Stripped tri-wing screw. HALP.

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by orvn, Dec 30, 2011.

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  1. orvn, Dec 30, 2011

    orvn macrumors 6502

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    #1
    So I stripped a tri-wing when replacing a Macbook Pro (13" mid '09 unibody) battery. I do have a small triwing screwdriver, but this screw had been tampered with before.

    I tried using a rubber band, but it just broke through.

    [​IMG]
     
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  2. iThinkergoiMac, Dec 30, 2011

    iThinkergoiMac macrumors 68030

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    #2
    That's some serious damage, how did you manage that?!

    Get a replacement philips screw of the same thread and length and use that instead.

    EDIT: Which screw are you trying to replace, the one on the battery, or the one that's been stripped to a complete circle? If it's the second, your only choice is to drill it out to the point where you can remove the battery and then replace it after that.
     
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  3. Macman45, Dec 30, 2011

    Macman45 macrumors demi-god

    Macman45

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    #3
    Whatever You Do

    And I think the Philips screw is the way to go......BE CAREFUL. This could easily end in disaster if too much force is use or ( the screwdriver slips) if you can't get it to bite, make a small pilot hole using a steel awl or similar.
     
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  4. blueroom, Dec 30, 2011

    blueroom macrumors 603

    blueroom

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    #4
    A 2009 MacBook battery should have lasted longer than this.

    PS watch out for metal filings while drilling.
     
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  5. lippyt, Dec 30, 2011

    lippyt macrumors member

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    #5
    I would use a SOG tool to fix this. Best bet is to find a sharp tipped plier to remove the screw.
     
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  6. nippyjun, Dec 30, 2011

    nippyjun macrumors 65816

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    #6
    I would cut a slot on the top so,that I could use a regular flat tip screwdriver to remove it.
     
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  7. orvn, Dec 31, 2011

    orvn thread starter macrumors 6502

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    #7
    So my awesome wife surprised me and dug the screw out for me. She dug a moat-like trench around the screw with grooming scissors (the little ones that come in nail cutting kits) and then was able to get a firm enough drip to unscrew it with small utility pliers.

    Fortunately, the underlying surface was plastic, not the core of the lithium battery- otherwise a fire might have been ignited!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I was trying to remove the screw that's still inside the socket. The other one is just there for the sake of comparative example.

    Well, my battery kind of exploded into a slightly more bloated version of itself, applying pressure to the aluminum housing and trackpad. Also it's three years old and I use my machine like a beast.

    That's an awesome suggestion, didn't get to it, but will know for next time.

    I think using a much thicker rubber band might have worked also, I just couldn't find one

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. Lolito, Mar 23, 2013

    Lolito macrumors 6502

    Lolito

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    #8
    where can i buy some new tri-wing bolts? perhaps there are other bolts with same dimensions but without the tri-wing head?
     
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