Replacing Laptop Parts: Best Practices for DIY Repair
You don’t have to send your laptop to an expensive repair shop if a part breaks. If you have the proper tools and knowledge, you can do many of your own repairs or upgrades to your laptop, saving both time and money. Before you grab a screwdriver and start taking your computer apart, learn about some practices to follow. After all, there is a reason IT repair technicians need to have professional certifications.
Ground Yourself
If you’ve ever walked across a carpet and touched a metal doorknob, you know what static electricity can do. That relatively small shock you get can travel into the computer when you take it apart, and the internal components have much more sensitivity. If you aren’t careful, your repair attempt could destroy critical parts. Before you touch anything inside the laptop, put your hand briefly on a metal object to dissipate any built-up static. When you handle any peripheral cards, hold them by the edges; the oils on your skin can damage circuits. An anti-static wrist bracelet can keep you grounded while you work. Always unplug the laptop from AC power and remove its battery.
Document Everything
Depending on what repairs you do, you’ll have to remove screws and components to get to what you’re trying to fix. Laptops are more compact than desktops and lack the space, so you have to be extra careful. Remember where each screw goes, in what order you disassembled the computer, and take pictures if necessary. Keep different sizes of screws separate and label them.
Use Minimal Force
If a part doesn’t easily and immediately click into place, do not try to force it. This is another reason why you need to label and document everything; it can be easy to place the wrong card back into a slot. Look for retaining clips beside the card slot before attempting to remove a card. If these clips break, the card may not stay where it needs to be. Putting too much pressure on a card can bend or break the electrical contacts.
Seek Professional Advice
Although it is possible to deal with laptop repairs on your own, some may require special tools that you don’t have. If you need to get an in-depth repair or simply have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.