Have you ever experienced the frustration of having a laptop hinge break? It can be a hassle to try and fix it, but luckily there are some simple DIY methods that you can use to get your laptop working again.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix broken laptop hinges with different DIY methods to help you fix the problem and get your device back in working order.
What is a Laptop Hinge?
A laptop hinge is a movable joint that connects the lid of a laptop to its base. The hinge allows the lid to be opened and closed. Laptop hinges are usually made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both materials. Over time, the hinges can become loose, making it difficult to open and close the laptop.
Sometimes, the hinges can break, preventing the laptop from being used altogether. If you have a broken laptop hinge, there are several things you can do to fix it.
What are the Different Problems With Laptop Hinges?
Three main types of hinge problems can occur on a laptop:
- The screen hinges can become loose.
- The plastic housing around the hinges can crack.
- The metal hinges can break.
Loose screen hinges are the most common type of hinge problem. This can happen if you keep opening and closing your laptop lid without supporting the laptop’s base. Over time, this can cause the screws that hold the hinges in place to become loose.
If the plastic housing around the hinges cracks, this is usually due to physical damage (such as dropping your laptop). The best way to fix this problem is to replace the entire hinge assembly. This is a relatively easy repair that you can do it yourself with a few simple tools.
The most serious type of hinge problem is when the metal hinges break. This usually happens as a result of severe physical damage (such as dropping your laptop on a hard surface). If this happens, you will need to replace the entire hinge assembly.
How To Check If Your Laptop Hinge Is Loose?
If your laptop hinge is loose, there are a few things you can do to check it. First, try opening and closing your laptop. If the hinge is loose, you may notice that the screen wobbles or that the lid doesn’t close.
Another way to check if your laptop hinge is loose is to look at it from the side. If the hinge is loose, you may see that the screen isn’t level with the keyboard or that there’s a gap between the screen and the keyboard when closed.
How to Prevent Laptop Hinges from Breaking
Laptop hinges are one of the most broken parts of a laptop. While they are designed to be durable, they can become loose or damaged over time. Here are some ways you can avoid having problems with your laptop hinges:
- Check the condition of your hinges regularly. If you notice any looseness or damage, address it immediately.
- Be careful when opening and closing your laptop. Don’t force it open or closed, and be careful not to put too much pressure on the hinges.
- Avoid using your laptop on uneven surfaces. This can strain the hinges and cause them to become damaged over time.
- If you must transport your laptop, use a case that will protect the hinges from bumps and jostling.
- Keep your laptop clean, including the hinges. Dust and dirt can build up over time and cause the hinges to become sticky or difficult to move.
How To Fix Broken Laptop Hinge
If your laptop hinge is broken, don’t despair! This is a relatively easy fix that you can do at home with just a few tools. Below are the tested methods about how to fix broken laptop hinges.
Method 1: Loose Screen Hinges (The Most Common Type)
If your laptop’s screen is loose, there’s a good chance the hinges are to blame. Luckily, this is an easy problem to fix yourself. Just follow our step-by-step guide below, and you’ll have your laptop’s screen firmly in place in no time.
- STEP 1: Start by unscrewing the two screws holding the screen bezel. These screws are usually located at the top of the screen.
- STEP 2: Once the screws are removed, carefully lift off the bezel. Be careful not to damage the fragile LCD panel beneath it.
- STEP 3: Next, take a look at the hinges themselves. If they’re loose, tighten them up with a Phillips screwdriver. If they’re damaged, you may need to replace them entirely.
- STEP 4: Once the hinges are secure, reattach the bezel and screw it back into place.
- STEP 5: That’s it! Your laptop’s screen should now be nice and tight.
Method 2: Cracked Plastic Housing Around The Hinges
If you have a cracked plastic housing around your laptop’s hinges, this is a relatively easy fix you can do at home, and you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need some super glue, a putty knife, and sandpaper. Once you have your supplies, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a cracked plastic housing around laptop hinges:
- STEP 1: Start by taking the screws out of the back panel of your laptop. You’ll need a head screwdriver for this.
- STEP 2: Once the back panel is off, look at the plastic housing around the hinges. If it’s cracked, use a sharp knife to remove any broken pieces.
- STEP 3: Use super glue or another strong adhesive to glue the plastic housing back together.
- STEP 4: Make sure the adhesive is dry before proceeding to the next step.
- STEP 5: Once the glue is dry, use sandpaper to smooth rough edges.
- STEP 6: Put the back panel back on and screw it into place.
That’s it! Your laptop’s plastic housing should now be good as new.
