Disassembling Apple laptops - Revision history

N Reid: re-order

2013-01-06T13:31:06Z

re-order

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 6 January 2013
Line 66:		Line 66:
	=Update=		=Update=
	[http://www.iFixit.com iFixit.com] found that the 2012 MacBookPro Retina cannot be disassembled or repaired by users at all.		[http://www.iFixit.com iFixit.com] found that the 2012 MacBookPro Retina cannot be disassembled or repaired by users at all.

			=See also=
			*[[Repairing Apple devices]]

	=Credits=		=Credits=
	*The main article was contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007		*The main article was contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007
	*2012 update was posted on Mac-Ministry by [[David Larson]], June 13, 2012		*2012 update was posted on Mac-Ministry by [[David Larson]], June 13, 2012

	~~=See also=~~
	*[[Repairing Apple devices]]

	[[Category:How-to guides]]		[[Category:How-to guides]]

N Reid: credits

2012-06-16T20:00:17Z

credits

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 16 June 2012
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	~~{{title\|Disassembling Apple laptops}}~~		=How-to Guide=
			I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520s and 540s, I have learned many things – most of them the hard way. :-D
	I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the ~~520's~~ and ~~540's~~, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D

	The following is a list of Helpful Hints for Apple Portable Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Repair.		The following is a list of Helpful Hints for Apple Portable Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Repair.
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	3. Do it all in one sitting (or standing at a counter, if one must), so as to keep the parts in order and to avoid static build-up that can zap the drive or the RAM.		3. Do it all in one sitting (or standing at a counter, if one must), so as to keep the parts in order and to avoid static build-up that can zap the drive or the RAM.

	4. Don't bend the case - if it sticks, there's a reason.		4. Don't bend the case – if it sticks, there's a reason.

	'''My trick for easy disassembly''' and correct re-assembly is to take contact paper (shelf paper with adhesive on one side, usually covered with paper until you need it to stick somewhere), a stapler, a permanent marker and make a diagram with it, like this:		'''My trick for easy disassembly''' and correct re-assembly is to take contact paper (shelf paper with adhesive on one side, usually covered with paper until you need it to stick somewhere), a stapler, a permanent marker and make a diagram with it, like this:
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	G. The permanent marker is to draw a diagram on this sticky stuff. A water-based marker or gel-pen will not work. Remember: You do not need a big drawing, and it doesn't have to be to scale. It's just to help you place the screws so you can put them back accurately later.		G. The permanent marker is to draw a diagram on this sticky stuff. A water-based marker or gel-pen will not work. Remember: You do not need a big drawing, and it doesn't have to be to scale. It's just to help you place the screws so you can put them back accurately later.

	;~~brief~~ explanatory interlude		;Brief explanatory interlude

	FAQ#1: WHY go to this trouble and why not just take some Dixie cups or other containers and toss the screws in them with some type of little label?		FAQ#1: WHY go to this trouble and why not just take some Dixie cups or other containers and toss the screws in them with some type of little label?

	ANSWER: I did that for years and it can work..... but the potential for error or misstep is high. I spilled parts enough times to say "what can I do that will keep these teeny screws from leaping off the table, or worse, co-mingling?" I came up with the shelf paper idea while experimenting with various adhesives. Now we use it every day in the lab. The Big Plus to the "sticky diagram" is that you can -- if nature calls or phone rings -- walk away, come back, and not be completely lost as to what-goes-where.		ANSWER: I did that for years and it can work..... but the potential for error or misstep is high. I spilled parts enough times to say "what can I do that will keep these teeny screws from leaping off the table, or worse, co-mingling?" I came up with the shelf paper idea while experimenting with various adhesives. Now we use it every day in the lab. The Big Plus to the "sticky diagram" is that you can – if nature calls or phone rings – walk away, come back, and not be completely lost as to what-goes-where.

	;~~back~~ to our directions		;Back to our directions

	H. When you remove screws from the Powerbook (or iBook, or whatever), place them screw-head DOWN onto the diagram. In other words, upside down. This avoids getting adhesive on the threads of the screws. It's not a big deal, probably, but I'm a little picky about that.		H. When you remove screws from the Powerbook (or iBook, or whatever), place them screw-head DOWN onto the diagram. In other words, upside down. This avoids getting adhesive on the threads of the screws. It's not a big deal, probably, but I'm a little picky about that.
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	* The above-described sticky sheet & some permanent marker ("Magic Marker" or "Sharpy" or similar).		* The above-described sticky sheet & some permanent marker ("Magic Marker" or "Sharpy" or similar).

