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Early 2011 Model: A1278 / 2.3 GHz i5 or 2.7 GHz i7 processor

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Is there a fix for damaged stuck screws?

Great machine until I upgraded to Maverick. So sluggish and iPhoto and gmail a mess. Did my homework to add ram. Used your website to know what I was doing.

First 7 screws came out easily. Bottom left three won't release no matter what size Phillips head I use. They look damaged. My computer has never been anywhere but my desk! But these 3 screws look damaged and won't budge. Obviously I can't force the back lid off to install my ram. Is there any solution to this or must I do crazy expensive repair at Apple or Tekserve? My 3 year service plan up last week. Thanks for any suggestions

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Apple uses a thread-seal on the screws to prevent them from loosing up. So you do need to be careful you don't strip the heads. I've found a heavy-duty soldering iron can heat up the screw enough to soften the thread-seal for a second or two. Give that a try otherwise you'll need to try a little solvent - dampen a cotton swab (Q-Tip) with some methylene chloride and the screw it may take a bit of time to get enough to get down to the thread-seal (don't soak it!).

If that fails your last choice here is to carefully drill out the acre head and then using a pin vise remove the rest of the screw or slot the top of the screw shaft (after popping the cover off and masking off the area).

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Sorry you couldn't fix it your self. If this answer answered your question please remember to rate (score) and mark it accepted.

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Thanks Dan for your knowledgeable response! What you describe is beyond my toolbox and expertise so I need to drop it off for repair. I do think the three damaged screws happened the two times I left it for repair at Apple and I never noticed until I went to loosen them.

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Loren will be eternally grateful.
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