Where can I find a star-point screwdriver?
The Mid 09 unibody MacBook Pros use a special star shaped screw head. Does anyone know where I can find a screwdriver with that design?
Is this a good question?
Score
6
339
11 Answers
Chosen Solution
Rep: 106.9k
52
34
165
The battery screws on these machines are not a normal 6-pointed Torx screw. Unfortunately the 5-pointed type screw that this machine uses is patented and screwdriver manufacturers will not sell them to the general public. Apple's clearly chosen this screw because they don't want you removing the battery. We'd love to offer the screwdrivers for sale, but haven't figured out any way that we can legally do so. The good news is that in our testing we were able to remove these screws using a 1.5 or 1.6 mm flathead screwdriver, so that's probably your best bet.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
12
Now available from iFixit: P6 Pentalobe Screwdriver 2009 15" MacBook Pro Battery
Rep: 447
4
Was this answer helpful?
Score
2
This looks like the right tool. I'm looking at the innards of a MBP right now.
Rep: 19
1
Hi,
I've been looking for this tri-wing screwdriver too. I tried Radio Shack and the hardware store to no avail. The bit they sold me at the hardware store was a #1, way to large for the macbook pro.
However, I've discovered that the required tri-wing is the same as used for Nintendo products, shown here:
However, you might not want to trust what you see on eBay. I also found this:
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Tri-wing-S...
Here is the google search string I used:
apple triwing|"tri-wing"|"tri wing"
Hope that helps,
Shelah
Was this answer helpful?
Score
1
It's not a tri-wing screwdriver, but we do sell a tri-wing screwdriver on iFixit as part of our 54 Piece Bit Driver Kit.
Ok, Sterling-
then your site needs to edit the Heat Sink repair page for the 2010 MacBook Pro here:
MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2010 Hard Drive Replacement
Where it says you need a tri-wing screwdriver.
Shelah
Rep: 37
2
1. It is not TORX
2. It is TRI-WING
3. your machine has 2 of these on battery, one on the right hand side over the black plastic cover. one on the actual battery on the left side.
4. search amazon / ebay for TRI or TRIWING or TRI-WING
5. opening that battery will void your warranty there is a black sticker on the left side of your battery "read it please"
6. http://www.edmontonmods.com/images/triwi...
7. good luck and please update us
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
Actually, it looks like it is a TORX variant (unsure of the exact name). The tri-wing screws were used in this model but they've switched to a 5-pointed TORX variant. Luke's answer was perfect.
Rep: 157
4
2
Try to make a rudimentary one using the metal that covers cylindrical battery cells and pliers.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
Rep: 25
4
1
1
I Purchased a multi screwdriver kit that has what appears to be the right screwdriver in it.
It is what I used.
The kit is from Taiwan ( imagine that ) and has no part #.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
Rep: 20.3k
68
33
18
If you need a star screwdriver, you can usually get one in a standard screwdriver toolbox or set, if not, your local hardware store will have them with its screwdrivers. They're rather common, not as specialized as torx.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
It might be a TORX Plus bit, which has five lobes instead of six. Try this source for the correct tool.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
Close, but the blades are much thinner and there is no hole in the middle. Thanks!
Rep: 1
1
My Dad got me a set of these bits at Sears. Has all the security bits in it as well as the standard bits. Check out the Craftsman 32 piece Security Screwdriver and bit set for $25.
- Includes Torx® tamper proof: T7, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
- Fraction hex tamper proof: 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16 in.
- Metric hex tamper proof: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5mm
- Spanner bits: #4, #6, #8, #10
- For Triwing® screws: #1, #2, #3, #4
- For Torqset® screws: #6, #8, #10
- 1/4 in. sq. dr. to 1/4 in. hex adapter
I'd be amazed if it doesn't have what you need, but there are smaller sets:
- Start here: 6 piece bit set, Torx Security $10.
- Craftsman 7 pc. Tamper-Proof Torx Bit Socket Set $30 (Probably not great for computer use.)
- 5 pc. Craftsman Tamper-Proof Torx Bit Socket Set $40 (Again, probably not good for computers)
And if it comes down to it, you could try drilling out the security pin and using a standard Torx bit.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
0
Rep: 1
1
Hi!!
There is a nice set by Husky at Home Depot which has all these bits, on sale now at $ 2.50
Was this answer helpful?
Score
-1
Rep: 1
2
I concur with the previous answer - what you're looking for is a Torx screwdriver. If there's a pin in the middle, it's a Security Torx.
Was this answer helpful?
Score
-2
7 Comments
You're talking about the three screws along the top edge of the battery that hold the battery in the computer?
by Luke Soules
Yes, I work at a Mac Repair shop and replaced a top case on one of those machines yesterday. I ended up having to go to an Apple Store and have them transfer the battery. Do you know if there is a way I can order one through the company that I work for? It's a local business.
by Sean
If your store's an AASP and can order parts through Apple, it's part number 922-9101.
by Luke Soules
We're not an AASP. I'm guessing you guys have those screwdrivers so I'm just curious if you can tell me the brand that Apple uses? I just called Wiha and the woman I spoke with said they only sell bits and that the smallest they sell are T8.
by Sean
I'd love to help, but I don't know where Apple's getting the screwdrivers. I got one of the screwdrivers from Apple, but there's no brand or any indication of who makes it.
by Luke Soules
Show 2 more comments