Help with Darwin Award Problem

[MediaRight]

So I'm working on putting the screws back into my Powerbook G4, and I accidentally (probably out of tiredness) put one of the side screws into one of the screw holes for the DVI port. Weak magnetic screwdriver isn't helping too much. Seems to be just enough resistance where it needs more force. Anyone have any ideas on how to get it out?

[MaDDoG]

is it screwed in or just in the hole. You could try blu tak or something like that. Needle nose pliers??

[MacHeadCase]

Die hard tech heads like trav or bobtomay can help ya with that one. I wonder if these could come in handy? Fixit Guides (http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/).

Oh and I know you can re-magnetize one of those screwdrivers. Lemme look it up...

[MacHeadCase]

Here's one way (http://www.ehow.com/how_2135813_magnetize-a-screwdriver.html) to do it.

But in case you don't have that type of battery, you certainly must have a car (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1310456/magnetize_a_screwdriver/)...

[bobtomay]

A) Is the head of the screw rotating when you turn it and not coming out?

Screw was actually too small for that hole, but the threads still grip enough to prevent it from just pulling out. I use a credit card or maybe a piece of cardboard to slide just under the head of the screw and lift up while turning it with the screwdriver.

B) It went in kind of hard and it's not budging trying to unscrew it? You're kind of afraid you'll strip the head of the screw getting it out.

Make sure you have the proper size screwdriver for that screw head. Just need to put the proper downward force onto the screw and turn slowly while getting it started back out. If it was pretty hard getting the screw in while tightening, this could be kinda tuff. Be gentle, but very firm.

[MediaRight]

Yeah, it still turns fine. I'll look into the cardboard solution, but this may even be too tiny for that to work.

[Stretch]

try sticky tac, or even bubble gum. if its loose, something like that might be able to grab it.

[Rxx]

Maybe apply the force outwards and try lifting it up that way?

http://img.skitch.com/20080620-biteyfrhypwhy4aia5s533jk1h.preview.jpg

[bobtomay]

Yeah, it still turns fine. I'll look into the cardboard solution, but this may even be too tiny for that to work.

As small as that screw is, maybe even a piece of notebook paper will work. Maybe a single or double fold. All you need is enough outward lift and absolutely no pressure on the screwdriver while you're turning it. Get a little gap with a piece of paper, then can switch to something a little more sturdy to get it out the rest of the way. (Even a fingernail.)

[MacHeadCase]

Just want to add, good luck MR! See you when this is fixed! :coolthumbup:

[MaDDoG]

Gee I hope he is not still trying to prise that little sucker outa there.

[Sherman Homan]

Gee I hope he is not still trying to prise that little sucker outa there.

It has been days!

[MacHeadCase]

Yeah! Look his fingers are all raw and bleeding from trying to grab that little sucker!... And he hasn't eaten either!!! :O





:thumbup:

[MaDDoG]

MMMM maybe the slippery little sucker has sucked him in. Would be nice to get a reply and see how he made out........

[MacHeadCase]

He got it back from the repair shop yesterday he told me. :)

[MaDDoG]

Nice to let us know after asking for help........

[MacHeadCase]

He pays me good mega bucks to be his spokesperson. :tongue:

[MaDDoG]

Whats the exchange rate. Maybe I could be his bodyguard?

[MacHeadCase]

Currencies are about even so no need. ;)