How many different Screw types??

Question

How many different Screw types??

Does Apple have to keep using different and unique screws?

I'm about to poke myself in the head with the dozen or so different screwdrivers I've accumulated because it seems no matter what I have, Apple comes up with something different. Or, at the very least, requires 3 or 4 different screw head types just to accomplish one thing.

I am trying to replace the hard drive on my MacBook Pro (2011) and sure enough, in spite of having a table load of tools, I cannot turn the screws holing the drive to its bracket. I already fudged my way thru the wacky "tri-wing" but now am stopped in my tracks by these tiny Torx, Torx plus or Torx tamper resistant screws. Why, why, why? What possible necessity could there be for having five different srcew types within one part of one machine.

Gaaa!

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8), MacBookPro, older iPods, no Lion

Posted on Jan 23, 2013 3:27 PM

Reply

Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 23, 2013 3:50 PM in response to GeorgeInTheMountains

A #6 Torx driver, a #0 Triwing for the battery removal and a #00 Phillips driver is the entire complement one needs for a 2011 MBP.

The #6 Torx is a standard for all HDDs support pins, so Apple just conforms to that.

I suspect that the #0 Triwing was selected because Apple wants the battery to be replaced by their personnel.

In short, I have found only three types of fasteners in a 2011 MBP.

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 2

Courcoul

Level 6

18,684 points

Jan 23, 2013 3:57 PM in response to GeorgeInTheMountains

Are you SURE it is a 2011 MBP??? Cause the HDD on all the line, 13", 15" and 17" needs just a Phillips #00 and a Torx T6 to remove and replace. The Air does need the accursed Pentalobe, though.

Note that the standard screws along the way probably have their share of Permatex thread glue to prevent their working loose. And that may be what gives you the impression that your screwdriver isn't cutting the mustard.

If you were to be replacing the battery, or worse, the logic board, the tale of the screw would be someting else, though.

Reply

Answer 3

Jan 23, 2013 4:55 PM in response to Courcoul

Sorry about the rant. And thanks, OGELTHORP and Courcoul for the clarity. My only excuse is I've been trying to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it after a short drop resulted in a kernel panic. Been at it for 3 days trying everything I could find, including replacing RAM. Finally took it to a nearest store (I'm rural and nearest Apple store is over 2 hours away) and guy there said it was likely the hard drive. So I bought a new one and set about to replace it. I'm not a novice, to Macs or to handling tools of all sorts. But this just pushed me over the edge.

The good news is, I put a wrench on the darn things and got them loose. (My floor is scattered with tools).

To answer your question, Courcoul, I can only say the model # is A1278, and I bought it (from Apple) in Feb. 2011. And (my) good news is it seems the HD was it since I was able to boot from original disk and am reinstalling OS. Now if I can only figure a way to retrieve my stuff from the damaged drive. Probably will require more screw drivers.

Thanks again.

Reply

Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 23, 2013 5:06 PM in response to GeorgeInTheMountains

Your MBP is a 13" 2010. I have a 2010 MBP as well but a 17". The same tool complement is applicable.

Ciao.

Reply