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49529
Rounded screw head and screw size?
I was trying to replace the HDD with SSD for my XPS 15 9530, but got 4 rounded screw heads at the base cover, so I can't remove the base cover now. These are star shape screw head and the metal seems too soft.
Any ideas that I can remove these 4 screws ?
And I need the size of the screws in case that I have to buy new ones to replace these rounded screws.
N7U
615 Posts
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June 7th, 2014 08:00
Sometimes I use a very small (well about as small as they get) pair of needle nosed vice-grip pliers and secure the jaw to the edge of the screwhead. Screw extractors typically require that you drill a hole in the center of the screw-head and use a reverse-threaded "easy-out" to engage...pretty brutal stuff when dealing with plastic securements.
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Philip_Yip
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June 7th, 2014 01:00
The Service Manual for this model calls all screws, "screws" which is entirely unhelpful.
http://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_xps_laptop/xps-15-9530_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf
For my Inspiron 6400 and all the other manuals I've used, it specified the screw type e.g. M4 2.5mm:
http://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/Common/inspiron-6400x_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
I'm asking my Dell contacts to provide the information in the service manuals.
N7U
615 Posts
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June 7th, 2014 02:00
Hi Whateat,
The "star shaped" screw heads you are referring to are called "TORX" a proprietary fastener designed by the company of the same name. I've honestly not had a run in with TORX on Dell laptops but in other OEM's they are typically in even numbered increments.
If you have the "legs" of the "stars" left intact you can still use a TORX bit or driver to remove those screws. If you'll be performing maintenance on your system regularly it would serve you well to buy a SMALL set. They are available as 1/4" drive bits, as drivers (like a screwdriver but with a TORX tip) and T-Handled Drivers. They are also sold in a foldout tool (kind of looks like a pocket knife but has several different sizes of TORX on the same tool) You will usually find these in the same section where Allen Wrenches and Hex Keys are sold. You can find them at your local hardware store, RadioShack, Walmart, Target ETC, Amazon, eBay...they're common...just not as common as screwdrivers which is sort of the idea.
You will need size (they are numbered not measured) most frequently a #4 but I advise you find #2-#10. Usually where there is a #4 TORX there is a #2 or #6 lurking somewhere nearby that you will need to remove to complete whatever task you are performing. They are inexpensive and you can usually get a full set of #2- #10 for less than $12 USD.
If this reply was helpful please remember to hit the YES button to verify the solution and if you need further assistance don't hesitate to contact.
whateat
2 Posts
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June 7th, 2014 08:00
Thanks for the information. At least I know what kind of screws I might use.
I have to buy a set of screw extractors to remove these screws cuz some have been striped. I hope that won't make it worse.