I just got my Framework 12 Laptop a couple days ago and I was taking apart the inside of the computer and I accidentally stripped the threaded inserts to the audio and power button boards. I was using a iFixit screwdriver when I was taking apart the computer and I don’t remember using too much force on those screws. Although the guide here does say not to screw them in too tightly, this seems like a very easy mistake to make. I have pictures attached below. Would anyone know how I could fix these DIY or should I get a new bottom cover? The system still boots fine, but the audiojack and speakers don’t work.
As a last resort, before buying the bottom part, try removing the insert from the screw and use some CA glue to reinstall it.
@AdaHartley CA Glue (Cyanoacrylate AKA superglue) is terrible on torsion, strongly suspect that would crumble immediately.
For gluing I’d personally recommend a 2 part epoxy, my go to is Gorilla Glue Epoxy because I can buy it everywhere and it just works. Any 2 part epoxy glue would likely be fine.
However… the plastic used in the shell is ABS I think, so you might be able to use a soldering iron to reseat them like other threaded heat inserts. If that goes well it’ll be almost as good as new.
It’s a practised art though, there’s a very good reason there’s suddenly a strong market for heated insert jigs ([Printables - ‘heat set insert’ results](Search models | Printables.com)) and for the best results people say to use the specialised heat insert tips for your soldering iron…
I say ‘people say’ because although I have a box of the cheap ones waiting for the right project, I haven’t tried yet, gives me the fear of potentially ruining a perfectly good print, let alone the laptops case.
So, if you are thinking about buying a new case or raising a support ticket because the force you used did not seem excessive then you’ve already thrown the old case away in your mind, so if you have a soldering iron and a will to try there’s not much to lose.
Thanks for your in-depth response, I was able to reassemble using Superglue but if it ends up breaking I’ll try out using a soldering iron or epoxy.
Oh excellent news, and no problem at all
glad its sorted.
…and seeing as I’m still typing, one other tip I’ve picked up for superglue is bicarb of soda/baking soda. It’s a really weird binder for superglue, so if your scratching around to glue strange thing to other strange thing and your mind is screaming ‘she aint gonna hold, captain!’ put a pool of superglue around the joint and air sprinkle (it doesn’t have to be off an elbow but 9/10 chefs approve) bicarb into the pool. It’ll immediately set and while it’s still sat there slowly absorbing through the bicarb dump more superglue on and then more bicarb. It’ll create solid lump of reinforced superglue that’s surprisingly strong.
It is also surprisingly ugly, the only worse looking joint like it is plumbers epoxy, looks like fossilised old chewing gum, but in a pinch you can get away with it ![]()
Since it’s abs you could also try to acetone weld it but you gotta be really careful to not melt something you didn’t want to. Still if you were going to get a new one anyway may be worth a try.
Acetone welding is stronger than most gluing or melting options but it takes quite a while to fully harden.
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