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Released in November 2020, the 13" MacBook Pro features Apple's Arm-based M1 SoC with both an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. (Model A2338 / EMC 3578 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

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M1 MacBook Pro lower case clip/hook broken

During the process of removing the lower case of my MacBook Pro in order to dust it off, I accidentally broke one of the clip that holds the case in and the metal hook for it went missing (pictures with and without hook attached).

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(without metal hook)

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(with metal hook)

I believe this creates a small gap between the lower case on the right edge (looking from the back) and the chassis so it doesn't sit flush (picture with and without gap attached).

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(without gap)

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(with gap)

I know the gap is very small and I can 100% live with it. Mainly because I have AppleCare+ and if I ever need to the MacBook repaired, I don't know if they will deny it because of a broken clip. It sounds dumb but I've never had to bring any of my devices in to repair so I really don't know what to expect.

My question for this is: Is there anyway I can get a replacement clip/hook for it or can I salvage the clip/hook from another back case?

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Sadly, the spring clip is not available as a spare part. Given the newness of this series it will be difficult to locate a junker to get the clip.

That only leaves you into buying the full bottom cover and just use it or you could try taking the clip off and putting it on your system. The tab that prevents it from coming out is likely fatigued so its strong possiblity the tab will snap when you bent it back into place. So in my opinion I wouldn't do it.

You still have the big question where is the spring clip! Are you sure it's not still inside? It could cause more damage if it shorts across something. So I would strongly recommend you locate it. I wouldn't leave your system in this state as it allows dust and dirt to enter and if you place your system on a wet surface that could enter in as well.

Then that leaves the last possibility... Playing dumb visit the Apple Store noting the gap and not knowing why.

For reference here's the part MacBook Pro 13" (A2338) Lower Case It comes in two colors so make sure you select the correct one.

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MacBook Pro 13" (A2338) Lower Case

$99.99

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@danj I'm not sure if this is the proper way of replying to your comment but I'll just add another answer.

Sadly, the spring clip is not available as a spare part. Given the newness of this series it will be difficult to locate a junker to get the clip.

That's unfortunate. If the spring clip was available then it would be an easy fix for me since it seems to just hook onto the plastic bit. I did find a lower case on eBay for $20 though that does have the clip but I can't really justify paying that much just to grab that little clip off it but it's probably worth it for those who want perfection.

The tab that prevents it from coming out is likely fatigued so its strong possiblity the tab will snap when you bent it back into place. So in my opinion I wouldn't do it.

I noticed that tab bent too when I went to have a look at it. I feel like I can superglue it back into place but probably still not recommended to do.

You still have the big question where is the spring clip! Are you sure it's not still inside? It could cause more damage if it shorts across something. So I would strongly recommend you locate it. I wouldn't leave your system in this state as it allows dust and dirt to enter and if you place your system on a wet surface that could enter in as well.

I'm sure the clip still isn't inside because I removed the right speaker (looking at MacBook with battery towards the bottom) to check and it wasn't there. That was also the only place it looked like it would be able to fit under. I also shook the MacBook to see if I could hear it but I didn't. I'll double check again just to make sure. The thing is, I don't want to disassemble too far, which I'm comfortable with doing, or make it look like anyone has touched anything in there in case I ever want to get it repaired with AppleCare, they don't deny it because of that.

Thanks for the response!

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@justin2926 - Don't waste your efforts on glueing!

Between the plastic like Delrin which won't let glue to stick and the design is such the part needs to flex.

I wish you luck and hopefully not to expensive!

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Ah I see. Well thank you for an amazing response and trying to help me with my issue!

I think I'll just live with it because it's minor and doesn't really bother me or if I ever need to have my laptop repaired with AppleCare for a different reason, I'll just play dumb like you mentioned and note the gap as well.

Thanks again!

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@justin2926 - For now I would place some tape across the gap just to keep your system clean inside.

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@danj That’s a good idea. I also forgot to mention, since I have a plastic case on it, the gap closes a bit more which is good. It looks really even across all four edges now.

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