Non-reusable screws and adding RAM

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Ikon · #1 Post by **Ikon** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:29 pm

I will be adding RAM to my X40 as soon as I get it. I've read that screws on IBM laptops are not supposed to be reused after they've been taken out. Does this apply to the panel I would have to unscrew to add RAM? If so, am I going to have to buy a few extra screws from somewhere?

akeskira · #2 Post by **akeskira** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:34 pm

I have opened the memory and comms panels and HD bay dozens of times and reused the screws. At least in X30 they're normal non-coated ones.

Antti

csv96 · #3 Post by **csv96** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 2:22 pm

The memory/communications bay door on the X40 is easily opened. It's just three regular screws.

Ikon · #4 Post by **Ikon** » Fri Jun 04, 2004 4:35 pm

Okay, thanks guys! I just wanted to confirm before ordering that there wouldn't be any problems.

KenFodder · #5 Post by **KenFodder** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 3:51 am

Well the machine is brand new, the screws were on very tight so, as a result the screwdriver kept camming out and worn the screws from a black to a shiny silver.

Anybody know the exact types of the screws and/or can get new ones directly from IBM. These are the 3 captive screws that hold the ram door in place.

Thanks in advance.

em500 · #6 Post by **em500** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:46 am

IIRC most Thinkpad screws have some blue coating, which I read somewhere is supposed to keep liquid out. I'm not sure if this is indeed the reason, but they do have that blue stuff. Anyway, the blue coating only works once, that's why IBM recommends using new screws every time. Hasn't stopped me from reusing the screws on dozens of TPs without any problem though.

Nebelfelsen · #7 Post by **Nebelfelsen** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:58 am

Even the IBM service technicians here in Germany (on-site service for Thinkpads) don't use new scres when changing a part.

So I think it doesn't matter.

After replacing some parts, the technician forgot one screw. I called IBM and got a whole new set of screws to mount the missing one by myself. They weren't able to send me a single screw by a replacement part number...

egibbs · #8 Post by **egibbs** » Mon Apr 04, 2005 6:00 am

If you check the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your machine on the IBM support site you will find an FRU number for a screw kit. It includes all of the screws that a tech might need when disassembling a machine, and should include the ones you need. I think they run $25-30. Once you get the FRU number you can order it direct from IBM.

Ed Gibbs

Quattro · #9 Post by **Quattro** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:07 pm

Or, you could purchase some blue locktight, and re-use the old screws. Personaly, I have had no problems re-using the screws.

Non-reusable screws and adding RAM

Non-reusable screws and adding RAM

3 Replacement screws for X40 Ram Door

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