Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2021 December 25

= December 25 =

But for want of a screwdriver to open up the computer
Please see pg. 15 of my computer's service manual. I'm installing an SSD, so I apparently need an M3x5 and M2x2.5. It took me a lot of effort, but I found one place online that sells the latter. But I've been able to find anywhere that sells a M3x5 screwdriver. Bought a bunch of screws on Amazon that came with a screwdriver, but it didn't work on the screws on my computer. Help! Imagine Reason (talk) 12:37, 25 December 2021 (UTC)
 * According to M3x5 etc specifies the size of the screw, not the screwdriver. Any suitably sized screwdriver, with the correct head (slot, Phillips) etc, will work. I've literally just partially disassembled and reassembled my laptop half an hour ago, with M screws and a cheap Phillips screwdriver. Mitch Ames (talk) 13:27, 25 December 2021 (UTC)
 * I also used a drill, hammer and file to fix the laptop. True story. The plastic (that holds the socket into which a screw goes) near one hinge broke, so the screw no longer does its job. When the laptop lid open/closes, the leverage forces the case apart at the point, which can only be bad in the long run. Solution: remove metal socket, drill completely through case, insert bolt. Nut doesn't quite fit in the hole where the screw went, so file nut down to slightly smaller, and bang it into place with hammer. Insert bolt and tighten. Now lid does not close properly, so file screw head down to half its height. Now it works fine. I knew this would work, because I had the same problem five years ago with the other side, and fixed that one the same way. It should be good for another few years now. Mitch Ames (talk) 13:39, 25 December 2021 (UTC)
 * Looking at the manual (of course it's the last thing one does) p14, it says you need a Phillips #0 and/or #1 screwdriver, which should be available from any hardware shop. Mitch Ames (talk) 13:44, 25 December 2021 (UTC)