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Breaking Magsafe Adapter

Hey folks!

I have been browsing the forums and noticed a trend of the magsafe adapters fraying and/or breaking.

I am experiencing the fraying issues but on the new "L" shaped adapter. The casing on the cable has split open and I had to put some duct tape on the cord just to make sure it didn't fray even more.

I was reading that there was a recall on the "T" shaped ones but nothing about this one.

Any advice?

(early 2011 MacBook Pro bought 14 months ago)

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on May 21, 2012 8:25 PM

Reply
36 replies

May 22, 2012 9:09 PM in response to TheBodasity

Since you'll be getting your shiny new power brick soon and the damaged one retired, it won't matter. But I try to avoid using electrical tape in high wear and tear applications, cause the adhesive usually leaves a black mess. Much better to use rubber self-amalgamating tape. It does not have adhesive at all, you stretch it 50% and wrap it upon itself. 24 hours later, it will have fused into a solid rubber covering that lasts many times longer and will cause no mess. Here are the three different brands I get over here:


User uploaded file

Jan 29, 2013 8:16 PM in response to Probie1983

I recently had the fraying issue with my L-shaped adapter.
My macbook pro is 2 years out of warranty come April 2013.


I went to the Apple store and was told that it wasn't covered and would have to purchase a new magsafe charger.

I tried calling Apple support and I was told the same thing.

I feel this issue is not my fault and I should not be responsible for replacing the magsafe charger. They should let customers know about this expected recurring cost for this RECURRING ISSUE when they sell the Macbook Pro products. The senior representative I spoke to on the phone even admitted that the cords will eventually fray due to stress, and that they changed the style from T-shape to L-shape to prolong the issue. I guess to prolong it happening until enough time has passed after your warranty ends, that they won't feel guilty about not replacing it.


I also had the same fraying issue on my T-shaped adapter when I had my black Macbook a few years ago. It was out of warranty but they replaced it with no problem at all. (I suppose because of the recall that was mentioned earlier in the thread). One of my iOS USB cables frayed as well.


Needless to say, I'm very disappointed with Apple. They tried to tell me that it's unfair to warranted users if they replaced my faulty part for free. I don't think it's relevant since I took care of my product as I was supposed to and the issue still presented itself. It seems that Apple is knowingly selling this faulty part without letting buyers know this fraying issue WILL eventually happen - even with proper maintenance. If anything, it's unfair to all the buyers who are not made aware of the fraying issue at the point of sale.

I am a graduate student and I don't have money to keep throwing at Apple for hardware issues that are clearly the fault of the manufacturer. I have since ordered a different branded (and more reasonably-priced) magsafe knockoff and I most likely will not be investing any more funds into any of Apple's devices.


I regret ever investing in Apple's Time Capsule, Macbook/Macbook Pro, iPhone, iPhone 3g, iPhone 3gs, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPad, and accessories. Basically, I have little respect for companies who fail to stand behind their products and their defects (at their fault) just because of a warranty or lackthereof.

Feb 17, 2013 12:00 AM in response to TheBodasity

Had my fraying T-plug replaced in August 2011. It's February 2013, and the L-plug replacement is so frayed that the wire casing is completely seperated exposing the guts. Brought it in, and the Apple dude basically said I'm screwed. I'm unemployed and scrounging for rent. I can't afford 80 bucks! Apple makes great computers, but ****** accesories. Why is it so hard for Apple to make power cords from stronger stuff than papier-mâché?!?

Feb 20, 2013 12:21 PM in response to supastylinboi

Tell me about it!

My previous Early '08 MBP blew its brick in Dec. '11, or so I thought when it ceased charging the battery. Invested in a new Apple-branded brick, only to watch the thing blow its logic board 5 days later. User uploaded file


But the replacement brick is still working happily with my new MBP so I can have one in the office and one at home and not have to lug it about. User uploaded file

Feb 25, 2013 1:36 PM in response to Courcoul

My last power-brick-problem was a fraying of the Magsafe end - on an L-connector, right next to the connector itself. So it's impossible to solder it back together unless I can cut off about a quarter-inch of the ALUMINUM shell of the L-connector itself - not exactly easy. I used a chisel and a hammer to make about a 1/32-1/16 inch dent in the metal, but I'm not sure that could cleanly cut all the way through without breaking the rubber surrounding the wire braid inside.


Would it be possible (easily DIY) to basically encase the end of the L-connector and the first inch or so of the cable itself in a lucite brick or something?

Apr 11, 2013 11:29 AM in response to TheBodasity

I had a similiar problem where the cable got all burnt going into the charger. After reading up on it, you can get a replacement charger for free if you are eligible and from the US:

http://www.cultofmac.com/128714/appl...ement-program/

If, like me, you are no from the US, I was able to successfully repair my charger using the guide here:

http://warrantyvoidifremoved.blogspo...-cable-on.html

I hope this helps.


User uploaded file

Apr 12, 2013 7:38 PM in response to BananaMacintosh

Thank you for this post.


I went back to the Apple store and showed them their own knowledge base article and was able to exchange my adapter.


They first tried to say it didn't apply to the L-shaped adapter; I thought it was interesting they could say that when the article doesn't differentiate between which adapter it applies to.


As the associate said I would get my charger replaced, he pointed out that the area where the fraying occured on my charger wasn't the same as what was described. So it seems that Apple still doesn't own up to the fact their product will fray after using it properly as instructed, and that they just wanted to replace my charger to get me out of their hair.


Regardless, I saved $79.

Sep 15, 2013 12:58 PM in response to TheBodasity

Hey guys, OP here. It is a little over a year later, Apple gave me a replacement brick but unfortunately in a short 16 months it the cord has opened up and is kinda worrying me about starting something on fire... It hasn't started fraying (yet) but I am going to have to preemtively strike on this one. Needless to say, I am very dissappointed with the build quality of charger. I am going to try to go back to apple and see if they will replace it (again) and maybe they will, maybe they won't.


I will say that I have not mistreated my cord in any way and it should have lasted... Idk what is up with this...

Sep 15, 2013 1:24 PM in response to BananaMacintosh

This picture below is one thing and one thing only, a repeated hard bend in the cabling of the charger. Its misuse of winding the cabling after use. Ive seen it a 1000 times on users computers.


Cables are pvc wrapped copper and insulating ground braiding, they are NOT meant to be:


A: hard folded

B: tight wrapped after use.


bend a paperclip about 20 times in one spot.....snap... same thing. 😟


When rolling up your cord around the charger or otherwise to store in your case, ALWAYS leave a loose loop on the cord exiting the charger about 3-4 inches. 😊


User uploaded file

Breaking Magsafe Adapter

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