Teardown Noobie Needs Help  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 06:19:21 pm
content: Hey guys,Inspired by Daves teardowns, I would like to take apart some gear and see how it was constructed. The enclosure of the device in question is held together by some metal screws which are painted with black paint. Does anyone know any tricks for removing the screws without damaging the paint? Ideally no one should ever know the unit was opened

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 06:32:47 pm
content: That's pretty tough. You're not going to be totally undetected. But, you can do a couple of things to minimize your intrusion.1. Use an X-acto or similar sharp knife to score the paint around each screw. That way, you don't chip the paint on the case when you loosen the screws.2. Place a thin piece of cloth over the screw head before inserting the screwdriver to minimize damage to the paint there. It may still chip off, but at least you tried.That's about all. Others may have more tricks up their sleeves.

author: Cliff Matthews
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 06:48:29 pm
content: A fresh black sharpie marker to hide if any paint chips on screws, etc.. (try it elsewhere first, since some black markers look purplish).

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 06:50:55 pm
content: An undamaged and perfectly fitting screwdriver bit (test the fit before applying torque) is probably your best protection. They managed to tighten the screws at the factory without damaging the paint - at least in theory, their screwdrivers get worn too.

author: Maxlor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 09:19:18 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on October 06, 2015, 06:50:55 pmOr just painted the assembled case, screw and all...

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 11:48:29 pm
content: Quote from: Maxlor on October 06, 2015, 09:19:18 pmThat was my assumption as well.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2015, 11:56:21 pm
content: ProbablyDefinitely a stupid reply, but use the right screwdriver.Quote from: bitseeker on October 06, 2015, 11:48:29 pmSome laptops have painted screws too, but sometimes the chassis of the laptop is a different colour... I wonder how they screwed them in without damaging it

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 06:37:49 am
content: Thanks for all the suggestionsI ended up putting some heat shrink over the tip of the screwdriver. This worked well for the first two screws until the heat shrink started tearing.After that I used the cloth method and it seemed to work alright. All in all, a valuable experience. Now to find answers to all the questions that came from the teardown...

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 06:44:39 am
content: nail polish

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 09:01:02 am
content: QuoteNo, the screws come that way (that's why the backs of the screws and the treads, aside from wear, are also black), there isn't time in volume production for a dedicated screw painting and drying stage.The cases come to the factory pre-painted as do the screws.Actually that's another alternative - just buy some replacement screws, most large electronics distributors sell them... and of course ebay, in various head profiles. Just make sure you get the appropriate thread forming (tri-lobe profile), standard threaded, or self tap type if you're trying to accurately match the originals.P.S. Congrats on your success with the padded driver method.

author: RogerRowland
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2015, 09:14:40 am
content: Now I'mreallyintrigued to know what it was you tore down and why you didn't want anyone to find out ... are you going to update us?