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T-Handled Compact screwdriver/case cracker

TheMacGuy

Well-known member
A few days ago, Trash80 posted a photo of a T-handled Compact screwdriver which looked to be the same as the one Apple issued to the AASPs back in the 1980s. I bought it shortly thereafter. I received it today and found out that it is a Hex driver, not a Torx driver. I was wondering if Apple made them like this or if it is an aftermarket screwdriver. Also, is there anyway to tell the difference between a fake and a genuine Apple screwdriver? Does it say somewhere "Property of Apple Computer" or something? I really want to know if it is fake or not.

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
Sorry, I thought it was clear from the picture that the tool was made of Allen stock, not Torx stock.

Like I said, IDK what tool Apple issued, this is the only purpose built tool I've ever seen and the best one I've ever used for the job of removing Compact Mac case screws. Like I said, it came in a memory upgrade tool kit along with a nice anti-static wrist strap and a case cracker tool that was included with the mail order 1MB SIMMs for my SE back in the day.

I don't think there's any question about it being a "fake" Apple tool, it's just a tool that does the job for which it was designed in a very elegant manner and do to its size and shape, even tends not to get lost amongst the rest of the stuff . . .

. . . and trust me, I can lose ANYTHING! ::)

 

Concorde1993

Well-known member
It is actually a Hex driver,
Well, whatever. I only use it to remove the screws inside the case handle (the bottom ones are removed with a T10 Mastercraft driver).

Like I said, it came in a memory upgrade tool kit along with a nice anti-static wrist strap and a case cracker tool that was included with the mail order 1MB SIMMs for my SE back in the day
:cool:

 

Brett B.

Well-known member
You don't need a "case cracker" or anything like it. I have taken apart countless Compact Macs with this very simple technique:

Lay it face down on a towel, remove all four screws. Then give the sides of the case an "upward slap" (for lack of better words) with both hands at the same time. This will free the rear bucket from the front and allow you to simply lift it off.

60% of the time it works, every time. No cracker required, and no risk of damaging the case. The "slap" is also not violet enough to damage or dislodge anything inside the computer either.

 

TheMacGuy

Well-known member
You don't need a "case cracker" or anything like it.
I know. I have opened my compacts without any other tools besides a long T15 screwdriver. I wanted to know if the tool I bought on eBay was the one they gave to AASPs as I'm not going to use it, but keep it as a collectable.

Lay it face down on a towel, remove all four screws. Then give the sides of the case an "upward slap" (for lack of better words) with both hands at the same time. This will free the rear bucket from the front and allow you to simply lift it off.
I usually take out the screws and put my fingers in between the front bezel and rear case (at the top) and pull from the handle. This frees the rear bucket from the bezel and it comes off fairly easily. It has worked every time I have done it.

 

Macdrone

Well-known member
I have one Mac bucket, that I must use something to separate as the plastic sticks to the front plastic guides. It's not an upgraded bucket, it just let go.

 

volvo242gt

Well-known member
Every single compact Mac I've owned has come apart with the "slap". I place it face down on the ottoman I use as a computer stool, so it has some padding to prevent it from getting scratched, if things wind up being violent - have yet to have that happen, though.

-J

 

Scott Baret

Well-known member
I don't own a case cracker, yet the number of compacts I've opened is certainly a three digit figure by now.

There is no real rhyme or reason to Macs that are more stubborn than others aside from manufacturing. Model and country of origin do not matter. However, any Mac with slightly bent edges around the rear bucket will be harder to open. I have a badly bent Classic which requires a lot of strength to open.

My preferred surface is berber carpet. If it's a Mac I'm concerned about in terms of cosmetic condition, I'll throw down an extra towel for protection (usually just a regular bath towel).

 

insaneboy

Well-known member
I use a small spring clamp with the rubber ends removed and the ends flattened, perfect case cracker. |)

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