Tools to dismantle laptops, hard drives, etc.

What's the current consensus / opinion on best tools to take apart laptops, hard drives, cd/dvd drives etc. (for those that choose to do so)? So many small / precision screws involved takes time by hand, but finding the "perfect" drill/bit combo has eluded me up to this point. I've collected several laptops in various conditions, and have a few hard drives and cd drives on hand. Was just curious how others are doing this (again, for those who do decide to break down).

You can buy sets of the torx bits online. Just make sure the sizes go down to about T4. You can get them from Amazon but usually the quality isn't great. I found a nice little Husky torx screwdriver at Home Depot (or Lowes) but it was the only one they had and the package had been taped closed. I'm not really sure if it is something they still carry.

The best bet though is to use a cordless drill and get the common T bits you will need to fit that. Even Ace Hardware sells individual bits once you know the sizes you will use most.

If you don't wish to use power tools, you can find good deals on bits for hand tools at this time of the year at your local hardware stores...ACE, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, etc.

When I use the hand tools(I'm fast with them at this point)I use the little Kobalt set at Lowe's last Christmas for like 4.99. Had everything in there I needed except for security torx or whatever their called. You shouldn't run into to many of them on laptops tho. Xboxs..yes..laptops not the ones I get at lest.

Good advice tho from the Hip-O an Mike. You should listen to them.

I'm just here for the beverages.

Oh an good luck!

Sirscrapalot - There are two kinds of statistics, the kind you look up and the kind you make up. - Rex Stout

Originally Posted by miked

I have three Ryobi 12v drivers I use. It can take some experience using the power driver to avoid stripping out screws. Having three drivers set up with different bits can really speed you up. I refer to laptops as just one more d__n screw.

I don't know your experience but be certain that breaking them down is best for your situation. 73, Mike

I'm really leaning toward this method (2 or 3 drills). I've bought a couple of the small ones and just didn't work out. I'll keep looking for bits. I have a good set of Klein bits, just looking to speed up my work a bit.

I go back and forth about breaking down. I'm just a part timer, so I can break down in evenings, etc. But the time / reward equation....still figuring it all out.

Thanks for the feedback - much appreciated from everyone.

Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot

If you don't wish to use power tools, you can find good deals on bits for hand tools at this time of the year at your local hardware stores...ACE, Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, etc.

When I use the hand tools(I'm fast with them at this point)I use the little Kobalt set at Lowe's last Christmas for like 4.99. Had everything in there I needed except for security torx or whatever their called. You shouldn't run into to many of them on laptops tho. Xboxs..yes..laptops not the ones I get at lest.

Good advice tho from the Hip-O an Mike. You should listen to them.

I'm just here for the beverages.

Oh an good luck!

Sirscrapalot - There are two kinds of statistics, the kind you look up and the kind you make up. - Rex Stout

I hope I get up your way sometime - I'll bring a cooler too! Seriously would enjoy meeting you one of these days for an autographed copy of your Book of Quotes. Also appreciate your advice to myself and others.

My sandbar is always open to visits. Especially to those who bring coolers.

Would you settle for an autograph on your cooler an a signed can/bottle? I'm no publisher.

If you take the time to print out all 32 pages of them, goats included I'll be happy to sign it/them.

An thank you for the kind words!

On topic...I'm sure the power method is the way to go about it. I enjoy the tinkering tho with the hand tools, an keeps me sharp. Now when I was still doing a decent amount of Tube tv's and monitors...drill was the best way. I live on a sandbar tho..as they say..Island time(sandbar in this case) is slower then everywhere else. That's my excuse at lest.

Sirscrapalot - I was born to be awesome, not perfect. - The Internet.

Torx IP8 and Torx IP7 are what I found will take apart most hard drives. The outer shell screws are 8 and some of the platter retainer screws are 7. The non-IP torx bits are loose and strip the screws I have found. torx plus is a better fit.

I've never stripped a torx bit using my drill but I've stripped plenty of screw heads. Taking apart 400 hard drives is hard enough with a drill much less using a hand tool. My hands don't work as well as they used to. I'm not saying you shouldn't break them down, it's just not something I'm going to do anymore.
Me and my brother are in the process of making a tool to crush hard drives. Once we are finished I'll post some pics on my other thread.