Screwdriver to remove MacBook Hard Drive Caddy

[Eraserhead]

I've been trying to fit a 250GB hard drive upgrade for my Macbook today, and I have been trying to find screwdrivers to remove the existing caddy. I went to one shop (Gill, a very old, and good ironmongers) which said a Hex-7, 6 or 5 would be the right size, and that to go to Maplin, where I bought a T7, 6 and 5 screwdriver, all one which are too small. I have seen both T8 and T9 recommended online, but what is the right size for the Macbook?

Thanks

 

[sash]

Hi,

If you're replacing the MacBook Pro HDD, you'll need both the #0 Phillips Screwdriver and T6 Torx Screwdriver.

Here is a very helpful guide: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro/Hard-Drive/85/5

Replacing the HDD on MBP 17" is a bit different, but it's basically the same procedure.

By the way, OWC has a very good video guide on their site.

Good luck,
sash

 

[GfulDedFan]

For a MacBook it's a T8 See Here. Worked perfectly for me.

 

[Eraserhead]

If you're replacing the MacBook Pro HDD, you'll need both the #0 Phillips Screwdriver and T6 Torx Screwdriver.

No it isn't because I've already got one .

 

[xUKHCx]

What drive did you get and where from as I am looking at getting a bigger one for my MB.

According to the apple manual (direct pdf link)

The following tools are required:
Clean, soft, lint-free cloth
Coin
Phillips #1 screwdriver (preferably with a long handle)
Stiff, plastic, nonmagnetic card (such as a library card)

 

[eman]

You do need a T-8 for the HDD caddy on a macbook.

 

[GfulDedFan]

You do need a T-8 for the HDD caddy on a macbook.

This is correct as I've posted above and tested by replacing my HD.

The size of the Phillips for the RAM Door (L-bracket) is unknown because it is documented to be different sizes by Apple. For the same screws, Apple has articles naming a #1, #0, and a #00. ?? weird ?? I use a #0 (the average) and it works fine.

 

[Eraserhead]

OK well they had several sizes, a T9 is the correct size, but a T8 is large enough to also work, though it doesn't fit perfectly. T7 is too small, and T10 is too big.

 

[GfulDedFan]

OK well they had several sizes, a T9 is the correct size, but a T8 is large enough to also work, though it doesn't fit perfectly. T7 is too small, and T10 is too big.

For some reason, Apple stayed out of this altogether because they don't even mention this step in their documentation............

 

[Eraserhead]

For some reason, Apple stayed out of this altogether because they don't even mention this step in their documentation............

Possibly because they assume HD's come with a caddy, which they probably do if you get the HD from Apple.

 

[Rizvi1]

Hmmm... I wonder if this problem might be relevant to me.

Today, I was doing a display replacement on my 15" 2.16ghz MacBook Pro (to see more details on my whole problem, check out this thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=4517590#post4517590).

I'm following the guide here:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Display/85/7/

I used this assorted precision screwdriver set I got from walmart or radio shack. I have a #0 Phillips Screwdriver in this set, but found the flathead 1.4m/m (the smallest flathead in the set) to be easier to use. I honestly don't think I got any of the screws out with my #0 Phillips. Perhaps my #0 phillips is worn down.

Right now, I'm stuck on the step of taking out hard drive (this step here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Display/85/7/Page-7/Hard-Drive) because I can't get the screws out of the hard drive caddy.

I guess officially I need the Phillips #0, but I think I might try the other suggestions on this thread (like the T-8). Anyone know where the best place would be to find one? I'm wondering if my wife might be able to swing by the Columbia, MD Apple store tomorrow while I'm at work and get a Genius to just help in taking out those two screws.

 

[GfulDedFan]

Hmmm... I wonder if this problem might be relevant to me.

I guess officially I need the Phillips #0, but I think I might try the other suggestions on this thread (like the T-8). Anyone know where the best place would be to find one? I'm wondering if my wife might be able to swing by the Columbia, MD Apple store tomorrow while I'm at work and get a Genius to just help in taking out those two screws.

The discussions thus far in this post have to do with the removal of the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shield from a MacBook using a T8 or T9. The MacBook Pro might use entirely different tools.

