Laptop - Stripped screw holes

[Kerrya]

Anybody got a nifty trick for fixing a stripped screw hole in a laptop.

I don’t want to use crazy glue as I’ll probably need to undo them in the future.

Any help appreciated.

Kerry

 

[MichaelBits]

Depends on the hole. Hehe, that sounds funny....

Anyways...

Is it a brass insert embedded in the shell or threads on a hinge/mounting plate that are stripped?

If it's the brass inserts, not much you can do. If it's threading in a plate or hinge, you might be able to re-thread it with a tap & die set for instance. However, the hole would become bigger and you couldn't use the same screw.

Generally speaking, I don't bother repairing a stripped screw. If it's a broken brass insert, I'll glue one back in. If it's stripped though, and a critical holding point, I would recommend a new shell. If it's not a critical point, I'll just inform them of it so they are aware it's missing a screw and a little weaker.
If it's stripped on a plate or the hinge, that's a new hinge or plate.

 

[River Valley Computer]

Anybody got a nifty trick for fixing a stripped screw hole in a laptop.

I don’t want to use crazy glue as I’ll probably need to undo them in the future.

Any help appreciated.

Kerry

Do a search on TN - just this week there is
quite a run of info on what to do with broken posts, etc.

 

[Kerrya]

Got out a magnifier and it looks like the customer had broken the screw off inside. So I think I just have to drill it out.

 

[MichaelBits]

If the brass insert and the casing around it broke off to where you can't unscrew it, depending on how it's situated, you can take another screwdriver and use it to put pressure on the broken piece so you can get the screw out.

Not sure how to explain that better... but I do it all the time, works for me pretty well.

 

[HCHTech]

I have a set of these - don't use them much, but they work pretty well.

 

[Diggs]

We've discussed elsewhere that if critical you can put a screw all the way through. Not the prettiest but saves a laptop if it is a hinge issue. I have also re-potted the brass female ferrule with a drop or two of 5-minute epoxy.

 

[wavey]

To replace the brass ferrule I usually insert the screw into the ferrule, hold it on the end of a magnetized screwdriver, heat it with my rework station and then, while still hot, sink it back into position. Works really well unless the plastic is gone.

 

[wavey]

If there is lots of damage I often use hot glue, it's great stuff and almost never comes back for repair.
The guy in this vid does the same, about 5 mins in.

 

[Altster]

..... and "DON'T USE" power tools when installing / inserting screws in a laptop!

 

[Kerrya]

Awe

I have a set of these - don't use them much, but they work pretty well.

Awesome! I’m ordering a set.