laptop bezel - how would you fix this?

16k_zx81

16k_zx81

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Managed to crack the bezel off a VAIO yesterday doing a screen replacement.

http://prntscr.com/gq8lm

Didnt really exert any force on it. I think maybe the plastic was already slightly cracked as it just snapped in my hand

The face of the bezel where its cracked is a clean break and the two parts mesh very neat, so I am keen to fix rather than replace outright.

Im thinking to stick something to the back of it but not sure what materials to use.

Anyone done anything like this?

How would you tackle it?

Jim
 
Honestly, I would spend a few dollars and buy a new one. It sure is way more professional than trying to ghetto rig a repair. Also, when things like this happen, customers are way more appreciative when you just take care of them and replace the part that was damaged rather than going the cheap route and trying to fix it.
 
I would say replace it as well. I think you would feel better knowing it was replaced and like PCX said I think the customer would be happy with it too.
 
epoxy or superglue, neither is going to be perfect though.
Since you have such a small area of contact it will be hard to make it a lasting repair.

My advise is to use one of the above inform customer when you return it to them, tell them you have ordered a replacement and they can drop by and get it repaired properly once the part arrives. :)
 
What I have done in the past is take a solder iron tip (that I do not care about) and that is wide and flat and melt it back together from the backside.

Then put the whole thing together, (do not let the customer see it apart) then when the customer comes in, explain that it is purely cosmetic, show it to them, and ask them if they would like you to replace it. They can always bring it back at a later date when you get the part. But there is also a good chance the customer will not care enough to have you replace it. All depends on the person. You probably have a 50/50 shot. I know if something like this came in already cracked and you asked the customer if they wanted something cosmetic like this fixed, depending on the cost, the odds would probably go down to 20/80 getting it fixed.
 
I had the same problem, customer needed computer while I ordered a replacement.

I used two sided tape to hold the bezel in place. Client called back the next day and said not to bother with the new bezel. Some clients may be more picky, though.
 
Q-Bond is terrific for these jobs. Just roughen the surface on each side of the bezel back, tape the joint together securely, pour some of the powder the kit includes and drop on the liquid. Tough as nails! Then order a replacement bezel. At least this way, your customer can use it without it falling apart before the new one arrives.
 
Hot glue on the inside if it can be applied properly. First test fit the close and then remove it and observer where hot glue can be spread and then while hot close it back up. That way it can be removed and the hot glue will mold perfectly to the insides just before it cools.
 
I've used something called Gorilla Glue in the past. Customer had a crack on the bezel after they dropped their laptop and asked if I could do anything with the bezel while I replaced the screen. Took a while to set but worked perfectly.
 
Superglue and if there is enough space, bridge it with a couple of matchsticks or something thinner, sliced up DVD case plastic??

But i would replace it unless, they had broke it and didn't to pay £25 for a used, marked bezel.
 
I'd let the customer decide, something like "additional damage to bezel not noticed until into the repair, I can do a jerry rig or order a new one, your choice"
 
If you broke it you owe the guy a new one. If they are that big of a hurry then do both. Rig it and tell them when the part comes in to bring it back for a free installation of it.

As for the support. I'd try and find some stiff plastic. The problem is going to be the room. Any object trying to support that spot might prevent it from fitting on. OTOH the screen itself may provide enough support once everything is in place.
 
This type of problem is quite common where I am due to the high temperatures and it being a dry heat mix that with age and plastic becomes brittle.

I would let the client know up front before any repair is taken for that issue that the plastic broke in the process of disassembly. I would give a brief pause there to see feel them out, some would want to see it before you go any further while other may just ask how much it will cause to fix.

With time being an issue, I have would do a quick fixes with gorilla glue to get them by while I waited on the part or if the customer doesn't really care about cosmetics and is fine with me just using an epoxy to fix the bezel as permanent fix I would. If they seem like they would make it an issue I would find a replacement part and replace it at my cost since usually you can find the front LCD bezel cover for under $50 US.

The best option is just be up front about it.
 
Last edited:
PCS said:
Superglue and if there is enough space, bridge it with a couple of matchsticks or something thinner, sliced up DVD case plastic??

But i would replace it unless, they had broke it and didn't to pay £25 for a used, marked bezel.
Click to expand...

+1 for this. I'm not sure if Superglue would be the proper type of adhesive, but I've done enough construction projects in my life to know that edge-to-edge repairs on thin pieces of material rarely work.

Just pondering a proper backing a material and I wondered if something along the lines of the copper foil mentioned in this article would work. The main selling point being that it could be molded to the back of the laptop bezel. The main drawback would be electrical conductivity and this might make it an inappropriate material depending on what's near the bezel.

http://basiccopper.com/wowicoinarcr.html
 
mm201 said:
+1 for this. I'm not sure if Superglue would be the proper type of adhesive, but I've done enough construction projects in my life to know that edge-to-edge repairs on thin pieces of material rarely work.

Just pondering a proper backing a material and I wondered if something along the lines of the copper foil mentioned in this article would work. The main selling point being that it could be molded to the back of the laptop bezel. The main drawback would be electrical conductivity and this might make it an inappropriate material depending on what's near the bezel.

http://basiccopper.com/wowicoinarcr.html
Click to expand...

Yep thats exactly the issue. The matter of adhesives - there are probably a number of products that would work - but as its edge to edge, I need something thats thin and will not shift, to apply to the flat surfaces at the rear for reinforcement.

My brother used to use fibreglass cloth to make model aeroplanes, but I think this, also would be too thick, because of the clearance between the bezel and LCD. The same principle, though, flat, flexible and sets rigid, is what I need.

A bit stumped as to what material to use to reinforce it....
 
16k_zx81 said:
timeframe issue. customer wants machine back asap. Hence the question :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I'm a fan of 2-part epoxy, its permanent but it may be tricky making it unnoticeable. I'd try it and if its at all noticeable I'd order new. How annoying when stuff like that happens!:mad:
 
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