Introduction: HTC Desire Sugru Repair
About two or three months ago, I dropped my beloved HTC Desire. The only thing that happend to this sturdy phone was that the violet metal frame started to come loose. So one day I was so curious what would hide behind it that I pulled it off. Nothing special appeared, just some plastic and a few holes. But what really bothered me was that the display was now more or less unprotected form the sides.
So at first I tried to reattach the metal thingy with double sided tape, but that didn't work out as planned. Since metal is a quite good conductor (and I wasn't able to insulate it properly), I always kind of pressed two points of the display at the same time. After three days I was so frustrated that I ripped the metal frame off my phone. I continued to use a hardcover, but that didn't make me happy since the phone got a lot bulkier.
After giving it a lot of thoughts I decided to try Sugru as the ultimate fix - and I'm really happy with the outcome!
So at first I tried to reattach the metal thingy with double sided tape, but that didn't work out as planned. Since metal is a quite good conductor (and I wasn't able to insulate it properly), I always kind of pressed two points of the display at the same time. After three days I was so frustrated that I ripped the metal frame off my phone. I continued to use a hardcover, but that didn't make me happy since the phone got a lot bulkier.
After giving it a lot of thoughts I decided to try Sugru as the ultimate fix - and I'm really happy with the outcome!
Step 1: Tools and Materials
Tools and materials:
- hobby knive
- a few toothpicks
- some masking tape or scotch tape
- metal toothpick, awl or similar (optional)
- a pair of latex gloves (optional, not shown)
- one minipack of Sugru
The most important thing is a good and sharp hobby knive.
- hobby knive
- a few toothpicks
- some masking tape or scotch tape
- metal toothpick, awl or similar (optional)
- a pair of latex gloves (optional, not shown)
- one minipack of Sugru
The most important thing is a good and sharp hobby knive.
Step 2: Prepairing the Phone
The first and most important step is to clean your phone. Make sure that your phone is free of all kind of dirt and adhesive residue. At this point a toothpick can come in quite handy.
When finished cleaning you can start masking your cell phone. I started with the display because it is the most important part. be careful when cutting around the edge of the display not to scratch it. And - much more important - be careful not to cut yourself. ;)
When finished cleaning you can start masking your cell phone. I started with the display because it is the most important part. be careful when cutting around the edge of the display not to scratch it. And - much more important - be careful not to cut yourself. ;)
Step 3: Prepairing Your Phone Part 2
Now you can start masking the rest of the phone. This turned out to be a bit trickier than with the display, but it's actually not so hard. Take your time with this step and make sure you cover everything really nice. The only part that should now not be masked is the space where the metal thingy used to sit.
For the speaker I used a bit of a toothpick to make sure I wont cover the speaker in Sugru.
For the speaker I used a bit of a toothpick to make sure I wont cover the speaker in Sugru.
Step 4: Now the Fun Part ;)
Cut open your minipack of Sugru and roll it in your finger. Then take a small piece and shape it into a cylindrical form. Put this piece of Sugru into the gap of your phone and press firmly. Make sure you cover the edges and start to smoothen the surface.
Be careful when you reach the buttons and speaker. It might look a bit tricky not to cover them at first but keep in mind that Sugru is elastic, so the buttons will still work. As for the speaker just hold the toothpick with one hand and form the Sugru around it with your other. If you should get a bit of Sugru on the speaker just use your (metal) toothpick to get rid of it or to shape the hole the way you want it to be.
When you worked your way around the phone start to smoothen the Sugru as well as possible. I myself prefer using latex gloves to smoothen the Sugru because you are less likely to leave fingerprints or dents. A different approach is to use some soapy water. But be careful, electronic devices don't like water that much! ;)
If you are happy with the form, pull off the masking tape and let it cure for 24 hours. That way you can still adjust some edges.
And be prepared to fix some more things because I only needed about half of the minipack. ;)
Be careful when you reach the buttons and speaker. It might look a bit tricky not to cover them at first but keep in mind that Sugru is elastic, so the buttons will still work. As for the speaker just hold the toothpick with one hand and form the Sugru around it with your other. If you should get a bit of Sugru on the speaker just use your (metal) toothpick to get rid of it or to shape the hole the way you want it to be.
When you worked your way around the phone start to smoothen the Sugru as well as possible. I myself prefer using latex gloves to smoothen the Sugru because you are less likely to leave fingerprints or dents. A different approach is to use some soapy water. But be careful, electronic devices don't like water that much! ;)
If you are happy with the form, pull off the masking tape and let it cure for 24 hours. That way you can still adjust some edges.
And be prepared to fix some more things because I only needed about half of the minipack. ;)
Step 5: The Finished Product
Now your phone is ready to be used again! I'm so happy right now, my phone works perfectly and is probably more protected than ever ;)
Plus: the look and handling is way better than before.
Enjoy!
Plus: the look and handling is way better than before.
Enjoy!