what tools do you use for small mobo connectors in ThinkPads?

[paulgj2]

When repairing ThinkPads I always come across those tiny little connectors for things like fans, speakers, batteries etc which usually consist of a wire connected plastic connector which slots into another tiny plastic socket on the motherboard.

I always have a hard time either pulling them out or putting them back in as I can never get a good grip on these things and worry that I might break the connector.

Was wondering if anyone uses special tools to work with these tiny little connectors. I find that needle nose pliers don't get a good enough grip on them and the shape of the jaw is not optimal.

Thanks in advance!

Paul

[axur-delmeria]

Needlepoint tweezers. Get both straight and angled/curved ones, bonus points for those that have teeth.

[rkawakami]

+1 Various styles of tweezers can be invaluable when working with tiny parts / connectors. Sort of off-topic but still related to tools... I've mentioned in the past that a good set of dental pics / tools can be helpful. You can get a set of 4 to 6 picks from Amazon for $10 or less. You basically need a straight probe and a couple of angled ones (at various degrees of bending). Some sets come with the usual dental mirror which can help if you have to see around a corner or from the side of something that you can't directly view.

[paulgj2]

Thank you Ray, that is some good advice there!

[Saucey]

Dental picks are pretty good to use when its a job a tweezer or razor blade can't seem to do.

I have a stubby watch case opener that works insanely well as a spudger.
Few times I used a precise flatheat scewdriver for those tasks.

[paulgj2]

thanks Saucey, more good tips! right now am managing with a small flat head screwdriver and my fingers.

[Temetka]

Hemostats

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemostat

[paulgj2]

Would never have thought of medical tools, thank you!

[cadillacmike68]

So what do you do when you actually Break the connector??

I did this to a T30 CMOS battery connector! And it is one of my better ones.

[RealBlackStuff]

You grab a matching one from another dead mobo and solder that in, or just pull the white socket and stick that over the 'old' pins.

[MikalE]

There are cheap specialty kits that have an assortment of plastic tools for working on micro components on e-bay.

They are good for working on phones and tablets as well as laptops.

If you weren't aware, some of those micro ribbon connectors on the board have an incredibly small gate that flips up to release the ribbon cable if it is not hardwired with a plug. Some of them that do have a plug that fits a socket, just pop up out of the socket instead of pulling out.

You really need a lighted magnifier many times to see exactly what you are working with. I know laptop components are generally larger than tablet and phone components, but it's best to be prepared for just about anything when you are opening up a device.

[cadillacmike68]

Well, I do have what I think is a hopelessly dead T30 mobo that I can use for parts. I might be just the CPU, but I don't have any spare CPUs to test with. Time to look in the marketplace or flea bay..

If I had taken the case apart I probably would not have broken the thing in the first place.

What did my dad say about carpentry? measure twice, cut once; don't measure and you get to buy another and start over...

[RealBlackStuff]

Well, I do have what I think is a hopelessly dead T30 mobo that I can use for parts. I might be just the CPU, but I don't have any spare CPUs to test with. Time to look in the marketplace or flea bay..

I have a small box with 7 Banias CPUs that will fit in your T30 (and others), all taken from working machines.
1x SL6F9 (1500 MHz)
3x SL6FA (1600 MHz)
2x SL6N9 (1700 MHz)
1x SL6FH (1800 MHz)
I want to sell them as one lot for only $15 shipped.
PM me if interested.