Question MSI Laptop - M.2 SSD Screw

[VermilionNeko]

Hi

This is a bit of a shot in the dark, but would anyone happen to know this kind of screw? And the kind of screwdriver and its size I'd need? I'm trying to replace an old M.2 SSD in my MSI laptop, and every screwdriver I've tried just doesn't work. They're either too big or too thin. :-\

https://imgur.com/4YScXxy

View: https://imgur.com/4YScXxy

https://imgur.com/l148Aw6

Thanks

 

[Eximo]

#1 Philips?

Basically the larger the philips screwdriver (size ranges from #0 and up to #4, typically) the less likely it is to have a pointed tip small enough to use smaller screw heads. Continuing to try and force it is likely to result in damage to the screw.

Buy yourself a precision screw driver set, or an electronics screw driver set. Glasses repair kits will often have a #0 or #1 as well.

Super cheap, but they work:

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Screwdriver-Electronics-Computer-Repair/dp/B07PV5D3VV/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1666891044&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjkyIiwicXNhIjoiNi41NiIsInFzcCI6IjYuMTcifQ==&sprefix=precision+sc,aps,215&sr=8-6

I like the styles with the insulated handles, I have a version of these that are more than twenty years old:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Tools-6-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B076621ZGC/ref=sr_1_55?keywords=precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1666891044&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjkyIiwicXNhIjoiNi41NiIsInFzcCI6IjYuMTcifQ==&sprefix=precision+sc,aps,215&sr=8-55

 

[VermilionNeko]

#1 Philips?

Basically the larger the philips screwdriver (size ranges from #0 and up to #4, typically) the less likely it is to have a pointed tip small enough to use smaller screw heads. Continuing to try and force it is likely to result in damage to the screw.

Buy yourself a precision screw driver set, or an electronics screw driver set. Glasses repair kits will often have a #0 or #1 as well.

Super cheap, but they work:

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Screwdriver-Electronics-Computer-Repair/dp/B07PV5D3VV/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1666891044&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjkyIiwicXNhIjoiNi41NiIsInFzcCI6IjYuMTcifQ==&sprefix=precision+sc,aps,215&sr=8-6

I like the styles with the insulated handles, I have a version of these that are more than twenty years old:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Tools-6-Piece-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B076621ZGC/ref=sr_1_55?keywords=precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1666891044&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjkyIiwicXNhIjoiNi41NiIsInFzcCI6IjYuMTcifQ==&sprefix=precision+sc,aps,215&sr=8-55

Funnily enough, the set in the first link are the same as the ones I used. I'll have to give 1.0 another go, but I just couldn't get it to budge. None of the screwdriver tips seemed to 'mesh' together with the screw. I have ordered myself a set, too. This one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07Y9X885W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Eximo]

Your screw drivers might have the tips blunted or broken off? It happens. #2 in good condition might also be able to do the job.

The screw looks spring retained, might have to push down pretty hard to get it to go, but if you feel the driver slipping, don't force it.

 

[VermilionNeko]

Your screw drivers might have the tips blunted or broken off? It happens. #2 in good condition might also be able to do the job.

The screw looks spring retained, might have to push down pretty hard to get it to go, but if you feel the driver slipping, don't force it.

Checking my dad's set from the first link, it doesn't contain a 1.0. It goes from 0.9 to 1.2 for some reason. That could be why none seem to be right for it...?

 

[Eximo]

#2 might actually be needed here. Always tough to get depth of screw from a picture.

Philips are more of a sliding scale. A slightly too large one might not have enough depth for the blades to grip because it bottoms out too soon. A too small driver will have a similar problem for a different reason, the shaft isn't wide enough for the blades to have purchase.

 

[VermilionNeko]

#2 might actually be needed here. Always tough to get depth of screw from a picture.

Philips are more of a sliding scale. A slightly too large one might not have enough depth for the blades to grip because it bottoms out too soon. A too small driver will have a similar problem for a different reason, the shaft isn't wide enough for the blades to have purchase.

Hmm. This set only has 2.4. The one I've ordered has loads of sizes to choose from, along with every screw shape, so I'll probably have better luck with it.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[VermilionNeko]

Just to let you know, I managed to unscrew it with my new screwdriver set. ^^ Turns out it needed the very first 'Plus' shape in the set, which was labelled 0000.

 

[punkncat]

Some years ago I had purchased a B350 motherboard as an open box and of course, the M.2 screw was missing. I went to a store and bought some that were the wrong size. I ended up finding out that (for the most part) there are two common size/threads and That Jungle Site just happened to sell a little kit with both of those and a couple of small eyeglass like screwdrivers. It was cheaper than the drive and time to the store with a bonus of working out well for a laptop I purchased that didn't have one either.

If you asked me where that kit was now? Well....