Chassis repair material

[Garrick Clark]

I've attempting to repair an HP Envy m7 Touch, the brass screw hole inserts have broken out of 4 of the 6 hinge holes. After scouring online it looks like it's an extremely common issue as all available used ones have similar issues. So, short of buying a new shell from HP for $200+ that I'm going to have to "restore" the sockets somehow. I've previously use JBWeld for this kind of socket/hinge repair, but due to the shape of the chassis it seems like there is too much margin for error to risk on a high-end newer machine.

Can someone recommend some sort of epoxy or similar product for this?

 

[Larry Sabo]

it seems like there is too much margin for error to risk on a high-end newer machine.

If the risk is intolerable, let the customer pay the $200 for a new base. I would let the customer decide whether they want you to try the repair, on a "best-effort, no guarantees and not refundable" basis, or just go directly for the new base. It's not your fault it's broken. I can recommend Q-Bond for plastic repairs and Bondic for tacking parts in place immediately while you set up your choice of epoxy.

 

[PC Doctor]

I have tried to repair those on a number of machines with a number of different epoxy glues and all have failed. The uplift pressure as you open the screen almost always pulls the epoxy away again.

The one way I have resolved is to put a long screw straight through the hinge and out of the bottom of the case, a couple of washers and a nut on the outside of the case, cover in a black hot glue and it just looks like a foot on the bottom of the case. Glue a nut on the other side and cover again with glue so that the machine sits level on the desk. It's not the solution for everyone but a few customers have gone for it as it saves a load of money on a new case.

As @Larry Sabo says, give the customer the choice between the solutions that you have.

 

[jft135]

We use JB Weld Plastic Weld Putty on all sorts of chassis repairs with great success. We see 2-3 Envy's a week with hinge damage and haven't had a single repeat visit in 2+ years.

 

[Markverhyden]

Been years but in situations like this I discuss it with the customer as mentioned. The problem is the properties of any adhesive is not the same as the substrate. Given it's a hinge problem if the hinges are addressed an epoxy, etc solution will last.

 

[NviGate Systems]

Most repairs always end up broken again. And even if it works, getting the right amount of product and in the right spot without obstruction of cables etc can be tough. Sometimes the mounting brass have shattered the plastic holders, and the strength you get after a repair will never be as good as fresh parts.

 

[Larry Sabo]

I don't know if they would fit in this case but give Chicago Screws a look when it comes to hinge repairs. They make for a durable repair, as discussed here, but may not be thin enough for this laptop.

 

[River Valley Computer]

One thing we do when having to make repairs with epoxy instead of replacement is we loosen the tension on the hinges so that they are not as stiff. It seems HP and Acer are the most common problem ones. You typically will have to use a deep 1/4" socket and a pair of vice grips to holdthe hinge. Don't make it too loose though.

 

[Diggs]

I try to stay away from these kind of repairs but when I must I find a good medium CA works well. You can then build and fillet weld areas using kicker. You can use thin to wick into stress cracks. Epoxies were never effective for me.

 

[jft135]

When we do it, we aren't trying to epoxy the brass nuts back to the plastic. We epoxy the whole hinge to the chassis then squish the palmrest down from above. This is almost never a good idea on the upper, but if the laptop has enough space in the bottom chassis, it works great. There's certainly a lot of technique involved, but once you master it it's quite effective.

Don't be afraid to use a lot of it. On the Envy's we usually end up using a ball the size of a shooter marble per hinge. Once it partially sets, it's pretty easy to clean up with a utility knife.

 

[Garrick Clark]

Well, this has been very educational. If not very successful. Should I ever see another one of these, I'll be well prepared. I used JB Weld Plastic Weld Putty I ended up not using enough and ripped them out all over again. And removing the epoxy without damaging the plastic seems unlikely. But the customer is understanding and patient and I managed to track down an intact one for less I than I thought I could.

I've never used Bondic before. It's amazing. I don't know why they don't advertise more. I think it's one of the most useful things I've discovered in years.