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+--- Thread: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air (/showthread.php?tid=279736)
stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - Todd's keyboard - 08-23-2023
Happily fired up my old mid-2011, MacBook Air 11" to find it is still running fine. Am planning on an extended trip in a few months and thought I would travel with this (instead of the heavier, 15" MacBook Pro).
Happened to have an unused, SSD upgrade from our sponsor. Opened up the MBA to install the new SSD and discovered that the screw holding the SSD to the motherboard is stripped.
I don't recall ever opening up this computer before. I bought it as a refurb. Is it possible that Apple sent this out with a stripped screw?
Tried removing the screw with a section of rubber band between the screwdriver and screw. No luck. Have put everything back together with old SSD for now. Have found a replacement screw online for about CAN $12 (plus $5 shipping). No rush. Guess I'll shop around a bit.
Any thoughts on how to get the stripped screw out?
thanks, Todd's stuck keyboard
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - GGD - 08-23-2023
I don’t know about 2011 but 2013-2017 use a Torx screw head there. Are you using the correct driver?
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - Todd's keyboard - 08-23-2023
Yes, Torx #5. Same head that's used to unscrew the back.
It's good and stripped. I think some delicate, needle-nosed pliers might twist it out. Will also try heat, maybe with a flathead driver.
thanks, Todd's patient board
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - Gareth - 08-23-2023
Todd's keyboard wrote:
Any thoughts on how to get the stripped screw out?
Tiny vice grip and care? Alternatively, try larger torx screwdrivers to see if they'll grip. If vice grip/needle hose doesn't work, maybe a dremel to cut a slot for a flat head screwdriver.
Replacement screw should only be a few dollars, here's one for $3 shipped: https://www.ebay.com/itm/293856417661
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - August West - 08-23-2023
Genius Bar and Social Engineering?
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - Acer - 08-23-2023
Flathead driver of just the right size to jam in the hole might be enough.
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - pqrst - 08-23-2023
I’d invest in a couple of t5 drivers from different quality (brand name) companies. I’ve found that less expensive drivers can be problematic.
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - GGD - 08-24-2023
Todd's keyboard wrote:
Yes, Torx #5. Same head that's used to unscrew the back.
It's good and stripped. I think some delicate, needle-nosed pliers might twist it out. Will also try heat, maybe with a flathead driver.
thanks, Todd's patient board
If you're using the same driver for both, that's your problem.
The case uses a Pentalobe driver, the SSD uses a Torx driver.
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - anonymouse1 - 08-24-2023
Torx driver and a wee tiny drop of fast setting superglue? Hold driver in place for a few minute until
Glue sets, or better still, prop it up and let it sit over night.
Re: stripped screw holding SSD in mid-2011 MacBook Air - gadje - 08-24-2023
I don’t know if they make screw extractor bits small enough to fit in a T5, but you can look around for something like this.
Damaged Screw Extractor Kit and Stripped Screw Extractor Set Easily and Quickly Remove Common Sizes of Damaged, Broken or Stripped Screws – Set of 6 Pcs HSS 4341 Material (Gold) https://a.co/d/4KMXECu