I am looking for screws for the Inspiron 15 5559 - it’s motherboard is fine, but everything else is broken, and I don’t have a laptop, so I’m trying to revive this device. I’ve managed to find some parts for them, which I’ll soon be buying, and all I need new are missing screws. How do I deal with this? Laptop-specific screws are only available in the USA, and I’m not paying 100$ just for the shipping.
Here’s the list of screws I want for my device. So far, no luck on any online hardware pages in India.
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Have you tried AliExpress? Seems like the sort of thing they should have. You may have to buy a big pack or search for individual screws but it should surely be cheaper than $100
I tried looking for them, and it turns out that they are the same brand being sold in Amazon India. The issue with these screw packs is that some of the smaller and mid-ranged screws are not available. Like for example, M2x2mm and M2.5x2.5mm.
Working in a machine shop, there are many times where I can’t find a screw which is short enough. A quick trip to the belt sander usually solves this. If you can’t find a M2x2 screw, you can settle for an M2x5, M2x10, etc. screw and grind it down to size for a “perfect” replacement.
These screws are all Metric. The nomenclature (M#-#x# - e.g. M8-1.0x20) is pretty straightforward. The number after the M is the diameter (in mm), the number after the dash is usually omitted, but denotes the distance between threads (pitch, in mm) if the screw deviates from the standard value, and the number after the X is the length of the threaded part (omitting the head / cap, in mm). As long as the diameter and pitch are the same, the screw length can be shortened to create a substitute.
You probably still want to buy the correct screws, but if you have access to a belt sander or a bench grinder or something (or even a vice and a dremel), it is an option.
Excellent post. Just wanted to add that a nut or two on the screw you’re trying to sand down can help you hold it while you’re working.
If I was looking for these in the US I’d find a hardware store run by an old couple that has been in the same location for generations, passed down between family members, and ask them for help. It looks like some of these are standard metric screws.
Big chain hardware stores, at least in the us, can be iffy about what they actually have in stock, but the little self owned hardware stores often have a lot of more obscure hardware or know where it can be found.
Go to somewhere that repairs laptops and ask if they have extras
