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Case screw torx-head size on Compacts?

Schmoburger

Well-known member
Is anybody able to tell me what size torx bit the Compact case screws require? It's been a long long long time since I've worked on one and I cant even remember now... all i know is my torx set disappeared a long time ago and ive never needed to use it, so I'm just gonna buy one long screewdriver. :)

 

Aoresteen

Well-known member
T15 is correct. HP & Compaq got so much flack from techs about the T15 screws that they changed it to a modified Torx screw that can use a T-15 OR a flatblade screwdriver to remove them. My HP DX2200 mini-towers for one have the modified screws.

I used to change then to Phillips head screws but now I don't bother. If I can't find my T15 then I grab a flat tip.

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
I've seen those combination slotted/Torx screws before. I'm surprised HP caved, anyone without a Torx set has no business opening up a computer! [:eek:)] ]'>

I couldn't find the one I bought: eBay search

AHA! Vintage Macintosh Case Tool, Original 128k, Plus, SE, Classic, SE/30, Apple Bit

I can never find it, but it doesn't matter. I almost always use the bent, T-handle Allen wrench from the Memory Kit. That one sticks even farther out of the pencil/tool mug.

 

volvo242gt

Well-known member
Later model Volvos came with a red handled bit driver. Perfect for the T15 bit being sold on evilBay. So, those of us who hit the wrecking yards, check the trunks of the Volvo 850's, 960's, etc, for the tool bag. If you see a red handled bit driver, grab it.

-J

 

Schmoburger

Well-known member
My awsome toolshop that has everything was closed so I ended up going to bunnings and buying a screwdriver set that came with precision torx, philips and flat drivers too... as well as a multi driver and torx, flat and pozi bits theyre actually quite nice screwdrivers for the $15 i paid for em. the multi is too fat to get into the compacts as expected, however the precision T10 fits just fine down it and has enough bite to comfortably fit the head... it's too short to crack torque on the screws with initially but i just got a set of pliers and twisted the handle of the screwdriver, after which it was just a case of turning them the rest of the way out as normal. :) Works fine for the SE's and fanless compacts, however it doesnt get into the top of a classic as it has a slightly different shape and tighter clearances, meaning i still need to buy a long T15.

Doesnt matter tho I needed another set of screwdrivers anyway! :D

 

TheMacGuy

Well-known member
^ Isn't that the original Apple screwdriver/case cracker given to the AASPs for opening the compacts?

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
Dunno, mine's from a MacConnection memory upgrade kit, IIRC. It's easily the least difficult to find of all my computer tools. That's not mine BTW, it's the more expensive of the two on eBay right now, the pic was handy.

 

Concorde1993

Well-known member
^ Isn't that the original Apple screwdriver/case cracker given to the AASPs for opening the compacts?
I'm pretty sure it is; I've got the same one shown in the pic (it came with one of my Pluses).

 

Scott Baret

Well-known member
How did I not know about the screwdrivers that came with Volvos??? I had a 1996 850 sedan and would have saved that tool bag when the car was totaled by a hit and run driver three years ago!!!

Anyway, figured I'd give a few heads-ups in this thread:

1. If you need one of these drivers and want to shop at a brick-and-mortar store, look at Sears. These screwdrivers are part of the Craftsman Professional line. Most stores do have them; the last Sears I shopped at was at the Rock Hill Galleria in Rock Hill, SC and they did have one there a few months back, so if you're in the Charlotte metro area, it's probably still sitting at the store. (I was actually looking for a T7 that day).

(Also, if you live anywhere near Rock Hill, the Radio Shack at the same mall is quite good in terms of actually having parts and hardware, not just phones and whatnot like some Shacks I've been to lately).

2. There are three distinct Torx T15 screws used in Macs.

--The lower case uses black screws.

--The upper case uses silver screws. The thread is different on these but they are the same size as the black screws.

--The chassis and CRT are held down by T15 screws. These are SHORTER than the case screws. Don't make the mistake of using a case screw to anchor down a CRT, you'll create a nice pimple in the case that won't go away. (I did this to an otherwise immaculate SE once :disapprove: ) In some late Classic IIs, these screws are actually brass in color, although most compacts have silver ones here.

 

TheMacGuy

Well-known member
You'll like it! ;)
I hope so. Someone on YouTube who was an AASP back in the 1980s (one of the first resellers of the Macintosh) said that these were provided by Apple to unscrew the handle screws and crack the case open. I have been wanting one ever since then (which was shortly after I got my 512kE 2 years ago).

 
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