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repairing_cracked_laptop_hinges [2009/02/25 14:02]
Joel Dare created
repairing_cracked_laptop_hinges [2020/06/01 22:53] (current)
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 +====== Repairing Cracked Laptop Hinges ======
 +
 +My laptop started to crack near the hinges. ​ Apparently, this is a common problem with a lot of different laptops. ​ Mine were cracked, but not yet broken. ​ So, I grabbed some epoxy and went to work repairing them.  Here are the steps I took to complete the job.
 +
 +Do this process when you can leave the laptop to dry for 8 hours. ​ I did mine just before bed and allowed it to try over night.
 +
 +===== Before =====
 +
 +Here's what the worst of the cracks looks like before we start.
 +
 +{{  :​laptop:​laptop_before.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Tools =====
 +
 +We need the following tools: epoxy (30-minute),​ disposable paint brush, masking tape, steel wool or sandpaper, stir stick.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_tools.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Step 1: Mask the Area =====
 +
 +Mask the area that you want to cover with epoxy. ​ You want to completely cover the crack, plus some.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_mask.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Step 2: Scuff the Area =====
 +
 +Next, scuff the area with steel wool or sandpaper. ​ Scuff the whole area but pay particularly close attention to the edges near the masking tape and the edges of the crack itself.
 +
 +At this point, I should tell you that this is the second time I've done this repair. ​ The first time, I skipped this step and the repair lasted about 8 months. ​ This time, I hope it will last a little longer.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_scuff.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Step 3: Paint with Epoxy =====
 +
 +Mix your epoxy and carefully brush the epoxy over the area.  It helps to have a fairly slow drying epoxy so that you can take your time here.  Put the epoxy on fairly thick, about 1/32 of an inch.  Cover the area evenly. ​ As the epoxy dries, most of the bubbles will disappear.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_paint.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Step 4: Dry for 15 Minutes =====
 +
 +Now, let the epoxy dry some.  We don't want it to dry completely, but we want it to start to thicken up.  With 30-minute epoxy, this takes about 15 minutes.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_dry.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Step 5: Remove the Mask =====
 +
 +Now, carefully remove the masking tape.  Be careful to pull away from and not across the epoxy. ​ You don't want to mess up the epoxy, which is still wet.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_unmask.jpg }}
 +
 +===== Finished =====
 +
 +That's it, you're done.  Set the laptop aside and allow it to dry over night. ​ This will ensure that the epoxy is good and hard by the time you open the laptop lid.
 +
 +{{ :​laptop:​laptop_done.jpg }}
 +
 +
  
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