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Released June 2012 / Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost / Up to 1 GB GDDR5 Video RAM

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Can't unscrew the last two screws

Hi !

I tried to open my MacBook Pro 2012 (RAM change and replacement of the HDD by a SSD) using the iFixit Tools (Philipps #0), but I've got 2 screws that I can't unscrew (sorry for my english, I'm french). I tried slowly, but the screw didn't turn. After 3 or 4 tries, the "cross shape" is damaged, so I don't know how to get rid of those two screws... Anyone has a solution ?

Here is a picture of the screw (the other look the same) :

http://data.imagup.com/10/1165914317.JPG

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In the past I have drilled out the hole. If your careful you can drill it out just enough to get the bottom off then use pliers to unscrew the screw. You can easily purchase replacement screws on line.

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Usually the screws won't come out because there's a swollen battery underneath. I always push down on the frame before I start unscrewing Around The Battery area. Take one of the screws that you have to the hardware store and match it up with a carbide or titanium drill bit because you can't use oil. I don't know if they make easy outs that small. But it's a simple process of drilling in a little bit and then inserting a backwards threaded Screw. That might work if you push down on the frame. Keep the metal fragments clear in case it pops. Oh yeah and the screwdriver goes 90 degree to the screw head which is on an angle like 5° on a normal up to 40 degrees around a swollen battery

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Hi zeaenarion, when screws lose their shape like that we call them stripped.

The proper driver for those screws should be Phillips #00, not #0, so trying that might help. Otherwise, take a look at this list of the 12 best ways to remove stripped screws, to see if anything there can help.

If none of those work, iFixit also has a Precision Screw Extraction Kit that should be able to get those out for you.

Precision Screw Extractor Set Image

Product

Precision Screw Extractor Set

$24.99

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ive bought the extractor set, and tried some of your suggestions.. None of it works. I am not stuck with a mac mini i cannot upgrade or even remove the second hard drive that will not work with your upgrade kit for whatever reason because of one stripped screw.

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You could always take it to a machine shop and have it drilled out and a heli-coil inserted. It shouldn't cost more than $100. If you know a good mechanic, they may also be able to do this for you.

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Hi.... Same two screws on a mid-2013 model Mac Book Pro. Apple changed their automation process so that these screws are put in by machines (they started this at some point in 2012 it seems). So it's next to impossible. Apple stores have special power tools to get them out, it's almost impossible with hand tools without stripping them... The answer is to invest in a costly power tool for this one time job or simply pay Apple.

All the positive press you see about the Mac Book Pro's being easy to matinee is false. It applies at best to some models that didn't get super tension screwer (maybe the robot that built ours was just having a bad day... I don't know, don't care hope Apple's entire QA team burns in !@#$ over this... That's harsh but when you pay top dollar for what's advertised as the Lexus of computer you expect more than just some Chinese built POS that can't even be opened). Sorry there is the hard truth.

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I had a nightmare with this on the last screw last night. I broke three watchmaker screwdrivers trying to get the last long screw out of a 2012 Macbook pro. In the end the head was so badly stripped I decided to drill the head ..

In fact this was pretty straightforward in the end, as the head is flat and quite thin, so didn't need much drilling. I got the remaining thread out with small pliers as there was 3~4mm above the point it disappeared.

Just need to get a new screw now. I wonder if I can blag one from an Apple store?

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2 Comments:

I took mine to the Apple store and told them I needed help getting those screws out and they helped me. They have a power tool that does it. Frys Electronic has the needed screw driver for $3.99

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Did apple charge you? I have one screw preventing me from replacing my screen.

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Had the same problem you need to get the exact size screwdriver #00 I went to my local hardware store to buy. Do not buy cheap watch screwdriver as they would only break or strip screw. Once you have proper screwdriver apply a lot of pressure down to screw while unscrewing . This process worked for me hopefully it will be helpful to others

Jayson

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I can’t get the screws back in!!!!

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zeaenarion will be eternally grateful.
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