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Model A1286. Released February 2011 / 2.0, 2.2, or 2.3 GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 Processor

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AirPort card 'frame', can I saw through?

I'm trying to replace the optical drive bay with a HDD and need to remove the airport card to get at the 3rd torx screw on the optical drive bay but one of the screws on the airport card is completely destroyed. There's two screws, one closer to all the wiring and one at the end of the parallelogram shaped 'frame'. It is the second that is the problem.

The frame seems to be made of metal and I can saw through it easily enough. I am wondering if it is there purely for structural support or if it is actually part of the antennae assembly?

Any advice?

Also, any advice on how to extract the screw would be even better. I don't have access to a drill or dremel. Gluing the screwdriver to the screw did not work.

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It would help us to be able to look at the correct guide to see what you're doing. Please give us the last three figures of your serial number so we can put the correct guide up.

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The last 3 figures are 'F8X' and it is an early 2011 15" MBP. I used the guide here: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Optical Drive Replacement

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You really need to get the screw out. Did you use the correct screwdriver? ifixit has the correct tools for sale.

Any cutting will leave metal shavings inside which could short something out (even the fine dust you create). Besides you then can't use the Airport afterwards as it won't be anchored.

You could try a jewelers (watchmakers) drill to grasp the screw from the outer edge or try getting a left turned drill bit (or very small screw removal tool) to grasp what remains of the head to twist it off (not drilling it!). Look on line to find these tools.

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Yes, I am using the correct screwdriver, it really was stuck in there tight. Anyways, it's so far gone that nothing would work now. I should have done the work in better light, I didn't realise how bad the damage was.

So basically the airport card has to be anchored to the chassis? Ok, I'll have a look for those tools. Thanks.

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geenp will be eternally grateful.
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