Thinkpads Forum

Is it a really bad idea to reuse the nylon-coated screws in a thinkpad once you screwed them out or it doesn't really matter?

Also, if by mistake (as I have in the past) if you reefed a flat, small nylon screw in a hard to reach location, how would you extract it? I've tried screw extraction drill bits (which were just too big even w/ the smallest size bit I could get) and tweezers (maybe specialized tweezers would work), but none of it worked. What are your strategies in extracting a miniature reefed screw? Not getting it reefed in the first place doesn't count

Also, do any standard 2.5in HD work with thinkpads (as long as you use the right SATA or ATA interface) or do you have to get specific HDs?

1. If you don't overtighten said screws, they can be re-used. I do it.

2. Consider (think first) using a large drill bit and drill off the head. Once the cover part is off, you should be able to use pliers (small ones) to remove the screw. Work slowly and carefully.

2a. Get IBM to fix it (recommended approach).
... JD Hurst

See here also: Nylon coated screws, replacing them?