Bench habits

Before you open a computer

General habits, not a repair guide. How a particular model comes apart is in its maker’s service manual; follow that first, and stop if it says a job is not user-serviceable.

1. Shut it down and unplug it

   Shut down fully (not sleep), unplug the charger or power cord, and remove anything plugged in. On a desktop, switch the power supply off at its rear switch if it has one.

2. Battery connector first

   Inside a laptop or console with an internal battery, the maker’s manual usually has you disconnect the battery before anything else. Log it as its own step so you remember to reconnect it last.

3. Mind static

   Work on a hard, clear surface, touch bare metal on the case before handling parts, or wear a grounded wrist strap. Hold boards and drives by their edges.

4. One step, one tray

   Screws from different steps often differ in length. Keep each step’s screws apart: that is what Benchtrail’s tray numbers and tray sheet are for. A longer screw driven into the wrong hole can damage what is underneath.

5. Photograph before you unplug

   Take a photo of each cable and connector before you lift it, on your own phone. Note the latch type (flip-up, slide, pull-straight) in the step.

6. Do not force it

   If a part will not come free, look again for a hidden screw (under feet, labels or pads) or a clip. Log hidden screws with the caution so the next time is quicker.

7. Put it back in reverse

   Reassemble from the highest step number down, reconnecting the battery last, then count: every screw that came out should be back in.

If a battery is swollen, punctured or hot, stop: do not keep working on it. Ask the battery or device maker how to handle it, and take it to a battery recycler or a household hazardous waste site, not the trash.

If you are unsure, or the manual says a part is not user-serviceable, take it to a qualified repair shop.

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