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I'm a dozy **** and I need help

Marky_Mark

Marky_Mark

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 30, 2005
810
0
UK
Ok, my MBP was on a bed, open, and I go and sit on it. Result, the right hand leading edge has compressed a little and the CD slot is now *just* slightly too narrow to easily allow a CD to slide in. The CD slot is bowed in the middle so it's still slightly wider than a disk, but it's too snug a fit, with just too much effort required, to risk putting a CD all the way in because the drive eject mechanism won't be strong enough to exert the force needed to get the disk back out.

Yes, I DO feel a complete twonk for not paying attention.

Short of doing the obvious, which is a complete bottom case replacement, anyone have any ideas what would make a good tool for spreading the slot apart again on my CD drive? It has to be strong enough to spread the slot, soft enough not to damage the metal, thin enough to fit in the space, shallow enough to not reach into the drive itself...I've discounted pencils, screwdrivers, cold chisels, coins...then ran out of ideas.

I would welcome your thoughts, guys. No rubberneckers asking for photos of the damage, serious suggestions only, please. As one will appreciate, this is a rather upsetting time... :(

Thanks
 
Marky_Mark said:
Short of doing the obvious, which is a complete bottom case replacement, anyone have any ideas what would make a good tool for spreading the slot apart again on my CD drive? It has to be strong enough to spread the slot, soft enough not to damage the metal, thin enough to fit in the space, shallow enough to not reach into the drive itself...I've discounted pencils, screwdrivers, cold chisels, coins...then ran out of ideas.
Click to expand...


I can't see anything good coming form this. Bite the bullet and replace the bottom case.
 
pics would actually be quite useful in trying to figure out what to use
 
Permission to laugh?! That made my day!

Seriously though, sorry to hear that - you are just wanting to sort out the slot drive?

I'd take it to Apple or a qualified repairer and get advice first - see if they are willing to point in directions for any DIY stuff. Worth a bash.
 
Right then. I just looked on PBFixIt and the prospect of parting with $249 plus labour spurred me into decisive action.

A thin brochure slid into the slot, with a metal ruler up the inside. A couple of judicious twists (which sounds more brutal than it was) has spread the slot back, and I made sure I used the ruler at a very broad angle (almost parallel with the edge of the MBP) to spread the load and ensure the slot didn't get mangled around the edges. A finishing touch with a shaving brush ensured no particles of paper went inside the drive.

Thank the lord that little nightmare is over. I was starting to panic a bit. :eek:

Note to self. Don't leave your MBP on the bloody bed! :rolleyes:
 
Nah too late at night to start now, and frankly I'd rather just put the whole sorry episode behind me. It's far too expensive mistake to make and I'm still kicking myself about it all.

If I'd sat down like a boulder falling off a cliff like I normally do, or if I hadn't jumped straight up again as if I was sitting on a hot plate it could've been even worse!

:eek:
 
scaled down jaws of life? :)

What about a pair of needle nosed/crocodile pliers? You could try putting them in closed and then pulling the handles apart.

disclaimer:I accept no responsibility whatsoever for the welfare of your MBP

sorry to hear your bad news dude.

evidently the bird of misfourtune is hovering over your head waiting to crap on you.
 
What I would do is take a screw driver, (flathead) and wrap something soft around the end. Stick it in between and twist. Do it very lightly. If you wrapped the end of the Screw driver with a think towel or something it should keep it from gouging the metal. But do it very softly... not all at once... just little twists... move it around and do it in many places ...not just in one. If you are gonna go spend the money to get it replaced you might as well TRY to fix it yourself first... can imagine it doing any harm... just don't damage any thing that hasn't already been bent.

B
 
Haven't you guys heard...he's already fixed it.

Might be an idea to read a topic before posting? ;)
 
warped cd slot sort of fixed

My husband decided to fix the warped cd slot, so he (brace yourself) used a butterknife to open the slot just a wee bit. I tested it and the cd goes in and out okay. Unfortunately he scratched it up a bit. Nevertheless, it works now. Another recent problem I had was the same MacbookPro blacked out/ slow speed, unable to start properly. The perfect cure was inserting "Disk Warrior" into my newly usable, scratched up cd slot. My computer is happily working again and all is right with the world. Do they have purple hearts for computers?
 
This would have been my answer. I type it out anyway unless this came up in search for someone else.

Simple geometry here.

You need at least 50% surface area pressure to open it back up without creating a warped hole. The way that will work out best for you is to use two credit cards. They are strong, yet thin. Their width is enough to cover your needs of at least 50%.

Place them both on top of each other in the opening of the cd slot. Open them up on the outside and place an object in between them, sliding it up to the cd slot. Close the rear of the cards to create force to spread them apart. I'd say maybe a pen or pencil will be good size for doing this.

If the cards you have prove not to be strong enough replace them with something equally thin and wide, but stronger. I think if you get close enough to the cd slot you can pull this off.
Click to expand...
 
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