Really Simple Way to Keep Track of Bolts/screws While Taking Apart Various Devices.

Taking apart a laptop or any other electronic device (with a variety of different size/length bolts that hold it together) can be made much easier if you follow these easy steps.

This method is for both - speedier re-assembly and increased accuracy of your work.

This method DOES NOT require any special tools.

Here's what you will need (in addition to your screwdriver):

- at least one sheet ofA4 paper

- pencil/pen or marker

- sticky tape (preferably clear magic tape)

Optional:

- cutting blade or scissors

- differently colored pen/marker to make the bolt holes stand out better.

Step 1: Create a Copy of the Device's Bolt/screw Holes on a Piece of Paper

Use the piece of paper and pen to draw:

- an outline,

- major features and

- most importantly the bolt holes of the device you are taking apart.

If you are taking part a device with bolts on more than one side - you may want to use a separate page for each side.

Alternatively - if you cannot or do not want to draw - you can take a picture using your mobile phone and print that out with lower contrast in order to conserve your ink/toner - if your device is of a dark color.

Step 2: Mark the Bolt Holes on Paper.

This step is optional - you can use a different colored pen, locate and mark each and every bolt hole on the piece of paper.

See the attached example image.

Step 3: Place Bolts/screws in Their Locations on Paper.

Undo each bolt from the device and place it on it's corresponding location on the piece of paper.

Use numbers to keep track of the order of bolts.

Step 4: Tape Down Each Bolt/screw.

Use a sticky tape (I recommend clear magic tape) to fix each bolt to the piece of paper - so that you don't lose it when the sheet is accidentally bumped.

See attached example diagram.

When you decide to put the device back together - use a cutting blade to release each bolt from underneath each strip of sticky tape.

Step 5: Finish

This is it - very few simple steps to make the entire experience a lot less painful.
I hope this is as useful for you as much as it was for me!

Your constructive feedback would be appreciated!

Have fun!

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