Specs on HDD Cover Screw for T2X Series

[Highwayman]

I bought a fixer T20 on E-bay for $99 bucks so that the kids could use it to play DVD's in the car while we are traveling. The T20 did not have a hard drive cover, but I scrounged one I had in my box of Thinkpad parts but I can't find the screw. I can buy one on Ebay for about $6, but if someone here knows the specs (thread size, etc), I'd head down to the hardware store and pick one up for cheap. Can anyone help on this one? Thanks in advance!

[rkawakami]

It appears that a 3mm (diameter) x 12mm (length) works fine. Although maybe a 10mm long screw would work better. At least that is what I just found in the metric assortment here at work. Most of my systems didn't come with the hard drive screw so I don't really miss them. It does take a fair amount of pull to extract the disk drive so if you can't find this screw I wouldn't worry too much about it. Unless your kids are the inquisitive type

BTW, that's on one of my T23s, which the T20 should be the same.

[Highwayman]

It appears that a 3mm (diameter) x 12mm (length) works fine. Although maybe a 10mm long screw would work better. At least that is what I just found in the metric assortment here at work. Most of my systems didn't come with the hard drive screw so I don't really miss them. It does take a fair amount of pull to extract the disk drive so if you can't find this screw I wouldn't worry too much about it. Unless your kids are the inquisitive type

BTW, that's on one of my T23s, which the T20 should be the same.

Ok, thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[tfflivemb2]

Normally, i would agree with Ray on this, but since you are using the T20 in the car, as a DVD Player, then I would definately recommend having a screw in place to make sure that the hard drive doesn't move at all...thus causing a failed hard drive.

[rkawakami]

Hhmm... yeah, if this system is going to be spending a lot of time in that kind of environment, then you probably should secure the drive with the screw.

I just found an original IBM screw... the length is 9mm so I would not suggest the 12mm one like I found at work.

[RRHODY]

FWTW, I'd suggest going to a hobby shop. The DUBRO company has the 3mm screw with the IBM type security head (really an allen wrench) in various lengths. Their model 2120 is 3mm X 6mm and works in the 600 series. They have another one (don't remember the model number) that's 3mm X 10mm. The 2120 comes three to the package for under $2.00. This item is used in RC cars.

[Highwayman]

FWTW, I'd suggest going to a hobby shop. The DUBRO company has the 3mm screw with the IBM type security head (really an allen wrench) in various lengths. Their model 2120 is 3mm X 6mm and works in the 600 series. They have another one (don't remember the model number) that's 3mm X 10mm. The 2120 comes three to the package for under $2.00. This item is used in RC cars.

Good tip Rrhody, thanks!