Introduction: Laptop Hinge Hack
My laptop screen hinges gave out. I came up with this fix which on this site is the first attempt using hot glue. I ultimately used Gorrila Glue instead...and is holding months later.
Step 1: Get Lid Support
Buy a lid support at a local hardware store. This one is 7.5"...a bit too large for my laptop.
Step 2: Get APPROPRIATE Lid Support
This lid support has a sliding piece with a screw and washers for smooth movement. If you take the washers out, the screw will act as a tensioner, limiting or completely eliminating sliding.
Step 3: Take Screw Out and Start Squishing
You can get thumb screws in nearly any size, but squashing the head of a screw in a vise to make your own is so much more fun (see photo 2).
Step 4: Prepare Your Work Area
For this practice run I used hot glue....the final hack will use A/B epoxy or similar adhesive. (Actually I ended up using Gorilla Glue. Still holding months later!)
Step 5: Scuff Surface
Scuffing the surface helps glue/epoxy adhere. It gives it something to "stick" to.
Step 6: Glue Base to Laptop Body
This part is easy- you glue the base of the lid support to the furthest point closest to the old hinge....meaning as far "back" as possible. Don't forget to allow for clearance of the little pivot point that holds the arm and base together....too far in and the lid won't close. Notice it is a bit off to the right?
Step 7: Glue Slider to Lid
This is a bit tricky....you probably want to be closer-than-center to the hinge end of the laptop. This will allow for the the lid to be open or closed in the most amount variable positions. You don't want to be too far one way or the other, but I found that one width of the slider towards the lid hinge from center of the lid is optimal.
Step 8: Re-assemble Screw/slider
Once the slider is fixed to the lid, reassemble the "thumb" screw and lockback (a metal washer would work too) Use the thumb screw to loosen or tighten as needed for positions.
Notice the luxurious brassness? That's high class.
Step 9: Final Thoughts
I am going to use better adhesive as stated in previous step. Hot glue doesn't cut it as a permanent fix. Although it worked great to test the hack. I am sure A/B epoxy or "JB Weld" will work MUCH better. Maybe even small screws, but I am afraid to start screwing into my laptop. Hope you enjoyed.

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72 Comments
4 years ago
Just tried that 3 days ago, 13 years after you published. My laptop can now be used normally or almost. It's clever. I found what looks like to be the exact same hinges you used back then, and fixed it with some generic "quick glue". We'll see if it holds on the long term. If not, i'll do it again with Gorilla glue.
Reply 4 years ago
That’s awesome! Maybe post another comment with pictures
8 years ago on Introduction
really brilliant, I'm going to try it ASAP, thanks for the tutorial and the idea :D
my problem is caused originally because I bought my "samsung" laptop from a country and currently live in country where there is no "samsung" laptops or replacement parts for it in the market. Thanks a lot :)
9 years ago on Introduction
No no! I'd never use an external improvised hinge for my notebook.
It looks horrible and, beside, it's sustained by screws on the plastic
chassis, which isn't *that* solid.
For my own Acer Extensa - which was in horrible conditions - I've
used and internal steel plate to fix the broken hinges. Looking from
outside, you can't even see it!
I wrote more details here: http://civland.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=962
12 years ago on Introduction
Its probably a lot cheaper to just get the hinge off ebay and go tot he manufacturers website to learn how to swap it. You can also send it to http://www.sendnfix.com they fix laptops
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I don't mind you spamming my instructable, but please be honest. There is NO WAY your service is cheaper than my fix.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
You're just too generous xrobevansx. I do mind sendnfix spamming your instructable: he (?) could at least have been more direct about his shameless hustling. Would also have helped if he'd written an 'ible or two before doing so.
Anyway, love the hinge hack! As others have said: very steampunk.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I don't know about "cheaper". A refurbished hinge kit for my HP laptop was about $40. That lid support costs, what, about six bucks?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
$2.50 in some areas!
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi, I know this is an old instructable, and I'm really hoping you still check this, but I was wondering where you got the piece that slides? You can see in your picture in step one, there is no sliding part included in the package for the hinge. That is the exact same hinge I got (and also does not have a sliding piece). Did you use a different hinge than shown in your first picture?
I love this, btw. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I am almost positive the one in step 1 did have the other part (I opened the package and I think I forgot to put it back in)...and as you can see it was a bit too large @ 7.5"
I believe the one I got was 6"
Here are two:
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-N208-637-Universal-Friction-Support/dp/B000BO6E1Y/ref=sr_1_6?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1368885189&sr=1-6&keywords=stanley+lid+support
http://www.woodcraft.com/PRODUCT/2021274/31495/STANLEY-UNIVERSAL-FRICTION-LID-SUPPORT.ASPX?refcode=10INGOPB&gclid=CIPXi4Pmn7cCFYGe4Aod2zgAEw
11 years ago on Introduction
used to think Gorilla glue was ad joke --Great STUFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!
11 years ago on Introduction
It's been about a million internet years since you published this, but I wanted to say--great idea! The hinges on my laptop are both totally busted, and I think this is a great solution.
I tried it out, and while it initially seemed to be working, I had a problem: when screwing the thumbscrew tighter, it pulled the little part attached to the lid away. I noticed that when the hinges are up, there's a noticeable space of a centimeter or so between it and the part on the lid. Maybe I need tougher glue (I'm using E-6000 right now), or more washers to make up for that space....I'm not really sure. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually! :p
Anyway, thanks! :D
11 years ago on Introduction
That fix looked so cool I did it even with good hinges on my laptop, they should come from the factory looking like that. The laptop sits in the pilot house on my boat so functionality overrides ascetics a big wave can pound a lid closed this way the lid hangs in there even in the big blows.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
That's awesome! Great application! What kind of boat? Where you out of?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's an older 100 foot packer. And I'm sending this from the boat.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Maybe Panasonic Toughbooks will be made with this feature. If so I want to get my royalties!
12 years ago on Step 8
wow .... your idea is original !
13 years ago on Introduction
Just tried this with my Compaq laptop. Seems to be holding. Thanks!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Great to hear another person was able to use my instructable!! THANKS!!!