7
Score
Danno
219
Asked
Other ways inside iPod
Hi Guys,
I know iFixit sells nice tools for this—and i have used them!— but i have had a real problem opening some of these iPods.
Has anyone come up with any real good alternative to the plastic tools? The thing is that some of the inner metal fingers that are part of the metal back JUST WILL NOT RELEASE, and i end up bending things seriously or breaking completely thru the plastic notches.
Just askin'? Thanks.
Edited by: Kyle Wiens ( ) , Miroslav Djuric ( )
4
Score
iPod Fix It
27
Answered
6
Score
Miroslav Djuric
62.1k
Answered
Hey Danno,
Believe it or not, opening an iPod Video is easier than some of the other iPods in Apple's lineup (iPod Classic and 3rd Gen nano come to mind). iFixit suggests using the plastic iPod opening tools because they do less damage to the exterior casing, and will not short any of the electronics inside. You can try using a metal spudger, but consider that:
- you'll scratch the exterior case much more easily
- you run a higher risk of cracking the display and/or the plastic
- you also run the risk of potentially shorting or damaging internal components.
You can also try to start the opening procedure on top of the iPod by the hold switch. But be very careful -- you run a higher risk of cracking the display, which is why the iPod Video opening guide instructs you to start at the bottom.
Edited by: Miroslav Djuric ( ) , Kyle Wiens ( )
Miroslav, Yeah, i've heard that model is easier, and some i have opened came apart quite easily...BUT others have not! It seems, in these difficult ones, that the tension created after inserting the tool causes the metal "fingers" to grab and bite into the plastic sockets of the top portion. The thin edges of the plastic tools just do not reach far enough inside to release those stubborn fingers. Also, using the plastic tool as directed CAN shear off the tip, i.e. sliding along the gap after insertion. Yes, i read where others had cracked their screens, so i always start at the other end. Was just frustrated and wondering if anyone had come up with anything else. Thanks.
Voted down because this isn't an answer. You should clarify questions and respond to answers either by commenting on the answer or by updating the question. Answers are actually ordered by votes, so it could be that Miroslav's post eventually ends up beneath yours, or a new post could pop up in between.
2
Score
Irepoder
37
Answered
I use a nylon pan scraper. You can find one at Sur La Table, cost less than a dollar. Make sure to get one with a sharp edge. It slips into the gap between the metal and plastic pretty easily, and since it is two inches wide, it will release a couple of the catches at a time. Also, it won't bend the metal. Works every time.
1
Score
ThatsMacGu
79
Answered
Sales747 has got it on this one, I too use a guitar pick, think it's 1.0mm from what I remember.
1
Score
Answered
I agree with the comments by Miroslav. I think my iPod is a 5th Genertion (video) model but it has a metal back and a metal cover. When inserting the plastic tool it is like inserting it between the jaws of a pair of scissors. Sliding the plastic tool along the edge conviently cuts off the tip of the tool. Also there is no flexibility in the metal top. I've spent 2 houres trying to open the unit with no success. Do they make metal tools instead of plastic tools for opening the iPod?
Harry T
0
Score
Traiva
32
Answered
0
Score
Josh Calvetti
3.8k
Answered
Here's another method: Fingernail. You have to have *really* tough fingernails, but that's how I normally get into this iPod (or almost any iPod, for that matter).
It can be supplemented with a guitar pick, or even an old rewards card from some store. Goodness knows I've chewed through at least half a dozen old cards- but they really work pretty well and don't leave any scratches.
I was going to ask this question myself! I'm interested in seeing creative solutions.
Kyle Wiens,