HDD to SSD

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rb99

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#185303 17-Nov-2015 20:52

This probably isn't the right forum for this but anyway......

Am attempting to replace the HDD in a Lenovo E520 laptop with an SSD. Open up the laptop, unscrew the HDD screws which hold it down and remove.

The problem I can't undo the stupid screws which hold the HDD to its mounting rails which hold it secure in the laptop. Well one will move, the other three won't budge. Does anyone have any ideas ? WD40 is tempting but don't think that would to the HDD much good. Haven't spotted anything on eBay I could use as a replacement (yet). Swearing doesn't work either...

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Jase2985

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#1429966 17-Nov-2015 21:11

they probably have thread locker on them. the best thing for thread locker is heat, problem is i doubt the hard drive will like the heat

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#1429975 17-Nov-2015 21:17

You need a screwdriver that is a 100% perfect fit size wise. Wrong size will not get you any purchase and will definitely munt the screw head up completely.

rb99

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#1429999 17-Nov-2015 21:31

Think the screwdriver I'm using is the right size, trouble its also very small and difficult to get some purchase on, though I suppose if I could get some proper purchase on it I'd just demolish the screw head anyway.

Might be able to apply some localised heat just to the screw by heating the screwdriver tip maybe. Or maybe some light oil applied with a toothpick or similar. Sounds like its going to keep me occupied for a few hours anyway.

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Jase2985

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#1430001 17-Nov-2015 21:35

oil wont help if it has thread locker in it. did the one that came out have blue or white on the thread?

rb99

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#1430002 17-Nov-2015 21:40

Jase2985: oil wont help if it has thread locker in it. did the one that came out have blue or white on the thread?

Sorry, couldn't say, the only one I've been able to move (so far) happened to be last one of the four I tried, so I just loosened it then tightened it up again. Knowing me if I took just that one out I'd loose it anyway. Not sure if I'll get a chance to have another look tonight.

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gzt

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#1430014 17-Nov-2015 21:55

It is torx/star shape?
And you are using torx/star driver?

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tripper1000

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#1430018 17-Nov-2015 21:59

Yeah, can't over stress the importance of a good quality, unworn screw driver for this problem.

I find hex bit's great for this problem (you know the 1/4" screw driver adaptors). They come in small sizes, and the handles are big and easy to get good pressure & purchase on. They also tend to be in good condition because if someone abuses them, they shatter and are thrown away.

As for localised heat, at work for this problem, we use a surface mount hot air soldering iron - it shoots out a 1mm wide jet of superheated air that is good for heating screw heads to break lock-tite bonds without melting everything near by.

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#1430031 17-Nov-2015 22:27

Just looking at a youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zzpE2R0dbk about doing this on an E530, am hopeful there's no locking compound used at all as the video doesn't suggest any difficulty with this procedure. Will try again, getting some new (decent) screwdrivers if necessary, and move on to heating if required. The screws are star heads by the way.

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#1430032 17-Nov-2015 22:44

to not wreck the heads the compressing force needs to be greater than the twisting force so it doesn't slip and grind out the head. keep trying with zero slippage. eventually it will loosen. :)

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#1433421 23-Nov-2015 17:20

If you haven't had any success as yet, another trick for "stuck" screws is to tap the top of the screwdriver handle with another screwdriver handle, at the same time as trying to unscrew. Sort of impact screw driver but in reverse.

Usually a 2 person job.

Works for frozen wheel nuts, bolts with thread locker, etc. Depending on the size of the nut / bolt, etc, you can use a hammer ( for stuck wheel nuts), smaller hammers, a rock - if you're really stuck...

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#1433733 24-Nov-2015 09:24

Sometimes those laptop HD screws need considerable force to break them free. Once freed with that initial crack, then they are easy.
As noted above , put it on the bench & use your weight to force down on the screwdriver while turning .
You only need a very slight turn to break it free.
You also need a screwdriver that fits perfectly. Even some new screwdrivers dont seem to fit the screwhead perfectly .

Ive only ever had one I had to drill out.

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rb99

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#1433773 24-Nov-2015 10:36

Thanks for the advice everyone. I took the easy way out and took it to a local computer shop. They took it around the corner and reappeared 30 seconds later with all the screws undone (trying to avoid a 'so what's the problem' look I think). Guess it shows the value of correctly fitting screwdrivers, though mine didn't seem THAT bad. Was free by the way.

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

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#1434026 24-Nov-2015 17:44

DIdn't seem That bad vs Perfectly fitting is not the same