MacBook Pro - Bottom Shell Screws Hard?

[Previse]

I was given a MacBook Pro (Late 2011 15") to be fixed and i'm curious of something...

The 10 screws on the bottom of the MBP (Holding the bottom shell in place) are extremely hard to unscrew / screw in. I've used this same screw driver to fix/replace 10 or so MBP bottom panels; all of which were with ease and no issues. For some reason these are extremely hard to unscrew and when screwing in, 4 of them don't even become flush with the bottom panel. I've checked the tread for all of the screw holes and they all seemed fine. The screws as well. I've even got a new set of MBP screws laying around of which i've tried and same problem.

Any suggestions? I've tried canned air in all of the screw holes and i've tried cleaning them with Toothpicks as well.

Thanks

 

[HankBukowski]

Hi Previse

I've got exactly the same problem. I have a MacBook Mid 2012 which I bought only 8 weeks ago as ironically, it's supposedly the last Mac that is user serviceable. And I can't even get into it!!!! I've used the correct driver and 4 of the screws refuse to budge.

I upgraded the RAM when purchasing from Apple but now want to put in an SSD so I'm thinking whoever performed the upgrade has over tightened them.

What is the blue "stuff" on the thread of some of the screws? Loctite??????

Anyways I'm not chancing it and will take to Apple to see what they say, hopefully they will loosen them.

Will report result on this thread.

Hank

 

[JitteryJimmy]

I've used the correct driver and 4 of the screws refuse to budge.

I upgraded the RAM when purchasing from Apple but now want to put in an SSD so I'm thinking whoever performed the upgrade has over tightened them.

What is the blue "stuff" on the thread of some of the screws? Loctite??????

Hank

Yes, it is easy to cross-thread screws, which can make them extremely difficult to remove. I would try a quality hardened driver that fits properly... not something that you find at Home Depot, and not a free driver that was included in some other upgrade.

I have experienced tough screws on pre-owned MacBooks, but I have always managed to remove them with a quality driver. But once the screw head is damaged, then all bets are off.

The blue stuff is a mild threadlocker. It helps prevent screws from backing themselves out due to vibration. The blue stuff generally is not considered "unremovable". You'll see it in on the screws of most laptops and smartphones.

 

[Audit13]

This thread is from four years ago?

It could be from a "lock tight" type material on the screws?

The 10 screws for the MBPs are not all the same. The two screws on the side have shoulders, three at the back near the hinges are longer than the rest.