Chosen Solution
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.
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.
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: you’ll scratch the exterior case much more easilyyou run a higher risk of cracking the display and/or the plastic 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.
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.
Sales747 has got it on this one, I too use a guitar pick, think it’s 1.0mm from what I remember.
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.
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
Well you could also use a flahead, but be careful! You need to use pliers too.
