Laptop hinges are important for keeping your laptop screen in place. Unfortunately, they can also be one of the first things to break on your laptop. Not only can they become loose and wobbly, but drops or accidents can easily damage them. Replacing a laptop hinge is usually a straightforward process, but choosing the right replacement parts is important. This guide will help you do just that.
When choosing replacement parts, it’s important to ensure they’re compatible with your laptop. The best way to do this is to consult your laptop’s user manual or contact the manufacturer directly. You’ll need to know the make and model of your laptop and the part number of the hinge you need to replace. With this information, you should be able to find the right replacement parts without any trouble.
Immediate Actions to Take When The Laptop Hinge is broken
When your laptop hinge is broken, the first thing is to leave the laptop as it is. A wrong move can easily damage the screen or the back panel of the laptop. Do not open or close it unless it is in a position where you can’t carry it to the repair shop. The next step is requesting a damaged hinge diagnosis from a reputable laptop repair service. This is because a lot of the damage to the hinge is not visible to the naked eye, and only a specialist will be able to tell you for sure if it can be repaired or if you need to replace it.
The laptop hinge is broken, and the laptop is not turning on
This is the worst-case scenario where the broken laptop hinge has already affected the screen or the internal components of the laptop. In this case, it is best to take it to a professional for repairs, as there is a very high chance that you will need to replace the hinge entirely.
Also, do a thorough checkup of the laptop to pinpoint any damaged components that may have caused the initial breakage. Most of our customers walk in with a damaged hinge and screen as they try to fix the hinge themselves and damage the screen in the process. Do not try to fix the hinge yourself, as this may lead to breaking something that wasn’t broken before, adding extra repair costs.
Is repairing a broken laptop hinge worth it?
Laptops are often used and abused, which can lead to broken hinges. If the hinge is not properly fixed, it could result in the laptop not opening or closing properly. This could lead to computer problems, such as using an external mouse and keyboard instead of a touchpad and keypad. In some cases, the hinge may even need to be replaced altogether. It is important to consult with a technician to determine the best course of action for your specific laptop hinge.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace a broken hinge
1. The cost of repairs
Replacing a broken laptop hinge can be fairly expensive, depending on the severity of the damage. The average cost of repairs ranges from $150 to $300. If you have a warranty, check to see if it covers hinge repairs or replacements.
2. The age of your laptop
If your laptop is fairly new, it may be worth replacing the hinge. However, if your laptop is several years old, it may be time to start shopping for a new one.
3. The value of your laptop
If you paid a lot of money for your laptop, it might be worth repairing the hinge. However, replacing it may be the best option if you got a good deal on your laptop or it’s not worth much.
4. The severity of the damage
If the damage is severe, such as the screen being cracked or the back panel is damaged, it may be best to replace the laptop. However, repairing the hinge may be the best option if the damage is minor, such as a loose screw or a small crack.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of repairing a broken laptop hinge will vary depending on the make and model of your laptop, as well as the condition of the hinge. However, if your laptop hinge is severely damaged or broken, it will likely need to be replaced in order to function properly. So, if you can afford the replacement costs, it may be worth it to go ahead and replace the hinge.
Tips on how to avoid damaging your laptop hinges
1. Carry Your Laptop The Right Way
Laptop users usually close the laptop lid using one hand and hold it by the edge of the screen with the other. Although this may be convenient for you, over time, the torque applied to the hinges damages them. To prevent this, avoid carrying your laptop by the top/screen or by the edges. This is like holding an elephant up in the air by the tail.
2. Don’t Put Heavy Objects Over The Laptop
When you have a lot of things to do and are short on space, it may be tempting to use your laptop as a makeshift shelf for other objects. However, this can cause the hinges to become damaged and eventually break. To avoid this, make sure to clear off any objects that could fall on top of your laptops, such as books, papers, and coffee mugs.
3. Don’t Overload Your laptop Backpack
Your backpack is designed to distribute the weight of its contents evenly. When you overload it with too many heavy items, the straps can’t distribute the weight properly. The distortion in weight can damage or break the hinges over time. So, make sure to pack light and only carry the essentials in your backpack.
4. Use A Laptop Stand
Using a laptop stand can help reduce the strain on the hinges. By elevating the laptop, the stand takes some of the weight off of the hinges. This can also offer a better perspective while using the laptop and make the hinge less susceptible to damage.
The most common type of damage is called “pressure damage”, which occurs when the hinge is subjected to abnormal forces (like the weight of the laptop lid) over a long period of time. While this may be convenient for you, it’s important to take care of your laptop hinges so that they last for a long time.
Avoid carrying your laptop by the top/screen; use the shoulder strap or carry it in a backpack or messenger bag. And don’t close the laptop lid with just one hand; apply torque to both sides of the screen using two hands. That way, you won’t apply unnecessary stress to your hinges.
Take note of these common factors that cause laptop hinge damage.
The most common types of damage to laptop hinges are pressure damage, loose screws and irresponsible handling. In short, take proper care by ensuring no pressure is applied to the laptop. Check the screws regularly and tighten them if they become loose and be careful when handling your laptop and make sure to apply torque to both sides of the screen when closing the lid.
