I eventually did get the proper tool, and things do definitely go
easier with the correct tool, but I still have two of my little
homemade ones here, they come in handy when I forget where I put the
real one. <grin> Also, considering that the compact macs only have two
screws to remove that need that long screwdriver, you can get by with
the homemade tool pretty well, since the important part (the driver
bit) is still technically the proper tool and fits the screw, the only
disadvantage is that you don't have a great deal of leverage with a
pencil...
Ian Primus
ian_primus_at_yahoo.com
On Friday, October 3, 2003, at 10:03 AM, Jason McBrien wrote:
> That is absolutely ingenious, but if you're gonna be doing some serious
> vintage computer hacking you better get yourself a toolkit. I picked
> up a
> big pack of security bits with a ratchet driver for about $6.00 from
> Big
> Lots, a discount/closeout chain. I aquired a long T15 driver from
> somewhere
> (don't remember :) but Parts Express has a really nice one for $7.00.
> http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Product_ID=10523&DID=7
> Also check CyberGuys, they have good, cheap tools, as well as the most
> resonable price on new SCSI and GPIB cables I've seen anywhere.
>
> <snip>
>> As for getting the computer open, I made my own tool. Here is what you
>> will need:
>>
>> a Bic Stic pen (the white round ones)
>> a new pencil (hex shaped type)
>> a T-15 driver bit
>>
>> Take the pen, and pull out the ink cartridge and the black plug at the
>> end, leaving you with a hollow plastic tube. Now, sharpen the end of
>> the pencil a little, and shove it into the pen barrel until it is
>> firmly lodged. Then, shove the T-15 driver bit in the other end of the
>> pen barrel. What you have now is a rather kludgey tool that you can
>> use
>> to get the screws out from inside the handle. It _does_ work, and I
>> have opened many a mac this way.
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>> Ian Primus
>> ian_primus_at_yahoo.com
>>
>>
>
Received on Fri Oct 03 2003 - 18:55:56 BST