Thinkpads Forum

The T40/p, T41/p, T42/p Hardware Maintenance Manual -- very well done IMO -- states that the special nylon-coated screws used in ThinkPad models should be used only once (see p.66-67 for a nice explanation of why) .

Question: Does anyone really replace these screws after each use? I've taken some out of the base cover, and just reused them, two or three times so far.

I haven't gotten any bad effects from that; I can't see what they could mean except for possibly melting the nylon whilst the screw is in to make a better seal...but that is just way too far out there. Probably meant to act like a friction-reduction surface. I can imagine that they would wear out if you screwed them in and out alot, but that would take a long time and alot of, pardon the pun, screwing around.

Here's what they have to say:

Loose screws can cause a reliability problem. In the ThinkPad computer, this problem is addressed with special nylon-coated screws that have the following characteristics:

• They maintain tight connections.
  They do not easily come loose, even with shock or vibration.
  They are harder to tighten.
  Each one should be used only once.

For better or worse, this is one more attention to detail in the construction of a TP. Its mentioned in several places in the Maint. Manual about using them only once.

Ah, but they say *should* only be used once and not *must* be used only once.

So they increase the grip of the threads, interesting...

As the documentation quotes does not mention insulation properties, how about a drop of Loktite or similar (-the type of glue you can undo) on the threads prior to replacing?

Easyserve sent back my Thinkpad with screws that were used...you can tell by the how stripped the heads are. They even forgot to replace a screw. If your computer is under warranty, just call IBM customer service and ask for a screw kit if you need to replace your screws.

I check all screws periodically for tightness, even those so called factory screws have fallen out, just tighten them up from time to time.

I reuse screws often without them loosening.

Remember not to OVER-tighten screws, ThinkPad cases and plastics crack very easily, as I have witnessed on T40's and R40's.

Well XCoalMiner, if ThinkPads are coming back from IBM with reused screws this is not a major issue. If you still have some concerns I'm sure a similar product can be purchased to put on the screws before reusing...

I've opened my TP a number of times and still use the same screws and would expect the majority of TP users do the same, I'm not about to shell out more money to Lenovo every time I open my TP.

Puttagee wrote:Well XCoalMiner, if ThinkPads are coming back from IBM with reused screws this is not a major issue. If you still have some concerns I'm sure a similar product can be purchased to put on the screws before reusing...

I've opened my TP a number of times and still use the same screws and would expect the majority of TP users do the same, I'm not about to shell out more money to Lenovo every time I open my TP.

TPs are not coming back from IBM this way. At least not in my case. I asked because I took the bottom cover off myself, and was curious if, when others people on here do the same, do you reuse the screws.

The maintenance manual, and the screw part kit FRU number I saw, leads me to believe service technicians do in fact replace the screws. Example, in the maintenance manual it says a new keyboard kit for a T41 comes with replacements for the screws you had to remove to take the keyboard out. It reminds you to use the replacments.

illmatic wrote:Easyserve sent back my Thinkpad with screws that were used...you can tell by the how stripped the heads are. They even forgot to replace a screw. If your computer is under warranty, just call IBM customer service and ask for a screw kit if you need to replace your screws.

XCoalMiner, as you can see from Illmatic's comment a TP was returned from IBM with used screws even though the screws were noticably reused.

illmatic wrote: If your computer is under warranty, just call IBM customer service and ask for a screw kit if you need to replace your screws.

I did, and they never heard of a screw kit and couldn't find one listed in their parts list for an X40 or an X60.

Try doing a search on the ibm web site for fru parts for your machine, i have ordered screw kits before for the t series, seems like they would have them for all models.

redburgundy wrote:I did, and they never heard of a screw kit and couldn't find one listed in their parts list for an X40 or an X60.

X40: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 53665.html

Screw pack

All models 13N5323
Kit includes:

* Screw Wafer M2 x 8 Ni
* Screw MAC Wafer M2 x 2.5 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M2 x 6 ZN
* Screw M2.5 x 5 Wafer B-ZN
* Screw Hex Nut with Washer and Nylok # 4
* Screw MACH Wafer M2 x 3.5 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M3 x 4 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M2.5 x 3 ZN

X60: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62906.html

Screw kit 41V9754

GomJabbar wrote:

redburgundy wrote:I did, and they never heard of a screw kit and couldn't find one listed in their parts list for an X40 or an X60.

X40: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 53665.html

Screw pack

All models 13N5323
Kit includes:

* Screw Wafer M2 x 8 Ni
* Screw MAC Wafer M2 x 2.5 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M2 x 6 ZN
* Screw M2.5 x 5 Wafer B-ZN
* Screw Hex Nut with Washer and Nylok # 4
* Screw MACH Wafer M2 x 3.5 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M3 x 4 ZN
* Screw MACH Wafer M2.5 x 3 ZN

X60: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62906.html

Screw kit 41V9754

Imagine that! They gave me the wrong information.
I never would have expected it.

