how to open this type of flat cable connector?
I'm trying to replace a damaged flex cable in my ThinkPad W530 touchpad assembly but I can't seem to figure how to open these 2 connectors and I'm scared of exerting any force on it for fear of breaking it. Any clues ?
Thanks in advance.
connector
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
add a comment |
I'm trying to replace a damaged flex cable in my ThinkPad W530 touchpad assembly but I can't seem to figure how to open these 2 connectors and I'm scared of exerting any force on it for fear of breaking it. Any clues ?
Thanks in advance.
connector
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
add a comment |
I'm trying to replace a damaged flex cable in my ThinkPad W530 touchpad assembly but I can't seem to figure how to open these 2 connectors and I'm scared of exerting any force on it for fear of breaking it. Any clues ?
Thanks in advance.
connector
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
I'm trying to replace a damaged flex cable in my ThinkPad W530 touchpad assembly but I can't seem to figure how to open these 2 connectors and I'm scared of exerting any force on it for fear of breaking it. Any clues ?
Thanks in advance.
connector
connector
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
edited 10 hours ago
Raif Atef
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
asked 10 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
1916
The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
add a comment |
The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
I have broken a similar connector by using a tiny metal screwdriver. Instead, use a very small medium-soft plastic piece (spudger) to spread apart the parts. If it doesn't move, it's not supposed to.
The first picture I haven't dealt with before. I suspect that you need two tiny spudgers to push in the black teeth, then pull away out of the yellow enclosure. I don't know if the ribbon is embedded in the black part, or if it comes free.
The second picture has white tabs that are meant to be gently pulled away from the rest, allowing you to pull the ribbon out.
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
add a comment |
Thanks for all the help! Here's the solutions for other people in need.
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Previous experience says that the black connector should pull straight out from where it currently is. It should then lift up slightly, after it has pulled outwards. Put even, gentle pressure on it when you pull it out.
I'm having a hard time telling with the connector in the bottom picture if those white tabs will need to be pushed outwards or squeezed. I believe they will need to be pulled equally outwards.
Unfortunately I don't have any links or pictures to prove this. However, I have taken apart lots of computers and I have never broken any connectors or wires with these types of connectors.
Hope this helps!
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
add a comment |
I saw you've already figured out how to remove the cable.
I just wanted to point out that the small triangle on the connector close to the "13" usually indicates position 1, which means in your case you have it backwards(or upside down) on that connector.
Although, it is entirely possible that it is meant to go that way, maybe they have a custom cable or custom board or something.
There is also a small triangle on the other end connector, although it is difficult to see because it is black, but that one is correctly oriented with the "1" on the cable going to the first position indicated by the triangle.
There are similar triangles or markings on the PCB to indicate position 1 for connectors and components as well.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I have broken a similar connector by using a tiny metal screwdriver. Instead, use a very small medium-soft plastic piece (spudger) to spread apart the parts. If it doesn't move, it's not supposed to.
The first picture I haven't dealt with before. I suspect that you need two tiny spudgers to push in the black teeth, then pull away out of the yellow enclosure. I don't know if the ribbon is embedded in the black part, or if it comes free.
The second picture has white tabs that are meant to be gently pulled away from the rest, allowing you to pull the ribbon out.
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
add a comment |
I have broken a similar connector by using a tiny metal screwdriver. Instead, use a very small medium-soft plastic piece (spudger) to spread apart the parts. If it doesn't move, it's not supposed to.
The first picture I haven't dealt with before. I suspect that you need two tiny spudgers to push in the black teeth, then pull away out of the yellow enclosure. I don't know if the ribbon is embedded in the black part, or if it comes free.
The second picture has white tabs that are meant to be gently pulled away from the rest, allowing you to pull the ribbon out.
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
add a comment |
I have broken a similar connector by using a tiny metal screwdriver. Instead, use a very small medium-soft plastic piece (spudger) to spread apart the parts. If it doesn't move, it's not supposed to.
The first picture I haven't dealt with before. I suspect that you need two tiny spudgers to push in the black teeth, then pull away out of the yellow enclosure. I don't know if the ribbon is embedded in the black part, or if it comes free.
The second picture has white tabs that are meant to be gently pulled away from the rest, allowing you to pull the ribbon out.
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
I have broken a similar connector by using a tiny metal screwdriver. Instead, use a very small medium-soft plastic piece (spudger) to spread apart the parts. If it doesn't move, it's not supposed to.
The first picture I haven't dealt with before. I suspect that you need two tiny spudgers to push in the black teeth, then pull away out of the yellow enclosure. I don't know if the ribbon is embedded in the black part, or if it comes free.
The second picture has white tabs that are meant to be gently pulled away from the rest, allowing you to pull the ribbon out.
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
answered 9 hours ago
Christopher HostageChristopher Hostage
3,4401028
3,4401028
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for all the help! Here's the solutions for other people in need.
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Thanks for all the help! Here's the solutions for other people in need.
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Thanks for all the help! Here's the solutions for other people in need.
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
Thanks for all the help! Here's the solutions for other people in need.
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
answered 9 hours ago
Raif AtefRaif Atef
1916
1916
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
add a comment |
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
5
5
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
It is difficult to determine what little circles on your image mean exactly.
– Ramhound
8 hours ago
8
8
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
The meaning seems glaringly obvious to me.
