Scresdriver for Macbook Battery

[sms]

A friend of mine wants me to work on her Macbook. The only tool I don't
have is the Y screwdriver for the battery. It is sometimes called
Tri-Wing, sometimes called Tri-Lobe. Fry's sells a kit with it but it's
$25. <http://www.frys.com/product/8298416?>

It is either Y1 or Y0 size, no one seems to know, but the kit includes both.

Anywhere local to buy just the screwdriver?

[Eric Weaver]

Post by sms
A friend of mine wants me to work on her Macbook. The only tool I don't
have is the Y screwdriver for the battery. It is sometimes called
Tri-Wing, sometimes called Tri-Lobe. Fry's sells a kit with it but it's
$25. <http://www.frys.com/product/8298416?>
It is either Y1 or Y0 size, no one seems to know, but the kit includes both.
Anywhere local to buy just the screwdriver?

Best I can think of is take a Torx and grind off the other three lobes,
but I don't really know if that'll work...

[Peter Lawrence]

A friend of mine wants me to work on her Macbook. The only tool I don't have
is the Y screwdriver for the battery. It is sometimes called Tri-Wing,
sometimes called Tri-Lobe. Fry's sells a kit with it but it's $25.
<http://www.frys.com/product/8298416?>
It is either Y1 or Y0 size, no one seems to know, but the kit includes both.
Anywhere local to buy just the screwdriver?

Why local? Isn't two-day shipping from Amazon fast enough? Amazon has
large selection of these screwdrivers for as low as $2 or so.


- Peter

[Jeff Liebermann]

Post by sms
A friend of mine wants me to work on her Macbook. The only tool I don't
have is the Y screwdriver for the battery. It is sometimes called
Tri-Wing, sometimes called Tri-Lobe. Fry's sells a kit with it but it's
$25. <http://www.frys.com/product/8298416?>
It is either Y1 or Y0 size, no one seems to know, but the kit includes both.
Anywhere local to buy just the screwdriver?

Santa Cruz Electronics *MIGHT* have it. I'll be by there this
afternoon and will check. Probably too far for you to drive.

The iFixit kit is a relabeled kit from someone else. I've seen it
before, but can't seem to find it now.

There are also large triwing bits, which will NOT fit the MacBook.
Here's what the screws look like:
<http://echeng.com/journal/2010/05/15/evil-tri-wing-screw-in-macbook-pro-core-ix-machines/>

If you're willing to mail odor, these kits look useful and are much
cheaper:
<http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2830-Everybit-Electronics-Precision/dp/B009MKGRQA>
<http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/121668098436?lpid=82&chn=ps>
<http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131053160976>
etc... Just search eBay for "Apple Security Screwdrivers".

This might be useful reading:
<http://9to5mac.com/2015/05/05/how-to-understand-and-unlock-apples-mac-and-iphone-security-screws/>
Scroll down to the section on triwing screws.

[sms]

Post by sms
A friend of mine wants me to work on her Macbook. The only tool I don't
have is the Y screwdriver for the battery. It is sometimes called
Tri-Wing, sometimes called Tri-Lobe. Fry's sells a kit with it but it's
$25. <http://www.frys.com/product/8298416?>.
It is either Y1 or Y0 size, no one seems to know, but the kit includes both.
Anywhere local to buy just the screwdriver?

Fry's read my mind. It's on a one-day promo code today for $17.99.
<Loading Image...>

But I think I found it at Harbor Freight in a set of bits for $4.50
after 20% off.
<http://www.harborfreight.com/32-piece-screwdriver-set-with-tweezers-97517.html>.

It is a tri-point screw, the tri-wing is completely different. Some of
the Macbook Pros use a pentalobe screw for the battery.

Why does Apple do this sort of thing? It's not like those people that
want to work on their computers themselves are going to be stopped by an
odd fastener type.

Remember the original Mac that needed the very long Philips screwdriver
to open it?

[Julian Macassey]

Post by sms
But I think I found it at Harbor Freight in a set of bits for $4.50
after 20% off.
<http://www.harborfreight.com/32-piece-screwdriver-set-with-tweezers-97517.html>.

If you buy anything from Harbor Freight, consider that unless you
want to use it as a hammer. don't bother.

They do have a good selection of hammers though.

Post by sms
Why does Apple do this sort of thing? It's not like those people that
want to work on their computers themselves are going to be stopped by an
odd fastener type.

But. it keeps the 'tards away.

Post by sms
Remember the original Mac that needed the very long Philips screwdriver
to open it?

I do, and my local real hardware store, that sold cabinet making
tools etc. sold a special long handles screwdriver for the Mac.

[d***@93.usenet.us.com]

Post by Julian Macassey
If you buy anything from Harbor Freight, consider that unless you
want to use it as a hammer. don't bother.

Harbor Freight has lots of wonderful tools that will last for years with
casual homeowner use.

