Macbook Screwdriver

[Buckles]

Why do Apple insist on using custom made screws in their laptops?

I must have bought 4 different ones now and none of them fit.

I need to replace my battery in a 2009 Macbook Pro. I think I need a pentalobe but it looks bigger than the Macbook Air screws.

I thought all the Battery Screws were Y fittings...

 

[S.B.G]

Why do Apple insist on using custom made screws in their laptops?

I must have bought 4 different ones now and none of them fit.

I need to replace my battery in a 2009 Macbook Pro. I think I need a pentalobe but it looks bigger than the Macbook Air screws.

I thought all the Battery Screws were Y fittings...

The reason is that Apple (Steve especially) doesn't like anyone opening their products for any reason. Thus they develop these odd screws and such to prevent it. The iPhone used to have Phillips bit screws and then they switched to some other weird style.

There is a page or two in Steve Jobs biography talking about just this.

 

[Buckles]

Macbook Screwdriver

I think it's the 1.5mm Pentalobe I need but I couldn't find it one. The Macbook Air Case screws are 1.2mm so tha screwdriver is too small.

In the end i've just ordered this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-Mac...ce-Professional-Screwdriver-Set-/270886520748

Someone will always find a way to make the different screwdrivers so I don't see why Apple go to so much effort to try and stop it.

 

[maflynn]

I like what iFixit has to offer such as this 54 bit driver kit
http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/54-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-022?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if145-022&utm_content=product_link

 

[Buckles]

Macbook Screwdriver

Yeah, the iFixit stuff would also be ok but I live in the UK so I can't order from the US without customs charges etc.

 

[maflynn]

I didn't realize you were not in the US.

 

[Buckles]

Thats Ok I didn't tell you!

 

[Stetrain]

Are you talking about case screws or the battery screws?

On the MacBooks Pros since mid-2009, the case screws have I believe been 00 phillips screws. These are made to be customer removable because the HDD and RAM are user-serviceable parts.

The battery screws are a different matter, the battery is specifically not a user-serviceable part as far as Apple is concerned.

 

[Buckles]

I'm talking about the Battery screws in a Mid 2009 Macbook Pro.

I agree that this is not a user serviceable part and I understand that it uses a special screwdriver.

Since my first post I have found that it uses a 5-Point Torx Pentalobe 1.5mm ( Apple Speciality Tool 922-9101 )

I have found a kit that includes all of them on eBay and I am happy. I was just frustrated that it took so long to figure out what I needed and the decision by Apple to use various different special screwdrivers to prevent users upgrading / replacing parts.

Thanks to everyone for your help

 

[burnley]

If you don't want a kit you can buy the 1.5mm Pentalobe here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MacBook-Pro-15-Battery-Replacement-Screwdriver-Kit-Pentalobe-1-5-PH-00-5pt-torx-/270879639476

I used this on my Macbook after had water spilled on it :-(

 

[Buckles]

If you don't want a kit you can buy the 1.5mm Pentalobe here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MacBook-Pro-15-Battery-Replacement-Screwdriver-Kit-Pentalobe-1-5-PH-00-5pt-torx-/270879639476

I used this on my Macbook after had water spilled on it :-(

Thanks but I already bought one!

 

[Buckles]

All Fixed

I think it's the 1.5mm Pentalobe I need but I couldn't find it one. The Macbook Air Case screws are 1.2mm so tha screwdriver is too small.

In the end i've just ordered this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-Mac...ce-Professional-Screwdriver-Set-/270886520748

Someone will always find a way to make the different screwdrivers so I don't see why Apple go to so much effort to try and stop it.

Finally Replaced the battery and now it all works again!

So so happy to get my MacBook working again I'm lost without it.

Turns out i'm more technical than I thought i was...