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

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Stripped screw when installing second HDD, replacing Optical Drive Bay

Hi iFixIt,

I was trying to install the second drive bay and substituting the optical drive bay...

In this tutorial step 8: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2011 Optical Drive Replacement

I could not get the two screws out. They were really tight. I used a Phillips #00 screwdriver as stated in the required tool, but ended up stripping the screw.

I gave more attempt switching to the flat head and it made it worst. Now it almost has no more x marking... And I am desperately finding a way to get it out.

I tried the rubber band method, but the screwdrivers just goes right through... It stripped a little more everytime I put pressure on it unscrewing it.

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Ok guys, I got it out by:

- Drilling the head off

- Using a very thin plier

- Clamping the head

- Screwing it out...

Now does anyone have any idea where I can get the replacement screws? The current one now has lost their head... Suggestions welcome.

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Ouch!

If you have room try using a jewelers drill to grasp the outer wall of the screw. If not, time for the drill. Mask off the area really well so the metal shavings don't mess up the works. Use the smallest drill to get the head off then try the jewelers drill again to grasp whats left. If that still doesn't work you'll need to drill and tap the hole for a replacement screw, be careful here as the alignment of the hole needs to stay the same.

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2 Comments:

I don't have any jewellers drills. Basically, my case is very similar to this dude posted in another forum... I do not know what he did, but it seems he cut something?

I heard the superglue works... But I guess this will be my last resort. Anyone tried this method?

The clipping does not seems to work as the other screw is in a depression point, as it is inside the metal antenna. So I am having the same dilemma as this dude over here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.p...

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trying to glue the driver to the screw may work however if you get glue between the screw and any other part or into the thread you are in more trouble....

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D1Xenotime will be eternally grateful.
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