[Jeff Liebermann]

Post by sms
It is a tri-point screw, the tri-wing is completely different. Some of
the Macbook Pros use a pentalobe screw for the battery.

Don't forget the totally non-standard thread screws on the Mac Cube.
I think they were M3-xx or something similar.

Post by sms
Why does Apple do this sort of thing? It's not like those people that
want to work on their computers themselves are going to be stopped by an
odd fastener type.

It's called plausible denial. If someone screws up (pardon the pun)
their computah, Apple can claim that the user bypassed the
"protection" provided by Apple to prevent users from creating warranty
claims. It's much like the moisture detector in almost all Apple
devices that indicate immersion (or very high humidity) and
precipitates (sorry, another pun) the premature end of the warranty.

Incidentally, if the Mac is anywhere near 5 years old, and the user is
a believer in Apple parts and service, it might not be worth fixing:
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624>
Basically, anything you buy from Apple has a useful life of 5 years as
enforced by Apple. It's suppose to be 7 years in California, but good
luck trying to get parts after 5 years.

Post by sms
Remember the original Mac that needed the very long Philips screwdriver
to open it?

Don't foget the case cracker.
<Loading Image...>

Things have improved. Today's Mac only requires a heat gun or blow
torch to open. For iPhone buffs, there's the joy of tiny screws, each
a different length. Get them mixed and insert one that's too long,
and you drill a hole in the PCB and cut traces. Apple gets awards for
the design, but none of the judges look inside.

[sms]

Post by Jeff Liebermann

Post by sms
It is a tri-point screw, the tri-wing is completely different. Some of
the Macbook Pros use a pentalobe screw for the battery.

Don't forget the totally non-standard thread screws on the Mac Cube.
I think they were M3-xx or something similar.

Post by sms
Why does Apple do this sort of thing? It's not like those people that
want to work on their computers themselves are going to be stopped by an
odd fastener type.

It's called plausible denial. If someone screws up (pardon the pun)
their computah, Apple can claim that the user bypassed the
"protection" provided by Apple to prevent users from creating warranty
claims. It's much like the moisture detector in almost all Apple
devices that indicate immersion (or very high humidity) and
precipitates (sorry, another pun) the premature end of the warranty.
Incidentally, if the Mac is anywhere near 5 years old, and the user is
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624>
Basically, anything you buy from Apple has a useful life of 5 years as
enforced by Apple. It's suppose to be 7 years in California, but good
luck trying to get parts after 5 years.

She needs a new keyboard. Unfortunately, unlike regular laptops where a
keyboard replacement is relatively simple, on the Macbook you get a
whole new "Top Case" with a new keyboard and new track pad.

[Jeff Liebermann]

Post by sms
She needs a new keyboard. Unfortunately, unlike regular laptops where a
keyboard replacement is relatively simple, on the Macbook you get a
whole new "Top Case" with a new keyboard and new track pad.

Been there. I have a few really old MacBook keyboards and touch pads
in stock. No MacBook Pro's unfortunately. Which MacBook exactly?
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201608>

[sms]

Post by Jeff Liebermann

Post by sms
She needs a new keyboard. Unfortunately, unlike regular laptops where a
keyboard replacement is relatively simple, on the Macbook you get a
whole new "Top Case" with a new keyboard and new track pad.

Been there. I have a few really old MacBook keyboards and touch pads
in stock. No MacBook Pro's unfortunately. Which MacBook exactly?
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201608>

13.3" about five years old.

I tried replacing it. Disaster. It initially went well, I broke no
connectors and as soon as I had is mostly back together and connected
the battery it turned on without me pushing the on-switch and booted up
and everything worked, display, keyboard, trackpad. But when I shut down
it turned back on right away by itself. Checked everything and it was
all put together right. Then finally it would not turn on at all. I
suspect the main board is fried but I have no idea what would have
caused that.

[Jeff Liebermann]

Post by sms

Post by Jeff Liebermann

Post by sms
She needs a new keyboard. Unfortunately, unlike regular laptops where a
keyboard replacement is relatively simple, on the Macbook you get a
whole new "Top Case" with a new keyboard and new track pad.

Been there. I have a few really old MacBook keyboards and touch pads
in stock. No MacBook Pro's unfortunately. Which MacBook exactly?
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201608>

13.3" about five years old.

Please look at the above URL and see if you can find the model number
located in various well hidden and obscure locations:
<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1366>

Post by sms
I tried replacing it. Disaster. It initially went well, I broke no
connectors and as soon as I had is mostly back together and connected
the battery it turned on without me pushing the on-switch and booted up
and everything worked, display, keyboard, trackpad. But when I shut down
it turned back on right away by itself. Checked everything and it was
all put together right. Then finally it would not turn on at all. I
suspect the main board is fried but I have no idea what would have
caused that.

I just hate it when that happens. Put the old top case back on and
recite your favorite prayers. It's possible that the on/off switch on
the replacement top case is shorted. However, my bet is that you
crunched a ribbon cable when you secured the top case.