	* Nylon prying tool for getting the case apart -- DO NOT USE METAL such as a screwdriver, pliers, spanner, crow bar, pocket multi-tool, Boy Scout knife, or log-splitter. Metal tools will bend and scar the case. If you are utterly without a nylon or plastic prying tool, a used-up/no-good credit card or library card might do in a pinch. You could also use a pencil (break the point off first), a plastic pen ("biro" to some of you), or -- my favorite substitute -- a pair of chopsticks. [A Chinese take-out place is next door to our lab.]		* Nylon prying tool for getting the case apart – DO NOT USE METAL such as a screwdriver, pliers, spanner, crow bar, pocket multi-tool, Boy Scout knife, or log-splitter. Metal tools will bend and scar the case. If you are utterly without a nylon or plastic prying tool, a used-up/no-good credit card or library card might do in a pinch. You could also use a pencil (break the point off first), a plastic pen ("biro" to some of you), or – my favorite substitute – a pair of chopsticks. [A Chinese take-out place is next door to our lab.]

	* ~~RECOMMENDED~~: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.		* '''Recommended''': Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.

	=Conclusion=		=Conclusion=
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	=Update=		=Update=
	~~The~~ 2012 MacBookPro Retina cannot be disassembled by users.		[http://www.iFixit.com iFixit.com] found that the 2012 MacBookPro Retina cannot be disassembled or repaired by users at all.

	=Credits=		=Credits=
	~~Contributed~~ to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007		*The main article was contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007
			*2012 update was posted on Mac-Ministry by [[David Larson]], June 13, 2012

	=See also=		=See also=

N Reid: update re MBP Retina

2012-06-15T08:26:23Z

update re MBP Retina

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:26, 15 June 2012
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	NOTE: When you pull the RAM, the Airport card, or other non-screw parts, it's best NOT to stick them to the sticky sheet. Instead, but them aside in some small container like a paper cup, tea cup, small box, etc. Same is true of the keyboard, but it won't fit in a tea cup. :-)		NOTE: When you pull the RAM, the Airport card, or other non-screw parts, it's best NOT to stick them to the sticky sheet. Instead, but them aside in some small container like a paper cup, tea cup, small box, etc. Same is true of the keyboard, but it won't fit in a tea cup. :-)

	==Tools==		=Tools=
	Tools for '''any''' portable Apple laptop disassembly:		Tools for '''any''' portable Apple laptop disassembly:

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	* RECOMMENDED: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.		* RECOMMENDED: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.

	==Conclusion==		=Conclusion=
	Please: Try to do this all in one session. By that I mean ONE disassembly, start to finish, and (later, when you have fixed whatever it was) ONE assembly again. You don't have to do both in one go, but I suggest each "leg" be done beginning to end without stopping. If you are inexperienced with the process, getting distracted can really confuse you when you come back. Hence the sticky sheet idea, for example.		Please: Try to do this all in one session. By that I mean ONE disassembly, start to finish, and (later, when you have fixed whatever it was) ONE assembly again. You don't have to do both in one go, but I suggest each "leg" be done beginning to end without stopping. If you are inexperienced with the process, getting distracted can really confuse you when you come back. Hence the sticky sheet idea, for example.

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	I hope it helps you! If not, and you break something important or expensive, ...remember that you did this to avoid the long drive and/or expense of going to a real, actual certified technician, and that you do this AT YOUR OWN RISK. K? :-)		I hope it helps you! If not, and you break something important or expensive, ...remember that you did this to avoid the long drive and/or expense of going to a real, actual certified technician, and that you do this AT YOUR OWN RISK. K? :-)

	==Credits==		=Update=
			The 2012 MacBookPro Retina cannot be disassembled by users.

			=Credits=
	Contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007		Contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007

			=See also=
			*[[Repairing Apple devices]]

	[[Category:How-to guides]]		[[Category:How-to guides]]

N Reid: formatting

2010-03-06T13:04:39Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 6 March 2010
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	Tools for '''any''' portable Apple laptop disassembly:		Tools for '''any''' portable Apple laptop disassembly:

	Phillips screwdriver, small, perhaps from a jewelers's set or similar.		* Phillips screwdriver, small, perhaps from a jewelers's set or similar.

	Torx screwdriver #6 or #7, I can never remember, for the two screws on top of the inside case, above the keyboard and beneath the screen. Available at electronics stores or -- surprisingly -- large Auto Supply stores that cater to mechanics and garage professionals.		* Torx screwdriver #6 or #7, I can never remember, for the two screws on top of the inside case, above the keyboard and beneath the screen. Available at electronics stores or -- surprisingly -- large Auto Supply stores that cater to mechanics and garage professionals.

	The above-described sticky sheet & some permanent marker ("Magic Marker" or "Sharpy" or similar).		* The above-described sticky sheet & some permanent marker ("Magic Marker" or "Sharpy" or similar).

