Got a busted laptop hinge that wouldn't stay shut

Had this old HP Pavilion come in, the left hinge was totally loose and the screen flopped around. The usual fix is a whole new top case, which the customer didn't want to pay for. I was about to tell them it was junk, but then I tried something dumb. I took apart the hinge, cleaned out all the broken plastic bits, and filled the screw holes in the plastic frame with a two-part epoxy putty. Let it cure overnight, drilled new pilot holes, and screwed the hinge back in. It's been solid for a month now, according to the customer. Saved them like 80 bucks on a part. Ever tried a hack like that when the proper fix is too pricey?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_paul13d ago

My old Toshiba Satellite had the exact same hinge failure about five years ago. I used a mix of super glue and baking soda to build up the cracked plastic around the screw posts, which held until I finally replaced the machine. Those plastic frames are the real weak point on so many models. Your epoxy putty fix is probably even stronger than my hack job was. It's a great feeling to bring something back from the brink for just a few bucks and some patience.

perry.phoenix13d ago

Ugh, I gotta totally disagree here. Honestly, these fixes are just a band-aid and a waste of time. @the_paul, that baking soda glue is gonna fail again, and my experience with epoxy putty is it gets brittle and cracks. You're just delaying the inevitable on a machine with other old parts ready to die. Tbh, it's not worth the hours of messing around for a temporary win. You're better off putting that effort into finding a decent used replacement that won't have the same design flaw.

hugo_schmidt14d ago

Epoxy putty is a lifesaver for busted plastic posts. I've rebuilt mounting points for power jacks on cheap laptops with the stuff. One time I even molded a whole new corner for a tablet case after a drop. It's not pretty, but if you take your time shaping it before it sets, you can make it work for years.