Following a self memory upgrade for my Macbook Pro (15" Late 2011) the two screw in the front side are not perfectly placed. I did not want to push too hard but if I move my finger I can notice the screw not fully inserted. I will try to re-open the cover and insert the screws again.

Do you have any comments on this?

 

[hfg]

Following a self memory upgrade for my Macbook Pro (15" Late 2011) the two screw in the front side are not perfectly placed. I did not want to push too hard but if I move my finger I can notice the screw not fully inserted. I will try to re-open the cover and insert the screws again.

Do you have any comments on this?

Be sure you are driving the screws at the proper 15 deg. angle. Then firmly squeeze the case together with your fingers on both sides of the screw while you gently yet firmly drive the screw down so you don't strip it.

 

[robvas]

Bigger screwdriver the better.

I have also seen blue loctite on the MBP screws before.

 

[peixesloucos]

Be sure you are driving the screws at the proper 15 deg. angle. Then firmly squeeze the case together with your fingers on both sides of the screw while you gently yet firmly drive the screw down so you don't strip it.

I have drived the front screws correctly now! Thank you very much.

 

[PeteJames]

I wanted to thermal paste my macbook pro and give it an internal clean but I can't as the 1 screw under where my trackpad is just won't budge at all. All the others come off easily. So damn annoying
Is that why the screws have blue on them? I have some on mine too but they weren't difficult to unscrew.

 

[iPhonesandMacs]

loctite has been on every macbook pro unibody bottom panel screw I have worked on/sold. 13" 15" 17" and retina models.