Tools for Notebook Computers

[Merkava_4]

Photo courtesy of iFixit.com

I plan on replacing the palmrest assembly of my Mac notebook; sometimes referred to as the "upper case half." The yellow circled item in the picture is the keyboard connector that plugs into the logic board. It's too tight to pull off with just my fingers; so is there a tool to grasp a hold of it without doing damage to the connector? There's all kinds of plug-in connectors inside this notebook; some even smaller than that keyboard connector.

I've got some mean-*** nose pliers, but I'm thinking maybe there's something more "appropriate" for the task.

 

[speed bump]

Just work your way across the connector working it up with something handy like a pick, once its about halfway up grab it and pull it off.

 

[Merkava_4]

Just work your way across the connector working it up with something handy like a pick, once its about halfway up grab it and pull it off.

You mean inserting a pick between the connector and the logic board? That sounds scary!

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking maybe some small non-serrated nose pliers might do the trick.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=20117&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[billymade]

I've taken apart quite a few ibooks/powerbooks; many of the ribbon connectors have a plastic "lock" that keeps the ribbon secure, if you move this "lock" on the left/right sides, then the cables come out easily! Apple calls these "tabs"; look on page #23 of this manual to get a idea (probably not your specific powerbook but similar) : http://www.powerbook-fr.com/IMG/pdf/PowerBook_12.pdf
Apple has a tool that they sell to their service techs as a "black stick" (Black stick or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool); another great mac shop sells some tools like this is Other World Computing. They sell plastic prying tools for opening ipods and other delicate computer related hardware, without marring or damaging delicate electronics!

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/TOOLIPOD/

or a full tool kit

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer Technology/TOOLKIT11/

The "offical" apple tool is part #922-5065, is sometimes called a "spudger" and is sold by these guys:

http://www.ifixit.com/Apple-Parts/Spudger/IF145-002

and others: http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=922-5065&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spudger

There are quite a few other tools kits out there that are for opeing ipods/iphones as well:
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=ipod+opening+tools&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

I usually push the tabs with my tiny Wiha screwdrivers but having a correct "spudger"; would be the "right tool for the job!"

Hope this helps! If you have any more questions; let me know!

A better manual is apple's "service source" manuals; which are the same that the apple authorized service techs use, a quick "google", should bring up the manual for your particular powerbook! Good luck!

 

[Merkava_4]

(probably not your specific powerbook but similar) : http://www.powerbook-fr.com/IMG/pdf/PowerBook_12.pdf

billymade!!

Where'd you get that PDF?!!?

Can you get one for me?

Mine's a PowerBook G4 Titanium 800MHz DVI

 

[Stuey]

Is there any type of lock clamping down on the ribbon?

 

[Merkava_4]

Is there any type of lock clamping down on the ribbon?

No sir, it's laying there freely between the keyboard and the logic board. Those little delicate ribbons make me nervous.

 

[steven083008]

I take two 6" Channelocks and put one on each end. Gently rock back and forth w/ them and it will come out. You might end up w/ some slight teeth marks, but is that a big deal?

 

[Merkava_4]

I take two 6" Channelocks and put one on each end.

Not funny. . .

 

[jdcompman]

Merk,

I used to be a laptop repairman and have worked on litterally 10's of thousands of laptops. If i remember that connector right, the ribbon is escentially part of a larger plastic end which then plugs onto a (i believe) male connector on the logic board. There should be a little lip near the top of that plastic connector on each end of it. What I have always done is just put a fingernail under each end's lip and kind of use a rocking motion from one end to the other until it come up.

If my memory is failing, then it may also be simply a clamp type of a connector that holds that ribbon cable to the logic board. If that is the case it is exactly the same procedure I described above but just don't get to crazy with it because the clamp piece just releases the ribbon and stays in that connector. You should be able to easily feel it release.

The ribbon cables are actually quite strong, they aren't as delicate as they look.

I wouldn't use any tools on it though. Your fingers should be plenty strong.

 

[brockstar]

Merk, did you wear out the palmrest researching tools for pulling CV half shafts?

BTW, when did MAC start making laptops? First Snap-On coffee makers, now MAC computers? Where does it end?

 

[billymade]

Apple, made some of the first laptops available; the powerbook 100 in 1991, practically created portable notebook computer market!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_Portable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBook

 

[scottmlew]

Merk, you've gotten plenty of input, but I can't help but throw in my 2 cents (having done a fair amount of computer and delicate electronics work). First, check to make sure there isn't any kind of locking clip...some of them are subtle. Assuming there isn't, firm pressure exerted withOUT tools is the way to go. You should be able to rock the connector with some effort if need be, but make sure that you GENTLY rock...if you get one side up too much more than the other, you'll bend the pins, and then you're pretty hosed.

 

[rhastings80]

Merk,

You should also wear an Antistatic wrist strap so you don't fry those delicate parts from static buildup, Here is a picture of one; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antistatic_wrist_strap Otherwise you can always ground yourself first too if you don't have one.

 

[theWORLDSaNAIL]

Do Not used channel lock or toothed jaws of any kind they will damage the traces on the cable. There is a tool for unlocking and locking the that cable search digikey for electronic tools under edge connector tools or pin setters but unless the cable is a glue on the best results come from the use of a plastic tip pry use it to pop the locking tabs at the ends of the connector this may require farther laptop dissemble but do not over flex the cable or use a metal tool in its removal or you risk destroying the cable or connector.