– Cory Klein
7 hours ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
You grab at the circle and pull in the direction of the arrow.
– David Schwartz
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Previous experience says that the black connector should pull straight out from where it currently is. It should then lift up slightly, after it has pulled outwards. Put even, gentle pressure on it when you pull it out.
I'm having a hard time telling with the connector in the bottom picture if those white tabs will need to be pushed outwards or squeezed. I believe they will need to be pulled equally outwards.
Unfortunately I don't have any links or pictures to prove this. However, I have taken apart lots of computers and I have never broken any connectors or wires with these types of connectors.
Hope this helps!
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Previous experience says that the black connector should pull straight out from where it currently is. It should then lift up slightly, after it has pulled outwards. Put even, gentle pressure on it when you pull it out.
I'm having a hard time telling with the connector in the bottom picture if those white tabs will need to be pushed outwards or squeezed. I believe they will need to be pulled equally outwards.
Unfortunately I don't have any links or pictures to prove this. However, I have taken apart lots of computers and I have never broken any connectors or wires with these types of connectors.
Hope this helps!
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Previous experience says that the black connector should pull straight out from where it currently is. It should then lift up slightly, after it has pulled outwards. Put even, gentle pressure on it when you pull it out.
I'm having a hard time telling with the connector in the bottom picture if those white tabs will need to be pushed outwards or squeezed. I believe they will need to be pulled equally outwards.
Unfortunately I don't have any links or pictures to prove this. However, I have taken apart lots of computers and I have never broken any connectors or wires with these types of connectors.
Hope this helps!
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
Previous experience says that the black connector should pull straight out from where it currently is. It should then lift up slightly, after it has pulled outwards. Put even, gentle pressure on it when you pull it out.
I'm having a hard time telling with the connector in the bottom picture if those white tabs will need to be pushed outwards or squeezed. I believe they will need to be pulled equally outwards.
Unfortunately I don't have any links or pictures to prove this. However, I have taken apart lots of computers and I have never broken any connectors or wires with these types of connectors.
Hope this helps!
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
edited 9 hours ago
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
answered 10 hours ago
L.B.L.B.
2781419
2781419
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
add a comment |
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
1
1
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
This doesn't look like a squeezer. It just looks like one you pull the lock tab out, then remove the cable.
– music2myear
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
@music2myear Yeah, I think it looks like those need to be pushed out, not mushed :)
– L.B.
10 hours ago
1
1
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
Thank you, it turned out that in case of the top picture, i pulled the black part towards the bottom. However, I didn't know how much force to use, so I used too much and broke one of its 2 "legs" :-(. In case of the bottom picture, I pulled the white part to the right and the cable released.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
@RaifAtef I edited my answer to match what you said in this comment for anyone's future reference who might see this question.
– L.B.
9 hours ago
add a comment |
I saw you've already figured out how to remove the cable.
I just wanted to point out that the small triangle on the connector close to the "13" usually indicates position 1, which means in your case you have it backwards(or upside down) on that connector.
Although, it is entirely possible that it is meant to go that way, maybe they have a custom cable or custom board or something.
There is also a small triangle on the other end connector, although it is difficult to see because it is black, but that one is correctly oriented with the "1" on the cable going to the first position indicated by the triangle.
There are similar triangles or markings on the PCB to indicate position 1 for connectors and components as well.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I saw you've already figured out how to remove the cable.
I just wanted to point out that the small triangle on the connector close to the "13" usually indicates position 1, which means in your case you have it backwards(or upside down) on that connector.
Although, it is entirely possible that it is meant to go that way, maybe they have a custom cable or custom board or something.
There is also a small triangle on the other end connector, although it is difficult to see because it is black, but that one is correctly oriented with the "1" on the cable going to the first position indicated by the triangle.
There are similar triangles or markings on the PCB to indicate position 1 for connectors and components as well.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I saw you've already figured out how to remove the cable.
I just wanted to point out that the small triangle on the connector close to the "13" usually indicates position 1, which means in your case you have it backwards(or upside down) on that connector.
Although, it is entirely possible that it is meant to go that way, maybe they have a custom cable or custom board or something.
There is also a small triangle on the other end connector, although it is difficult to see because it is black, but that one is correctly oriented with the "1" on the cable going to the first position indicated by the triangle.
There are similar triangles or markings on the PCB to indicate position 1 for connectors and components as well.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I saw you've already figured out how to remove the cable.
I just wanted to point out that the small triangle on the connector close to the "13" usually indicates position 1, which means in your case you have it backwards(or upside down) on that connector.
Although, it is entirely possible that it is meant to go that way, maybe they have a custom cable or custom board or something.
There is also a small triangle on the other end connector, although it is difficult to see because it is black, but that one is correctly oriented with the "1" on the cable going to the first position indicated by the triangle.
There are similar triangles or markings on the PCB to indicate position 1 for connectors and components as well.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
answered 8 hours ago
jreesejreese
113
113
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
jreese is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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The resolution quality of the image is extremely poor, however, the connector is soldered onto the motherboard. The cable looks like it pulls away from the connector, but it is difficult to tell, from the supplied image.
– Ramhound
10 hours ago
@Ramhound I know it can be opened because I've seen someone open it before on this particular board. The cable does pull away but there's a part that locks/unlocks it.
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago
@Ramhound added better photos
– Raif Atef
10 hours ago