Can't budge laptop screws :(

Dismantling 2 identical laptops [to exchange parts] and had no problem with one set of 4 phillips switch cover screws "PM2.0×2.0" but the 2nd lot, absolutely no go. Obviously they may just have been put in far tighter than the first lot but although they're identical the same screwdriver seems to not even feel like such a good fit before you even start attempting to turn.. illogically. Any point at all in acquiring new/better screwdrivers (I'm not all that well off in that line, which I should be) or do I just have to assume it'll be a more challenging removal job regardless of kit? Ta much if you can help.

Decent screwdrivers are a must otherwise you run the real risk of destroying the thread on the screwheads.

Is that likely to be the answer as to why 1 set of screws would be so much harder than t'other though? I mean, if I shifted 1 set no bother with the basic-but-did-the-job driver I have, I could just end up buying what is essentially the same driver and find that's not the problem?

You might want to check if the screwdriver head is worn.

Sometimes trying to tighten them a tiny bit before loosening them can help to get them moving. I've also used a hair dryer to warm the area a little bit before having another go.

Are they the same screws? I've had two identical laptops and one had torx screw heads.

Also, if one hasn't been opened before, the thread lock on the screws (usually a blue or red colour on the screw threads) will be intact - making them harder to remove; especially with a worn screw driver.

Ones been opened before so it is easy to do again, the other may well have the original thread locker in place or some mild corrosion. I never open a laptop without a wera screwdriver in my hand.

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Originally Posted by Spreadie

Are they the same screws? I've had two identical laptops and one had torx screw heads.

Also, if one hasn't been opened before, the thread lock on the screws (usually a blue or red colour on the screw threads) will be intact - making them harder to remove; especially with a worn screw driver.

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They are identical screws (I couldn't show my face in Hexus after nearly a decade if I were trying to remove a torx with a phillips driver). As 'never opened & therefore still with thread lock' is yours & GoNz0's common theory I will lean toward that & hope it's the reason my current screwdriver worked well & therefore just gave the impression of being a better fit for the screwhead.

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Originally Posted by GoNz0

I never open a laptop without a wera screwdriver in my hand.

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Pleased to hear it - being as that's the brand I ordered, earlier today. Should be here Tuesday (so will expect RM to manage to bring them by Friday :rolleyes:) & we'll see.

Cheers guys. :)

Options are that one might have been taken apart before, different amounts of thread lock (if applied) used, different people assembling them, wrong torq setting used on one of them, etc.

Rec'd screwdrivers this a.m. (so just the 2 days over estimate, but no matter) - success :D

Didin't have time to proceed with the dismantle but at least I'm back in business, as far as it goes. My Wera screwdriver will never leave my side. Tools for the job indeed.

Thanks again & just a general point that goes for any of my slightly-basic-searchable queries, I DO search & take a general sweep of what's out there, but I do like to consult here as I trust y'all more than I do my ability to pick the bones out of a webful of mixed advice. Anyone troubling to reply, it's always highly appreciated. :)

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Originally Posted by sammyc

Rec'd screwdrivers this a.m. (so just the 2 days over estimate, but no matter) - success :D

Didin't have time to proceed with the dismantle but at least I'm back in business, as far as it goes. My Wera screwdriver will never leave my side. Tools for the job indeed.

Thanks again & just a general point that goes for any of my slightly-basic-searchable queries, I DO search & take a general sweep of what's out there, but I do like to consult here as I trust y'all more than I do my ability to pick the bones out of a webful of mixed advice. Anyone troubling to reply, it's always highly appreciated. :)

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I have a similar issue and need a new set of screwdrivers anyway. Which kit did you go with mate ?

BrOws

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As research time was a bit of an issue I just went with individual Wera phillips driver (Kraftform 2050 micro in the size required: tip 0, blade size 60 to deal with these http://www.laptopscrews.com/M2x2.htm) and picked up the either-side size 00 & 1 while I was there for good measure, so I may just add singly to these - but a basic kit seems a good buy (in my novice opinion) & would've been cheaper. At a quick look the 6 or 12 piece set just have the 00 & 0 phillips so it depends what you're going to use most, whether that would do you or you'd rather bespoke your selection. :)

I have the 12 piece micro set with the addition of the TX7 Torq B0 for a specific anti tamper screw on some Toshiba laptops.

I don't think I have had to search for one out the old draper security set since when working on laptops.

They made short work of Rob_B's laptop last night :)

I also own the larger set Kraftform Kompakt 62 and smaller set I picked up cheap Kompact 60 set so I had another handle and thinner flat blade.

Never damaged one and I have used a few with my impact driver without damage but I tent to stick to the magnetic Impaktor bits and holder for that.

Yes I love wera tools....

Thanks to the aforementioned success I have now transplanted the display assembly of one laptop onto another, and can mercifully stop using my only current fallback (other old laptop with dead backlight and monitor from my even older pc). Happy days, and hopefully a couple of minor hexus quest points for tech effort. :)