Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
stripped out MBP case screw hole
- Thread starter nhood01
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If you can figure out the screw size and thread count you may be able to use a tapping kit to retag the hole. This depends on how badly they are stripped. If they are badly stripped you may be able to re-tap the holes to fit a slightly bigger screw and then install the bigger screws.
Which MBP do you have? Which hole is it? The one in the upper left corner goes in to the camera cable retainer which could be easily replaced.
The top left corner on mine(Top left as in when the computer is the right way up. Not upside down showing screw.) the screw is always falling out. I even went to a genius bar last week to get them to put it back in properly. For me to wake up this morning to find the screw on the floor again.
Anyone have any idea what that glue stuff is? The stuff you often find on the end of the Apple screws?
And that would work? Because I'm almost positive I've seen it on the end of 2 mac screws. Something like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Loctite-3g-...9I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1315665710&sr=8-10 ?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Make sure you don't use the red locktite, it is meant to lock the screw in permanently, whereas the blue locktite tightens things up without making it permanent.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Loctite-3g-...9I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1315665710&sr=8-10 This stuff is ok then right?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
No. That is glue
Use this. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1X1MC0JV1J2NPM7NJJJV
You will need to use something like a sewing needle or similar to spread the compound into the hole.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I can't see that on UK store. Is http://www.amazon.co.uk/Loctite-Loc...s=officeproduct&ie=UTF8&qid=1315671770&sr=1-1 ok?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Standard loctite will prevent the screw from falling out, however it will not do anything to help tighten and hold the case together.
Did you try UK Google shopping search for Loctite Form-A-Thread?
Did you try UK Google shopping search for Loctite Form-A-Thread?
That is the correct Loctite. Strangely, the blue Loctite that isn't permanent comes in the red tube, while the red Loctite that is permanent comes in a blue tube.
As others have said, it really is designed to help prevent things from vibrating loose. We use this stuff on scooter parts as they vibrate a lot. I'm unsure if it will really help you if you have striped your screw.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I have what I am assuming is a stripped screw on the bottom of my case. It is the screw that is in the middle on the left hand side if the computer is right-side up, the one that is basically under the shift and fn keys, in that general area. I haven't removed it as I haven't opened this case but I was noticing last night that it kinda wiggles in place. Right now, I have it sitting on my sleeve instead of directly on my lap in case it falls out so I can find it, but this is annoying! I have had this computer since July 6, screws shouldn't be falling out!
So, if I go to an Apple Store or another authorized Apple repair center, will they do something to fix it? I don't want to mess with glue stuff you guys were talking about above, I think they should find it especially since it's not like I took it apart and stripped the screw myself! This is crazy! Don't get me wrong, I love this computer. This is the first problem I've had with it and probably not even really a problem, but still. I can run my finger along the screw head and it wiggles, that's just wrong!
So, if I go to an Apple Store or another authorized Apple repair center, will they do something to fix it? I don't want to mess with glue stuff you guys were talking about above, I think they should find it especially since it's not like I took it apart and stripped the screw myself! This is crazy! Don't get me wrong, I love this computer. This is the first problem I've had with it and probably not even really a problem, but still. I can run my finger along the screw head and it wiggles, that's just wrong!
I had the exact same issue on a refurb.
The screw will go in fine without the baseplate (obviously useless) which told me:
a) that screw was too short or the wrong one as some other screws in the base have the shoulder.
b) the baseplate was a shade too thick in that area
c) the boss inside was too short resulting in a missing thread or two for the screw to catch onto
a) tried several screws and none would lock down
b) really squeezing down on the baseplate didn't work leading me to:
c) most likely
I returned it (there were other reasons) as the Genius visit provided no resolution due mostly to being a refurb and some aspect of being an online order.
I do not have the right kind of screwdriver to take the other screws out to test the whole length theory, plus I don't want to do that anyway. I bought an expensive brand new computer less than 3 months ago, screws shouldn't be falling out! I have to drive over an hour to get to the nearest Apple Store but I can go down the street from my office to an authorized Apple repair facility. I'm thinking of running down there tomorrow at lunch to see if they'll do anything. I'm going out of town this weekend and don't want to risk losing the screw in a hotel room, but I have to take it with me to do homework. I'm hoping the Apple repair center will help, they've been really good about answering questions for me as someone who wasn't real familiar with the Mac OS, but this is something different.
One question I do have. If they put it back in with the glue, if I ever decide to upgrade the RAM will I be able to get that screw out?
One question I do have. If they put it back in with the glue, if I ever decide to upgrade the RAM will I be able to get that screw out?
No - that is superglue. It will permanently secure the screw. Loctite (the brand) makes lots of glues. What you want is the stuff called Loctite Threadlocker (commonly called Loctite) that is designed to secure screws but still allow them to be removable. there are several types whose strength is determined by color. Apple uses this: http://www.loctiteproducts.com/p/t_lkr_blue/overview/Loctite-Threadlocker-Blue-242.htm
It's designed to allow disassembly with normal hand tools.
I had a similar problem and a little Loctite fixed it - any Apple repair facility should be able to do it for you. I happened to go to an Apple store who fixed it on the spot. If the repair center won't fix it, an alternate it to either tape over the screw or if it falls out leave it in a baggie until you can get to an Apple store.
Loctite Blue is designed to hold the screw while still allowing it to be removed with normal hand tools.
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I ran by our local authorized repair center and they tightened the screw. The tech said it didn't look like it was stripped and just tightened it. So far, so good! He did tell me that if it worked its way out again then he would look at it more carefully. I'm hoping it stays put!
Great. keep an eye on it if the tech only tightened it. I had one near the HD that kept coming loose (HD vibration maybe?); the Apple tech put on some loctite and no problems since.