	Nylon prying tool for getting the case apart -- DO NOT USE METAL such as a screwdriver, pliers, spanner, crow bar, pocket multi-tool, Boy Scout knife, or log-splitter. Metal tools will bend and scar the case. If you are utterly without a nylon or plastic prying tool, a used-up/no-good credit card or library card might do in a pinch. You could also use a pencil (break the point off first), a plastic pen ("biro" to some of you), or -- my favorite substitute -- a pair of chopsticks. [A Chinese take-out place is next door to our lab.]		* Nylon prying tool for getting the case apart -- DO NOT USE METAL such as a screwdriver, pliers, spanner, crow bar, pocket multi-tool, Boy Scout knife, or log-splitter. Metal tools will bend and scar the case. If you are utterly without a nylon or plastic prying tool, a used-up/no-good credit card or library card might do in a pinch. You could also use a pencil (break the point off first), a plastic pen ("biro" to some of you), or -- my favorite substitute -- a pair of chopsticks. [A Chinese take-out place is next door to our lab.]

	RECOMMENDED: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.		* RECOMMENDED: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.

			==Conclusion==
	Please: Try to do this all in one session. By that I mean ONE disassembly, start to finish, and (later, when you have fixed whatever it was) ONE assembly again. You don't have to do both in one go, but I suggest each "leg" be done beginning to end without stopping. If you are inexperienced with the process, getting distracted can really confuse you when you come back. Hence the sticky sheet idea, for example.		Please: Try to do this all in one session. By that I mean ONE disassembly, start to finish, and (later, when you have fixed whatever it was) ONE assembly again. You don't have to do both in one go, but I suggest each "leg" be done beginning to end without stopping. If you are inexperienced with the process, getting distracted can really confuse you when you come back. Hence the sticky sheet idea, for example.

N Reid: formatting

2010-03-06T13:03:21Z

formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 6 March 2010
Line 6:		Line 6:

	It is not exhaustive, does not cover any specific steps for any given model, and may not be what you'd call "complete." It's just to help you do better and become less frustrated while taking apart your Mac-device on the kitchen table, office desk, or other "make-do" space.		It is not exhaustive, does not cover any specific steps for any given model, and may not be what you'd call "complete." It's just to help you do better and become less frustrated while taking apart your Mac-device on the kitchen table, office desk, or other "make-do" space.

	~~I will also include a Tools list at the end of this.~~

	The most important things to do when disassembling Powerbooks are:		The most important things to do when disassembling Powerbooks are:
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	NOTE: When you pull the RAM, the Airport card, or other non-screw parts, it's best NOT to stick them to the sticky sheet. Instead, but them aside in some small container like a paper cup, tea cup, small box, etc. Same is true of the keyboard, but it won't fit in a tea cup. :-)		NOTE: When you pull the RAM, the Airport card, or other non-screw parts, it's best NOT to stick them to the sticky sheet. Instead, but them aside in some small container like a paper cup, tea cup, small box, etc. Same is true of the keyboard, but it won't fit in a tea cup. :-)

	~~TOOLS~~ for any portable Apple laptop disassembly:		==Tools==
			Tools for '''any''' portable Apple laptop disassembly:

	Phillips screwdriver, small, perhaps from a jewelers's set or similar.		Phillips screwdriver, small, perhaps from a jewelers's set or similar.

N Reid: /* Disassembling Apple laptops */ {{title|

2010-03-04T19:13:55Z

Disassembling Apple laptops: {{title|

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:13, 4 March 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	=Disassembling Apple laptops=		{{title\|Disassembling Apple laptops}}

	I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520's and 540's, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D		I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520's and 540's, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D

N Reid: top-level heading

2010-03-04T18:13:08Z

top-level heading

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 4 March 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
			=Disassembling Apple laptops=

	I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520's and 540's, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D		I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520's and 540's, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D

Line 64:		Line 66:

	==Credits==		==Credits==
	Contributed by [[Drew Janssen]], 2007~~-04-20~~		Contributed to [[Mac-Ministry]] by [[Drew Janssen]], April 20, 2007

	[[Category:How-to guides]]		[[Category:How-to guides]]

N Reid: Article created from Drew's useful email of 2007-4-20

2010-02-27T22:45:49Z

Article created from Drew's useful email of 2007-4-20

New page

I have been asked for tips and hints about how to '''disassemble and re-assemble Apple laptops'''. Having taken apart virtually every Powerbook or iBook or MacBook/Pro since the days of the 520's and 540's, I have learned many things -- most of them the hard way. :-D

The following is a list of Helpful Hints for Apple Portable Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Repair.

It is not exhaustive, does not cover any specific steps for any given model, and may not be what you'd call "complete." It's just to help you do better and become less frustrated while taking apart your Mac-device on the kitchen table, office desk, or other "make-do" space.

