A licked bolt in a laptop case is a problem faced by almost everyone who has tried to disassemble the device for repair or cleaning. This happens especially often with miniature screws. Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell XPS or MacBook Pro, where manufacturers use soft alloys or custom splines. Unlike automotive fasteners, there is no room for brute force: one wrong move and you risk damage motherboard or aluminum body.

In this article we will look at 7 working methods - from simple (using a rubber band) to extreme (drilling and extractors). You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if a bolt breaks inside the thread. And at the end there is a FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions and unique lifehack for laptops with anodized coating.

Why bolts “lick” and how to avoid it

The main reason is the wrong tool. Screwdrivers with worn tips, mismatched slot size (for example, using PH0 instead of PH00) or an attempt to unscrew the bolt at an angle leads to the edges breaking off. Particularly vulnerable:

  • 🔧 Laptops Apple - bolts with a five-pointed star (Pentalobe) often get licked off when using cheap Chinese screwdrivers.
  • 💻 Gaming laptops ASUS ROG or MSI - here the bolts may be “stuck” due to overheating.
  • 🖥️ Budget models Acer or HP — Manufacturers save on the quality of metal fasteners.

To prevent the problem:

  • 🔩 Use magnetic screwdrivers with a precisely adjusted tip (for example, a set iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit).
  • 🛠️ Before unscrewing, apply penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or Liquid Wrench) and wait 10–15 minutes.
  • ⚖️ Keep the screwdriver strictly perpendicular to the bolt - even a slight misalignment increases the risk of failure.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to “add on” the screwdriver if you feel that the slot is spinning. This will lead to complete destruction of the edges and complicate further extraction.
📊 What tool do you use to repair laptops?
  • Specialized set (iFixit, Wera)
  • Cheap Chinese set
  • Available tools (knife, tweezers)
  • I don't repair it myself

Method 1: Rubber band or piece of leather - a simple life hack

If the bolt is not licked very well (the edges are partially preserved), try increasing the grip with the help of an elastic material. This method works in 60% of cases and does not require special tools.

You will need:

  • 🧤 A piece of a bicycle tube, a medical tourniquet or a thick rubber band (1-2 mm thick).
  • 🔧 A screwdriver with a flat or Phillips head (depending on the type of bolt).

Step by step instructions:

  1. Cover the bolt head with rubber.
  2. Press the screwdriver firmly and push slowly while turning counterclockwise.
  3. If the bolt does not budge, add a drop superglue between the rubber and the screwdriver for better grip.

Clean the bolt head from dust and grease|Choose rubber without pores and cracks|Check that the screwdriver fits tightly into the slot|Apply lubricant to the threads (optional)-->

This method often saves you when working with laptops Lenovo IdeaPad or HP Pavilion, where the bolts are made of soft aluminum. If the rubber does not help, move on to more radical methods.

Method 2: Extractor for licked bolts - professional solution

Extractors (or bolt removers) - special drills with reverse threads that “bite” into the licked head and allow you to pull out the fasteners. This method is effective in 90% of cases, but requires caution.

Tools:

  • 🔨 A set of extractors (for example, Neiko 02305A or IRWIN Bolt-Grip).
  • 🔧 Drill with speed control (or screwdriver with drilling function).
  • 🛡️ Safety glasses (required!).

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Drill a hole in the center of the bolt with a diameter 1–2 mm smaller than the extractor.
  2. Insert the extractor into the drill and at low speed (300–500 rpm) start screwing it into the bolt.
  3. As soon as the extractor “grabs”, switch the drill to reverse and carefully unscrew the bolt.
Bolt diameter (mm) Recommended drill diameter (mm) Extractor size
2.0–2.5 1.5 #1 or #2
3.0–3.5 2.0–2.5 #3
4.0+ 3.0 #4 or #5
⚠️ Attention: When working with laptops MacBook or Dell XPS With an anodized aluminum body, do not use extractors larger than #3 - this may cause cracks in the body.
💡

Before drilling, apply masking tape to the body - this will protect the surface from scratches and marks from the drill.

Method 3: Soldering iron + solder - for bolts with slot residues

If the bolt is not completely licked and fragments of the slot remain, you can restore its shape using a soldering iron. The method is suitable for laptops with metal cases (ThinkPad T-Series, Dell Latitude).

Required:

  • 🔥 Soldering iron with a power of 40–60 W.
  • 🧵 Solder (preferably with flux inside, for example, Sn60Pb40).
  • 🔧 Screwdriver with a suitable slot.

Instructions:

  1. Heat the bolt head with a soldering iron (this will soften the metal).
  2. Apply solder to the remaining slot, forming a new groove.
  3. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes and try to unscrew the bolt with a screwdriver.

This method requires soldering skills, but allows you to preserve the threads in the case. If the bolt is stuck, combine the method with penetrating lubricant.

What to do if the bolt breaks inside the thread?

If the bolt breaks off flush with the body, use left hand drill (For example, Irwin 3018003). Drill at low speeds in the center of the fragment - the left-hand thread of the drill can “pull out” the remains. If that doesn't help, you'll have to drill out the hole and cut a new thread (you'll need a tap for this).

