Thinkpads Forum

I opened up my 570, and discovered that one of the screws holding the keyboard is missing (which explains the "floppy" feel).

It's a "M2.5 x 9mm".

What's the best (easiest/cheapest) source for these screws in the USA?

Are they entirely standard screws that I can get in an average hardware store merely by spouting "M2.5 x 9mm" ?

Is this another case where IBM Brand is not really any better ?

I've been successful going to my local hobby shop. They stock DuBro nuts and bolts in many sizes for model race cars, etc. I know the Dubro 2120 is an exact replacement for the security screw that hold the hard drive in the 600 series. I could not tell it from the IBM and they came three in a package for less than $2.00.

Bolt, Nuts, & Screws

If you are in a hurry, visit your local neighborhood Fastenal Store...
http://www.fastenal.com

The downside is that you may have to buy a package of 10 or larger.

I recently got a screwkit from IBM when one of the screws on the ultrabay was missing. It's from a t42, but if you find that some of the screws may work.....

Lemme know.

Cheers. John.

kstuart wrote:I opened up my 570, and discovered that one of the screws holding the keyboard is missing (which explains the "floppy" feel).

It's a "M2.5 x 9mm".

What's the best (easiest/cheapest) source for these screws in the USA?

Are they entirely standard screws that I can get in an average hardware store merely by spouting "M2.5 x 9mm" ?

Is this another case where IBM Brand is not really any better ?

Yes, thinkpad (at least my T22) does use a combination of M2.5 and M2 screws... the long black ones are M2's. Note: these do *not* include the size of the tiny long ones that hold the cooling fan and Ultrabay cage in place on the T22

The 'security' screws that hold in your hard drive and CD/DVD drive are M2.5. The ones that hold your keyboard and mobo in place that come up through the bottom of the laptop are M2s.

I buy them long, put a nut on them, cut them to the desired length, sand the cut end flat, and then unscrew the nut off to 'fix' any bent threads.

Does anyone know what kind of screw (or IBM FRU) used to secure the Ultrabay 2000 drive bay on the X2 Ultrabase?