Does the glass on your mobile device sport more cracks than a frozen lake in springtime? Never fear -- this is a repair you can handle yourself. It's actually quite easy, and cheap, to replace the glass once you get the hang of it. I've replaced a few touchscreens now on my rough-handled devices. Tablet and phone construction is all roughly the same, with the same basic concepts.
Breaking the screen on your mobile device doesn't
have to mean a brand new, expensive bit of kit. It's actually quite
easy, and cheap, to replace the glass once you get the hang of it. A
tablet touchscreen can cost about US$50 if you perform the work.
I've replaced a few touchscreens now on my rough-handled devices.
Tablet and phone construction is all roughly the same, with the same
basic concepts.
This is how to approach it.
First, get familiar with the makeup of your device. The construction
is loosely the same across devices and generally includes a back cover,
motherboard-containing frame, LCD-containing chassis, LCD, front frame
or bezel, and the touch-sensitive glass sandwich -- which is called a
digitizer.
Tools that you'll need include miscellaneous small screwdrivers, a
heat gun, scissors, double-sided adhesive tape, canned air, work gloves
and two dinner-table bowls to keep screws from getting lost.
Replacement digitizers can be obtained from auction sites like eBay.
The Teardown
Step 1: Remove the device's back cover and pull the main battery.
Step 2: Loosen any stuck-on cabling that is now
exposed, like the camera cable, for example. Then remove cables if the
clasps are exposed. These cables simply slide out of any exposed sockets
after clasps are released.
Tip: The tape-style cables are often held onto the frame and parts by adhesive, so tug gently to release.
Step 3: Unscrew the Phillips or Torx screws that
hold the motherboard-containing back frame to the LCD-containing chassis
and place the screws in a bowl for safe-keeping.
Tip: There can be lots of screws here -- my Toshiba tablet has 14.
Step 4: Separate the back frame from the chassis by gently and carefully pulling the two apart.
Tip: Perform a visual check for any hidden,
unremoved screws if you detect resistance. Look for any hidden cables
that connect the glass to the LCD-containing chassis and remove if
necessary.
Step 5: Remove any further cable assemblies that have become exposed by the separation of parts.
Tip: Maintain visual cues as to which cable
to reattach where. For example, place them on the work surface face-up
in the order of removal.
Step 6: Remove the LCD-containing chassis from the front frame or bezel and glass assembly by unscrewing a second batch of screws.
Store the second set of screws in a second bowl. Remove any further parts such as the camera.
Tip: Don't touch the LCD face.
Step 7: Separate the existing, damaged glass from
the bezel or front frame by waving the heat gun over the adhesive join
and pulling apart. Wear gloves here because you will further break the
glass.
Tip: Be patient while the heat gun loosens
the adhesive and be careful not to break the bezel or front frame while
removing the glass -- you will need the bezel intact.
Replacing the Screen
Step 1: Attach fresh two-sided tape to areas of the
bezel that have lost their stickiness. Use the existing adhesive where
possible. Don't allow tape to overlap the visual part of the glass.
Step 2: Look for any foam padding or seals and reattach.
Step 3: Thread the digitizer cable and remount the
new digitizer glass to the bezel by firmly pressing it into place. Then
remove any dust from the LCD and glass with canned air.
Tip: Do not touch the inside of the glass -- you won't be able to get rid of the fingerprints after assembly.
Finally, Reassemble
Reattach any parts, like the camera. Then reassemble chassis, frame and so on, in order.
You may have to assemble and disassemble a couple of times because
the two sets of screws use similar holes. It's easy to insert the
initial set of screws into the wrong holes. You'll only know you've done
that when the second set won't fit because you've already used the
hole.
Tip: Look for solid connections when attaching cables. Ensure that the clasps are open first. Usually the up position is open.
In general, firm snaps indicate a good assembly. Always reapply any
existing metallic tape. Count the screws. If you have any left over,
backtrack.
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