Help With Hard Drive Cover Screws

[emtee3511]

Are hard drive cover screws used in most current model ThinkPads interchangeable?

[jronald]

Different length, but as far as I know they are all metric M4

Ron

[emtee3511]

Thanks for the info Ron... I'm looking for an X301 screw -- I'll keep looking

[Harryc]

In the HMM for X301 it lists (2) screws in the Misc parts section. It lists a screw M2 X 3 under base parts, and under screw kit it lists Security screw M2 × 4 mm (2). I am willing to bet that the security screw for the optical drive and the hard drive are the same, both M2 x 4. At any rate, go to a good hardware store and get (2) M2 x 4 metric screws, and also get (2) M2 x 3 metric screws. Make sure the heads are something standard like Allen screws. In the X301, try the M2 x 4 screw first. Total cost should be under $2 bucks.

[emtee3511]

Thank you Harryc! Another Forum member is going to give me a screw if I can figure out the correct size. I will use this info and either find a ThinkPad screw or go to the hardware store. I am amazed at how difficult it has been to find the X301/or 300 hdd cover WITH screw. The only hdd cover+screw I was able to find was here on the Forum, but was lost by USPS first class mailing -- total bummer! As always thank you very much for your input!

[dsvochak]

In the HMM for X301 it lists...I am willing to bet that the security screw for the optical drive and the hard drive are the same.

Bravo, Harry! Questions about these screws have been popping up sporadically as long as I’ve been a member but this is the first time I’ve seen this analysis.

[RRHODY]

In my part of the world, hardware stores have not had small metric screws like those needed for laptops. I've had better success going to the hobby store; RC cars use these smaller size metrics and they even have had the security type [Allen wrench] heads. There's a hobby shop supplier company, DuBro, that has a web site listing the M size small screws.

[Harryc]

If you're just looking for laptop screws online, here's another choice - http://www.laptopscrews.com/