Thanks very much.

GomJabbar wrote:X60: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62906.html
Screw kit 41V9754

Gee, costs EUR 35,61 (about USD 45) when purchased from IBM Finland's online store!

domi wrote:Gee, costs EUR 35,61 (about USD 45) when purchased from IBM Finland's online store!

That's because it's delivered by reindeer!

Seriously, are you sure you looked up the correct part number?

Regards,

James

JHEM wrote:Seriously, are you sure you looked up the correct part number?

Definitely! Try it yourself: www.ibm.com/support/fi/parts, enter 41V9754 in the FRU-field and you will see! The description of the item is "SCREW KIT", but I think "SCREW YOU" would be more appropriate
Cheers, Dominique

domi wrote:Definitely! Try it yourself: www.ibm.com/support/fi/parts, enter 41V9754 in the FRU-field and you will see! The description of the item is "SCREW KIT", but I think "SCREW YOU" would be more appropriate

WOW!!!

It's even $30 over here, I just checked! That's got to be the most expensive screw set ever made!

A set for my one of my T41p's (13R2916) costs $5.23! Or 3,03 EURO on the IBM/FI website.

Regards my friend,

James

This is very slightly OT, I belive the screw kit for the T22 is around $35.

US price seems to be $30.

So, after tech support told me they couldn't find the screw kit part number, and folks here pointed me to the right part number, I called back, and this time IBM tech support had no trouble finding the part number. I said I needed a screw kit because I planned to replace the wireless card and their hardware manual says to replace the used screws with new ones. No problem, he said. It took him about 10 minutes to type in the case history--I guess there has to be justification when they send something out. I got the screw kit the next day by UPS. No charge because the X60 is still under warranty. What I got was eight zip-lock bags each containing many (I'm guessing 100 each) tiny screws--eight different kinds. It's a lifetime supply.

redburgundy wrote:What I got was eight zip-lock bags each containing many (I'm guessing 100 each) tiny screws--eight different kinds. It's a lifetime supply.

That's amazing - you can tell everyone that you've been "screwed" over.
Glad things worked out for you. (800 screws - wow! - just wow!)

Thane

And to think I was just about to fork out £15 for a screw kit in order to put my new wireless card in! I shall be calling IBM for a screw kit too - I hope I'm not taking advantage though - in the last week IBM have sent me both a new keyboard (space bar issues) and Recovery CD's for free - I don't want to trouble them but if I'm under warranty, then I guess I have paid for such a right of good service.

smids wrote:I hope I'm not taking advantage though - in the last week IBM have sent me both a new keyboard (space bar issues) and Recovery CD's for free - I don't want to trouble them but if I'm under warranty, then I guess I have paid for such a right of good service.

You should have received a screw kit with the keyboard!

As well as new screw covers.

Regards,

James

JHEM wrote:

smids wrote:I hope I'm not taking advantage though - in the last week IBM have sent me both a new keyboard (space bar issues) and Recovery CD's for free - I don't want to trouble them but if I'm under warranty, then I guess I have paid for such a right of good service.

You should have received a screw kit with the keyboard!

As well as new screw covers.

Regards,

James

Oh I did - 4 in fact but no screw covers (only need to remove the '3' numbered ones. The wireless card requires the palm rest to be removed though - even though it is a CRU - which is like 8 screws on top of the 4 keyboard ones.

So even if my machine is second hand, but still in warranty I am entitled to free screw replacements?

What's the phone number for the UK department that I'd have to phone?

Thanks.

Try:
08705-500-900 (Standard warranty support)
ThinkPad 9AM - 6PM
ThinkCentre 8AM - 8PM Monday - Friday (Local time)

from:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4HWSE3

Nick

Cheers. They didn't want to give me anything free *looks sad*.

XCoalMiner wrote:...the special nylon-coated screws used in ThinkPad models should be used only once...

The nylon coating on the screws is a threadlocker, pure and simple. In theory, you could use the screws over and over again, until they physically wear out, if you were able to apply an equivalent threadlocking material to the screw prior to each use so that you achieve the same results as the nylon coating. However, the problem with that is trying to find an 'equivalent' threadlocker. Obviously you don't want to use an automotive product, because that would lock them up too tight (you would not be able to release them in the future), and you don't want to use a liquid product, because of the risk of the liquid running off the fastener and onto something inside the ThinkPad.

Normally, if you order a replacement component from IBM and that component requires that you disassemble things to install it (a keyboard being a perfect example), the component comes with an appropriate selection of new screws that you use when you put things back together.

If you are in a large city where there is an IBM service center, you can try visiting the service center and asking them for a few screws - I have done this (in Europe) and the staff have always been very courteous and given me what I need. The screws themselves cost very little (they come packed in bulk for use at the service centers) - 99% of the high price of the consumer screw kit relates to packaging, inventory, handling, not the cost of the screws themselves.