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Suggestion for Apple Computers Repair Screwdriver Kits

A

aquilc

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 26, 2014
61
0
Malta
Hi, I would like to purchase Screwdrivers to repair Apple Computers (Desktops & Notebooks), which screwdriver sets do you suggest?

I am not planning to repair iOS devices for now, but if a repair kit would include tools for iOS devices repairs would be better.

The first MacBook which I opened ended defacing some of the screws and had to take it to an Apple service provider, because the screwdriver set weren't ideal for Mac repairs.

I found these 2 sets on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3AK81391958GV

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A345A5AM0WZIDN

have anyone on this forum used them for Apple Devices repairs?

Other alternatives are appreciated.
 
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Yep,

ifixit.com A great gadget place for those that want to do it yourself. I got the magnetic project pad and the Pro Tech Toolkit for Christmas. It has pretty much what you will need to go after an Apple device.
 
dyt1983 said:
The quality of Wiha screwdrivers is amongst the tops. If you're planning on doing actual repair regularly, it is wise to invest in professional tools instead of the "casual repairer" type. Not only will they last longer, they will help prevent damaging screws with worn out drivers. Also with Wiha drivers you are getting known good tools made in Germany, and not something that you don't know the quality up front.

Wiha distributes throughout most of Germany and is available on Amazon in several countries... depending where you are, one of those routes should be available.

You'll probably want to pick-and-choose from the precision screwdrivers, including P/TS #1, #5 and #6. Interchangeable bits are good for casual users, but those that use them on a regular basis prefer the complete driver. The complete driver is easy to grab from a holder on the bench, thinner, stronger, and does not come with magnetic qualities. Magnetic tips can induce magnetism in screws and that can eventually lead to problems.

If you're just doing casual repair... then a cheap set is probably OK.
Click to expand...

Can you suggest me a good Wiha set from Amazon.co.uk?

I am a technician, and although I do not have regular Mac repairs, but I am planning to buy a set, I do not mind buying a professional set as long as it is reliable and doesn't wear out with usage. My budget is around 100 euros (around $120).
 
dyt1983 said:
Which screwdrivers do you already have? It might not be necessary to replace those.

With Wiha, the individual drivers can be purchased separately so a whole set might not be necessary. For MacBook, you will want P/TS/PL/IPR #5 and #6 (Wiha #26765 and 26766). If you start doing iPhone, #1 can be added later so will be #26761.

A whole set can be built with those, add slotted set #26090 and cross set #26194. I prefer the soft rubberized grips, so #26193 is a combo set. A Torx set gets expensive... the small one is #26793, it only goes to T8. There's a precision set with larger sizes (#26796) but I believe T8 and up should be regular screwdrivers (large handle) instead of precision style, so to get the proper tightening torque.

So depending what you need, you can build that up. With the P/TS (PL or IPR) #5 and #6, those sets should cover most Mac repair requirements. Adding in special tools like spudgers, wedges, chip lifters, suction cups, a heat gun and foam blocks, you should be set.

All of those items might not be available on Amazon in the UK, and I noticed some were sold at higher prices from non-Amazon sellers; you may wish to see if Wiha will deliver to your address directly. The EU site is wiha.com and US distributor is wihatools.com ... in the US they are also available at higher prices from Grainger, great when you need it that instant, or at lower prices from Amazon.

I have a full desk set #92092 and took out the biggest three Torx to fit the Apple pentalobe drivers.

If you can get a Wiha catalog it is interesting to browse if you're into that sort of thing, when you have problem repairs sometimes it gives you new ideas how to approach things.
Click to expand...

This is the set which defaced the screws:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Pi...sbs_diy_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1373CBQMR7A2F1FKMY22

I use it for regular notebooks, but didn't have luck when I repaired a MacBook Pro.

When I repaired a MacBook Air I used something similar to these:

http://www.gemalta.com/6-piece-electronic-screwdriver-set.html - wasn't disappointed by the set.

But the second set doesn't include set for iOS devices, and although I do not plan in repair iOS devices, having a set which includes all the required screwdrivers for Apple Devices would be nice.
 
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aquilc said:
This is the set which defaced the screws:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/7dayshop-Pi...sbs_diy_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1373CBQMR7A2F1FKMY22

I use it for regular notebooks, but didn't have luck when I repaired a MacBook Pro.

When I repaired a MacBook Air I used something similar to these:

http://www.gemalta.com/6-piece-electronic-screwdriver-set.html - wasn't disappointed by the set.

But the second set doesn't include set for iOS devices, and although I do not plan in repair iOS devices, having a set which includes all the required screwdrivers for Apple Devices would be nice.
Click to expand...

It is difficult to tell the quality (without seeing it) except by price or brand name... You will probably never wear out a Wiha driver or break it, although they do have a warranty. The worst part would be losing one because it is £5-10 to replace one!
 
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I can vouch for what others are saying about Wiha. You won't find a better tool, especially for precision electronics work.

While I haven't (knock on wood) had much need to use them on Apple stuff, I used them extensively when I had an electronics lab here as well as for bicycle repair/maintenance.
Still have all of them and really enjoy using them when I have an application.

As others have stated, perhaps best to kind of acquire them gradually over time as your specific needs become known. To purchase everything you might possibly ever need/want at one time would far exceed your budget. But for the tools you actually use they represent a very solid value as well as tons of enjoyment.

I've purchased them both from Amazon and directly from their USA warehouse in Minnesota. Their online store for the USA is at wihatools.com. Good to check the website periodically, as they often have special sales and promotions that are better than Amazon prices. Plus MUCH more selection than you will find on Amazon. My direct orders have all been handled professionally and shipped promptly.

Request a catalog - lots of good reading ;>)
 
Yes, OP, that is an excellent set. I actually have the same one, and they are a joy to use. The upper red part of the handle is designed to rest against your palm, and rotates so that you can easily make multiple turns without needing to regrip the driver - excellent ergonomic design. Go for it!
 
Another vote for Wiha - Quality Tools

Most of the "Kits" sold from Mac related sites are garbage. They might have a well matched combo for the computer, but that's about it.
 
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