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aesir911

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 11, 2010
38
0
I recently put a new internal hard drive in my macbook, but i need the bolts that help stable it. do you know what these screws/bolts are called and where i can purchase them? also, i tried using a t6 screwdriver to remove the same things off the hard drive that was originally in my computer, but they wouldn't budge. it was as if they were already stripped before i tried taking them off. is there a "safe" way to remove these with something else, because it doesn't fit in the enclosure i bought with those dumb bolts on it.
 
Apple uses a small amount of blue loctite on each of those 4 bolts, making them difficult to remove the first time. If the t6 didn't work, you can use a pair of locking pliers (since it is already out of the computer.)

They look like this. Once you get a bolt to budge loose, go back to using the t6 screwdriver.
britool-pm902-lock-grip-plier-strt-jaw-190.jpg
 
are they the hdd bracket bolts or the harness ones? The bracket bolts (the one that secure a black plastic piece you need to remove before accessing the hdd) are phillips heads that I have stripped as well. The 4 bolts that secure the harness to the hdd are t6 screws and yea, just use some needle nose pliers
 
rather than pull things with pliers if your screws are stuck, heat their heads for a while with a soldering iron.

You don't "pull" anything. Simply lock the pliers on the bolt head and turn counter-clockwise. Isn't hard, and heating shouldn't be required as it's only a small amount of blue locktite on each bolt.

I'm not even sure why Apple sees a need to use torx bolts anyway. Why not use allen head bolts instead. Much more common.
 
umm... i rather not risk burning my hard drive. does anyone know what these are called? just some kinda t6 bolt? would i be able to buy 4 of them at home depot or ace hardware?
 
You don't "pull" anything. Simply lock the pliers on the bolt head and turn counter-clockwise. Isn't hard, and heating shouldn't be required as it's only a small amount of blue locktite on each bolt.

I'm not even sure why Apple sees a need to use torx bolts anyway. Why not use allen head bolts instead. Much more common.

Most mobile phones use torx t6 as well. It's a common bolt in electronics.
 
I got it but I'd rather not hit something nearby with the pliers.

Well whatever works.

The drive is out of the computer already. What are you going to hit? Not like you are removing rusted brake calipers off a car and slamming your knuckles trying to loosen the bolts.

The bolts on the HDD require very little effort to remove.
 
Slightly related to the OP's request is where can you get these bolts?

I am looking for a hdd bracket bolt as well as the lower outside case screws (the ones that attach the rubber bottom) for the unibody plastic macbooks

OP: I know you can get some at ifixit or an apple authorized reseller like the macshack but they seem kinda pricy when I believe it is a generic part that can be picked up for a few cents on the dollar
http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Pro-13-Inch-Unibody-Screw-Set/IF163-016

and

http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Pro-13-Inch-Unibody-Hard-Drive-Bracket/IF163-010

Brose that site, though it is kinda pricy
 
Where to find the bolts? If you are in the U.S., I would recommend trying Home Depot. Hard to say if they have anything that small, but check the nut and bolt isle.

Otherwise, try e-bay.
 
thank you so much for your help. the pliers worked great (although it was an absolute pain to put them onto the new hard drive). luckily i didn't have to buy new ones!
 
I'm not even sure why Apple sees a need to use torx bolts anyway. Why not use allen head bolts instead. Much more common.

Torx bolts are specifically designed for use with automatic screw tightening machines. They transfer torque more efficiently, which allows the precise electronics of the machine to tighten the screws perfectly every time.
 
Eek don't use pliers or vice grips!

Use the correct torx screwdriver and slowly turn it right and left until it breaks the seal.
 
I recently put a new internal hard drive in my macbook, but i need the bolts that help stable it. do you know what these screws/bolts are called and where i can purchase them? also, i tried using a t6 screwdriver to remove the same things off the hard drive that was originally in my computer, but they wouldn't budge. it was as if they were already stripped before i tried taking them off. is there a "safe" way to remove these with something else, because it doesn't fit in the enclosure i bought with those dumb bolts on it.

#6 torx.

http://www.faqintosh.com/risorse/en/guides/hw/mbpro/mbphd/
 
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