Need #4 screw

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Ogg · #1 Post by **Ogg** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:38 pm

I just received a used T40p from eBay. Under the computer, there's a spot marked "4" intended for the long-style screw. Currently in that spot is a completely different screw (not star-head like the others, but square-pegged) and it doesn't fit all the way down. It sticks out. This could scratch the surface the laptop is placed on. Is it safe to remove that one and still feel that the laptop won't fall apart? Otherwise, does anyone have a spare #4 screw they can send me?

...Ogg

#2 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:58 pm

there are 2 different types of #4 screws. If you have the machine bottom-up, the one all the way to the left, with the hinges away from you, (the screw that goes thru the HDD and optical drive bays) has only a very short thread. Also, look at all the #4 screws and see if the other 3 are the same. The length of all of them should be 14 mm.

Ogg · #3 Post by **Ogg** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 3:24 pm

richk wrote:...Also, look at all the #4 screws and see if the other 3 are the same. The length of all of them should be 14 mm.

I see only a total of three screws labeled #4. They're all on the same
"row". The problem screw is the one right below the "TYPE 2373.." sticker.

#4 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:10 pm

Sorry. I hit the wrong key. There are 3 #4 screws. The one by the 2373 is the one next to the hole that has no screw (a vent). That should be a screw that is threaded all the way up. Make sure the one on the left by the COA is correct (short threaded part). If they put that one (short thread) by the 2373, it wouldn't go in all the way and would look as you describe. If you put a fully threaded one on the left, you can crush something if you tighten too much.

Ogg · #5 Post by **Ogg** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:47 pm

richk wrote:... The one by the 2373 is the one next to the hole that has no screw (a vent). That should be a screw that is threaded all the way up.

Yes.. it seems to have a thread all the way up... but the screw is slightly bent and won't budge. It turns, but it doesn't go up or down. It seems to be caught on something though. It won't pull out.

Make sure the one on the left by the COA is correct (short threaded part). If they put that one (short thread) by the 2373, it wouldn't go in all the way and would look as you describe.

The other #4 screws have threads all the way to the head. I checked the #3 screws too.. fully threaded.

If you put a fully threaded one on the left, you can crush something if you tighten too much.

I don't understand how anyone could have been so rough on the screws to create such a mess. What exactly is this particular #4 screw keeping secure? It looks like I might have to cut off the head and try to lift the whole cover off to get at the problem inside. Will that work? I just got this baby.. all works well computer-wise, but I'd hate to dissect the pc so early in it's life with me.

#6 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 5:04 pm

I assume you have a 14" display. The #4 screws plus the 4 #1 and 1 #2 hold the touchpad. First, you need to remove the keyboard (4 #3 screws). You need a good screwdriver, size 00 (double zero). If you screw up the touchpad/palmrest, getting them out, I have a bunch from T40s I'm parting out and am selling them cheap. If the screw is sticking out, you can grab it with vicegrips, but don't damage the case.

Ogg · #7 Post by **Ogg** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 6:44 pm

I've put a couple of scans of the bottom view here:

http://kolico.ca/thinkpad/bottomview-2.jpg, and
http://kolico.ca/thinkpad/bottomview-2a.jpg.

The latter is a closer view. It shows the damaged head of the screw. What the pics don't show is that the problem screw is slightly bent to one side and actually sticking up about 1/4".

#8 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:30 pm

I cannot tell from the picture, but is it possible that the damaged screw is really an allen screw (6 sided driver) If so, you need a 2.5 mm allen wrench.

Ogg · #9 Post by **Ogg** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:13 pm

Could be as you say... but it really looks more like a damaged screw. Previously, I took a set of pliers and tried turning the screw that way.. but it would just turn in one spot. It won't move in or out.

#10 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:42 pm

I'm guessing you will eventually damage the touchpad. The screw goes into a brass fitting that is inside a plastic piece. Eventually, it breaks.

JHaislet · #11 Post by **JHaislet** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:31 pm

Anyone have a source for replacement screws? I've been in and out of my 14" T43 a couple times and some of the screws are starting to round out a little bit.
I'd like to order a small bag of replacement screws if it wouldn't be too expensive.

#12 Post by **richk** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:34 pm

You can buy a screw kit for the machine. They can be gotten on eBay. Search for "thinkpad T40 screw kit"

JHaislet · #13 Post by **JHaislet** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:48 pm

Ouch, $13.50 flat rate for shipping for $7 bag of screws!
Anyone else need some screws LOL!

PhilS · #14 Post by **PhilS** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:37 am

Interesting photo of what appears to be a rounded head screw. On my T40, this is a flat head T-7 security screw. It's intended to prohibit the end user from disassembling the case and gaining access to the Atheros 802.11 card.

If you have this wireless card and it's a rounded head screw; then I'd suspect that someone replaced the screw with one that almost fit.

Phil Sherman

Ogg · #15 Post by **Ogg** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:06 pm

Yes.. Being unable to remove this screw is annoying. As I said, it sort of sticks out from the surface for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch or so. I don't expect to have to open the case so soon after having received it, but it sure would be nice to open it up and see whether this unit has the long/short fan. Sofar, the unit works flawlessly. I'm going to try and add a stip of felt furniture padding across the bottom and cover the head of the damaged screw with duct tape. Without that, it would be pretty easy to damage any surface the laptop is rest on.

#16 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:50 pm

You could cover the screw with some thin plastic or rubber, or a dab of silicone caulking.

If you want to remove it, your best bet in my opinion is to get a Dremel tool and carefully grind the head of the screw off. Then take out the rest of the screws. Once you have access to the base where the screw screws in, you should be able to grip the remaining threads sticking out with a pair of small vice-grip pliers. Turn the screw counter-clockwise while pulling at the same time to remove the remainder of the screw. You might be able to rent a Dremel tool if you do not want to purchase one.

Ogg · #17 Post by **Ogg** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:13 pm

Good ideas. My hope/thought was to simply cut off the head of the uncooperative screw. Then, remove the other screws normally. I figure, that then I can lift the keyboard out. Then, the idea is to remove the palmrest, I guess. The damaged screw pertains to the palm rest, right? I hope that by lifting off the palmrest, the damaged screw will come along with it. Then I hope to work on the palmrest assembly and trying to get the screw out without having to worry about damaging (bending/flexing) anything on the main chassis. Think that would work?

#18 Post by **richk** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 10:16 pm

The screws are very hard, so be careful.

Need #4 screw

Need #4 screw

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