Method 3: Metal Hinges Break
Fortunately, changing a laptop hinge is relatively simple, can save some bucks for you if you do it yourself, and can be done in just a few steps.
- STEP 1: First, you’ll need to purchase the new hinges (which can be ordered online or found at most electronics stores). Make sure to get the correct size and model for your make and model of laptop.
- STEP 2: Once you have the new hinge, remove the old one by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage the surrounding area while doing this.
- STEP 3: Next, line up the new hinge with the holes where the old one was located and screw it in place. Again, be careful not to damage anything in the process.
- STEP 4: Finally, reattach any cables or other components that may have been disconnected when you removed the old hinge. This includes the power cord, display cable, and keyboard cable.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your laptop will have a brand-new hinge that should function just like the old one.
Those are some tested methods to fix the broken laptop hinge. Make sure you have the correct tools and materials before starting. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your laptop further.
The following Youtube video, “Recovertec,” shows us how to fix a broken laptop hinge in a few simple steps. If you know the basics, you can do it with these super easy steps with no time and save a few bucks.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Laptop Hinge?
If your laptop hinge is broken, you may wonder how much it will cost to replace it. The answer depends on the make and model of your laptop, as well as the severity of the damage.
You can repair the hinge with some basic tools and know-how if the damage is minor. However, if the damage is more severe, you’ll likely need to replace the entire hinge assembly. This can be a fairly pricey repair, depending on the make and model of your laptop. You can find laptop hinge prices ranging between $15 to $45 on an online platform such as Amazon.
If you’re not comfortable attempting a repair, your best bet is to take your laptop to a qualified technician or computer repair shop. They’ll be able to assess the damage and give you an accurate repair estimate. A qualified technician will charge you anywhere between $150 to $200.
Things To Consider
- Is the laptop still under warranty? If so, you can get it repaired or replaced for free.
- If the hinge is slightly damaged, you can repair it with super glue or other household adhesives.
- If the hinge is severely damaged, you’ll likely need to replace it. This is a relatively simple process that you can do yourself, but you’ll need to order a replacement part from the manufacturer or an authorized repair shop.
PRO TIP:
While you use a laptop, always try to open it from the top of the screen and not from any corner side of the laptop; when you open it from any corner side, it builds pressure on the laptop hinge.
Conclusion
With the help of the above three methods, fixing your broken laptop hinge can be a fairly easy process. Our guide has provided useful information and tips on how to fix broken laptop hinges quickly and safely.
If you want to avoid a broken laptop hinge in the future, make sure to handle your device with care. Be gentle when opening and closing it, keep it away from any potential hazards that may cause damage, and always inspect the hinge regularly for signs of wear and tear.
Finally, keep your laptop out of harm’s way by using a protective shell or sleeve when carrying it around or storing it away. With preventive maintenance and proper handling, you can help extend the lifespan of your laptop hinges.
FAQs
What causes the hinges on a laptop to break?
It is not uncommon for the hinges on a laptop to break. There are many reasons why this can happen, but the most common cause is simply wear and tear. Over time, the hinges can become loose and eventually break. Other causes of broken laptop hinges include accidentally dropping the laptop or placing too much pressure on the screen.
How much does it cost to fix a broken hinge on a laptop?
The cost of repairing a broken laptop hinge will vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of laptop. For example, a simple fix for a small crack might only cost a few dollars, while replacing an entire hinge could cost upwards of $100 to $150. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to bring your laptop to a qualified repair technician.
Can laptop hinges be repaired?
Laptop hinges can often be repaired, but it depends on the severity of the damage. If the hinge is simply loose, you can try tightening it yourself. However, if there is a more serious problem, such as a crack in the hinge, you can fix it yourself too by having a little bit of knowledge about how to fix it, or else you will need to take it to a laptop repair shop.
Which glue is best for laptop hinge repair?
I will personally recommend you Loctite Super Glue, Super glue is a great option for quick fixes, as it dries quickly and bonds strongly whether it’s a plastic or metal.
How do I fix the hinge on my laptop?
If your laptop hinge is broken, there are a few things you can do to try to fix it. First, you can try to tighten the screws that hold the hinge in place. If that doesn’t work, you can try to glue the hinge back together with a strong adhesive. Finally, if all else fails, you can replace the entire hinge.
Do all laptop hinges break?
It’s a sad reality, but the hinges on laptops do break. It’s especially common on cheaper models, as the materials used are often not as durable as on more expensive laptops.
How long do laptop hinges last?
Normally laptop hinges last for 4-5 years if you maintained them properly. However, the lifespan of laptop hinges depends on various factors such as usage, environment, and handling.