Thinkpads Forum

Im planning to upgrade my ram, and would like to ask if the removed screws can be reused or is it recommended to use new screws...

I ask because Ive read somewhere that the screws have a coating on them to help them stay in place...

Also should I use a lock-tite (blue or red) or would the screws be secure just at regular tightness.

Finally, I have a 15" model, the screw sets advertised are for 14"...would this make a difference?

Here is an ebay link to what I am talking about...
http://shop.ebay.ca/i.html?_nkw=thinkpa ... &_osacat=0


Many thanks

Use a precision screwdriver, do not damage the screw heads, and reuse the screws -- do NOT use Loctite! If you damage any screw heads, then do NOT reuse those screws, and use spares from a screw kit (14" or 15", does not matter).

"Can they be only used once?" Sure, it's okay if you want to throw them away and use new ones each time you strip down the system . Should you only use them once? That's debatable. IBM recommends that new screws be used because they are coated with a Loctite® type of material and that will insure the same build quality and reliability as what the factory has. I've stripped down many systems and have not had any problems with screws working loose (that I know of).

I would say that most screw sets for sale on eBay have been "recovered" from existing systems. In other words, they're used. I've bought several sets for various systems and as far as I could tell, the coatings on the screw threads were broken, indicating that they had been installed at one point. There can be differences in length and in number between sets "designed" for 14" and 15" systems. If you are looking for a specific length/size then I'd ask the seller if that one is included in their assortment. Also, you may get more, or less, than the number of screws pictured in the auction so take that into consideration.

Thanks EOMtp and rkawakami.

I do have a nice little micro screwdriver set so I will be sure to use that.

So you think it should be okay for the ram to reuse the screws if I am careful?

RAM?? I am not aware that the RAM needs to be screwed down in a T6x. If you are talking about the palmrest which needs to be removed in order to get to the DIMM socket, then yes, it should be fine. There shouldn't be any problem with mixing up the screws since they are all the same length. Follow the procedure in the Hardware Maintenance Manual:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 39298.html (Main HMM index)

rkawakami wrote:RAM?? I am not aware that the RAM needs to be screwed down in a T6x. If you are talking about the palmrest which needs to be removed in order to get to the DIMM socket, then yes, it should be fine. There shouldn't be any problem with mixing up the screws since they are all the same length. Follow the procedure in the Hardware Maintenance Manual:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 39298.html (Main HMM index)

Hi, thanks so much for the link I appreciate it, yes I mean to remove the plastics to access the ram slots, youre right.

There are official Lenovo videos showing the procedure (and many other):
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... PAD-MOVIES
http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/

FWIW, Loctite 222 would work.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=74044

I just installed the ram, the machine is working and running along fine now it seems.

I took my time and went very careful and it only took about 10minutes.

The ram I bought was 2x2GB Crucial PC2-5300 2GB 1X2GB DDR2-667 200PIN SODIMM Memory CT25664AC667.

Thanks to all for the links and advice, the screws seem to be very secure just tightened by hand, but maybe I will get some light-duty loctite as HarryC mentioned, thanks for that link.

4GB was pretty inexpensive, it was cheaper than 3GB actually.