How to Open a Up Laptop AC Adapter

How to Open a Up Laptop AC Adapter thumbnail
Opening a laptop power adapter is sometimes challanging because they are not meant to be opened.

Though not recommended by any laptop distributor, there are circumstances where the laptop AC/DC power adapter may need to be opened. This is a delicate process because the AC/DC power adapter is not designed to be opened. The AC/DC power adapter is welded shut using a special type of plastic welder. It is important to be careful and open the power adapter in a way that does not crack or damage the outside casing, because this will make the power adapter unusable.

Things You'll Need

  • Small hand-held vice grip
  • Putty knife
  • Blow dryer
  • Super glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attempt to simply pull the casing of the AC/DC power adapter apart. (If the adapter is old, it may have been worn enough for this to be effective.) Try a putty knife to get the casing apart by sliding the edge of the knife into the crevice of the top and bottom casing shells and prying the knife up gently.

    • 2

      Tighten the hand-held vice grip little by little on the upper casing just above the crease separating it from the bottom until a very firm seal is made. Be careful not to crack the casing. Tighten until the shape of the plastic casing is slightly askew. Listen closely to the casing because this may cause the welding to bend and/or break slightly. Repeat the putty knife process if such a break can be made.

    • 3

      Set up a blow drier on it's highest heat setting and point it at one point of the casing. Let it heat for up to an hour, and repeat Step 2. Try the blow dryer at several different points on the casing, because the high heat may cause the welding to become loose or malleable.

Tips & Warnings

  • Seek out replacements first; only open the AC/DC adapter if no alternative is available.

  • Never attempt any adjustment to the ac/dc adapter while it is plugged into a power source.

  • Use caution while handling knives.

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References

  • Photo Credit ac/dc image by Maxim Kulemza from Fotolia.com

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