Laptop hinges can get broken after a while, but you don’t always need to get a new laptop. Often, fixing the hinges is a good option. In this guide, we’ll show you some ways to fix a broken laptop hinge at home. Some methods are easy, like using glue, while others are a bit more complicated, like drilling and other steps.
How Do Laptop Hinges Make Your Laptop Work?
Let’s start with how laptop hinges work. Hinges are like the joints in your body. They help your laptop’s screen move and stay in place. Laptop hinges have two parts: one on the screen and one on the body of the laptop. These parts are connected with screws and springs. Most hinges can turn up to 135 degrees. Some small laptops have hinges that can move in other ways, like up and down or all the way around.
What Can Go Wrong with Laptop Hinges?
Laptop hinges are delicate and can easily break if you’re not careful. If you’ve been using a laptop for a while, you might have had problems with its hinges. Here are some common issues:
1. Broken Housing: Sometimes, the part of the hinge that holds everything together can break into pieces.
2. Damaged Screws: The screws that hold the hinge in place can get damaged or break.
3. Display Problems: If the wires connecting the screen to the laptop body get damaged, the display might not work correctly.
4. Rust Build-Up: Rust can make it hard for the screen to open smoothly or at all.
How Can You Fix a Broken Laptop Hinge?
Okay, let’s break this down and make it super clear. If your laptop hinge is broken, there are a few ways to try and fix it. We’ll explain each one in simple terms, so you can understand them easily.
1. Friction Pads – A Quick Fix (But Not Forever)
You can use something called “friction pads” to make your laptop screen more stable. This helps stop it from wobbling too much when you open and close it. But here’s the catch: this is just a temporary fix. Sooner or later, you’ll need a better solution.
2. A Hard Object – Another Temporary Trick
This trick involves finding a hard object (like a book) and using it to support your laptop screen. You’ll have to keep your laptop in one place and not move it around. Again, this is only a temporary solution.
3. Get Replacement Hinges – A Permanent Solution
For a long-lasting fix, you can order new hinges for your laptop. You should try to get them from the laptop’s manufacturer, especially if your laptop is still under warranty. If not, you can find compatible hinges online or in a hardware store.
4. Replace the Broken Hinges Yourself – If You’re Handy
If you’re up for a bit of DIY, you can replace the hinges on your own. Just make sure you have your laptop’s model number handy. Here are the steps:
- Remove the laptop battery and disconnect the power.
- Open the laptop base by taking out the screws on the bottom.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the keyboard bezel.
- Take off the hinge covers.
- Disconnect the display cables from the motherboard.
- Separate the display from the base.
- Remove the screws connecting the display to the base.
- Unplug the video cable and unscrew the hinges.
- Swap out the old hinges for the new ones.
- Reassemble everything in reverse order.
But a word of caution: If you’re not experienced with this stuff, it’s better to let a professional handle it.
5. Gorilla Glue – A Quick Fix, but Not Always Reliable
You can use Gorilla Glue to stick the broken hinge parts back together. Hold them together until they’re firmly attached. But this fix might not last long, and you might have to do it again later.
6. Risky Option: Put the Hinge Outside – For Tech-Savvy Folks Only
This one is tricky and can be risky. It involves drilling holes and using screws. If you’re comfortable with technical stuff, here’s how:
- Drill small holes on the hinge side of the laptop case.
- Drill bigger holes from the case cover to the hinge.
- Screw in M3 screws through the small holes and attach them to nuts on the other side.
- You can use black enamel to hide the holes and nuts.
But seriously, only try this if you know what you’re doing.