I will also include a Tools list at the end of this.

The most important things to do when disassembling Powerbooks are:

1. Take your time.

2. Diagram and label everything.

3. Do it all in one sitting (or standing at a counter, if one must), so as to keep the parts in order and to avoid static build-up that can zap the drive or the RAM.

4. Don't bend the case - if it sticks, there's a reason.

'''My trick for easy disassembly''' and correct re-assembly is to take contact paper (shelf paper with adhesive on one side, usually covered with paper until you need it to stick somewhere), a stapler, a permanent marker and make a diagram with it, like this:

A. Get a piece of ordinary box cardboard and cut a hunk about the size of a regular sheet of paper.

B. Cut a piece of the shelf paper to the size of your piece of cardboard.

C. Place the shelf paper on the cardboard "face down" meaning with the decorative part that people would normally see DOWN and the adhesive side and its peel-off cover sheet UP towards you.

D. Staple the shelf paper to the cardboard. One in each corner and maybe one on each side should do it. DON'T put lots of staples or the next step will be hard.

E. From any corner, separate the cover paper from the adhesive and peel away.

F. You should now have a sheet of sticky stuff facing you. During the disassembly, you will stick the screws onto this sheet of sticky stuff, according to a diagram you will draw as you go.

G. The permanent marker is to draw a diagram on this sticky stuff. A water-based marker or gel-pen will not work. Remember: You do not need a big drawing, and it doesn't have to be to scale. It's just to help you place the screws so you can put them back accurately later.

;brief explanatory interlude

FAQ#1: WHY go to this trouble and why not just take some Dixie cups or other containers and toss the screws in them with some type of little label?

ANSWER: I did that for years and it can work..... but the potential for error or misstep is high. I spilled parts enough times to say "what can I do that will keep these teeny screws from leaping off the table, or worse, co-mingling?" I came up with the shelf paper idea while experimenting with various adhesives. Now we use it every day in the lab. The Big Plus to the "sticky diagram" is that you can -- if nature calls or phone rings -- walk away, come back, and not be completely lost as to what-goes-where.

;back to our directions

H. When you remove screws from the Powerbook (or iBook, or whatever), place them screw-head DOWN onto the diagram. In other words, upside down. This avoids getting adhesive on the threads of the screws. It's not a big deal, probably, but I'm a little picky about that.

NOTE: When you pull the RAM, the Airport card, or other non-screw parts, it's best NOT to stick them to the sticky sheet. Instead, but them aside in some small container like a paper cup, tea cup, small box, etc. Same is true of the keyboard, but it won't fit in a tea cup. :-)

TOOLS for *any* portable Apple laptop disassembly:

Phillips screwdriver, small, perhaps from a jewelers's set or similar.

Torx screwdriver #6 or #7, I can never remember, for the two screws on top of the inside case, above the keyboard and beneath the screen. Available at electronics stores or -- surprisingly -- large Auto Supply stores that cater to mechanics and garage professionals.

The above-described sticky sheet & some permanent marker ("Magic Marker" or "Sharpy" or similar).

Nylon prying tool for getting the case apart -- DO NOT USE METAL such as a screwdriver, pliers, spanner, crow bar, pocket multi-tool, Boy Scout knife, or log-splitter. Metal tools will bend and scar the case. If you are utterly without a nylon or plastic prying tool, a used-up/no-good credit card or library card might do in a pinch. You could also use a pencil (break the point off first), a plastic pen ("biro" to some of you), or -- my favorite substitute -- a pair of chopsticks. [A Chinese take-out place is next door to our lab.]

RECOMMENDED: Static strap or similar grounding device, to avoid zapping and killing your RAM, hard drive, and assorted electronics within the computer. Some people find other solutions, and I am sure some readers will share their alternatives.

Please: Try to do this all in one session. By that I mean ONE disassembly, start to finish, and (later, when you have fixed whatever it was) ONE assembly again. You don't have to do both in one go, but I suggest each "leg" be done beginning to end without stopping. If you are inexperienced with the process, getting distracted can really confuse you when you come back. Hence the sticky sheet idea, for example.

Those are my Helpful Hints for Portable Disassembly, written by me and not borrowed or re-edited from anywhere; based on many years and many hundreds of Apple portables I have opened and closed, and many left-over screws I have in drawers (I'm still wondering where they came from). If you pass them around, please include my name & email, in case others have questions.

I hope it helps you! If not, and you break something important or expensive, ...remember that you did this to avoid the long drive and/or expense of going to a real, actual certified technician, and that you do this AT YOUR OWN RISK. K? :-)

==Credits==
Contributed by [[Drew Janssen]], 2007-04-20

[[Category:How-to guides]]