Rivets removal tool (rMBP & MBA keyboards)

[tubeexperience]

I have a lot of people bringing to me MacBook Pro Retinas/MacBook Airs that has non-functioning keyboards (usually after liquid spills).

Anyway, it's a pain to replace the keyboards on these models because once I remove the keyboards, a lot of rivets get left behind and I have to spend exorbitant amount of time removing them with needle-nose pliers.

Has anyone found a tool more suitable for this task?

 

[T5BRICK]

We typically drill them out, although I don't know if this is possible on a MBP.

 

[tubeexperience]

We typically drill them out, although I don't know if this is possible on a MBP.

That sounds terrible.

How do you know the holes will align with the keyboard or even be the right size holes?

 

[T5BRICK]

That sounds terrible.

How do you know the holes will align with the keyboard or even be the right size holes?

The drill bit used is slightly smaller than the size of the hole and it's simply to remove the flange of the the rivet so it's easy to remove.

Like I said, it's what I've always done but I don't know if it's possible on a MBP.

 

[jerryk]

The drill bit used is slightly smaller than the size of the hole and it's simply to remove the flange of the the rivet so it's easy to remove.

Like I said, it's what I've always done but I don't know if it's possible on a MBP.

Drilling out rivets is pretty common. I have done it on motorcycles and airplanes. If you have the right sized bit it is quick and easy.

 

[maflynn]

Drilling out rivets is pretty common. I have done it on motorcycles and airplanes. If you have the right sized bit it is quick and easy.

Given the tight tolerances of the laptop, it would be a tricky operation.

 

[jerryk]

Given the tight tolerances of the laptop, it would be a tricky operation.

Just have to be careful. If you are off a little bit on an airplane wing they leak fuel or crack, neither of which has a good outcome.