What alternative iPod opening tools have worked for you?

"rdklinc

@rdklinc


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My favorite for opening is a single sided Pal razor blade. It has reinforced metal top. Also surgical mosquito hemostats and diamond handling locking tweezers. My "can't live without" tool is a Snap-on ratcheting magnetic multi-tip screwdriver, I have a long and short one. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?...

"I have a ziplock bag of tools designated specifically for iPods that I've amassed over the years. The contents are as such-

-various guitar picks, ranging in size from two (indispensable).46 mm picks to a 1.0 mm I use to hold iPods open while I release the other clips.

-a razor blade, for pulling the foam off the hard drives, and occasionally cleaning glue.

-Revlon tweezers, don't laugh.

-two double-ended engineer screwdrivers, with very small phillips and flathead tips.

that's it, and to second leah4-patience is the key.

-John"

"I used a 2-tool approach. A metal spudger to wedge the case open just the tiniest bit and get the job started (iPod video). Then the black one mentioned above ($2.95 from iFixit) to go all the way around. The metal may have dinged the very inside edge of the plastic case, but it can't be seen except on closest inspection. Both tools have survived to make other repairs.

The real trick is to be relax, focus and take your time."

I don't know for iPods but for iBook cases a smooth guitar pick is the best to unclip the case. It would probably do a great job for opening iPods if your sharpen a bit the pick edges. With this easy to find and cheap tool you'll never damage a case. When working inside a machine the spudger tool is what you need to avoid damaging the internal components and to easily disconnect the small connectors from their socket. I also use magnetised screwdrivers. I have a bowl with a magnet inside and that's where i keep my screwdrivers.