Method 4: Superglue + nut - for bolts with a protruding head

If the bolt head protrudes above the body by at least 1–2 mm, it can be “extended” using a nut and superglue. The method works even with heavily licked bolts.

Step by step:

  1. Select a nut with an internal diameter equal to the size of the bolt.
  2. Apply superglue (For example, Loctite 401) onto the end of the bolt and press the nut tightly.
  3. Wait 10–15 minutes (until it sets completely) and unscrew the bolt by the nut with an adjustable wrench.

This method is often used for repairs ASUS ZenBook or HP Spectre, where the bolts have non-standard heads. If the glue doesn't hold, try epoxy resin.

Method 5: Drilling and tapping new threads is a last resort

If the bolt breaks inside the housing or cannot be unscrewed by other methods, all that remains is to drill the hole and cut a new thread. This is risky, but sometimes unavoidable (for example, in MacBook Pro 2015–2017 with “welded” bolts).

Tools:

  • 🔨 Metal drill (diameter = bolt diameter + 0.2 mm).
  • 🔧 Tap for thread cutting (for example, M2.5 for most laptops).
  • 🛡️ Scotch tape to protect the case.

Important:

  • Drill strictly perpendicular to avoid damaging the motherboard.
  • Use titanium drills — they “walk” less on aluminum.
  • After cutting the thread, clear the hole of chips with compressed air.
⚠️ Attention: In laptops Microsoft Surface or Razer Blade the housing is often thinner than 1 mm. Here, drilling is fraught with end-to-end damage - it is better to take the device to a service center.

Method 6: Disassembling the housing “bypassing” the problem bolt

Sometimes a bolt can simply be ignored. Many laptops (eg. Lenovo Yoga or Acer Swift) have a modular design, where the body is held on by latches and 2-3 main bolts. If one of them is licked, try:

  • 🔧 Carefully pry off the case plastic spatula (For example, iFixit Opening Tool) next to the problem bolt.
  • 🖱️ Disconnect all cables and remove the motherboard without touching the licked fasteners.
  • 🔨 After repair, replace the bolt with a new one (with a suitable thread).

This method requires experience, but avoids the risk of damaging the board. The main thing is not to use excessive force when prying up the case.

💡

If the laptop is under warranty, do not try to disassemble it yourself - a licked bolt may result in refusal of service.

What to do if nothing helps: service or case replacement

If all methods have been tried and the bolt remains in place, you have two options:

  1. Contact service. Masters use professional equipment (for example, microscopes And ultrasonic baths) to remove fasteners without damage. The average cost of work is from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles.
  2. Replace the housing or part thereof. For popular models (MacBook Air, Dell Inspiron) bottom covers are sold at AliExpress or eBay for 2,000–5,000 rubles.

Before visiting the service:

  • 📸 Take a photo of the problematic bolt from different angles.
  • 📝 Write down your laptop model and serial number (usually under the battery).
  • 🔧 Check if the master has experience working with your brand (for example, Apple requires special certification).

If you decide to change the case yourself, pay attention to:

  • 🔹 Compatible with your laptop revision (for example, MacBook Pro A1708 has several body modifications).
  • 🔹 Anodizing quality - cheap Chinese lids peel off quickly.
  • 🔹 Complete set (ideally there should be new bolts and rubber feet).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about licked bolts in laptops

Can WD-40 be used on laptop bolts?

WD-40 Suitable for removing rust, but not recommended for electronics - it leaves an oily film that can damage contacts. Better to use isopropyl alcohol (70%+) or specialized lubricants such as Kroil.

What to do if the bolt turns but does not come out?

This is a sign of a broken thread. Try:

  1. Press the screwdriver more firmly and turn the bolt with force.
  2. Use reverse thread extractor.
  3. If the bolt is unscrewed, but the thread in the body is damaged, cut a new one (with a tap M2.5 or M3).
How to unscrew a bolt with a five-pointed star (Pentalobe) in MacBook?

Bolts Pentalobe in MacBook often get licked off due to the use of non-original screwdrivers. Solution:

  • Buy screwdriver iFixit P5 Pentalobe (original, not fake!).
  • Heat the bolt head with a hairdryer (up to 60–70°C) - this will soften the glue used Apple secures the fastener.
  • If the bolt is already licked, use extractor #1 or the superglue and nut method.
Is it possible to unscrew a licked bolt without special tools?

Yes, but the chances of success are lower. Try:

  • 🔪 Knife with thin blade — insert into the slot and carefully scroll.
  • 🧲 Strong neodymium magnet - sometimes the bolt is “stretched” when the magnet rotates above it.
  • 🔨 Self-tapping screw for metal - Screw it into the bolt head and pull it out with pliers.

These methods are risky - there is a high probability of damaging the case or board.

How to avoid licking bolts when assembling a laptop?

Follow the rules:

  • Always use torque screwdriver (For example, Wera Kraftform) with torque limitation (0.5–1.0 Nm for most laptops).
  • Apply to thread anti-stick paste (For example, Permatex Anti-Seize).
  • Tighten the bolts criss-cross, and not in a circle - this prevents the body from skewing.