[SOLVED] How can I remove this extremely stuck USB device?

[Appletax]

Solution: used brute force to rip it out. Next time, I will first use an iFixit metal spudger tool to pry it out.

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I've never ran into a USB device this badly stuck in a port before. I used pliers alone and also put a paperclip between the two top holes and pulled on them with pliers. It only comes out a bit. It's hardcore stuck. What to do?

 

[ThatPlace928]

Seems to be caught on something. Can you slide something flat, like a nail file, between the top or bottom side of the USB and the port to free whatever it is?

 

[HCHTech]

Can you slide something flat, like a nail file, between the top or bottom side of the USB

Yes - one of the 4 connecting pads has popped up and is catching on the connector like a barb of a fishhook.

 

[ThatPlace928]

Yes - one of the 4 connecting pads has popped up and is catching on the connector like a barb of a fishhook.

That's what I was thinking, too.

 

[Appletax]

I was unable to get anything in between the USB device and the sides of the USB port because I mangled the USB device too much to where it was spread and pressing against the sides. I was able to eventually get it out by force with needle nose pliers. When I pulled it out, the port's left side's barb/hook type thing pulled inwards. I tried to move it back into place but it snapped off. Much to my surprise, the USB port still works and at full speed.

In the future, I will try the method of inserting something between the side of the port and the device before I try to pull it out.

Are there any recommendations for a small, thin, metal prying type tool that I can buy that'll make this easier?

 

[ThatPlace928]

I was unable to get anything in between the USB device and the sides of the USB port because I mangled the USB device too much to where it was spread and pressing against the sides. I was able to eventually get it out by force with needle nose pliers. When I pulled it out, the port's left side's barb/hook type thing pulled inwards. I tried to move it back into place but it snapped off. Much to my surprise, the USB port still works and at full speed.

In the future, I will try the method of inserting something between the side of the port and the device before I try to pull it out.

Are there any recommendations for a small, thin, metal prying type tool that I can buy that'll make this easier?

A nail file works great. It's flat and thin and easily slides into most tight places. Glad you got it out and happy your port still works. (y)

 

[Appletax]

A nail file works great. It's flat and thin and easily slides into most tight places. Glad you got it out and happy your port still works. (y)

Edit: this is a better option.

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Thanks! I will have to get one as the only nail file I have is really thick.

This should do the trick:

Equate Non-Slip Easy Grip Fingernail File with Cover, White @ Walmart

 

[ThatPlace928]

Thanks! I will have to get one as the only nail file I have is really thick.

This should do the trick:

Equate Non-Slip Easy Grip Fingernail File with Cover, White @ Walmart

View attachment 16502

That should work.

 

[HCHTech]

The iFixit kits have a metal tool that would be my first try. The one immediately to the left of the bit case:

 

[Appletax]

Here's how mangled the device got -

 

[HCHTech]

Wow. If the port looked anywhere approaching normal after that, you did very well!

 

[Appletax]

The iFixit kits have a metal tool that would be my first try. The one immediately to the left of the bit case:
View attachment 16513

Yay, I found a cheap set of iFixit metal spudger tools