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Stripped a T5 screw on the SSD

I

izzy0242mr

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 24, 2009
723
512
I was trying to replace my mid 2013 MBA 13" SSD with a larger one, but after only a couple turns, I had stripped the screw with the T5 screwdriver.

Any suggestions on what to do?

A) Trying some super glue stuff and gluing the screw head to the screw to try to force it to turn. Will let it set overnight
B) I've heard of a "screw extractor" but have no idea what that does or how that works or which kind to get, or if it'd work on something so small and sensitive. Obviously, I don't want to damage the computer or the installed SSD.
C) If worst comes to worst is it possible to break off the screw (twisting it sideways) or would that damage something sensitive?

Suggestions welcome!
 
Do not twist or pull on the screw as that may cause the logic board to flex and possibly break one or more of the electrical connections. There is a small capacitor or resistor on the other side of the logic board that is directly underneath the retaining screw.

You can try the super glue method.

You could also try grabbing the edge of the screw with a pair of pliers and turning it out. You'll have to tape around the area to prevent damaging the surface area.

You could also try cutting a new groove into the screw for a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.
 
Audit13 said:
You can try the super glue method.
Click to expand...

Trying this currently—will see what happens.

Audit13 said:
You could also try grabbing the edge of the screw with a pair of pliers and turning it out. You'll have to tape around the area to prevent damaging the surface area.
Click to expand...

Tried this—no luck. There's barely enough edge of the screw to grab.

Audit13 said:
You could also try cutting a new groove into the screw for a slotted or Phillips screwdriver.
Click to expand...

How would you recommend I do this? Any particular tool?
 
izzy0242mr said:
How would you recommend I do this? Any particular tool?
Click to expand...
The risk of doing cutting a slot in the screw is that you leave metal shavings all over the computer. That's a bad thing. You may have luck trying to use a T6 driver on the screw. It's a slim possibility but it's worth trying.
 
chrfr said:
The risk of doing cutting a slot in the screw is that you leave metal shavings all over the computer. That's a bad thing. You may have luck trying to use a T6 driver on the screw. It's a slim possibility but it's worth trying.
Click to expand...

So you'd suggest trying to just force the T6 into the slot and try to get it out that way?
 
If these methods don't work, is there any alternative? Would taking it to an Apple Store be viable?
 
a set of fine needle nose players with protecting the drive and logic board will do the trick
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izzy0242mr said:
If these methods don't work, is there any alternative? Would taking it to an Apple Store be viable?
Click to expand...
they will over-charge you a lot, use someone else.
i have performed this procedure already.
[doublepost=1534119331][/doublepost]
chrfr said:
At this point, sure.
Click to expand...
that should work
 
Before trying any of these methods, remove the logic board from the computer, set it on some partially rigid foam as the board is not perfectly flat, you don't want to exert excessive pressure, and you don't want the board to flex.

To cut the slot in the screw head, cover the board as I mentioned earlier but more so to prevent debris from adhering to the board, and use a Dremel tool.
 
Audit13 said:
...
You could also try grabbing the edge of the screw with a pair of pliers and turning it out.
...
Click to expand...

This is what worked in my case. I encountered the same problem last year with a mid 2013 MBA 11", which I upgraded to an Apple/Samsung 500GB SSD (SM0512F). I used a plier with a flat head, and was able to grab the edge of the T5 screw and to loosen it.

As mentioned, you have to be extremely careful not to damage the logic board in the process.
 
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Rocko99991 said:
Always use quality tools to avoid stripping.
Click to expand...
Couldn't agree more.. A better driver actually un-striped a screw that I had thought was gone.

Mine was about 10 bucks.. not cheap, but worth it considering I can now get the bottom opened without having to worry.
 
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Spinning Fan said:
Couldn't agree more.. A better driver actually un-striped a screw that I had thought was gone.

Mine was about 10 bucks.. not cheap, but worth it considering I can now get the bottom opened without having to worry.
Click to expand...
This. Find out what tools you need. For me, for my MBP, it was a 00 Philips and a tri-point screwdriver(for the battery). Each cost about $10. But they are great. No slippage, no stripping. I was getting slippage on a using a lesser 00 Philips driver when I first tried to remove the bottom cover, so I ordered a better driver. No more issues.
 
Last edited:
and a nice 14lb. sledgehammer is a tool box must for fixing any macbook, pro or air!
just a simple tap in the center of the screen will diffuse any dead pixels and improve the over visuals of the macbook!
happy fixin!
 
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Expobill said:
and a nice 14lb. sledgehammer is a tool box must for fixing any macbook, pro or air!
just a simple tap in the center of the screen will diffuse any dead pixels and improve the over visuals of the macbook!
happy fixin!
Click to expand...
LOL. Good way to take out frustrations but no so good for the OP.

OP: any luck so far?
 
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