Plug stuck in Audio Jack- can it be removed?

Ok, here goes.. I had a two-way 3.5mm wire plugged into the audio jack on my macbook. I was an idiot, and managed to trip over the wire. This caused the plug to break in half inside the audio jack. So, half of that 3.5mm jack is stuck inside. As a result, my sound is currently nonexistent. I wanted to know if anyone knew whether or not it was worth it for me to open it up? I mean, would I be able to get to the audio jack from opening it? Or would this be something an apple expert will have to do in store? Someone please let me know. I've never opened up a macbook before for more than just installing new memory.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on May 6, 2009 11:56 PM

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8 replies

May 10, 2009 4:02 PM in response to ductapedurr

If the machine is under warranty, bring it to an Apple store and ask the folks there if they'll help you out. Be polite, and they should be willing. If the machine isn't under warranty, it's still worth it to try bringing the machine in and ask if they're willing to help.

If you want to open the computer yourself, check out the iFixit website for instructions.

~Lyssa

May 10, 2009 5:17 PM in response to ductapedurr

If you are handy with doing this kind of work it is definitely worth taking the keyboard off and trying to fix it yourself.

If you are not handy or experienced with this kind of work then you will probably do more harm than good.
ll
You are the only one who can answer your question. No one here knows your skill level with regard to something like this.

Jun 22, 2009 10:02 AM in response to ductapedurr

I have this exact problem, actually, with just the tip of the plug being stuck deep in there. This is a common issue, and I'm sick of seeing the same bad (but well-intended! I know...) advice, so here goes the bad news:

1) On a Macbook, the soundboard thing does not have a hole for you to push the broken piece out from the inside. In other words, opening your Mac up is absolutely NOT "definitely worth it if you have the skills" or such. Your skills don't mean anything here.
2) Unfortunately, this holds true for the Apple people too. The only thing they're allowed to do, with or without warranty, is replace the whole logic board. This costs nearly as much as the whole laptop. So don't even bother asking.

After many google searches, I found one potential solution. I've tried superglue, tweezers, etc. But, one person has said that he succeeded by taking 2 pins with the tips bent and working the broken piece out. Haven't tried it yet myself, but will soon. Anyway, it has to be pulled out, and Apple won't help you here.

Jul 8, 2009 10:41 PM in response to ductapedurr

I just did the same thing. I got some of the advanced solution crazy glue gel and a tooth pick (actually the end of a broken incent stick cuz i didnt have tooth pick.) Then I carefully put a bit of glue on the end of it, and put applied pressure for 5 minutes, then I let it sit for 6 more minutes with air on it. Then I carefully pulled straight back and presto!!! got it!!! Just make sure the tooth pick is kind of pointy but definately not too pointy on the end. Also make sure you put it right on the plug and not around it. If the super glue gets any were else it will dry up and create a barrier to the plug trying to come out and really make it impossible to get that plugout.

Jul 9, 2009 4:30 AM in response to (L)

(L) wrote:
In other words, opening your Mac up is absolutely NOT "definitely worth it if you have the skills" or such. Your skills don't mean anything here.


I beg to differ. If you have adequate skill you can heat a pin and push the plug out of the jack, from the inside of the computer. The heated pin will easily go through the plastic jack housing.

The glue method mentioned is also a great idea if you have the skill. In this case skill means 'the steady hand of a surgeon'. The potential downside of using glue is getting a glue coating on conductive parts or on moving parts.

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Plug stuck in Audio Jack- can it be removed?

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