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Model A1136 / 30, 60, or 80 GB hard drive / black or white plastic front

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Other ways inside iPod

Hi Guys,

I know iFixit sells nice tools for this—and i have used them!— but i have had a real problem opening some of these iPods.

Has anyone come up with any real good alternative to the plastic tools? The thing is that some of the inner metal fingers that are part of the metal back JUST WILL NOT RELEASE, and i end up bending things seriously or breaking completely thru the plastic notches.

Just askin'? Thanks.

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I was going to ask this question myself! I'm interested in seeing creative solutions.

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Having doing this as my job, I use a guitar pick of good quality (usually found at a music shop) and that gets down to the metal tabs and releases it easier. I still use the pry tool first.

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Hey Danno,

Believe it or not, opening an iPod Video is easier than some of the other iPods in Apple's lineup (iPod Classic and 3rd Gen nano come to mind). iFixit suggests using the plastic iPod opening tools because they do less damage to the exterior casing, and will not short any of the electronics inside. You can try using a metal spudger, but consider that:

  1. you'll scratch the exterior case much more easily
  2. you run a higher risk of cracking the display and/or the plastic
  3. you also run the risk of potentially shorting or damaging internal components.

You can also try to start the opening procedure on top of the iPod by the hold switch. But be very careful -- you run a higher risk of cracking the display, which is why the iPod Video opening guide instructs you to start at the bottom.

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Miroslav,

Yeah, i've heard that model is easier, and some i have opened came apart quite easily...BUT others have not!

It seems, in these difficult ones, that the tension created after inserting the tool causes the metal "fingers" to grab and bite into the plastic sockets of the top portion. The thin edges of the plastic tools just do not reach far enough inside to release those stubborn fingers. Also, using the plastic tool as directed CAN shear off the tip, i.e. sliding along the gap after insertion.

Yes, i read where others had cracked their screens, so i always start at the other end. Was just frustrated and wondering if anyone had come up with anything else. Thanks.

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Voted down because this isn't an answer. You should clarify questions and respond to answers either by commenting on the answer or by updating the question. Answers are actually ordered by votes, so it could be that Miroslav's post eventually ends up beneath yours, or a new post could pop up in between.

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I use a nylon pan scraper. You can find one at Sur La Table, cost less than a dollar. Make sure to get one with a sharp edge. It slips into the gap between the metal and plastic pretty easily, and since it is two inches wide, it will release a couple of the catches at a time. Also, it won't bend the metal. Works every time.

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Sales747 has got it on this one, I too use a guitar pick, think it's 1.0mm from what I remember.

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Along with the guitar pick you just have to watch out for the ribbon cables

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I agree with the comments by Miroslav. I think my iPod is a 5th Genertion (video) model but it has a metal back and a metal cover. When inserting the plastic tool it is like inserting it between the jaws of a pair of scissors. Sliding the plastic tool along the edge conviently cuts off the tip of the tool. Also there is no flexibility in the metal top. I've spent 2 houres trying to open the unit with no success. Do they make metal tools instead of plastic tools for opening the iPod?

Harry T

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Harry

You have a 6th generation and I've used a putty knife to open some as your right and it cuts off the plastic pry tools but you do tend to bend the metal back, I usually straighten it out with pliers.

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Here's another method: Fingernail. You have to have *really* tough fingernails, but that's how I normally get into this iPod (or almost any iPod, for that matter).

It can be supplemented with a guitar pick, or even an old rewards card from some store. Goodness knows I've chewed through at least half a dozen old cards- but they really work pretty well and don't leave any scratches.

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The guitar pick idea is good but they are usually too small and flexible.

I usually go down to the local tap plastic store and get a sheet of whatever will work for about 5-10 bucks and cut a boatload of "prying etc.." tools from that.

take a pod with you and try the various materials and thicknesses.

(now that is some serious DIY!)

The apple spudger tool (flat end) works well also. Its like a flathead but its made from non conductive material and dose not hold a static charge.

Really though, the key is patience.

Just keep going around it like a bicycle tire. you will usually get one side up first.

Just keep going around...it will pop.

I will also admit to using a metal paint scraper. wouldn't recommend that unless your reeeeeeeeely careful.

hope this helps.

cheers

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Well you could also use a flahead, but be careful!

You need to use pliers too.

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Danno crwdns2934231:0crwdne2934231:0
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