 

[sash]

Right now, I'm stuck on the step of taking out hard drive (this step here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Display/85/7/Page-7/Hard-Drive) because I can't get the screws out of the hard drive caddy.

Hi,

Yeah, you need another, hexagon screwdriver T-6 Torx. These two screws are fixed quite tight, so be sure not to use another type, as you can damage the screws.

I'm in Belgium, and here you can find it in any specialised store... They are absolutely not hard to find.

Cheers,
sash

 

[Rizvi1]

Thanks for the feedback guys..

The discussions thus far in this post have to do with the removal of the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shield from a MacBook using a T8 or T9. The MacBook Pro might use entirely different tools.

Yeah, I wasnt sure if the MB would be using different stuff, but I thought I would post anyways since maybe someone could help me.

Hi,

Yeah, you need another, hexagon screwdriver T-6 Torx. These two screws are fixed quite tight, so be sure not to use another type, as you can damage the screws.

I'm in Belgium, and here you can find it in any specialised store... They are absolutely not hard to find.

Cheers,
sash

Thanks Sash - are you sure that I need the hexagon screwdriver though? These two screws I'm asking about are actually Phillips screws and thus far, I have been able to remove all the other Phillips screws I encountered with the tiny, flathead 1.4m/m screwdriver. The two hexagon screws I encountered (I forget at which step I took out actually with a Phillips "0" screwdriver.

- -

However, some good news is that I might not have to take out the hard drive after all. I had shot an email to the seller of the display unit and he replied back telling me not to worry about removing the hard drive or the optical drive. So as long as there is nothing else this tight screwed in, perhaps I can finish off the "display transplant" without buying any other tools.

 

[sash]

Thanks Sash - are you sure that I need the hexagon screwdriver though?

Hi Rizvi1,

I've replaced my HD on MBP 17" two or three months ago... Could it be changed that fast?

sash

Edited: Rizvi1, just in case, take a look at this video by OWC: http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/installation.cfm . If something has been changed, you should be able to find it out there.

But once again, from my own experience, don't use this Philips thing on the hexagon screws in the HD caddy... 8)

 

[Rizvi1]

Hi Rizvi1,

I've replaced my HD on MBP 17" two or three months ago... Could it be changed that fast?

sash

Hey Sash, It's definitely not a hexagon screw in my 15" 2.16ghz MacBook Pro. It's just a real tight Phillips (I believe -->) "0" sized screw which should come out ok with a Phillips "0" screwdriver.

Actually, the online guide that I linked in my earlier post from ifixit.com points out it's a Phillips too - right?

But as I mentioned earlier, I might not have to deal with taking it out for the Display transplant so I'm going to be skipping that step. But I do appreciate the time you took to comment back.

 

[lavrishevo]

Hi,

If you're replacing the MacBook Pro HDD, you'll need both the #0 Phillips Screwdriver and T6 Torx Screwdriver.

Here is a very helpful guide: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro/Hard-Drive/85/5

Replacing the HDD on MBP 17" is a bit different, but it's basically the same procedure.

By the way, OWC has a very good video guide on their site.

Good luck,
sash

I am going to be doing the 17" MBP soon, can you tell me what the differences you ran into?

 

[sash]

I am going to be doing the 17" MBP soon, can you tell me what the differences you ran into?

The differences are not big.

First of all, you'll see three screws under the battery (instead of two like here on the 2nd pic http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo/Hard-Drive/85/5/Page-5/Upper-Case ) and 4 instead of 3 holding the RAM door. They are of the same type as these of the MBP 15".

Secondly, the immediate surroundings of the HDD are a bit different, but the way of work remains the same. And you'll definitely need this T6 to unscrew the HDD and afterward fix the new one back in place.

I've used the description for MBP 15" as a guide (from ifixit), and have had no troubles at all...

sash

 

[sash]

Actually, the online guide that I linked in my earlier post from ifixit.com points out it's a Phillips too - right?

Hi,

Just opened the case to be sure.

That are the hexagon T6 Torx in the MacBook Pro 17". Which makes two places with this type of screws in MacBook Pro 17": two on either side of the RAM slot and two on the right side of the HDD, keeping it in place.

Cheers,
sash